As a certified EMDR therapist with 18 years of experience helping people heal from trauma, I’ve witnessed countless moments of transformation that still fill me with hope and wonder. I’m excited to share with you this powerful approach that has helped so many find healing and renewal.
What is EMDR Therapy?
When difficult memories or experiences feel overwhelming, finding the right path to healing can seem challenging. Many of my clients come to therapy wondering if they’ll ever feel different—if the weight they’re carrying will ever feel lighter. That’s where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy comes in. It offers a unique and powerful approach to healing that works with your brain’s natural ability to recover and grow.
How EMDR Works
Think of your brain as a filing system. When a traumatic event occurs, it can get “stuck” in your nervous system with the original images, sounds, thoughts, and feelings. These memories can feel as intense and overwhelming as when they first happened.
EMDR helps your brain process these experiences in a new way, similar to what happens during REM sleep when your eyes move back and forth while your brain processes the day’s events. During an EMDR session, you’ll focus briefly on a troubling memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation – usually following your therapist’s fingers moving from side to side, or sometimes through alternating taps or tones. This bilateral stimulation helps your brain reprocess the memory more adaptively.
Common Questions About EMDR
What can I expect in my first session?
Our first sessions together focus on getting to know you and creating a foundation of safety and trust. We’ll move at your pace, ensuring you feel comfortable and in control of your healing journey. Before beginning EMDR processing, we’ll work together to develop coping skills and resources you can use both in and outside of therapy.
How long does EMDR therapy typically take?
Every person’s healing journey is unique. Some people notice shifts in just a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer-term approach. We’ll work together to find the pace that feels right for you, always honoring your individual needs and experiences.
How will I know if EMDR is right for me?
During our initial sessions, we’ll explore together whether EMDR might be helpful for your specific situation. EMDR can be particularly beneficial if you find yourself stuck in patterns from past experiences, struggling with anxiety or trauma responses, or feeling that traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully addressed your needs.
Ready to learn more about how EMDR might support your healing journey? I invite you to reach out for a consultation where we can discuss your specific needs and questions.