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EMDR Therapy

Find Relief. Reprocess trauma. Reclaim your life.

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Trauma changes how your mind and body experience the world — leaving you stuck in fear, shame, hypervigilance, or emotional overwhelm. At Health Allies Counseling, our EMDR-trained therapists help adults gently and effectively process trauma so you can feel safe, grounded, and whole again.

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How will EMDR help me?

1

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps your brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer trigger overwhelming emotional or physical responses.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works directly with the brain’s natural healing systems. Through bilateral stimulation — such as eye movements, tapping, or sound tones — your therapist guides you through a structured process that reduces the distress associated with traumatic memories.

2

What can I
use EMDR for?

EMDR is particularly effective for:
 

  • PTSD

  • Childhood trauma and attachment wounds

  • Sexual trauma

  • Medical trauma

  • Emotional abuse and neglect

  • Car accidents and natural disasters

  • Complex trauma

  • Anxiety and panic connected to past experiences

  • Relationship trauma
     

You don’t have to relive or retell every detail of what happened. EMDR helps your brain file traumatic experiences into long-term memory — where they belong — instead of reliving them in the present.

3

Is EMDR right for you?

EMDR may be a good fit if you are:
 

  • Stuck in patterns you can’t change

  • Easily overwhelmed or triggered

  • Feeling disconnected from your body

  • Struggling with anxiety, anger, or shame

  • Experiencing traumatic memories that feel “frozen”

  • Ready to move beyond coping and into true healing
     

We also specialize in EMDR for individuals who dissociate or have complex histories — including those with C-PTSD.

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during EMDR?

During EMDR, your therapist guides you to focus on a specific memory while using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or alternating tones). This helps your brain process the memory so it becomes less distressing and more integrated.
 

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

No. One of the benefits of EMDR is that you do not need to describe every detail of what happened. Your therapist will support you in focusing on the memory, emotions, and body sensations without requiring a long narrative.
 

How long does EMDR therapy take?

It varies by person. Some people experience relief in a few sessions; others with more complex trauma may benefit from longer-term EMDR work. Your therapist will help set realistic expectations based on your needs, history, and goals.

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Is EMDR safe if I have complex trauma, C-PTSD, or dissociation?

Yes — when done with a trained EMDR therapist who understands pacing. At our practice, we move slowly, build stabilization skills first, and use grounding tools to ensure you stay within your window of tolerance.

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Will I feel worse before I feel better?

Sometimes you might feel temporarily worse. Trauma memories can become more accessible during the reprocessing phase. Your therapist will guide you through grounding strategies, check in frequently, and adjust the pace to keep you safe and supported.
 

How does EMDR compare to talk therapy?

Talk therapy helps you understand and reflect on your experiences.
EMDR helps your brain reprocess the trauma so it no longer triggers intense emotional responses. Many people benefit from a combination of both.

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Can EMDR work if I don’t remember everything that happened?

Yes. EMDR can target body sensations, emotions, or present-day triggers even if the memory is fuzzy or incomplete. The goal is to process the stored disturbance — not necessarily the narrative.

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​Can EMDR be done online or only in person?

EMDR is effective both in person and via telehealth. Many clients do successful EMDR virtually using a combination of eye movements and tapping.

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How do I know EMDR is working?

Common signs include:

  • Decreased emotional intensity around the memory

  • Fewer or less intense triggers

  • A shift to healthier core beliefs (“I’m safe,” “It wasn’t my fault”)

  • More calm or neutrality around previously painful experiences

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Begin your healing with EMDR therapy

You deserve relief from the trauma you’ve been carrying.
EMDR can help you reconnect with the calm,
empowered version of yourself that
trauma has buried — but not erased.
 

 Learn more about our EMDR therapists

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