Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

“EMDR therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders." (EMDRIA)

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain and nervous system process experiences that feel stuck or unresolved.

When something overwhelming happens, memories can remain stored in a way that continues to trigger distress in the present. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to help the brain reprocess these memories so they lose their emotional charge and no longer feel like they are happening now.

You don’t have to retell your story in detail; the focus is on how your brain and body naturally heal.

How EMDR Therapy Works

Aside from being a highly effective trauma therapy, EMDR therapy is unique and famous for one thing: bilateral stimulation. In other words, side-to-side movement. This can be done with eye movement, sounds, or tapping.

Bilateral stimulation looks and feels weird, and we understand if some people are skeptical. We were skeptical too, at first. But the science is clear: stimulating both sides of your brain helps you build new neural connections. This means you can re-wire your brain to heal your trauma.

If you want to learn more about the science behind why bilateral stimulation works, you can find more information from EMDRIA.

Please note that I work from a triphasic trauma treatment approach, which includes assessing an individual’s readiness for EMDR. Part of the 8-phase protocol includes this assessment. If you are interested in EMDR, please feel free to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation call.

Book Here

How does EMDR feel?

EMDR does not require you to relive trauma in detail or talk about everything that happened. Instead, you may notice memories, images, emotions, body sensations, or insights arise and shift naturally.

Some people experience:

  • A sense of distance from painful memories

  • Emotional release or relief

  • Physical sensations moving or settling in the body

  • New perspectives or realizations without effort

Others experience the process as subtle and gentle. There is no “right” way for EMDR to feel. You remain present, in control, and able to pause at any time. The goal is not to overwhelm the nervous system, but to help it complete what was once too much to process.

Healing often feels less like reliving the past — and more like the body and brain finally letting go.

Working with an EMDR therapist can bring about change faster than other therapies. Like other modalities, EMDR is not a magic bullet, and you won’t see major results from only a few sessions. But for single-incident or simple traumas, you might feel much better in just a few months. More complex traumas may be a longer journey, but deep healing is worth it.

The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

1. History & Treatment Planning
We identify your goals, symptoms, and experiences to determine what memories or themes to target.

2. Preparation
You learn grounding and regulation tools to help you feel safe, supported, and in control during therapy.

3. Assessment
A specific memory is identified along with the beliefs, emotions, and body sensations connected to it.

4. Desensitization
Bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional charge.

5. Installation
We strengthen more adaptive, empowering beliefs to replace old negative ones.

6. Body Scan
You notice any remaining tension in the body and allow it to release as the memory fully resolves.

7. Closure
Each session ends with grounding to ensure you leave feeling stable and regulated.

8. Reevaluation
We review progress at the next session and determine what needs attention moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • EMDR sessions typically range from 60 to 90 minutes.

    During the assessment and reprocessing phases (phases 3-7), sessions may be longer. This allows enough time to move through the work thoughtfully and to ensure your nervous system is supported throughout the process.

    Sessions are paced intentionally so there is always time for grounding and closure — with the goal of you leaving sessions feeling settled, calm, and regulated, rather than rushed or overwhelmed.

  • Certain phases of EMDR, such as assessment and reprocessing, require additional time to allow the brain and nervous system to fully engage and settle. Longer sessions help ensure the work is done safely and with care.


  • No. Session length is flexible and based on where you are in the process. We collaboratively determine what feels appropriate for your needs and capacity.

  • Yes. EMDR can be effective for anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, and other nervous system-based symptoms — not just trauma.

  • Yes, when approached carefully. This is part of the assessment process and will include assessing for dissociation and preparing you for the process. Somatic therapy and pacing are essential supports when working with complex trauma, and we prioritize stability and regulation throughout.

  • Yes. EMDR is considered psychotherapy/counseling and my services are covered by most insurance companies.

  • During an EMDR session, your therapist will guide you through the 8 phases of treatment, which include history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Sessions typically last between 60 to 90 minutes.

  • The number of EMDR sessions required varies depending on the individual’s history, the nature of their trauma, and their specific treatment goals. Some clients may experience significant improvement in a few sessions, while others may require more extended therapy.

  • No. EMDR does not require you to describe your experiences in detail. We focus on what comes up internally (thoughts, emotions, and body sensations) while keeping the process contained and supported.

  • We move at a pace your nervous system can tolerate. Preparation and somatic support are built into the process to reduce overwhelm and ensure safety.

Feel ready? Book here