EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Regulating thoughts, mind, and body.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic modality created by Dr. Francine Shapiro used to treat post-traumatic stress disorders and other anxiety disorders. ‘Trauma’ is not about the event itself. It is about what happens inside us in response to an event. EMDR runs under the idea that disturbing memories are trapped in three channels, the thinking channel, the feeling channel, and the body channel. Initially, our bodies choose to remember traumatic events to protect us in the event that they reoccur. However, if they are affecting our ability to function or have meaningful relationships, we can use EMDR to reprocess memories resulting in decreased disturbance.

This modality helps the brain process and heal from distressing or traumatic experiences. Sometimes, after a frightening, overwhelming, or painful event, the brain stores the memory in a way that keeps it feeling emotionally "stuck." Even long after the event has passed, reminders can trigger anxiety, fear, shame, or other intense emotions as though the experience is happening again.

EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they become integrated into your life story without carrying the same emotional intensity. The memory itself is not erased or forgotten. Instead, it becomes easier to remember without feeling overwhelmed by it.

EMDR follows a structured eight-phase treatment process that includes history taking, preparation, identifying target memories, desensitization, installation of adaptive beliefs, body scanning, closure, and re-evaluation. Before processing traumatic memories, we'll spend time building coping skills, strengthening your sense of safety, and ensuring you're ready for the work.

During reprocessing, you'll briefly focus on parts of the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, alternating taps, or alternating sounds. Decades of research consistently show that EMDR is effective for reducing trauma-related distress and helping people develop healthier beliefs about themselves.

EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by organizations including the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (VA/DoD). Research also supports its use for many people experiencing anxiety, grief, and other trauma-related concerns.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma, but research has shown it can be helpful for many experiences where past events continue to influence present-day emotions, beliefs, or behaviors.

EMDR may be a good fit if you:

• Have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or a distressing life event.

• Live with symptoms of PTSD or complex trauma.

• Feel emotionally "stuck" despite understanding that the event is over.

• Experience anxiety, panic attacks, or intense emotional reactions that seem connected to past experiences.

• Struggle with negative beliefs such as "I'm not good enough," "I'm unsafe," or "It was my fault."

• Find yourself avoiding people, places, or situations because they remind you of difficult experiences.

• Want an evidence-based therapy that focuses on helping the brain naturally heal from unresolved memories.

Many people notice that as distressing memories become less emotionally charged, they also experience greater confidence, improved relationships, increased emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of self.

What to Expect & What Are the Risks?

EMDR is different from simply talking about your past. While talking is part of the process, the primary goal is to help your brain process memories that have remained unresolved. 

In my practice, EMDR is done using butterfly taps, a gentle form of bilateral stimulation. During reprocessing, you'll be invited to close your eyes and briefly bring to mind a specific memory, image, emotion, or body sensation while alternating taps are applied in short sets. Between each set, we'll pause to notice whatever thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, or memories naturally arise. There is no right or wrong way to experience EMDR, your brain leads the process, and we simply observe what unfolds.

You won't be asked to relive the trauma or describe every detail of what happened. Instead, you'll allow your mind and body to process the experience in manageable increments while I guide you through each step. As processing continues, many people notice that distress begins to decrease, the memory feels less emotionally overwhelming, and new insights or more adaptive beliefs naturally emerge. Throughout the session, you remain fully awake, in control, and able to pause or stop at any time. We move at a pace that feels safe, collaborative, and appropriate for your nervous system.

The number of sessions varies from person to person. Some single-event experiences may be processed in just a few sessions, while complex or childhood trauma often requires a longer course of treatment. 

Like any trauma-focused therapy, EMDR can temporarily increase emotional intensity before symptoms improve. As memories are activated, you may notice stronger emotions, vivid dreams, physical sensations, fatigue, or new memories surfacing between sessions. These experiences are often temporary and can be a sign that the brain is continuing to process information.

Although EMDR is considered safe and effective for many people, it may not be the best starting point if you're currently experiencing severe emotional instability, active substance dependence, unmanaged dissociation, or other concerns that make trauma processing unsafe. In these situations, therapy typically begins with building stability, coping skills, and a strong therapeutic foundation before considering EMDR.

Your safety is always the priority. Throughout treatment, we'll regularly assess your readiness, monitor your responses, and work together to ensure that EMDR is being used in a way that supports healing rather than becoming overwhelming.