EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
(EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
As a Certified EMDR Therapist, Approved EMDR Consultant, and EMDR Trainer, I utilize EMDR Therapy extensively in my work.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to help individuals reprocess past experiences at a deeper level, often more efficiently than traditional talk therapy. Backed by extensive research (see below), EMDR frequently leads to faster and more lasting resolution for many people.
EMDR is not a quick fix, it works differently for everyone. Those with more extensive trauma histories may have more to process, and that’s completely okay. There is no right or wrong way to move through the work. What matters is approaching the process without self-judgment. How you respond to EMDR is something we’ll discover together as we begin.
Now, can EMDR work quickly? Definitely! This is often the case for children, individuals with fewer impactful experiences, or those processing a single-incident trauma. It can also be more effective early on for people who have already done therapeutic work, as there may be fewer interconnected issues to address.
EMDR is not a Quick Fix and works differently for each person.
HOW EMDR WORKS
What to expect in sessions with EMDR therapy
The first few sessions will focus on understanding your history and introducing mindfulness and grounding strategies to support emotional regulation. At the same time, we’ll begin identifying the memories that may be contributing to your current challenges. Once we have a clear picture of the key memories to address, we’ll create a structured plan to target each one, helping you revisit these experiences without triggering intense emotional responses.
EMDR therapy is considered complete when the identified target memories no longer evoke strong emotional reactions, and you’ve developed tools to manage future challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
I use EMDR to help with the following (but not limited to):
performance blocks
performance enhancement for high-steaks roles
perfectionism and fear of failure
imposter syndrome and self-doubt
stage fright and public speaking anxiety
creative blocks (writers, musicians, artists, performers)
burnout and chronic stress
identity and self-worth challenges tied to achievement
pressure from high visibility or public-facing roles
abuse (physical, mental, sexual, psychological)
trauma experiences (abuse, medical, combat, etc)
phobias and specific fears (e.g., flying, driving, heights)
generalized anxiety and overthinking
life transitions (retirement from sports, career shifts, loss of creative identity)
Overview of the process
The Research
EMDR is widely accepted as one of the gold standard treatments for Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Please visit the EMDRIA site for extensive information on EMDR research.
For more information on the importance of the bilaterals in EMDR Therapy, view this helpful video.
Along with treating PTSD, you will find many other studies that qualitatively show the vast array of implications for EMDR Therapy, including anxiety and depression.