Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from distressing or traumatic experiences that continue to impact their thoughts, emotions, and daily life. Rather than focusing only on talking through events, EMDR helps the brain reprocess memories that feel “stuck,” allowing them to be stored in a more adaptive and less emotionally charged way.
Many people seek EMDR when past experiences continue to show up in the present, such as through anxiety, emotional overwhelm, intrusive thoughts, body reactions, or a sense of being triggered without fully understanding why.
What to Expect
Every EMDR journey is individualized, but you can generally expect:
- A Safe and Stabilizing Foundation
Before processing begins, we focus on building safety, trust, and coping skills. This ensures you feel grounded and supported throughout the work. - A Structured, Collaborative Process
EMDR follows an eight-phase framework. We work together to identify target memories, current triggers, and desired beliefs, while moving at a pace that feels manageable for you. - Bilateral Stimulation
Using eye movements, tapping, or tones, EMDR activates both sides of the brain while you briefly focus on aspects of a memory. This helps the nervous system reprocess experiences in a new way. - Less Talking, More Processing
You are never required to share graphic details. EMDR allows healing to occur even when words are hard to find. - Your Pace, Your Choice
You remain in control throughout the process. We pause, adjust, or shift focus whenever needed
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is widely used for trauma, but it is also effective for many other concerns rooted in distressing life experiences. EMDR may be a helpful option if you experience:
- Trauma (single-incident or complex)
- Anxiety & Panic
- Irrational Fears/Phobias
- Childhood or Attachment Wounds
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression (linked to past experiences)
- Disturbing Memories or Nightmares
- Emotional Reactivity or Triggers
- Sexual Abuse
- Negative Core Beliefs (i.e., “I’m not good enough”)
- Grief & Loss
- Medical Trauma or Chronic Illness Experiences
- Relationship Patterns
- Performance Anxiety
- Low Self-Worth or Shame
How EMDR Can Help
Many clients report that after EMDR:
- Memories feel less intense or overwhelming
- Triggers lose their emotional charge
- Self-beliefs shift in a more compassionate direction
- They feel more present, regulated, and resilient
- The past feels “in the past” rather than constantly re-experienced
Therapeutic Integration
EMDR is often integrated with other approaches to best support your needs, including:
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Attachment-Based Approaches
- Parts-Informed Work
- Mindfulness and Somatic Strategies
- Emotion-Focused Therapy
- Cognitive and Belief-Based Interventions
- Polyvagal Therapy
If you’re curious whether EMDR is right for you, book a free 15-minute consult with Jennifer to explore this together.
Learn more about our services and fees.