EMDR

EMDR can be helpful when past experiences continue to affect how you feel, think, or respond in the present. You don't need to have a PTSD diagnosis or identify a single traumatic event to potentially benefit from EMDR.Whether EMDR is right for you depends on your experiences, current needs, goals, and readiness for this type of work. We’ll talk about those things together and determine whether EMDR makes sense for you. And choosing to work with me doesn’t mean you have to do EMDR. It’s one of several approaches we can draw from depending on what feels most helpful.

No. EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of a difficult or traumatic experience. While we’ll talk enough for me to understand what you’re working through and identify what we want to focus on, you remain in control of how much you share.One of the differences between EMDR and traditional talk therapy is that much of the processing happens internally. You can work with thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and memories without having to tell me everything that comes up along the way.

EMDR is a structured therapy that follows an eight-phase process. We begin by understanding what brings you to therapy, identifying what you’d like to work on, and making sure you have the preparation and resources you need before any reprocessing begins.During reprocessing, you’ll briefly focus on aspects of the experience while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, alternating sounds, or tapping. We’ll notice what comes up and allow the process to unfold at a pace that feels manageable. Sessions also include time to check in, reflect on what emerged, and make sure you feel ready to transition out of the session.Want to learn more about the eight phases of EMDR? Watch this brief video from the EMDR International Association.

EMDR can bring up difficult emotions, memories, or physical sensations as you work through experiences that have been distressing or unresolved. At times, you may notice emotions or memories continuing to surface between sessions as your brain continues processing.Preparation is an important part of EMDR. Before beginning reprocessing, we’ll spend time making sure you have strategies and resources to help you manage what comes up. Throughout the process, we’ll pay attention to how you’re responding and adjust the pace when needed.You are always an active participant in the process, and you can pause at any time.

Yes. While talking is still part of EMDR, the session may also include preparation, identifying what you want to work on, bilateral stimulation, reprocessing, and time to close the session thoughtfully.Because there are several components to the process, I may recommend a longer session depending on the work we’re doing. Having additional time can allow us to move through the process without feeling rushed while still leaving enough time to transition out of the session.Want to understand more about why session length can matter in EMDR? Read Why Session Length Matters in EMDR Therapy.

Yes. EMDR can be provided through secure telehealth sessions, and many of the same techniques used during in-person EMDR can be adapted for virtual therapy.Before beginning, we’ll talk about your environment, privacy, technology, and what will help you feel comfortable with the process. Together, we can determine whether virtual EMDR is a good fit for you and the work you’d like to do.I offer virtual therapy to clients in states where I’m licensed or otherwise authorized to practice.