Therapeutic Approach
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a structured method for helping the brain process what it could not at the time.
What is EMDR?
Healing the Way the Brain Processes Memory
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy originally developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It is recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
When we experience a deeply distressing event, the brain can become overwhelmed and fail to process the memory fully. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements, to help the brain reprocess these "stuck" memories so they lose their emotional charge and can be stored more adaptively.
Unlike talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe your experience in detail or complete homework between sessions. Healing happens through the brain's natural processing mechanisms, guided within the safety of the therapeutic relationship.
EMDR Can Help With
- Single-incident trauma (accidents, assaults, natural disasters)
- Complex and developmental trauma (CPTSD)
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Depression rooted in past experiences
- Grief and complicated loss
- Performance anxiety and self-limiting beliefs
- Negative core beliefs about self-worth
- Symptoms of PTSD
The Process
The Eight Phases of EMDR
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol designed to ensure safety, thorough processing, and lasting change. Treatment is always paced to your comfort and readiness.
History & Treatment Planning
We explore your history, identify target memories or experiences, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Preparation
You learn stabilization and resourcing techniques, such as the Safe Place exercise, to ensure you feel grounded and safe throughout the process.
Assessment
We identify the specific image, negative belief, emotions, and body sensations associated with the target memory, and establish a baseline distress level.
Desensitization
Using bilateral stimulation (guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds), the target memory is processed and its emotional charge is reduced.
Installation
A positive belief to replace the old negative one is identified and strengthened until it feels fully true.
Body Scan
You scan your body from head to toe for any residual tension or disturbance linked to the target memory, which is then processed until resolved.
Closure
Each session ends with grounding and stabilization to ensure you leave feeling settled, whether or not processing is complete.
Reevaluation
At the start of each subsequent session, we review progress, check that previous gains have held, and identify the next targets for processing.
My Approach
Safety, Pace & Partnership
I integrate EMDR with my broader trauma-informed practice, which includes Polyvagal exercises, Internal Family Systems, somatic awareness, and mindfulness. Before any trauma processing begins, we spend time building a strong therapeutic foundation, ensuring you have the inner resources and sense of safety needed to engage with difficult material.
EMDR is never rushed. We move at a pace that feels right for you, and you remain in control throughout. Many clients experience meaningful relief in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy, though the timeline always varies by individual.
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Ready to Begin?
Taking the first step toward healing is an act of courage. Reach out today. I'd love to connect.
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