EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
If you’ve come across the term EMDR therapy and aren’t exactly sure what it is, you’re not alone. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help people process trauma and other distressing life experiences.
When something overwhelming happens, the brain does not always store the memory in a fully processed way. Instead, it can remain “stuck,” along with the emotions, body sensations, and beliefs that came with it. That is often why a memory from years ago can still trigger anxiety, shame, panic, or shutdown today.
EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess those stuck experiences so they feel less intense and less disruptive. The goal is not to erase the memory. It is to help your nervous system recognize that the event is over, so you can respond to the present with more steadiness and flexibility.
Ready to explore next steps?
Schedule a consultation to talk through what you’re experiencing and whether EMDR is a good fit.
Types of EMDR Sessions
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This format is best when you want steady, ongoing support and time to integrate changes gradually.
50-minute sessions, usually weekly or biweekly
A good fit for consistent, long-term work
Often eligible for out-of-network reimbursement (depending on your insurance)
Works well when you want a slower pace and more time to build stability.
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An EMDR intensive is an extended, focused session that allows for more trauma processing in fewer meetings. This format can be helpful if you want depth and continuity without the stop-start feeling of shorter sessions.
90-minutes to 3-hour sessions
Designed for focused reprocessing time
Helpful if weekly sessions are hard to schedule
Often used when you want to work on a specific target (or set of targets) more efficiently
Typically not reimbursed by insurance
Intensives are not “better” than weekly therapy. They are simply a different structure.
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If you are already in therapy and want to focus specifically on trauma processing, adjunct EMDR can be a helpful solution.
In adjunct EMDR, I serve as a specialist supporting the trauma-focused portion of your treatment, while you continue with your primary therapist for broader work. With your consent, I can also coordinate care so your therapist stays informed about what we’re doing and how you’re responding.
Adjunct EMDR is available in either standard sessions or an intensive format.
Areas of Focus
PTSD
Recent traumatic events
Survivors of assault, abuse, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, political violence, and exposure to war.
Ongoing or chronic traumatic experiences
Adverse childhood experiences
Vicarious trauma
HIV/AIDS related trauma
LGBTQ+ related trauma
Race related trauma
Burnout
Grief and loss
Automobile accidents
