emdr
eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps the brain and nervous system process experiences that have become "stuck." When overwhelming events are not fully processed, they can continue to influence how we think, feel, relate, and respond long after the experience has passed.
Using guided bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds—EMDR supports the brain's natural ability to integrate these experiences. As processing unfolds, distress often decreases, limiting beliefs can shift, and memories become less emotionally charged, allowing for greater resilience, clarity, and choice.
EMDR can be effective for trauma, anxiety, grief, difficult life experiences, and other patterns that continue to impact daily life. Throughout the process, we move at a pace that feels safe, collaborative, and attuned to your nervous system.
emdr therapy
How trauma gets "stuck"
Imagine your brain is like a library.
Most life experiences are sorted onto the correct shelves. You can remember them without feeling like you're reliving them.
When something is overwhelming, however, the experience doesn't always get organized the way it should. Instead, it's almost as if the book is left open on the table. Certain sights, sounds, smells, or situations can cause your brain and body to react as though the event is happening all over again.
At the same time, your nervous system may stay on high alert or become shut down, even after the danger has passed.
EMDR helps your brain reorganize those memories. Somatic Experiencing helps your body recognize that the threat is over.
Together, they support healing for both your mind and your nervous system.
Sometimes we can understand something logically, yet our bodies continue to react as if we're still in danger.
You may know the accident is over, the relationship has ended, or you've grown far beyond a painful childhood experience. Yet anxiety, panic, self-doubt, nightmares, or overwhelming emotions continue to show up.
This isn't because you're weak or "overreacting." It's because difficult experiences can become stored in both the brain and the nervous system.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, research-supported therapy that helps the brain process experiences that have become stuck so they no longer feel as emotionally overwhelming. Combined with Somatic Experiencing®, it also helps your nervous system release patterns of stress and protection that may have been held for years.
What does an EMDR session look like?
Many people worry they'll have to relive painful memories or tell every detail of their story.
That's not how I approach EMDR.
We begin by building a foundation of safety. Together, we'll develop resources and coping skills, understand your nervous system, and make sure you feel prepared before processing difficult experiences.
When you're ready, we'll identify a memory, emotion, or belief you'd like to work on. During processing, you'll focus briefly on that experience while following bilateral stimulation—such as moving your eyes back and forth, listening to alternating sounds, or feeling gentle alternating taps.
As this happens, your brain begins making new connections, and many people notice the memory gradually becomes less emotionally charged.
Throughout the process, I'll also pay close attention to what your body is communicating. If your nervous system becomes overwhelmed, we'll slow down, pause, or shift our focus so your body has the opportunity to regulate before continuing.
You remain in control throughout the entire process. We move at your pace.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR can be helpful for:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and panic attacks
Childhood experiences that continue to affect adult life
Grief and loss
Medical trauma
Relationship wounds
Low self-worth and negative beliefs
Perfectionism
Life transitions
Phobias
Stressful or overwhelming experiences
You don't need to have experienced one major traumatic event. Sometimes healing involves working through many smaller experiences that have accumulated over time.
Is EMDR right for me?
Every person heals differently.
Some clients benefit most from traditional talk therapy. Others find that EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, or a combination of approaches helps them move through patterns they've felt stuck in for years.
My role is to meet you where you are, move at a pace that feels safe, and create a space where both your mind and body have the opportunity to heal.
Healing doesn't erase your past. It changes your relationship with it.
The goal isn't to forget what happened—it's to help those experiences become part of your story instead of continuing to shape your present.