Prepare First
Before processing difficult experiences, we talk about your concerns, what you would like to work on, and ways to help you feel steady during and between sessions.
EMDR THERAPY
WHEN THE PAST STILL FEELS PRESENT.
Sometimes an experience is over, but the feelings connected to it are still very present. Certain memories, situations, or reminders may leave you anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or feeling stuck. EMDR therapy can help you work through difficult or traumatic experiences in a structured way. We will explain what to expect, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable before beginning.
WHEN EMDR MAY BE HELPFUL
YOU MAY KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, BUT STILL FEEL STUCK IN IT.
Some experiences are difficult to leave behind. A memory, sound, place, relationship, or situation may bring up a reaction that feels much stronger than you expected.
You may understand logically that the experience is in the past, while your emotions or body respond as though something is still wrong. EMDR does not erase what happened. The goal is to help the experience feel less overwhelming so it has less control over how you feel and respond today.
Distressing memories that keep coming back
Strong reactions to reminders of the past
Feeling stuck even when you understand what happened
Avoiding places, people, or situations connected to difficult experiences
Feeling on edge, disconnected, or easily overwhelmed
Negative beliefs about yourself connected to past experiences
HOW EMDR THERAPY WORKS
WE WILL MOVE THROUGH IT TOGETHER.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a structured therapy approach. During certain parts of a session, your therapist may guide your eyes from side to side or use another form of bilateral stimulation while you briefly focus on parts of an experience. You remain awake, aware, and in control throughout the session.
Work With the Memory
Your therapist will guide you through short periods of bilateral stimulation while checking in with what you notice along the way.
Feel More Present
As memories become less emotionally intense, it may become easier to respond to what is happening now rather than feeling pulled back into what happened before.
WHAT EMDR MAY HELP WITH
EMDR IS NOT ONLY FOR ONE KIND OF EXPERIENCE.
EMDR is often associated with trauma and PTSD, but people may consider it for other experiences that continue to affect their emotions, relationships, confidence, or everyday life. We can talk together about whether EMDR makes sense for what you are experiencing.
Trauma & PTSD
Support processing experiences that continue to feel distressing,
unsafe, or difficult to leave in the past.
Anxiety & Panic
Help when fear or anxiety is connected to certain memories,
experiences, or reminders.
Grief & Loss
Support when particular memories or circumstances surrounding a
loss continue to feel especially painful or overwhelming.
Difficult Life Experiences
Support with experiences that may not be described as trauma but
continue to affect confidence, relationships, or daily life.
OUR APPROACH TO EMDR
YOU REMAIN PART OF EVERY DECISION.
EMDR is something we do with you, not to you. We will talk through what we are doing, check in throughout the session, and make decisions together about when to continue, slow down, or stop.
WHEN YOU'RE READY
IT'S OKAY TO HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT EMDR.
Please feel free to reach out if you are wondering whether EMDR may be a good fit for you. A complimentary 15-minute consultation gives you time to ask questions, tell us a little about what you are looking for, and learn what the next step might look like.
