​What the Modality is

EMDR is a therapy approach that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. It involves specific eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while focusing on difficult memories, helping the brain reprocess them in a healthier way.

How it Works in Therapy

In an EMDR session, you’ll work with your therapist to identify a negative belief (like “I’m not good enough”) and a memory that supports it. While focusing on that memory, your therapist will guide you through sets of eye movements or other rhythmic stimulation. After each set, you’ll be encouraged to notice any thoughts, feelings, or sensations that come up. Over time, the memory becomes less distressing, and your brain begins to associate it with more adaptive, empowering beliefs.

Why it's Helpful

EMDR is especially effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and negative self-beliefs. It helps reduce emotional distress, improve coping skills, and promote emotional healing by allowing the brain to “digest” and store painful experiences in a more balanced way.