EMDR Therapy

Transforming Trauma

EMDR Therapy is a holistic approach to therapy designed to promote an adaptive neurological process that relies on our own capacity to heal. With EMDR, you “keep” what is helpful/needed for your well-being today as it supports a process of releasing the thoughts, emotions, sensations, and behaviors we no longer want or need today.

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.

Our brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward healing. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impacts of disturbing event(s), the emotional wound deepens and can cause intense suffering-not unlike a physical wound.

"During EMDR therapy, the client attends to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus. Therapist directed lateral eye movements are the most commonly used external stimulus but a variety of other stimuli including hand-tapping and audio stimulation are often used."

(Shapiro, 1991)

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go; they merely determine where you start.” ― Nido Qubein

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing FAQs

1. What conditions can EMDR therapy help treat?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is best known for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns. It may also be helpful for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, complicated grief, and other emotional difficulties, particularly when these concerns are connected to distressing life experiences. While the strongest research supporting EMDR involves PTSD, its potential applications continue to be explored. My goal is to consider your individual experiences and needs when determining whether EMDR may be an appropriate part of your treatment.

2. How is EMDR therapy different from traditional talk therapy?

While traditional talk therapy often involves discussing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in detail, EMDR therapy uses a structured approach to help you process distressing memories. During EMDR, you focus briefly on aspects of a difficult experience while engaging in guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process may help reduce the emotional intensity associated with those memories. Both approaches can support healing and personal growth, and I believe the most appropriate treatment depends on your individual needs, circumstances, and goals.

3. What happens during an EMDR therapy session?

EMDR therapy follows a structured, eight-phase approach that includes understanding your history, preparing for treatment, identifying distressing memories, and working through those experiences. Before beginning memory processing, we would focus on establishing a supportive therapeutic relationship and identifying resources that can help you manage difficult emotions. During the processing phase, you may be asked to recall aspects of a troubling memory while following guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. Throughout the process, your comfort, readiness, and emotional well-being are important considerations.

4. What is bilateral stimulation in EMDR therapy?

Bilateral stimulation involves alternating sensory input, such as guided eye movements, gentle tapping, or sounds that alternate between the left and right sides. During EMDR therapy, this stimulation is used while you briefly focus on thoughts, feelings, or memories associated with a distressing experience. It is a central component of the EMDR process and is intended to support the processing of difficult memories. The specific form of stimulation can vary depending on your needs and the therapeutic approach being used.

5. Will I have to talk about my traumatic experiences in detail during EMDR therapy?

One of the distinguishing features of EMDR therapy is that you generally do not need to describe every detail of a traumatic experience for treatment to be effective. Although we may discuss important aspects of your history and how certain experiences continue to affect you, much of the processing occurs internally. I understand that talking about painful memories can feel overwhelming, and I believe it is important to approach these experiences with compassion and sensitivity. EMDR offers an opportunity to address distressing memories without requiring an extensive verbal retelling of everything that happened.

6. Can EMDR therapy help with childhood trauma and Complex PTSD?

EMDR therapy may be beneficial for individuals who have experienced childhood trauma, attachment-related difficulties, or Complex PTSD. Experiences that occur early in life, particularly those involving relationships and emotional safety, can influence how we see ourselves, connect with others, and respond to challenging situations. EMDR can help address some of the distressing memories and beliefs associated with these experiences. When working with complex trauma, careful assessment, preparation, and an individualized pace are especially important. My approach recognizes that healing is a personal process and that each individual's history deserves thoughtful attention.

Is EMDR therapy a form of hypnosis?

No. EMDR therapy is not hypnosis, and you remain awake, aware, and in control throughout the treatment process. Although you may focus on memories, thoughts, and emotions during a session, you are not placed into a trance or asked to surrender control of your thoughts or actions. You can communicate with your therapist throughout the experience. My goal is to help create a supportive, collaborative environment where you understand the process and feel comfortable expressing questions or concerns.

7. Does EMDR therapy erase traumatic memories?

EMDR therapy does not erase memories or change the facts of what happened. Instead, it aims to change how distressing experiences are processed and how strongly they affect you emotionally. You may continue to remember a difficult event, but the memory may become less overwhelming or disruptive in your everyday life. Negative beliefs and emotional responses connected to the experience may also begin to shift. The goal is not to forget your past, but to help you relate to those experiences in ways that support your present well-being.

8. Is EMDR therapy emotionally difficult or uncomfortable?

Because EMDR therapy involves addressing distressing memories and emotions, some individuals experience temporary discomfort during or after certain sessions. Difficult feelings, physical sensations, or previously overlooked aspects of an experience may arise as memories are processed. These responses can be part of the therapeutic process, but it is important that treatment proceeds at an appropriate pace. I recognize that exploring painful experiences requires trust and emotional readiness, and I value a compassionate, collaborative approach that allows concerns and reactions to be addressed throughout treatment.

9. How many EMDR therapy sessions will I need?

The number of EMDR therapy sessions varies depending on your personal history, treatment goals, and the complexity of the experiences being addressed. Some individuals may notice improvement after a relatively small number of sessions, while others benefit from longer-term treatment, particularly when working through multiple traumatic experiences or longstanding emotional difficulties. Preparation and developing supportive coping resources are also important parts of the process. Rather than following a predetermined timeline, I believe treatment should reflect your individual needs and progress.

10. What experience do you have providing EMDR therapy?

I am a licensed independent social worker with supervision designation (LISW-S) and more than 30 years of clinical experience. I received my initial EMDR training from Francine Shapiro, the developer of EMDR therapy, in 1993 and have been an EMDRIA Approved Consultant since 2000. My professional background includes extensive work with trauma-related concerns, dissociative disorders, and other complex emotional challenges. I have also served in EMDR training and consultation roles, supporting other mental health professionals in developing their clinical skills. I bring this experience to my work with an emphasis on compassion, collaboration, and each person's individual capacity for growth.