EMDR Therapy
Painful memories don't have to run your life.
Some experiences stay with us long after they're over. They show up as panic, nightmares, a racing heart or a sense of being stuck. EMDR is a well-researched therapy that helps your brain process those memories so they stop feeling like they're happening now.
Does this sound familiar?
- A memory still feels vivid and upsetting, even years later.
- Certain sounds, places or situations set off a strong reaction.
- You know “it wasn't your fault” but can't feel it.
- You've talked about it in therapy before, and it still hurts the same.
- A medical experience or a birth left you shaken.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. While you briefly bring a memory to mind, I guide you through bilateral stimulation: side-to-side eye movements, gentle tapping or tones. This helps your brain do the processing it couldn't do at the time. Many people find the memory feels more distant and less charged afterward.
EMDR is recognized as an effective trauma treatment by the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association.
How it works with me
We don't start with the hardest memory. First we build a sense of safety and calming skills you can use anytime. Then we work through memories at a pace that feels manageable, and you are always in control. I'm an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and use EMDR alongside talk therapy, so it fits into your wider goals.
EMDR can help with:
What to expect
How sessions work
We'll spend the first few sessions getting to know your history and preparing. Processing sessions are 80 minutes. EMDR can be done in person or online. I also offer EMDR intensives: three-hour sessions over two or three days for focused progress.
Questions about EMDR
No. EMDR doesn't require you to describe the memory in depth, which many people find a relief.
Yes. Research and clinical experience show online EMDR can be effective, using on-screen eye movements or self-tapping.
It depends on what we're working on. A single memory may take a few sessions; more complex histories take longer. We'll review progress together.