How EMDR Works

When something traumatic happens, your brain sometimes struggles to fully process the event. It can feel “stuck,” leaving you with memories, body sensations, or emotions that continue to cause distress long after the experience.=

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, taps, or sounds) to activate the brain’s natural healing process. With the support of a trained therapist, you can reprocess these memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity and allows you to see them with new perspective.

What EMDR Can Help With

Research shows EMDR therapy can be effective for a wide range of challenges, including:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Childhood trauma

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Grief and loss

  • Phobias

  • Low self-esteem or negative self-beliefs

  • Recovery from narcissistic or emotionally abusive relationships

What to Expect

During EMDR, we’ll work together at a pace that feels safe for you. The process often involves:

  1. History & Preparation – Building trust, understanding your story, and equipping you with grounding tools.

  2. Targeting Memories – Identifying distressing memories, images, or beliefs to work on.

  3. Reprocessing with Bilateral Stimulation – Using eye movements, sounds, or taps while you briefly recall parts of the memory, allowing your brain to “unstick” and reframe it.

  4. Integration – Noticing shifts in how you feel, think, and respond to the memory and your present life.

You are always in control during EMDR. We’ll pause as needed, and your comfort and safety are the priority throughout.

Why I Use EMDR

As an EMDR-certified therapist in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this method can be for clients who feel stuck, weighed down by their past, or unable to move forward despite their best efforts. EMDR gives the brain a chance to complete its natural healing process—allowing you to carry your story without it carrying you.


More about EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-backed therapy that helps people heal from the emotional pain of difficult or traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to retell every detail of what happened. Instead, it helps your brain safely reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming in the present.