FAQs
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What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, childhood trauma, grief, and phobias. Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR is recognized as a gold standard for trauma therapy.
Learn more about EMDR from the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
EMDR helps you process distressing memories using bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or tapping—which activates both sides of the brain. This allows your brain to reprocess “stuck” traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and replacing negative beliefs with more positive, empowering ones.
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What is trauma-informed care, and why is it important in therapy?
Trauma-informed care recognizes the impact of trauma and prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment. In my practice, therapy is paced to avoid retraumatization and respects your boundaries—there’s no expectation to “spill your guts” or share every detail of your trauma.
Recounting trauma in detail can sometimes lead to retraumatization, increasing distress and worsening symptoms. Trauma-informed care focuses on building trust and emotional regulation skills before addressing difficult memories.Learn more about trauma-informed care at SAMHSA: Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services.
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How do you assess if I am ready for EMDR therapy?
Before starting EMDR, I conduct a thorough EMDR readiness assessment using several tools and an extended preparation phase. We will review an EMDR readiness checklist together, covering areas such as:
- Rapport and honest communication
- Commitment to safety and treatment
- Emotional regulation skills
- Completion of resourcing development and installation
- Use of imaginal resources (safe place, container, etc.)
- Adequate support system
- Medication stability (discuss benzodiazepines)
- No active substance abuse/addiction
- No reliance on self-harm
- No current suicidal thoughts
- No dissociative disorder diagnosis
- Completion and discussion of the Dissociative Experience Scale II (DES II)
- Legal case considerations
- Signed EMDR Informed Consent
We’ll discuss any questions or concerns you have before proceeding, ensuring EMDR is safe and appropriate for you. -
What is the extended preparation phase in EMDR therapy?
The extended preparation phase focuses on building rapport, developing emotional regulation skills, and strengthening imaginal resources. This phase may take several sessions and is designed to help you feel safe, supported, and ready for EMDR processing.
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What is Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), and how is it used in virtual EMDR therapy sessions?
Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) is a key part of EMDR therapy, involving rhythmic stimulation of both sides of the body or brain to help process distressing memories.
In my virtual EMDR sessions, I use several effective forms of BLS, including:- Screen-based eye movements: Following a moving object or light bar on your screen
- Self-tapping: Alternately tapping your shoulders, arms, or knees
- Audio BLS: Listening to alternating sounds via headphones or speakers
- Tactile BLS tools: Using EMDR buzzers or tappers at home, if available
We’ll choose the BLS method that works best for you.I use a HIPAA-compliant remote BLStool to provide visual BLS online called bilateralsimulation.io.
https://www.bilateralstimulation.io/help/bls-for-teletherapy#faq
We can also use Tactile Buzzers if you order a buzzer here:
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What are the risks and benefits of EMDR therapy?
Benefits:
- EMDR is effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, and phobias (EMDRIA: EMDR Therapy Research)
- Helps reprocess distressing memories, reducing emotional reactions
- Reduces intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and avoidance
- Restores emotional stability and confidence
- Does not require detailed retelling of trauma
- Many clients experience relief in 6–12 sessions
Risks:- Temporary increases in emotional sensitivity, vivid dreams, or fatigue
- Occasional surfacing of strong emotions or memories
- Not suitable for those with severe dissociation, active addiction, or unstable mental health
- Legal testimony may be affected if involved in a legal case
We’ll review all risks and benefits together before starting EMDR.Find more info at EMDRIA: EMDR Therapy FAQ.
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Can I stop EMDR therapy at any time? What happens if I don’t complete all the targeted memories?
Yes, you can pause or stop EMDR therapy at any moment—your comfort and autonomy are central to my trauma-informed approach. We will regularly check in on your readiness, and you are never obligated to continue if it doesn’t feel right.
It’s important to know that EMDR is most effective when we thoroughly address all the distressing memories and themes on your treatment list. If EMDR is stopped prematurely or only some targets are processed, you may experience partial relief, but unresolved symptoms could persist. Completing the full EMDR process helps ensure the most comprehensive and lasting results.
We’ll collaborate on a treatment plan and pace that works for you, and if you ever want to pause or stop, we’ll discuss stabilization strategies and next steps to support your ongoing healing.
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Is EMDR therapy right for me?
EMDR may be helpful if you feel overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, or stuck—even if you understand your patterns but haven’t been able to change them. Many clients who haven’t found relief with other therapies experience lasting transformation with EMDR.
Read more at EMDRIA: Who Can Benefit.
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What can I expect during an EMDR session?
Sessions follow a structured eight-phase process, identifying distressing memories and using bilateral stimulation to help your brain heal and reduce emotional intensity.
Discover the eight phases at EMDRIA: EMDR Therapy Process. -
Do I have to talk about everything that happened to me?
No. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to share every detail of your trauma. We focus on what your nervous system is holding and process memories in a way that feels safe and respects your boundaries.
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How long does EMDR therapy take?
The duration varies. Some clients see major improvements in 6–12 sessions, while others may need longer-term support. My approach is results-oriented, focused on meaningful change.
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Are there any side effects of EMDR therapy?
Some clients experience temporary increases in emotional sensitivity, vivid dreams, or fatigue after sessions. These side effects are usually mild and resolve quickly.
For more info, visit EMDRIA: EMDR Therapy FAQ. -
Can EMDR therapy be done online?
Yes, EMDR therapy can be adapted for online sessions using virtual bilateral stimulation techniques, such as screen-based eye movements or self-tapping. Online EMDR is convenient and effective for busy professionals.
See EMDRIA: Telehealth and EMDR Therapy for more details.
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Who should avoid EMDR therapy?
EMDR may not be suitable for individuals experiencing severe dissociation, uncontrolled psychosis, or those currently in acute crisis. A trained EMDR therapist will help determine if this therapy is appropriate for you.
Find a qualified EMDR therapist at EMDRIA: Find an EMDR Therapist.
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Can EMDR help with burnout, sleep issues, and chronic stress?
Absolutely. EMDR therapy is highly effective for burnout, chronic stress, and sleep problems. By helping your nervous system move out of survival mode, EMDR can improve energy, mood, resilience, and sleep quality. Many clients report fewer nightmares and better rest as unresolved trauma is processed.
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What if I’m worried therapy will make things worse?
It’s normal to worry about starting trauma therapy, especially if you’ve had to stay strong for others. My approach is collaborative and paced to prioritize your stability and safety, ensuring that therapy feels manageable and supportive.
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What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
If traditional therapy hasn’t helped, EMDR offers a body-based, neuroscience-informed approach that may work for you. Many clients who did not find relief with other methods experience profound results with EMDR.
Learn more at EMDRIA: EMDR Therapy Research.
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How do I get started with trauma-informed EMDR therapy?
Contact me to schedule a consultation. We’ll discuss your needs, review the EMDR readiness checklist together, and determine if EMDR therapy is the right fit for you.
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What’s the difference between burnout, depression, and anxiety?
Burnout, depression, and anxiety often overlap, especially for professionals and caregivers.
- Burnout results from chronic stress and shows up as emotional exhaustion, cynicism, numbness, irritability, and feeling disconnected.
- Depression involves ongoing sadness, hopelessness, low motivation, loss of pleasure, and changes in sleep or energy.
- Anxiety includes persistent worry, fear, panic, and a sense of being on edge.
Chronic burnout can strain your nervous system, leading to anxiety and depression. EMDR therapy focuses on healing your nervous system, so symptoms of burnout, anxiety, and depression often improve together.
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