EMDR
When the past still affects the present
Sometimes, experiences from the past continue to affect how we feel, how we see ourselves, and how we respond to situations today. You might understand intellectually that something is over, yet still find yourself reacting in familiar ways, getting caught in the same patterns, or struggling with beliefs about yourself that are hard to shake.
EMDR therapy can help you work through past experiences so they have less influence over your life today.
What is EMDR?
You may have read Prince Harry’s account of undergoing EMDR therapy, or even seen it depicted on shows like “Grey’s Anatomy.” But what is EMDR, really?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured approach to therapy that helps the brain process experiences that may still feel upsetting or unresolved.
During EMDR, we focus on a specific memory, feeling, or belief while using gentle, guided back-and-forth stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This process can help you work through the experience in a different way, so it may feel less distressing and no longer carry the same meaning about who you are.
You don’t have to explain every detail of what happened for EMDR to be helpful. We work together at a pace that feels manageable, and you remain in control throughout the process.
How might EMDR help?
EMDR may be helpful if you notice that past experiences continue to show up in your present-day life. For example, you might:
Feel stuck in familiar patterns, even when you understand why they developed.
Struggle with beliefs like I'm not good enough, I'm not safe, or I have to keep everyone happy.
Find yourself reacting more strongly than you want to certain situations or relationships.
Carry feelings from earlier experiences into current relationships, work, or major life changes.
Want to feel less weighed down by the past and more able to respond to the present in a way that fits who you are now.
EMDR isn't about erasing memories or pretending difficult things never happened. The goal is to help those experiences feel more manageable and less likely to shape how you see yourself or respond today.
EMDR is one tool—not the whole toolbox
Although I'm an EMDR Certified Therapist, EMDR isn't all I do. I also draw from other therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Relapse Prevention, or mindfulness, depending on your needs and goals.
You don't need to know which type of therapy you need before reaching out. We'll talk about what's been going on, what you'd like to be different, and which approaches may be most helpful for you. The goal is to find a way forward that fits you—not to fit you into a particular type of therapy.