Virtual EMDR

Healing Wounds One Memory at a Time


Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, integrative therapy that helps your brain and nervous system heal from the inside out. EMDR is an experiential form of therapy that addresses and significantly reduces or eliminates stress and the impact of trauma. It can also aid in more adaptive grieving.

EMDR changes the brain in a short period of time. EMDR accesses and reprocesses memory networks associated high emotional activation. Something that happened in the past will actually feel as if it is in the past (instead of the present), allowing you to become more centered and at peace in your daily life.

Originally developed by Francine Shapiro, EMDR is now recognized worldwide as one of the most effective treatments for trauma and distress-related conditions. Today, it is also used as a powerful tool for personal growth, deconstruction, and spiritual transformation.

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What Is EMDR?

EMDR is a structured psychotherapy approach that helps the brain reprocess painful memories, limiting beliefs, and unresolved experiences.

When overwhelming events are not fully processed, they can remain “stuck” in the nervous system. This can lead to:

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Depression and hopelessness

  • Chronic stress and illness

  • Emotional reactivity

  • Negative core beliefs (like “I’m not safe” or “I’m not enough”)

Through guided bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones), EMDR helps your brain integrate these experiences so they no longer carry the same emotional charge.

The goal isn’t to erase memories but rather to transform your relationship to them.

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Why Choose EMDR as a Holistic Therapy?

EMDR is holistic because it addresses:

  • The nervous system

  • Emotional memory

  • Core beliefs

  • Somatic responses

  • Identity development

  • Existential and spiritual meaning

It honors the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

Rather than simply coping, EMDR helps you integrate, transform, and grow.

Why choose online EMDR?

Choosing online EMDR therapy over in-person sessions has several advantages. You can attend sessions from a familiar, private space. This can be especially helpful if you have a busy schedule, chronic illness, need childcare to go to therapy, or if mobility is a concern.

Some additional benefits could include:

~ No stressful commute

~ Fewer distractions than a busy office setting

~ You can join your session from the safety and privacy of your own environment

~ You have access to the things that bring you comfort, including blankets, pets, favorite scents, candles, etc.

~ Weather issues won’t keep you from therapy

EMDR may significantly improve mental health outcomes for those receiving online psychotherapy. And it is just as effective when done remotely as it is when done face-to-face, according to current research.

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EMDR for Trauma & PTSD

EMDR is one of the most researched treatments for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

It can help with childhood trauma, complex trauma (C-PTSD), medical trauma, abuse, assault, attachment wounds, and acute traumatic events

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works directly with the nervous system to reduce emotional intensity and rewire trauma-based responses. Benefits of EMDR for trauma include:

reduced flashbacks and triggers,

improved emotional regulation,

increased sense of safety, and

deeper self-compassion.

A woman, engaged in virtual EMDR, IADC protocol, sitting on a couch with a laptop in front of her. She is wearing headphones and touching the arm of a the spirit of her deceased partner who is smiling at her.

EMDR for Grief & Loss

Grief can feel overwhelming, especially when complicated by trauma, guilt, regret, or unresolved conflict.

EMDR supports:

  • Processing traumatic aspects of loss

  • Reducing intrusive memories

  • Healing complicated or prolonged grief

  • Releasing “what if” or self-blaming thoughts

Grief doesn’t disappear. It becomes integrated into your life. Some ways that EMDR can help with grief are:

~ Reduced anxiety (grief is often accompanied by intense emotions and body sensations of worry, anxiety, and fear). In A Grief Observed, CS Lewis wrote, “No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear... The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness…” EMDR can help reduce anxiety and/or panic following a significant loss.

~ A deeper connection to the memories, thoughts, feelings, and experiences that you share with your deceased loved one. In fact, specific grief EMDR protocols - like IADC - are designed to foster deeper connection.

~ Increased resilience and more adaptive coping (even as the waves of grief continue).

~ Integration of the loss by honoring and acknowledging our capacity to love deeply.

A woman, demonstrating bilateral stimulation in an EMDR session, with curly hair hugging herself while sitting in front of a laptop in a cozy, well-lit room with plants and decorative items.

EMDR for Anxiety

Anxiety often stems from past experiences that taught the nervous system the world is unsafe.

EMDR can help:

  • Reduce panic attacks

  • Decreasing reactivity

  • Calm hypervigilance

  • Release fear-based conditioning

By targeting the root memories fueling anxiety, EMDR creates lasting relief rather than temporary symptom management.

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EMDR for Depression

Depression is frequently connected to unresolved trauma, attachment wounds, or deeply ingrained negative beliefs.

EMDR therapy helps:

  • Identify and reprocess formative experiences

  • Shift core beliefs like “I’m powerless” or “I don’t matter”

  • Reduce emotional numbness

  • Restore motivation and hope

When past wounds are integrated, energy and vitality often return naturally.

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EMDR for Deconstruction & Identity Shifts

Navigating religious deconstruction or major worldview changes can be emotionally intense.

EMDR provides support for:

  • Processing trauma

  • Releasing shame and fear-based beliefs

  • Rebuilding identity

  • Integrating evolving beliefs

Rather than rejecting your past, EMDR helps you integrate it while reclaiming personal autonomy and authenticity.

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EMDR & Awakening

Many clients experience EMDR as both psychological healing and expansion.

As trauma resolves, people often report:

  • Greater presence and embodiment

  • Increased compassion

  • Enhanced intuition

  • Deeper connection to self and others

  • Alignment with personal truth

Healing trauma creates space for awakening, not by bypassing pain, but by transforming it.

EMDR Sessions

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  • All EMDR sessions are offered via telehealth (online).

    Sessions length and cost will vary.

    • Some sessions will be 50 minutes or less.

    • However, we may need up to 90 minutes when we desensitize and reprocess a specific memory.

    • Internet. You will need a good, stable internet connection. We will talk more about what to do when there is an interruption in service before you begin.

    • A Bigger Screen. You will need a bigger screen - desktops and laptops work well for visual bilateral stimulation. Some clients prefer to use big screen televisions. Phones are challenging. The screen just isn’t big enough. And, I need to see more than your shoulders and head during desensitization and reprocessing of a target memory.

    • Wired Headphones. Wireless headphones do not always sync up well with visual input.

    • Tappers (Optional). You can order a pair of tappers for your personal use. They will need to be wired to your laptop or desktop. Click here for more information.

  • It is important that you treat our sessions like an in-person appointment. Ensure that you choose an area that is private and free of distractions. One way to ensure privacy is by using earbuds or headphones with a built-in microphone.

  • EMDR therapy has 8 phases. You will need to attend multiple sessions.

    EMDR can produce results more rapidly than other forms of therapy; however, it is important to remember that every client has different needs.

    Phases 1 - 2: Phases one and two look like traditional talk therapy and generally last 50 minutes per session.

    • Phase 1. History Taking. I will get to know you and better understand your experiences.

    • Phase 2. Resourcing. Together, we will find strategies, coping skills, and resources to help you manage your symptoms.

    The amount of time that we spend in the first two phases will depend on your situation and history. For some clients, we may only need a few sessions in Phase 1 and 2. More complex situations may require longer.

    Phases 3 - 7. Desensitization and Reprocessing. We will work together to identify a memory for desensitization and reprocessing. While bringing that memory to mind, I will introduce bilateral stimulation (BLS). BLS is a rhythmic alternating stimulation that involves both brain hemispheres. We can experiment to see what works best for you. Some choices include tapping, eye movements, and sound.

    We will, most likely, progress through phases 3-7 in one single session per memory. However, it may be necessary to spend two or more sessions on a memory. Again, it depends on your individual need and circumstances. These sessions tend to run longer than the traditional 50 minute talk therapy session. I schedule 90 minutes for reprocessing and desensitization of a target memory.

    Phase 8. Reevaluation. This is simply a check-in to process any new insights and track improvement of symptoms. I usually check-in at the start of every session. So, you will be well acquainted with me asking about any new insights or changes.

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Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR therapy may be a good fit if you:

  • Feel stuck in repetitive emotional patterns

  • Experience anxiety, panic, or depression

  • Are carrying unresolved grief

  • Have experienced trauma (big or small)

  • Are deconstructing beliefs | identity

  • Desire deeper personal or spiritual growth

Healing is not about becoming someone new. It is about becoming fully yourself.

An Introduction to EMDR

Discover new possibilities for growth and healing.

You deserve support that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms.

EMDR offers a path toward integration, resilience, and authentic transformation.

Start here.