EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro and is a highly evidence-based treatment that is designed to relieve symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and anxiety. There is an increasing body of research showing EMDR is effective for other diagnoses, including depression, substance abuse and process addictions
EMDR is built upon the philosophy that when we experience disturbing life events, also known as traumas, we must fully process the thoughts and feelings in order to feel safe again. For some, these thoughts and feelings get “stuck” in an unprocessed state with maladaptive connections such as shame, guilt, fear, avoidance, etc.
EMDR uses a process called bi-lateral stimulation (BLS) to help the brain and body more fully process these emotions and thoughts so the memory can be more effectively resolved.
This process does not necessarily require a person to tell their story out loud, only to allow themselves to feel the unprocessed thoughts, sensations and emotions so they can gain new perspective and restore balance to a formerly blocked system.
We will assist in creating a safe space and help you identify or develop effective resources that guide the reprocessing of the traumatic memories and reactivation of the natural healing process.
What to Expect in a Session
Sessions are normally 90 minutes and the time frame of treatment varies based upon your unique experience. For more information on EMDR, please visit emdr.com/what-is-emdr
Every EMDR session is unique, and there are a few common threads you can expect. We’ll begin with a thorough assessment and identify your primary targets. We will only proceed when we have developed the resources and tools to effectively tolerate revisiting challenging sensations and memories. Once we are ready to begin the reprocessing phase, we will use bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tactile stimulators, which will assist your body begin to reprocess those stuck experiences. Throughout, we will offer steady presence, and support to ensure you do not go outside of your window of tolerance. We’ll always close with some time to ground and reflect on the experience from the session.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR can be helpful for a wide range of people, not just those with PTSD. Whether you've been through a single traumatic experience or have lived with the impact of complex trauma over time, this approach can offer deep relief. Many people also find EMDR useful for anxiety, panic attacks, grief, shame, or low self-esteem. It can support recovery from childhood trauma, emotional neglect, medical trauma, or even the lasting emotional impact of relationship
wounds. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by memories or emotions that don’t seem to resolve through talk therapy alone, EMDR might be the effective next step.
Why EMDR Works
One of the reasons EMDR is so effective is because it doesn’t rely solely on talking. Instead, it helps the brain do what it’s naturally wired to do: move toward clarity and safety. When we experience trauma, the brain’s processing system can get overloaded. Those memories and emotions don’t fully resolve, they get stored in a kind of “frozen” state. EMDR activates both sides of the brain through bilateral stimulation, helping your mind and body reprocess those memories in a way that makes them feel less charged, less painful, and more integrated. You don’t lose the memory, the goal is to gain a different relationship to those experiences.
Our Approach: Focused, Grounded, and Understanding
Safety and preparation are the foundations of all EMDR work. That means we move slowly, we check in often, and we prioritize consent and control at every step. You’ll never be pushed to go deeper than you’re ready for. In fact, much of our early work is focused on building internal resources—things like self-soothing strategies, grounding tools, and body awareness—so that when we move into the deeper reprocessing, you feel fully equipped. This work isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you reclaim your own capacity for healing.