When done properly with a trained EMDR therapist, you should not be re-traumatized. EMDR is designed to help your brain safely reprocess traumatic memories not relive them.
While it’s true that EMDR can bring up intense emotions or physical sensations, we never dive into traumatic material without first building emotional safety, grounding tools, and internal resources. We go at your pace. If anything feels too much, we pause or shift—it’s not about pushing through.
Re-traumatization usually happens when someone is overwhelmed without support. In EMDR, we work together to keep your nervous system regulated, your body grounded, and your emotional experience manageable.
In my practice, safety always comes first. EMDR is a powerful tool but it works best when you feel seen, supported, and in control of your healing process.
Yes EMDR is considered a safe and well-researched therapy, especially for trauma and anxiety. It’s endorsed by organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association.
That said, EMDR can bring up strong emotions or physical sensations during or after a session—especially when we’re working on deeply rooted material. This isn’t a bad thing it’s your nervous system processing what’s been stuck for a long time.
Some clients feel a little tired, emotional, or reflective after sessions, but that usually fades as the brain completes the reprocessing. We always go at your pace, and I make sure you have the tools to stay grounded and supported throughout.
With the right guidance, EMDR doesn’t overwhelm it actually empowers. And together, we’ll make sure the process feels safe and manageable for you every step of the way.
Yes! EMDR is one of the most effective therapies for childhood trauma. In fact, it’s often the go-to approach for clients who experienced emotional neglect, abuse, loss, or instability growing up.
Childhood trauma doesn’t just live in your memories..it shapes your beliefs, behaviors, and nervous system. EMDR helps access those early experiences (even if they’re blurry or not fully remembered) and reprocess them in a way that brings relief and healing.
You don’t have to talk through every painful moment. EMDR allows your brain to do the work in a structured, gentle, and focused way. Many clients find that it helps them understand and release patterns that began in childhoodcwithout having to relive the pain in full detail.
Whether it was big events or subtle, repeated moments that left a mark EMDR can help untangle them and give you space to finally feel free.
Great question! EMDR progress can feel different from traditional therapy. You’ll often know it’s working when the memory or issue you’re targeting starts to lose its emotional charge. What once felt overwhelming or triggering begins to feel more distant, neutral, or just less intense.
You might also notice shifts in your beliefs—like going from “I’m not safe” to “I can handle this.” Sometimes, changes show up in your body too: better sleep, more calm, fewer stress responses.
The results aren’t always instant, but EMDR tends to create deep, lasting shifts—especially when we’ve targeted the right memory or belief. And as your therapist, I’ll be checking in with you every step of the way to track how your system is responding.
Healing doesn’t always look dramatic but with EMDR, you’ll often feel lighter, clearer, and more grounded as the work unfolds.
EMDR isn’t about retelling your story over and over..it’s about helping your brain and body reprocess the memories and beliefs that are keeping you stuck.
In traditional talk therapy, the focus is often on insight, reflection, and conscious problem-solving. With EMDR, we go deeper. We use bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) and memory taxing strategies (EMDR 2.0) to activate the brain’s natural healing system, so it can “digest” past experiences and release their emotional charge.
You don’t have to talk in detail or analyze everything. EMDR lets us access the emotional root of the issue, not just the surface-level symptoms. It’s especially powerful for trauma, anxiety, and deeply ingrained patterns.
If you’ve felt like talking alone hasn’t been enough, EMDR might be the shift you’ve been needing.
Definitely. EMDR works by reprocessing stuck memories, beliefs, and emotional blocks that often fuel both anxiety and burnout. If you’re feeling like you’re running on fumes or reacting to old patterns, EMDR can help your brain and body finally let go and reset.
Unprocessed trauma can leave the nervous system stuck in “fight, flight, or freeze.” That means even long after the event, your brain may still scan for danger—leading to chronic anxiety. Therapy, especially modalities like EMDR and somatic work, helps reprocess these stuck patterns so you can finally feel safe again.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a powerful therapy that can help the brain reprocess traumatic and heavy memories that trigger you even without you realizing it.
EMDR therapy can benefit anyone experiencing emotional distress linked to past traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, grief, or chronic stress. It’s particularly effective for those who’ve tried traditional talk therapy but still feel emotionally stuck or overwhelmed. People dealing with PTSD, childhood trauma, abuse, relationship betrayals, or unresolved grief typically see significant relief from EMDR. Additionally, EMDR can help individuals struggling with persistent negative beliefs, self-esteem issues, or emotional patterns they can’t seem to change. If your past continues to impact your present emotional well-being, EMDR is likely an ideal therapeutic approach to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Yes, EMDR therapy can be extremely effective for processing grief and loss. Losing someone or something meaningful can leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally numb. EMDR helps your brain gently reprocess difficult emotions and memories associated with the loss, allowing you to move through grief more naturally. It doesn’t erase memories or diminish their importance—instead, it reduces the emotional intensity and distress attached to them, helping you find peace and acceptance. By integrating EMDR into your grieving process, you’ll gain a deeper sense of healing, emotional clarity, and the ability to honor your loss without constant pain.