EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing):

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Traumatic memories don’t always get stored in the past where they belong—sometimes, the brain holds onto them as if they’re still happening in the present. EMDR works by re-engaging the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate these memories, allowing them to settle into the past. The eye movements used in EMDR mirror what happens during REM sleep, a time when the brain does much of its healing and processing.

Before we begin working through memories, we’ll first focus on strengthening your ability to stay grounded and present. We’ll build coping skills and expand your window of tolerance so that processing becomes manageable. Together, we’ll identify current challenges, symptoms, and past experiences that need attention. EMDR isn’t just about processing the past—it also helps ease present triggers and soften future worries. A key part of this work is noticing and shifting the negative beliefs that trauma leaves behind, replacing them with more supportive, adaptive truths.

EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based approach to trauma healing, originally developed by Francine Shapiro. It is widely recognized as an effective treatment by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.

EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.

EMDR is a wonderful modality to support folks in healing from and making sense of past relationship wounds and deep-seated patterns that stem from early experiences, helping them liberate and integrate their past. EMDR can support you in untangling from trauma and belief systems that no longer serve you.

Somatic and Attachment Focused (SAFE EMDR), incorporates body-centered psychotherapies and attachment theory. This allows you to gently build awareness, release excess energy from your system, and regain a feeling of safety within your body.