Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-backed therapy with 70 years of research and success. It helps the brain naturally heal from trauma and distressing experiences. Rather than just talking about the past, EMDR helps reprocess painful memories so they no longer trigger the same emotional or physical response. This gentle yet powerful approach allows you to find relief, restore balance, and reclaim a sense of safety and control in your life. It is effective for adults, teens, and children.

It works great for:

• PTSD

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Somatic Symptoms

• Complex PTSD

• Childhood Trauma

• Relationship Trauma

• OCD and Phobias

• Eating Disorders and more

How does it work?

EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. This reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic experiences, allowing the mind and body to integrate the memory in a healthier, more adaptive way.

For virtual clients, I provide an online link with a visual target that I control. Clients will then follow the target while I guide therapy in order to meet our set goals. If using eye movements is difficult or distressing, tapping stimulation is just as effective.

How often do I need to do this?

A minimum of weekly 60-minute sessions is recommended for EMDR. I also do intensives, which allow us to process and heal traumatic experiences more quickly.

Intensives can go from twice a week at 1.5-2 hours per session to 5 days per week for 1.5-2 hours per session. Intensive frequency will depend on individual needs, treatment goals, distress tolerance, and client safety.

Once I have done a complete assessment with a client, I can suggest appropriate frequency for a Therapy Intensive.

What does the EMDR process look like?

1) Setting up: This is where I get to know you, take your history, and construct an EMDR treatment plan that fits your needs and healing goals.

2) Skill building: Increasing distress tolerance. This is where we build skills and emotional regulation necessary to begin processing trauma and symptoms.

3) Processing the past: We begin processing the traumas and symptoms that brought you to therapy from your past!

4) Processing present triggers: We begin processing the things in your current daily life that bring up symptoms and desensitize them!

5) Preparing for the future: We begin preparing your mind for future instances that might bring up symptoms, so that you can walk into those situations with safety and confidence.

6) Maintenance and check ins: We evaluate how therapy went, consolidate, and make sure you feel good before we close!

How long will it take to start feeling better after EMDR?

Depending on your specific circumstances, time can be variable. However, research has shown that for single event trauma, people start noticing differences in about 3-4 sessions of direct processing. Most people find 80%-100% resolution in 12 sessions for single even trauma. Some of my clients have reported significant reduction in symptoms within 3-4 sessions. Your experience may be different, and it is my ultimate priority to ensure your safety as we engage in reprocessing.