Healing what words can’t always reach.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing experiences and memories so they feel less overwhelming in the present.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation →What is EMDR?
Sometimes an experience is over, but your nervous system is still responding as though it’s happening now.
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories and experiences. Using bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or alternating tapping—we work with the memories, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations that may still be connected to what happened.
The goal isn’t to erase the memory. It’s to help the memory feel like something that happened then, rather than something your system has to keep responding to now.
Evidence-based
A structured, research-supported approach.
Bilateral stimulation
Guided eye movements or alternating tapping.
Less distress
Memories can feel less immediate and overwhelming.
Mind + body
Work with beliefs, emotions, and body sensations.
More choice
Move forward with greater flexibility and clarity.
EMDR can help with:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Distressing or painful memories
- Anxiety and panic
- Grief and loss
- Shame and negative beliefs about yourself
- Relationship experiences that still feel present
- Stress connected to past experiences
- Experiences you understand logically but still feel emotionally or physically
What does EMDR actually look like?
EMDR isn’t about jumping straight into your hardest memory.
We understand the pattern
We start by understanding what’s bringing you in, what feels stuck, and what your system may still be responding to.
We build enough safety first
Before processing difficult experiences, we make sure you have tools and resources to stay connected to the present.
We reprocess what feels stuck
When you’re ready, bilateral stimulation can help your brain process the experience differently—without requiring you to tell every detail of what happened.
You don’t have to tell me every detail.
One reason some people appreciate EMDR is that healing doesn’t require describing every detail of an experience out loud.
I’ll need enough information to understand what we’re working with and help you stay safe and grounded, but you remain in control of what you share.
EMDR at The Living Room
EMDR here is relational, collaborative, and paced around you.
I’m trained in EMDR through an EMDRIA-approved training and integrate EMDR with attachment-informed, trauma-informed, and nervous-system-aware therapy.
We’re not trying to force your brain to “get over” something. We’re getting curious about why your system learned to respond the way it did—and helping create new experiences that give you more choice now.
Frequently asked questions
What does EMDR stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. We need enough information to understand the target and support your safety, but EMDR does not require describing every detail aloud.
Is EMDR only for PTSD?
No. EMDR is best known for trauma treatment, but it may also be appropriate for anxiety, painful memories, grief, and negative beliefs connected to past experiences.
What is bilateral stimulation?
It is alternating left-right stimulation, often through guided eye movements or tapping, used during EMDR processing.
Will we do EMDR during my first session?
Usually not. We begin by understanding what brings you in, discussing your history and goals, and building resources before deciding together when processing is appropriate.
How long does EMDR take?
There is no single timeline. The pace depends on your goals, history, current support, and how your system responds.
Can EMDR be done through telehealth?
Yes, when clinically appropriate and permitted. We’ll discuss privacy, technology, grounding resources, and whether telehealth feels like a good fit.
How do I know if EMDR is right for me?
A consultation and initial assessment can help us understand what you’re experiencing and decide together whether EMDR makes sense.
Wondering if EMDR might be a fit?
You don’t have to know exactly what kind of therapy you need before reaching out. We can talk about what’s bringing you in and decide together whether EMDR makes sense for you.