EMDR Therapy
An Evidence-Based Approach to Process and Integrate
Do you understand yourself well — your history, your patterns — yet still feel stuck when it comes to moving forward? EMDR is an evidence-based approach that uses gentle bilateral stimulation, such as alternating tapping or guided eye movements, to support the brain in reprocessing and integrating experiences.
It is a different kind of therapeutic experience that focuses less on talking about what happened and more on helping your nervous system fully process it. Many people find that things which once felt charged or stuck begin to shift, often without needing to retell every detail.
Areas I specialize in:
Anxiety or chronic stress that doesn’t seem to budge
Negative self-beliefs
Stubborn relationship patterns
Birth trauma and pregnancy loss
Stressful life transitions
What to Expect
The eight phases of EMDR therapy
History-Taking
1
I gather your personal history, symptoms and unresolved distressing experiences. This helps identify key memories and create a treatment plan.
Preparation
2
You'll learn about how EMDR works and practice calming techniques. This phase builds trust and ensures you're ready to begin safely.
Assessment
3
A specific memory is selected with thoughts, feelings and body sensations You rate distress and belief strength using simple scales to track progress.
Desensitization
4
While recalling the memory, you follow eye movements or tapping to reduce distress. Emotions often shift, and the memory becomes less intense over time.
Installation
5
You focus on a positive belief to replace the negative one tied to the memory. Bilateral stimulation helps make this belief feel more real and embodied.
Body Scan
6
You scan your body for tension linked to the memory and process what's found. The goal is to fully release leftover physical discomfort or stress.
Closure
7
Sessions end with grounding exercises and a return to emotional balance. You also review coping tools and prepare for what may come up afterward.
Re-evaluation
8
At the next session, the therapist checks if the memory still causes distress. If needed, you revisit it or move on to the next target in your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain process and heal from distressing experiences. Instead of just talking about what happened, we use guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, either eye movement or tapping, to help your nervous system reprocess stuck memories so they feel less intense and no longer shape how you see yourself or the world. Many clients experience relief from anxiety, trauma, and negative beliefs, often more quickly than with traditional talk therapy alone.
-
In traditional talk therapy, you process experiences by discussing them. In EMDR, we focus more on how those experiences are stored in your body and nervous system and rely on the brain's natural ability to heal itself. You don’t have to explain every detail of what happened. Instead, we use guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess the memory.
-
No. You don’t have to share every detail of your experience for EMDR to be effective. We move at your pace, and your sense of emotional regulation and agency is always the priority.
-
We begin with history taking and with a preparation phase, where we build emotional regulation skills and make sure you feel safe and resourced before moving into deeper work. We start by identifying a specific memory, feeling, or belief you want to work on. Then, while you briefly bring that experience to mind, I guide you through a form of bilateral stimulation (such as tapping). This helps your brain process the memory in a new way. Throughout the session, we check in to notice what’s shifting.
-
At times, you may notice strong emotions as we process difficult experiences—that’s part of how healing happens. However, we go at a pace that feels manageable, and we build grounding first so you feel supported throughout the process.
-
It depends on your goals and what you’re working through. Some people experience meaningful shifts in a relatively short amount of time of 4-5 sessions, while others benefit from a longer process. We’ll regularly check in to make sure the work feels aligned and helpful.
-
EMDR can be a powerful approach if you feel stuck in patterns that don’t seem to shift through insight or behavioral change alone, or if past experiences still feel present in your body or emotions. If you’re curious, we can talk through whether it feels like a good fit for you.
-
No special preparation is needed. We’ll begin by building a foundation of trust and coping tools so you feel ready before moving into the bi-lateral stimulation.
“You wander from room to room hunting for the diamond necklace that is already around your neck.” -Rumi
Take the First Step
Thanks for your interest in working with me. Please fill out this brief form and I’ll be in touch within 48 hours to schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation.
