Licensed Psychotherapist
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that helps people work through painful or overwhelming experiences so they feel less distressing over time. It uses guided attention techniques to help the brain process difficult memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact and makes them easier to live with.
A deeper dive into EMDR
How does it work? EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they feel less overwhelming and more resolved over time. Bilateral stimulation in EMDR involves engaging the left and right sides of the brain in a rhythmic way—often through eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to help the brain process and reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories.
What exactly does EMDR help with? EMDR is most commonly used to help with the lingering effects of difficult or overwhelming experiences. This includes trauma and PTSD, but also anxiety, panic, grief, shame, and distressing memories that continue to feel “stuck” or easily triggered. It can be helpful when past experiences still show up in the present as strong emotional reactions, negative beliefs about yourself, or physical stress responses that feel out of proportion to what’s happening now. EMDR doesn’t erase memories, but it can reduce their emotional intensity so they feel more like something that happened in the past, rather than something you’re still reliving.
What does a session look like? An EMDR session typically starts with checking in and identifying a specific memory or issue to focus on. You’ll then be guided to briefly bring that memory to mind while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as a circle on your telehealth screen. This happens in short sets, with pauses in between to notice what comes up. The therapist supports you throughout, helping you stay grounded and process whatever emotions, thoughts, or sensations arise. The goal is to help the memory become less distressing and feel more resolved over time.
What is the science behind this? Research suggests EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they become less emotionally intense and more integrated with other life experiences. While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, studies show that bilateral stimulation and guided recall may support the brain’s natural memory processing systems, similar to what happens during REM sleep, reducing distress and improving emotional regulation over time.
Is this type of therapy legitimate? Research on EMDR consistently shows it is an effective, evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD. Multiple clinical studies and meta-analyses have found that EMDR can significantly reduce symptoms such as intrusive memories, anxiety, and emotional distress, often in fewer sessions than some traditional talk therapies. It is recommended by major organizations, including the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association, as a first-line treatment for trauma-related conditions.
Will EMDR "cure" me? EMDR isn’t a “cure” in the sense of erasing your history or guaranteeing you’ll never struggle again. What it can do, for many people, is significantly reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories so they feel less overwhelming and less disruptive in daily life. People often find that after EMDR, memories are still there, but they don’t hit with the same intensity, and old triggers don’t take over in the same way. It can also improve things like anxiety, mood, and emotional regulation when those are tied to past experiences. How much change happens varies from person to person, depending on things like the nature of the trauma, current stressors, and overall support. For many, it’s a powerful part of healing, especially when combined with a strong therapeutic relationship and other supportive work.
What are some of the risks of EMDR? EMDR is generally considered safe, but it can bring up strong emotions, memories, or physical sensations during or between sessions as traumatic material is processed. Some people may feel temporarily more emotionally sensitive, tired, or unsettled after sessions. Your therapist will work with you to pace the work carefully, ensure you have grounding and coping tools in place, and adjust treatment as needed to keep the process manageable and supportive. EMDR is not a miracle cure, and like many medications or medical treatments, it does not work for everyone.
How long will it take? The length of EMDR varies depending on the person and what they’re working through. Some specific, single-event traumas may resolve in a few sessions, while more complex or long-standing trauma often takes longer and is processed over several months. Many people notice meaningful relief within 6–12 sessions, but there’s no fixed timeline—treatment moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you, based on your history, current stressors, and goals.
Will I have to relive my memories during EMDR? No—you do not have to share every detail of your trauma in EMDR. You’ll be asked to identify what happened in a general way so we know what we’re working on, but the processing itself can happen without extensively describing the experience. The focus is more on how the memory feels now, rather than recounting it in detail.
What kind of training did you receive to provide EMDR?] I completed my training with an EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) certified instructor. EMDRIA is considered the gold standard for training and certification.
What if I have more questions? You may feel free to give me a call at 805-410-3297 to schedule a free 15 minute consultation and I would be happy to answer any questions.