Cloverleaf Counseling Agency PLLC
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — EMDR — is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works by helping your brain reprocess stuck memories so they lose their emotional charge. Many clients find that EMDR creates meaningful change more quickly than they expected.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — while you briefly focus on a distressing memory. This process mimics what happens naturally during REM sleep and allows the brain to reprocess the memory in a way that reduces its intensity. The memory doesn't disappear, but it stops feeling so raw and overwhelming. EMDR is recognized by the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for trauma.
What EMDR can help with
EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, but research has expanded its use to a wide range of concerns: anxiety and panic, childhood trauma, grief and loss, low self-worth, phobias, and the lingering effects of difficult relationships. If you find yourself reacting to present situations with an intensity that feels out of proportion — or if certain memories keep surfacing even when you don't want them to — EMDR may be a good fit.
My EMDR training
I completed EMDR Basic Training, with Lizy Wiggins at EMDR Restorative Consulting, which provides the foundational skills and supervised practice required to deliver EMDR therapy. This training follows the protocol developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro and covers all eight phases of EMDR treatment — from history-taking and preparation through active reprocessing and closure. I integrate EMDR with my broader training in ACT and trauma-focused approaches to offer care that fits each person's needs.
What to expect in EMDR sessions
EMDR follows eight structured phases. We begin by building a clear picture of your history and identifying the memories or experiences you want to address. Before any reprocessing begins, we spend time developing coping tools so you feel grounded and safe. The active reprocessing phase uses bilateral stimulation while you hold a target memory in mind — most clients describe this as less intense than they feared. Sessions typically run 50 minutes, and we always close with stabilization so you leave feeling settled.
Common questions about EMDR
- Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
- No. One of the things clients appreciate most about EMDR is that you don't have to narrate every detail of what happened. You hold the memory in mind while we work — but you don't have to describe it extensively. This makes EMDR accessible for people who find it difficult to talk about painful experiences.
- How many EMDR sessions will I need?
- It depends on what you're working on. Some people notice significant shifts in just a few sessions focused on a single event. Others with more complex trauma histories work over a longer period. We'll assess together as we go and adjust the pace to what feels right for you.
- How do I get started?
- We'll begin with a free consultation to get to know each other and make sure we are a good fit. From there, we will explore what you are working on and what approaches may serve you best — EMDR is one of the options we may explore together as part of your therapy journey.
Ready to start healing?
You don't have to keep carrying what happened to you. EMDR can help your brain do what it was always trying to do — process, integrate, and move forward.