EMDR Therapy
I am in the process of becoming a certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist and am currently training to offer this service to both adults and children. EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from trauma, distressing life experiences, anxiety, and more. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require clients to talk in detail about their experiences. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation — such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds — to help the brain reprocess memories and restore a sense of calm and resilience.
How EMDR Helps
EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess painful memories that may be "stuck," allowing them to be stored in a healthier, more adaptive way. It can reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories, ease symptoms like anxiety and depression, and support long-term healing. EMDR is often helpful for people who feel like they understand their challenges intellectually but still feel "stuck" emotionally.
How EMDR Differs From Talk Therapy
While traditional talk therapy often focuses on exploring feelings, gaining insight, and developing coping strategies, EMDR targets the way memories and experiences are stored in the brain. Rather than spending extended time talking through memories, EMDR allows healing to happen through focused attention and bilateral stimulation. Many clients find that EMDR offers a more direct path to healing, especially for trauma and longstanding patterns that have been hard to shift through talk therapy alone.
EMDR for Children
Children can benefit greatly from EMDR. With the right adaptations for their developmental level, EMDR helps children process difficult experiences without needing to find all the words to explain what happened. It can be especially effective for children struggling with anxiety, nightmares, traumatic memories, behavioral challenges, or emotional regulation. Through creative and play-based approaches combined with bilateral stimulation, children are supported in reprocessing experiences in a way that helps them feel safer, stronger, and more confident.
About My Training
I am completing my EMDR training under the supervision of Viviana Trainor, LCSW-S, an EMDR Certified Therapist, Approved Consultant, and Trainer with the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Viviana specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, ongoing traumatic stress, life transitions, vicarious trauma, racial trauma, relationship challenges, and self-esteem work. I am excited to bring this highly effective modality to my practice to better support both adults and children in their healing journeys.
Interested in Learning More?
If you're curious about how EMDR might support you or your child, I would be happy to connect. Please reach out to schedule a complimentary phone consultation where we can explore your needs and whether EMDR could be a good fit for you.