Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Traumatic experiences are not always stored in memory in the same way as ordinary life events. During periods of overwhelming stress, the brain's ability to fully process and integrate an experience can become disrupted. Rather than becoming part of a coherent narrative of the past, aspects of the experience—including thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and memories—may remain more easily reactivated by reminders in the present. This can contribute to symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, heightened vigilance, avoidance, emotional distress, or the feeling that the event is still happening long after the danger has passed.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-established, evidence-based psychotherapy originally developed to help individuals recover from traumatic experiences. Today, it is recognized by numerous professional organizations internationally as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is increasingly being used with a range of trauma-related concerns when clinically appropriate. Rather than asking people to repeatedly relive traumatic experiences, EMDR uses structured therapeutic protocols and bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess distressing memories so they become more integrated and less emotionally overwhelming.
 

From a trauma-informed perspective, I understand trauma as more than a single event. Trauma is also influenced by how our nervous system responded, the resources available to us at the time, our developmental stage, our relationships, and the broader contexts in which our experiences occurred. Many trauma responses—including hypervigilance, emotional numbing, avoidance, dissociation, or difficulty trusting others—can be understood as adaptive strategies that once helped protect us. Therapy is not about erasing these responses, but helping the nervous system recognize that it has more options than those it needed during periods of danger.

When working with trauma, I believe effective treatment begins with understanding the whole person rather than focusing exclusively on traumatic memories. Together, we first develop a collaborative understanding of your experiences, current strengths, goals, coping strategies, and the factors that may be maintaining distress. We also work to establish safety, build emotional regulation skills when needed, and ensure that therapy progresses at a pace that feels manageable and collaborative. This foundation helps support deeper trauma processing while respecting each person's unique needs and readiness.

My approach to trauma integrates current psychological research with a compassionate, non-pathologizing perspective. Rather than asking, "What's wrong with you?" I believe it is often more helpful to ask, "What has your nervous system learned through your experiences, and how can we help it move forward?" My goal is not simply symptom reduction, but helping clients develop a greater sense of safety, flexibility, self-understanding, and confidence in navigating their lives.
 

EMDR Waitlist

I am currently completing advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and plan to begin offering EMDR therapy once my training and consultation requirements have been completed.

If you are interested in working with me using EMDR in the future, I invite you to join my waitlist. You'll be among the first to be notified when appointments become available.

Interested in EMDR?

Join the EMDR Waitlist to receive updates on availability and future openings.