EMDR Therapy
Healing Trauma Without Reliving It
Some experiences don’t stay in the past. They show up as anxiety, emotional reactivity, shame, nightmares, or a persistent sense that something isn’t quite safe—no matter how much you understand why you feel this way.
EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps the nervous system process unresolved experiences so they no longer feel present, overwhelming, or defining. In our work together, EMDR is offered within a relational, compassionate therapeutic space, where safety and trust come first.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), acute trauma and other traumatic experiences. It is also used for a variety of other mental health issues: depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, OCD, chronic pain, complicated grief, addictions, etc. with clinical trials in underway to show efficacy with these disorders.
EMDR is a recommended treatment for PTSD by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), The World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (VA/DOD), and SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
EMDR was developed over 35 years ago by Francine Shapiro, PhD. It uses eye movements or other bi-lateral stimulation such as taps or audible tones or music, while gently engaging disturbing memories. EMDR facilitates a process known as memory reconsolidation*, or reprocessing. Traumatic and adverse experiences often become “stuck” in time. It sometimes feels to people like the past is present. When experiences are not fully processed—often due to trauma, chronic stress, or relational wounds—they can continue to trigger emotional and physical responses long after the event has passed.
EMDR facilitates and then accelerates the brain’s natural healing ability to reprocess maladaptively stored memories and schemas**. When disturbing, emotionally charged memories are fully reprocessed (reconsolidated) using this technique, the results are remarkable! People generally find that the memories, and the unwanted emotions and behavior associated with them – such as fear, anxiety, depression, anger, etc. — no longer hold such power over them. After reprocessing people have told me that they feel “free,” “lighter,” able to experience happiness and joy more fully, are more self-confident, and able to move forward in their lives toward positive goals and healthy relationships. Please see my webpage on ketamine-assisted EMDR therapy ™ for more information on deepening the EMDR experience with low doses of ketamine.
You do not need to give graphic details or relive trauma for EMDR to be effective.
*Memory reconsolidation is a neurobiological process in which a previously stored memory becomes temporarily unstable when it is recalled, allowing it to be updated, modified, or weakened before being stored again. In other words, when a memory is brought back into awareness, it is not simply replayed—it briefly becomes malleable. During this window, new emotional, cognitive, or bodily information can be integrated, so the memory is re-stored in an altered form. If reprocessing with trauma therapies such as EMDR, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), or IFS (Internal Family Systems) has occurred the altered form should be more adaptive, have little emotional charge, and feel distant; like something that happened a long time ago. See my webpages on KAP, ketamine-assisted EMDR therapy™, and IFS for additional information.
**Schema is a mental framework—like an internal map—that helps you make sense of yourself, other people, and the world. Schemas develop over time, especially from early relationships and repeated experiences. They shape how you interpret events, what you expect from others, and how you respond emotionally and behaviorally—often outside of conscious awareness.
A Relational Approach to EMDR
While EMDR follows a structured framework, the way it is practiced matters deeply.
In my practice, EMDR is offered with:
· A strong emphasis on therapeutic relationship and attunement
· Careful pacing based on your nervous system’s capacity
· Ongoing consent, collaboration, and choice
· Respect for protective parts and adaptive coping strategies
We focus first on stabilization, safety, and resourcing, ensuring you feel supported and connected in the therapeutic relationship before any trauma processing begins. Healing happens most effectively when you feel seen, respected, and not rushed.
What EMDR Can Help With
EMDR therapy can be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to:
· Trauma and PTSD
· Childhood or developmental trauma
· Attachment and relational wounds
· Anxiety and panic
· Depression and negative self-beliefs
· Medical trauma
· Grief and loss
· Chronic shame or self-criticism
· Performance blocks or phobias
Many clients notice not just symptom relief, but a deeper sense of self-trust, emotional regulation, and inner resilience.
What EMDR Sessions Are Like
EMDR therapy unfolds in phases and is tailored to your unique history and goals. Sessions may include:
· Building emotional and somatic resources
· Identifying patterns, beliefs, and memory networks
· Using bilateral stimulation to support processing
· Integrating insights and shifts that arise
· Gentle grounding and closing at the end of sessions
You remain present, aware, and in control throughout the process.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR can be a powerful approach if you:
· Feel stuck despite insight or talk therapy
· Are impacted by past experiences that still feel “alive”
· Want a therapy that works with both mind and body
· Value a collaborative, relational therapeutic experience
If you’re unsure, we can explore together whether EMDR—or another approach—best fits your needs.
Training and Certification
Please know that when you work with me, you have a highly trained and experienced EMDR therapist. EMDR basic training allows therapists to identify themselves as EMDR therapists, however what I encourage anyone to look for are therapists that are certified in EMDR. EMDR is a complex therapy. In my opinion, therapists need extra training beyond the basic training to practice it safely and effectively. I have been a certified EMDR therapist by the EMDR governing body EMDRIA (the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association) since 2015. I am also an EMDRIA approved consultant which means I am approved by EMDRIA to consult with and teach other EMDR therapists.
Begin EMDR Therapy
You don’t have to carry this alone. I would consider it an honor to partner with you as you work toward regaining your joy, increasing your health, and finding more peace. Please use the contact form below to reach out.
Links and Additional Information
Dateline video on Eye Movement Reprocessing Desensitization (EMDR)
EMDRIA EMDR International Association