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Many people come to therapy with a clear understanding of why they feel the way they do yet still find themselves feeling stuck. You might logically know that you’re safe now, that a past experience is over, or that a pattern no longer serves you, but your body and emotions don’t seem to have gotten the message.
This is where EMDR therapy can be especially helpful.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process and integrate experiences that may still feel emotionally charged or unresolved.
When something overwhelming, painful, or emotionally significant happens, the brain doesn’t always fully process it. Instead, the memory can become “stuck,” continuing to influence how we feel, think, and react in the present. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess these memories, so they no longer feel as distressing or intrusive.
Rather than focusing only on talking through an experience, EMDR supports the brain’s natural ability to heal and reorganize itself.
EMDR is often associated with trauma, but it can be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including:
Trauma or PTSD
Anxiety and panic
Childhood experiences that still impact adult relationships
Negative core beliefs (such as “I’m not good enough” or “I’m unsafe”)
Attachment wounds and relationship patterns
Distressing memories that continue to feel emotionally charged
You don’t need to have experienced a single “big” traumatic event for EMDR to be useful. Many people seek EMDR for experiences that felt confusing, overwhelming, or emotionally impactful at the time even if they struggle to label them as trauma.
A common concern I hear is, “Will I have to relive everything?”
The short answer is no, not in the way many people fear.
EMDR is a structured and collaborative process. Before any memory processing begins, we spend time building safety, stability, and coping tools. You are never pushed to go faster than feels manageable, and you remain present and in control throughout the session.
During EMDR, bilateral stimulation is used often through guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds. This stimulation helps the brain reprocess memories in a way that feels less overwhelming and more integrated. Many clients notice that memories begin to feel more distant, less intense, or emotionally resolved over time.
There are a few myths about EMDR that can understandably make people hesitant:
EMDR is not hypnosis
You are not out of control or unaware during sessions
You do not need to describe every detail of a memory
EMDR is not only for severe trauma
EMDR is paced carefully and always guided by your comfort level.
EMDR may be a good fit if you feel stuck despite insight, notice patterns that keep repeating in your life or relationships, or feel that certain experiences still have a strong emotional pull. It can be especially helpful if you’re looking for an approach that goes beyond talk therapy alone, while still feeling supportive and grounded.
That said, EMDR is just one of many tools. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and part of my role is helping you determine what approach feels safest and most supportive for you.
I use EMDR within a gentle, collaborative, and trauma-informed framework. My priority is creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and supported at your own pace. We move slowly, intentionally, and always with your consent.
If you’re curious about EMDR or wondering whether it might be a good fit for you, we can explore that together.
Book a free consultation here.