EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a type of therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories and experiences that may still feel emotionally overwhelming.
When difficult experiences happen, the brain does not always fully process them. As a result, memories can feel “stuck,” and they may continue to trigger strong emotions, anxiety, or negative beliefs about yourself long after the event has passed.
EMDR therapy helps the brain return to these memories in a safe and supported way so they can be processed more fully. As this happens, the memory often begins to feel less emotionally intense, allowing you to remember the experience without feeling overwhelmed by it.
In EMDR therapy, we gently revisit distressing memories while using a technique called bilateral stimulation. This may involve guided eye movements, alternating tapping, or tones that move from one side to the other.
While focusing on the memory, the bilateral stimulation helps the brain process the experience in a different way. Many clients notice that their thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations begin to shift during the process.
Over time, the memory often becomes less intense or triggering. Instead of feeling stuck in the past, people are able to remember the experience with more clarity and less emotional distress.
The process happens gradually and at a pace that feels manageable within a supportive therapeutic relationship.
EMDR therapy is often used to help people work through experiences or patterns that feel difficult to move past.
It can be helpful for concerns such as:
Trauma and distressing past experiences
Childhood trauma
Anxiety and chronic worry
Panic or overwhelming emotional reactions
Negative beliefs about yourself (such as feeling not good enough)
Distressing memories that feel “stuck” or continue to affect your life
Emotional patterns that developed after difficult experiences
Many people seek EMDR when they feel like they understand their struggles intellectually but still feel emotionally affected by the past.
Early relationships play a powerful role in shaping how we see ourselves and how safe we feel in the world.
Experiences such as emotional neglect, inconsistent caregiving, criticism, or difficult family dynamics can leave lasting emotional patterns. These experiences may influence how you respond to stress, trust others, or view your own needs.
EMDR can help process memories connected to these early experiences. As those memories are processed, many people notice shifts in how they feel about themselves and their relationships.
Rather than feeling controlled by past experiences, therapy can help you develop a greater sense of stability, self-understanding, and emotional freedom.
EMDR therapy follows a structured process designed to help you feel prepared and supported.
In the early stages of therapy, we focus on:
Understanding your goals for therapy
Learning grounding and emotional regulation skills
Identifying memories or experiences that may be contributing to current difficulties
When you feel ready, we begin the reprocessing phase, where we work with specific memories using bilateral stimulation.
Throughout the process, you remain aware of the present moment and in control of the pace of therapy. Many clients find that EMDR allows them to process experiences more deeply than talk therapy alone.
I provide online EMDR therapy for adults across Georgia through secure telehealth sessions.
EMDR can be effectively adapted for online therapy using methods such as guided eye movements, tapping, or other forms of bilateral stimulation that work well in a virtual setting.
Online sessions allow you to access therapy from the comfort of your own space while still engaging in the full EMDR process.
I work with clients throughout Georgia, including areas such as Atlanta, Macon, Savannah, Augusta, and Athens, as well as other cities and communities across the state.
Online therapy provides a flexible way to receive trauma treatment without needing to travel to an office.