When talking
isn’t enough.

EMDR

Sometimes you understand why you feel the way you do, yet you still find yourself reacting in ways you
can't explain.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories and experiences that may still be affecting you today.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to tell your story over and over. Instead, it helps your brain do what it naturally wants to do… process difficult experiences so they become part of your past rather than something that continues to shape your present.

Sometimes the experiences that affect us most aren't a single traumatic event. They can be years of caregiving, cumulative stress, repeated losses, difficult relationships, or carrying responsibilities that never seem to let up. EMDR can be remarkably effective for both the "big T" traumas and the quieter experiences that gradually reshape how we see ourselves and the world.

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An interior room with green leafy plant on the left and artwork of a wood slice and green leaf on the wall. A green couch with a green pillow is at the bottom.

What is EMDR?

Sometimes our brains don't get the chance to fully process difficult experiences. Even years later, certain memories, situations, or emotions can feel surprisingly intense, as though your nervous system is reacting to something that's happening now instead of something that's already over.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain finish processing those experiences so they no longer carry the same emotional weight. It's widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for trauma, but it's also used for anxiety, grief, panic, phobias, chronic stress, performance anxiety, and many other challenges.

One of the things many people appreciate about EMDR is that it doesn't require you to retell your story over and over. Therapy is collaborative and paced to what feels manageable, allowing healing without forcing you to relive painful experiences.

EMDR follows a three-pronged approach, addressing:

Past experiences that continue to influence you
Present situations that trigger distress or keep you feeling stuck
Future challenges by helping you prepare with greater confidence and resilience

This means EMDR isn't only about healing what's happened, it's also about helping you move forward. Whether you're preparing for a difficult conversation, a licensing exam, public speaking, an interview or another stressful event, EMDR can help reduce anxiety and strengthen your ability to cope.

Most experiences are naturally processed by the brain and become part of our life story. When something is overwhelming, however, that process can become disrupted. Instead of feeling like something that happened in the past, the memory may continue to be stored in a way that causes present-day triggers, strong emotions, or physical reactions.
EMDR helps the brain resume its natural processing so those memories become integrated rather than continually reactivated.
EMDR is best known for treating PTSD and trauma, but research also supports its use for anxiety, depression, grief, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, phobias, and other distressing life experiences. It can also be helpful for the cumulative impact of chronic stress and emotionally demanding work.
No. EMDR is not about forcing you to relive painful experiences. Instead, we will work together at a pace that feels manageable. Many people are surprised that they don't have to share every detail of what happened in order for EMDR to be effective.
EMDR is one of the most extensively researched treatments for trauma. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness for PTSD, and ongoing research supports its use for many other concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, and other distressing life experiences. Some studies have even found EMDR to be more effective than medication alone for trauma recovery (Van der Kolk et al., 2007; Maxfield, 2019).
EMDR is a powerful therapy, but it's not the right starting point for everyone. We'll begin by getting to know one another, understanding your goals, and making sure you have the skills and support needed before beginning reprocessing. Therapy is always tailored to your unique needs.