EMDR Therapy for Trauma Healing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, research-backed therapy approach that helps people recover from trauma, anxiety, and deeply distressing life experiences.

EMDR is recognized worldwide as an effective trauma treatment. It is listed as a highly recommended approach for PTSD by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, and supported by organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and numerous international health agencies.

​

What Happens When You’re Traumatized?

When we experience overwhelming or repeated stress—such as an accident, abuse, loss, or neglect—our brain’s natural way of processing information can become stuck. Instead of moving forward, those difficult memories remain trapped in the brain’s emotional centers, often disconnected from time and logic.

 

You might not even consciously remember the event, but your body and emotions do. These “stuck” memories can cause symptoms like:

• Anxiety or panic

• Depression

• Irritability or emotional numbness

• Trouble concentrating or sleeping

• Flashbacks or triggers that don’t make sense

EMDR helps the brain reprocess these frozen memories, so they can be fully integrated—moving from painful and present, to neutral and in the past.

 

 What Is an EMDR Session Like?

EMDR works with your brain’s natural healing processes—similar to what happens during REM sleep.

After a thorough assessment and treatment plan, we’ll identify a memory or issue to work on. While you recall parts of the experience, I will guide you through bilateral stimulation, often by asking you to follow my hand or finger as it moves back and forth across your visual field.

 

During these short sets of eye movements:

• You may notice new thoughts, emotions, images, or body sensations

• The memory may begin to lose its emotional intensity

• You may feel a sense of release, relief, or insight

Over time, painful experiences begin to feel more distant, and the emotions around them become more manageable.

​

Is EMDR Right for Me?

EMDR is especially effective for:

• PTSD and complex trauma

• Anxiety and panic

• Childhood abuse or neglect

• Grief and loss

• Medical or accident trauma

• Phobias and performance anxiety

While EMDR can feel powerful and healing, it’s not the right fit for everyone. You’ll be fully supported and guided through each step to ensure the approach is safe and appropriate for your needs.

 

How Long Does EMDR Treatment Take?

• EMDR can be a brief, focused treatment or part of longer therapy.

• Reprocessing sessions usually last 60–90 minutes.

• Many people experience positive changes in just a few sessions.

EMDR can also be integrated into other approaches I use, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and DBT-informed work.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

Will I Stay in Control?

Yes. During EMDR, you remain fully alert, aware, and in control at all times.
This is not hypnosis—you can pause or stop at any point. The experience is client-led, and I act as a supportive guide while your mind does the healing work it naturally knows how to do.

Many people describe EMDR as both empowering and freeing—a gentle yet effective way to resolve what once felt stuck or overwhelming.

 

Possible Side Effects

After EMDR sessions, it's common to feel tired or emotionally stirred. Some clients may notice:

• Vivid dreams

• Emotional waves or flashbacks

• Fatigue or tension as your body processes

• Emerging memories you hadn’t connected before

These are signs your brain is doing its work—and we’ll always pace treatment to fit your needs and comfort level.

 

Want to Learn More?

• EMDR International Association – emdria.org

• Research & Resources – emdrhap.org

• Watch: EMDR & Trauma (YouTube video)

 

 Healing is possible. You don’t have to carry the weight of the past alone.
Reach out if you’re ready to explore EMDR as part of your healing journey.