What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy, short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a powerful and research-backed approach to healing trauma, anxiety, and other distressing life experiences. It helps people process painful memories that may feel “stuck,” so they can move forward with more ease, clarity, and emotional freedom.

When we go through something overwhelming—whether it’s a single traumatic event or ongoing stress—our brain doesn’t always get the chance to fully process it. Those experiences can linger, showing up later as anxiety, emotional triggers, low self-worth, or even physical symptoms. EMDR helps you gently reprocess these memories, so they no longer feel as intense or disruptive.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) while you focus on specific thoughts, feelings, or images related to your past. This technique helps activate your brain’s natural healing process, similar to what happens during REM sleep. You don’t have to go into every detail of what happened—instead, we work together to create safety, build resources, and process at a pace that feels manageable for you.

EMDR can help with:

• Trauma and PTSD

• Childhood or complex trauma

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Grief and loss

• Shame and negative self-beliefs

• Relationship and attachment wounds

If you’ve tried other forms of therapy but still feel stuck, EMDR trauma therapy might be the shift you’ve been looking for. It offers a structured, empowering way to heal deeply—by reconnecting your mind and body, and allowing your nervous system to release what no longer serves you.

Who Might Not Be a Good Fit for EMDR Therapy?

While EMDR therapy is incredibly effective for many people, it’s not the best fit for everyone. Part of our work is to help assess whether EMDR is appropriate for your current needs and emotional capacity.

EMDR may not be the right fit at this time if:

• You’re actively struggling with untreated psychosis or severe dissociation

• You’re in early recovery from substance use without consistent support

In these cases, we may begin with stabilization work—like somatic therapy, grounding skills, or building emotional regulation—before moving into EMDR. Safety and readiness are essential for EMDR to be effective and not retraumatizing.