EMDR Therapy
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EMDR Therapy ✺
✺ What is emdr
EMDR is often reduced to eye movements. In reality, it is a comprehensive approach grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing model.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps your nervous system reprocess experiences that remain emotionally charged or frozen in time. It’s not about erasing memories; it’s about integration so experiences no longer run you from the inside out.
This therapy can help when we feel stuck, even after insight or talk therapy.
In my practice, EMDR is:
✲ Slow
✲ Collaborative
✲ Relational
✲ Integrated with attachment work
We do not rush into trauma processing. We build regulation and stability first.
EMDR here is not about erasing your story.
It is about helping it feel integrated rather than intrusive.
How EMDR Therapy Works
Identify Target Memories
We will begin by identifying the memories or experiences you would like to work through, whether they are tied to trauma, anxiety, or other emotional challenges.
Dual Attention Stimulation
Using guided eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation), we help your brain process these memories in a safe and effective way, reducing their emotional charge.
Reprocessing & Healing
As we move through the process, your brain starts to reprocess these memories, helping you shift negative beliefs, reduce emotional distress, and heal from past experiences.
✺ WHAT IS THE ADAPTIVE INFORMATION PROCESSING MODEL:
Want to learn more about EMDR?
If what you heard resonates with you, EMDR therapy may be a helpful next step. Whether you’re navigating grief, trauma, or feeling stuck in patterns you can’t seem to shift, we can explore whether this approach feels right for you.
✺ EMDR Helps With Experiences That Feel Stuck
EMDR can be powerful in helping people move toward integration when traditional talk therapy has felt too slow or unfocused. It can support:
✲ Painful memories that show up as shame, self- criticism, or self-judge
✲ Grief that is heavy, lingering, or confusing
✲ Trauma that feels “always present” rather than in the past
✲ Dissociation or emotional avoidance
✲ Patterns that feel automatic or overwhelming
In my practice, EMDR is most effective when integrated with attachment work, relational regulation, and a grounded therapeutic presence.
EMDR Tips
Rest and recharge
EMDR can stir up emotions and memories, so give yourself permission to rest afterward. Take a nap, relax, or do something calming to help process the session.
Hydrate and nourish yourself
After a session, you might feel a little drained or emotional. Take some time to rest, hydrate, or do something nurturing for yourself—it’s all part of the process. Drinking water and eating something light can help your body and mind stay grounded after the session.
Allow yourself to feel
You might experience strong emotions or memories after a session, and that’s okay. Let yourself feel what comes up, and know that it’s part of the healing process.
Practice grounding techniques
If you’re feeling a bit “out of sorts,” try grounding exercises like deep breathing, focusing on your senses, or even a short walk to help reconnect with the present moment.
Journal or reflect
Sometimes writing down thoughts or feelings after a session can help you process what came up. It doesn’t have to be anything structured—just let your thoughts flow.
Reach out if you need support
If you’re feeling unsettled or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help and support you through any challenges you might face.
EMDR FAQs
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In EMDR, you'll be guided to move your eyes back and forth while thinking about a memory that’s causing you distress. One way we do this is by having you follow a light bar that moves from side to side in your line of sight. There are also other options, like listening to sounds or feeling tapping sensations in a left-to-right pattern. This back-and-forth movement is called bilateral stimulation, and it's believed to help your brain process memories more effectively. The key is to find a form of bilateral stimulation that feels comfortable and safe for you.
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EMDR sessions are usually a bit longer than your typical therapy sessions, sometimes lasting up to 90 minutes. How many sessions you'll need depends on the type and severity of what you've been through. For some, around 6-12 sessions are enough to process memories, but if symptoms are more severe, a few extra sessions may be needed to fully work through them.
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Sure, it’s technically possible to try EMDR on your own, but let’s be real—it’s not exactly the best idea, and for good reason.
EMDR is a trauma treatment designed to be guided by a trained therapist who knows how to navigate the delicate process. Trauma work can trigger your body’s instinctual responses—flight, fight, freeze—and that can make it harder for you to stay grounded and in control, or within your “window of tolerance.”
If you’re attempting EMDR solo, there’s a lot to juggle—things like the duration and pacing of bilateral stimulation (BLS), tracking negative thoughts, measuring disturbance levels, and staying on top of bodily sensations. It’s a lot, and without the support of a therapist, you might not be able to fully process everything safely and effectively.
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It’s a powerful tool for helping you heal from a variety of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, phobias, anger, stress, grief, and more. If past experiences are still affecting your present, EMDR can help you process those memories and move toward healing. It’s all about helping you feel more balanced, at peace, and empowered to live the life you deserve.
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I get it—when you’re ready to start EMDR therapy, the temptation to dive straight into the big, heavy stuff can feel overwhelming, because who doesn’t want to feel better right away? But here's the thing: healing from trauma isn’t a one-and-done deal, and real, lasting change takes time. Each step in the process matters, and skipping ahead can slow things down in the long run.
The beauty of EMDR, though, is that you don't have to go into the gritty details of your trauma to heal. No endless recounting or re-living the painful stuff. When you're ready for deeper work, you’ll focus on visualizing the trauma, tracking your bodily sensations, thoughts, and images—without staying stuck in endless talk therapy.
EMDR therapy works in eight phases, each one a building block that helps you see measurable changes in your life, starting from day one. So, while it’s tempting to rush, trust me—the process is the path to real progress.
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EMDR is generally safe, but like any therapy, it can bring up some temporary discomfort as you process difficult memories or emotions. After a session, some people might feel a little more tired or emotionally drained, and occasionally, strong feelings or memories may come up unexpectedly. This is all part of the healing process, and it’s nothing to worry about. I’ll always be there to support you through it and help you navigate any challenges that arise. The goal is to help you feel better in the long run, so any discomfort is typically short-lived and part of moving toward lasting healing.
If You Are Curious But Unsure
It’s normal to have questions about pacing, intensity, or what EMDR feels like in practice. We begin with conversations, not assumptions. I invite you to reach out to start that conversation when you are ready.