EMDR Therapy

Yes! Research has shown that online EMDR therapy can be just as effective as it would be in person. Anecdotally, I have been providing EMDR therapy for several years and have witnessed profound transformation in many clients. In fact, my EMDR training was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, so it was entirely online and specifically addressed providing EMDR via telehealth.

As long as there is a stable internet connection and a safe, private space for you to attend sessions, EMDR therapy can be conducted virtually. I often encourage clients to make the most out of virtual sessions by creating a safe, cozy, or comforting space where they can do therapy. If you have any props that bring you comfort (such as blankets, a warm beverage, or a fidget toy), those can be great supports during therapy sessions.

Like therapy in general, everyone experiences EMDR differently, and no two sessions are the same. I’ve heard clients describe it as intense, profound, weird, relieving, and a variety of things in between. During processing sessions, you may experience a range of emotions, thoughts, images, or sensations. All you need to do is notice what’s happening — your brain will naturally do everything else. I will be there to support you in staying grounded in the present, while dipping a toe into the past.

You will likely feel tired after a processing session, so I always recommend having a good self-care plan in place.

Throughout EMDR therapy, your relationship to the original target will change. Clients usually report decreased emotional intensity or distress regarding that memory. It’s almost like you see the memory through a pair of sunglasses, where its impact is dimmed and there is a safe emotional distance. Your relationship to yourself will also change, with many clients reporting increased self-worth, self-acceptance, and empowerment after releasing old limiting beliefs.

Though typical therapy sessions are 50 minutes, a longer session time is often beneficial for EMDR therapy. I offer 90-minute sessions for folks who are interested in a more intensive EMDR experience that allows for deeper work.

If you’re interested in EMDR therapy but aren’t sure which session length is right for you, please reach out and we can discuss it!

This varies from person to person. Some folks experience significant relief in as few as 6-12 sessions, while others may need more time to work through complex trauma or deeply rooted issues. It’s important to note that we will spend some time building safety before jumping into any processing work. Throughout our work together we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and I’ll check in frequently.

One stark difference is that EMDR does not require an extensive verbal retelling of distressing events in order to process trauma. While there are elements of EMDR that involve some talking, that really isn’t the focus of the work. In traditional talk therapy, we are primarily engaging the prefrontal cortex in the brain, also known as your “thinking brain,” which means we are accessing information that is known to you on a conscious level. However, research has shown that trauma actually lives in the limbic system, which is the “emotional brain.” Basically, EMDR engages directly with the parts of your brain involving implicit memory and the nervous system, processing material that you may not be consciously aware of — and reprocessing it for both mind and body relief from painful memories.

Yes! EMDR has a protocol to follow in terms of its phases, but there is a ton of room for flexibility. EMDR is well-suited to adjunct mindfulness and somatic work, and I may incorporate aspects of IFS or parts work depending on the situation. If a client is open to it, we are absolutely able to infuse experiential approaches without sacrificing the fidelity of the model.