EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, is a type of therapy that helps target painful memories and associated beliefs, images, feelings, and body sensations, at that gut, emotional level. EMDR uses a tool called bilateral stimulation (BLS), a fancy term for stimulating both sides of the body by alternating, back-and-forth, left-and-right patterns, such as eye movements, tapping, and audio.

EMDR is a more structured therapy, where I may take more of a step back than typical talk therapy to facilitate the natural, adaptive processing and healing capacity of your mind; and at the same time, I take a flexible approach to match your unique needs and go at your own pace.

I have received EMDR Basic Training from an EMDRIA-approved provider, which means that I received at the minimum: 20 hours live instruction; 20 hours supervised practicum; and 10 hours consultation. EMDRIA is a the professional organization that regulates training standards internationally. I also regularly seek out consultation, trainings, and extra support as needed.

About EMDR from EMDRIA: "EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR therapy has even been superior to Prozac in trauma treatment (Van der Kolk et al., 2007). Shapiro and Forrest (2016) share that EMDR therapists in 130 countries have successfully treated millions." (EMDRIA)

EMDR therapy can be immensely helpful to a wide variety of challenges, especially with roots in hurtful experiences and “stuck” memories that have been left as open wounds. Some difficulties that I may support with EMDR include: Trauma; PTSD; Grief; Loss; Anxiety; and Depression.

Neurodivergent folks may respond differently to hurtful experiences and to the therapies meant to support them. We may also face unique life challenges and hold intersectional identities that are important to take into account for EMDR.

Neurodiversity-Affirming EMDR within my practice strives to be strengths-based and compassionate in nature, validating neurodivergent experiences. Neurodiversity-Affirming EMDR also makes space for flexibility, making creative adjustments, using sensory tools and stimming as needed, and respecting the way your mind and body work.

Yes, EMDR can be done effectively through telehealth. For the bilateral stimulation part on telehealth, you may follow the movement of a dot on-screen and audio that moves left-and-right; or, you may be able to do self-administered tapping techniques.

Some clients may even prefer EMDR via telehealth since they may have access to safe, comfortable spaces within the home, extra resources to regulate emotions (e.g., pets, plushies, blankets, weighted objects, fidgets, favorite decorations and items).

Many sensitive and/or Autistic/ADHD clients may feel more able to process vulnerable, hard topics in a safer, familiar environment, in control of the sensory pieces (e.g., light, temperature, sound, textures, and more). Some may prefer to have the ability to readily rest and do self-care after session without having to drive home, too.

Beginning EMDR together may bring up a mix of emotions, such as hopefulness and nervousness, and you may not know what to expect right away.

We start therapy by building a warm, collaborative relationship within which you are able to safely, bravely go into difficult topics together. It is okay, and often even more impactful, to go slow and at a pace that feels comfortable to you, as there may be a lot to unravel together.

Preparation for EMDR is a very important part of EMDR, even if often people think of EMDR primarily as the parts with bilateral stimulation, or BLS, with back-and-forth eye movements, tapping, or other forms of stimulation. Building our therapeutic relationship, learning skills to hold the weight of painful experiences, educating about the EMDR process, gathering information about the past and present, and making sure EMDR is right for you, are all important parts that happen before actively processing through a difficulty together.

You’re always welcome and encouraged to ask questions, give feedback, and let me know what you think, feel, and need during therapy.

I’m EMDR-trained from an EMDRIA-approved provider, which means that I received at least 20 hours live instruction, 20 hours supervised practicum, 10 hours consultation, and passed an exam.

I seek out regular advanced EMDR trainings to better support my clients’ needs, such as learning about neurodiversity-affirming and somatic practices in EMDR. Additionally, I choose to regularly participate in group and individual EMDR consultation to continue learning, growing, and seeking guidance as needed to provide quality EMDR therapy.