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EMDR for Trauma & Anxiety

Evidence-based therapy that helps your brain reprocess difficult memories and find lasting relief

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UNDERSTANDING EMDR

Evidence-based therapy that helps your brain process traumatic memories

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works directly with how your brain stores and processes memories.

Think of EMDR like defragmenting a hard drive. When traumatic events happen, memories can get "stuck" in a way that keeps triggering the same emotional and physical responses. EMDR helps your brain reprocess these memories so they no longer cause distress in your daily life.

During EMDR sessions, you'll focus on specific memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation—typically following my finger movements with your eyes. This activates your brain's natural healing mechanisms, similar to what happens during REM sleep.

Most clients notice a significant reduction in distress after just a few sessions. EMDR is particularly effective for PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, and complex trauma.

EMDR is recognized by the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association as an effective treatment for trauma.

EMDR is effective for:

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress from single incidents or prolonged exposure to trauma

Complex Trauma

Childhood abuse, neglect, or repeated traumatic experiences over time

Panic Attacks

Sudden overwhelming anxiety and physical symptoms that disrupt daily life

Intrusive Thoughts

Unwanted memories, flashbacks, or recurring distressing thoughts

The EMDR Process

1

History & Preparation

We discuss your goals, identify target memories, and establish safety resources to ensure you feel grounded throughout the process.

2

Desensitization

Using bilateral stimulation, we reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge while you remain present and in control.

3

Installation & Integration

We strengthen positive beliefs and integrate new perspectives, helping you move forward with greater confidence and peace.

4

Closure & Reevaluation

Each session ends with grounding techniques, and we regularly assess progress to ensure lasting change.

Common Questions About EMDR

  • It varies based on your goals and what you're working through. Some clients notice significant relief in 6-8 sessions, especially for single-incident trauma. Complex trauma or longstanding anxiety may take several months. We'll regularly assess progress and adjust as needed.

  • Yes. EMDR can be conducted effectively via secure video sessions. Instead of following my finger with your eyes, we use alternative forms of bilateral stimulation like tapping or audio cues. Many clients find virtual EMDR just as effective as in-person sessions.

  • No. EMDR is designed so you can process trauma without retraumatizing yourself. You'll stay present and in control throughout—there's no need to describe every detail or relive the experience. Many clients describe it as watching a memory from a distance rather than being pulled back into it.

  • Most insurance plans that cover psychotherapy also cover EMDR, since it's a recognized evidence-based treatment. I can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement if needed. We'll discuss your specific coverage during our consultation.

  • You don't need clear memories to benefit from EMDR. We can work with the symptoms you're experiencing—anxiety, panic, emotional reactivity—and trace them back to their roots. Many clients find that memories surface naturally during the process, but it's not required for healing to occur.

Ready to Start EMDR?

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if EMDR is right for you

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Or call (915) 867-3377