EMDR Therapy: Healing from Trauma and Negative Beliefs
If you’ve experienced painful events in your past, you may find that even years later those memories still feel “alive” in your body. A smell, a look, or a situation can suddenly trigger old feelings of fear, shame, or anger. You might know logically that the danger has passed, but your nervous system reacts as if it’s still happening.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, research-backed therapy that helps the brain process those stuck memories so they lose their grip on you. Instead of feeling hijacked by the past, you can respond to life with more calm, clarity, and self-trust.
How EMDR Works
When something overwhelming happens, the brain sometimes can’t fully process it. The memory gets “frozen” with all the original images, emotions, and body sensations. This is why trauma can feel so present, even when it’s long behind you.
In EMDR, we use a structured approach to help your brain reprocess those memories in a safe and controlled way. This often involves bilateral stimulation — such as following gentle eye movements, tapping your shoulders (butterfly hug) or tops of thighs in a rhythmic pattern. These back-and-forth movements mimic REM sleep, helping your brain unlock the memory and process it naturally, so it can be stored in a healthier way.
Over time, the painful memory loses its intensity, and what once felt unbearable becomes something you can remember without being overwhelmed. And just as important, the negative self-beliefs tied to the trauma (“I’m not enough,” “I’m powerless,” “I’m unlovable”) can shift into more adaptive and empowering ones (“I am worthy,” “I am strong,” “I am safe now”).
What EMDR Can Help With
EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD, but today it’s used effectively for a wide range of struggles, including:
Childhood trauma and abuse
Sexual assault and intimate partner violence
Anxiety, panic, and phobias
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem and self-worth issues
Toxic relationships and attachment wounds
Ongoing stress and emotional overwhelm
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
Our work together begins by making sure you feel grounded and safe. We’ll spend time building coping skills and resources before we even begin reprocessing trauma. When you’re ready, I’ll guide you step by step through the process, always at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Many clients find that EMDR creates lasting shifts in how they see themselves and relate to others. It’s not about erasing the past — it’s about freeing you from its hold, so you can live more fully in the present and create the future you want.
Session Details:
50 minutes (extended sessions may be recommended)
Offered online via secure video call
Cost: $175 per 50-min session