EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING
EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment for trauma, anxiety, and depression. EMDR can help you process painful memories and regain emotional balance. If you're struggling with unresolved trauma, anxiety, or difficult life experiences, EMDR therapy may be the breakthrough you're looking for.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy:
Proven effective for PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms
Helps reduce anxiety, depression, and negative self-beliefs
Does not require detailed discussion of traumatic memories
Engages the brain’s natural healing processes
Supports long-term emotional growth and resilience
EMDR Therapy for Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment originally developed to help individuals heal from trauma. Today, EMDR is widely used to treat not only traumatic experiences, but also anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges that may feel overwhelming or “stuck.”
When a distressing or traumatic event occurs, it can become locked in the brain along with the original thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. These unprocessed memories may resurface unexpectedly—affecting your mood, behaviors, and relationships in ways that don’t align with your values or goals.
EMDR therapy helps unlock and reprocess these memories, allowing the brain to heal naturally. Through guided sessions with a trained therapist, clients revisit painful experiences in a safe and controlled environment—without needing to talk through all the details, unless they choose to. While recalling the event, clients engage in bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—which activates both sides of the brain to support emotional healing.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on the underlying causes of distress, rather than just managing symptoms. This approach can lead to lasting change in how past experiences are stored in the brain, helping clients feel more present, empowered, and emotionally balanced.
More information about EMDR Therapy is available at:
https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
I am an EMDRIA Certified Therapist.™ EMDRIA indicates, “An EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ has opted to meet standards of excellence in the field of EMDR therapy, measured by consultation, clinical practice, and continuing education.” “An EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ has committed themselves to ongoing education and skills in the field of EMDR therapy, as well as to EMDRIA's Policies. Clients may seek an EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, as this credential is an indication of good faith on the part of the therapist, curiosity for ongoing growth, and confidence in EMDR skills.”
EMDR FAQ
What is EMDR therapy?: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences. EMDR supports the brain’s natural ability to form new neural pathways and reprocess painful memories that may be “stuck” or unresolved.
Originally, eye movements were the primary form of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR sessions. Today, EMDR therapy has expanded to include tapping, auditory tones, and other forms of bilateral stimulation—gentle back-and-forth techniques that help activate both sides of the brain and reduce emotional intensity.
How can EMDR therapy help me?: Our bodies and minds often hold on to unresolved trauma, leading to ongoing emotional distress, physical symptoms, and behavioral patterns. EMDR helps reduce the impact of these memories by targeting both current triggers and past experiences.
Think of a difficult memory like a file folder—during EMDR, we gently open that folder, process what’s inside, and put it back in a way that feels less painful and more manageable. Over time, the memory may still exist, but the emotional charge attached to it is reduced.
Research supports EMDR as an effective treatment for a variety of concerns, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety
Depression
Negative self-beliefs
Emotional dysregulation
In fact, one study found that EMDR therapy was more effective than Prozac for treating trauma (Van der Kolk et al., 2007). Another review shows consistent positive outcomes for anxiety and depression (Maxfield, 2019).
Will EMDR make me forget memories or create false memories?: No. EMDR does not erase or implant memories. It works only with the memories you already have, helping you process them in a way that feels safer and less overwhelming. The memories remain, but the emotional intensity is reduced.
Will EMDR make me remember things from the past that I forgot happened?: It’s possible. EMDR can access memory networks in the brain, and sometimes this leads to the recall of events that were previously forgotten or repressed. If that happens, we’ll work together to process these memories safely and at your pace.
Will EMDR be upsetting?: EMDR can bring up strong emotions or body sensations, but we spend time building coping tools before diving into memory processing. You are always in control—we can pause or stop at any time during a session.
Can EMDR work for neurodivergent folx?: Absolutely. EMDR can be adapted for neurodivergent brains, including individuals with ADHD, autism, and sensory sensitivities. My practice is identity-affirming and flexible, and we may also explore and process any ableist experiences that have affected your well-being.
Can EMDR work over the computer?: Yes! EMDR therapy is highly effective online as well as in person. Whether you need therapy from the comfort of your home or are juggling a busy schedule, I offer telehealth EMDR options with tools designed for remote bilateral stimulation. Research confirms that virtual EMDR is just as effective as in-person sessions.
If you're struggling with trauma, anxiety, or unresolved emotional pain, EMDR therapy may be the support you need to move forward with clarity and confidence. I offer a safe, affirming space to help you heal.
