EMDR
What Is EMDR Therapy—and How Does It Work Over Telehealth?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy approach that helps people heal from distressing memories, trauma, and the emotional and physical residue of difficult life experiences. It’s particularly effective for individuals who’ve experienced complex trauma and those who may experience unclear memories. It can also support healing from anxiety, grief, and other emotional blocks.
You don’t need to retell your story in great detail for EMDR to work. That’s one of the reasons many clients find it empowering and accessible. EMDR helps the brain do what it’s naturally wired to do—process and resolve painful experiences that got “stuck” or frozen in time. It supports your nervous system in reprocessing those experiences in a way that feels safer, more manageable, and less overwhelming.
The therapy uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, tapping, or sounds that alternate left and right) to activate both sides of the brain while you focus on a specific memory, emotion, or belief. Over time, many people notice that the emotional intensity tied to a memory decreases, while clarity, insight, and a sense of calm increase.
EMDR via Telehealth? Yes, It Works.
You might wonder: Can EMDR still be effective over video? Yup! Thanks to secure telehealth platforms and creative tools, we can adapt EMDR to work just as safely and effectively online. I use visual tools or physical tapping cues that help you experience bilateral stimulation in a way that feels grounded and manageable in your own space.
Is EMDR Right for Everyone?
EMDR can be a powerful approach, but like any therapy, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
It may not be a good fit if you’re currently in an unsafe environment, experiencing active psychosis, or working through severe dissociation without sufficient stabilization strategies. In those cases, we may want to focus first on building a foundation of safety, regulation, and support before moving into trauma processing.
We’ll take time to prepare before beginning EMDR work—building trust, developing coping strategies, and ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. You’re never rushed. You’re never alone in the process.
Whether EMDR is a fit for you is something we can explore together.
EMDR FAQ
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Not necessarily. One of the strengths of EMDR is that it doesn’t require you to go into full detail about painful memories. We focus more on what’s coming up in the present—images, body sensations, emotions, and beliefs—rather than retelling your entire story.
What if I get overwhelmed during a session?
We go at your pace. Before we begin reprocessing work, we spend time building skills for grounding and emotional regulation. You’ll always have tools and support to help you stay connected and feel safe during the process. You’re in control of the session.
Can I do EMDR if I’ve never had therapy before?
Yes, but we’ll make sure you have a strong foundation first. If you’re new to therapy, we’ll spend time creating safety, learning coping tools, and building trust before diving into any trauma work.
Is EMDR weird?
Honestly? It can feel a little strange at first—moving your eyes back and forth or tapping while focusing on a memory isn’t something most of us do every day. But many clients find that once they settle into the rhythm, it becomes a powerful and intuitive process.
How do I know if I’m ready?
That’s something we’ll explore together. Readiness doesn’t mean having everything “figured out”—it means being curious, open to healing, and willing to take small steps with support. If EMDR isn’t the right fit right now, there are still plenty of other approaches we can draw from.
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