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EMDR: An Effective Therapy to Heal From Trauma
EMDR, or Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured therapy that helps folks to heal from trauma, including sexual, religious, or childhood trauma. EMDR can also treat common mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. For many of those with trauma, talking about what happened can feel daunting. EMDR is a highly effective, well-researched therapy that does not require re-living the past. It utilizes the healing responses of the nervous system, so that you don't just think about painful experiences differently -- you will feel different in your body. That feeling is calm.
I offer EMDR therapy virtually or in person at my West End office in Winston-Salem. Online and in-person EMDR therapy are equally effective.
How can EMDR help me?
EMDR can't erase the past, but it can help you process trauma in a way that reduces its grip on your present life. Many people experience a reduction in symptoms like anxiety, depression, grief, and intrusive thoughts, along with a deeper sense of peace and self-acceptance. It allows you to heal in a way that feels empowering and affirming.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy differs from traditional talk therapy.
In EMDR therapy, we use guided eye movements or other gentle forms of stimulation (like tapping or sounds) to work through painful memories. These movements are a type of bilateral stimulation, which it has been shown to help re-process painful memories that can become "stuck" in our minds and bodies. These "stuck" memories become isolated, contributing to symptoms of PTSD (e.g. intrusive memories, nightmares, panic, spiraling when faced with triggers, and more). In EMDR, we gradually build new neural networks in the brain to heal from painful memories. This reduces their emotional impact and allows you to move forward.
Is EMDR intense? Will I have to relive my trauma?
While working with any traumatic memory can have moments of intensity, EMDR is designed to help you feel safe and in control throughout treatment. During an EMDR session, we will work together to determine a particular memory (or memories) that still causes you distress. You don’t have to relive the whole event or describe anything in graphic detail. Instead, you’ll focus on specific images, thoughts, and feelings around it while I guide you through the process. EMDR helps your brain process the memory in a way that makes it feel less emotionally charged. As you start feeling more in control, goals that may have felt impossible to achieve in therapy can become more realistic.
How long does EMDR take?
The length of EMDR treatment varies depending on your individual needs and the complexity of the trauma. Some people experience significant relief after just a few sessions, while others, especially those with multiple or early childhood traumas, may require more time. Typically, EMDR sessions last about 60-90 minutes, and I will work with you to determine the pace that feels right for you. Most people notice at least some reduction in their symptoms within 8-12 sessions.
Is EMDR safe for everyone?
EMDR is safe for most people, but it’s not always the best fit for every individual or problem. It’s most commonly used for trauma, but it can also be helpful for anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. I will help you assess whether EMDR is a good fit for your needs, and will make sure you’re fully prepared and supported throughout the process. The first several sessions we will build a foundation to keep you safe and grounded throughout treatment. If you have a complex trauma history or intense emotional distress, we will spend extra time on ensuring you have the tools you need for successful treatment and recovery from EMDR sessions. Regardless of the nature of your concerns, I always recommend clients doing EMDR take some time to themselves afterward, if at all possible.
EMDR for Sexual Trauma
Survivors of sexual trauma (such as sexual assault, rape, molestation, grooming, or incest) often carry deep feelings of shame and anxiety long after the event. It is not unusual for the perpetrator to be someone you knew and trusted, making it hard to talk to anybody you know about it. Perhaps it is a secret you have carried alone in your life. You may struggle with blaming yourself, or wonder why you didn't respond differently. Things can be different for you, and a healthier relationship with your sexuality and body is possible. EMDR can help process intense emotions connected to experiences of sexual violation, offering relief from flashbacks, body memories, and emotional overwhelm. Many survivors find that EMDR helps them feel safer, more grounded, and able to rebuild their sense of self-worth in the aftermath of traumatic violation.
Have you been hurt by your religious faith or community? Perhaps you have been shamed for your sexuality, treated as less-than because of your gender, or victimized by a church authority that you trusted. Religious trauma is often tied to feelings of guilt, fear, or a loss of who you are. EMDR can help process painful experiences and the conflicting emotions surrounding them. Over time, this can lead to greater clarity, self-compassion, and the ability to reclaim your beliefs or build new ones on your own terms.
EMDR for Religious Trauma
EMDR for Childhood Trauma
Early childhood trauma can shape how we see ourselves and the world. Childhood trauma refers to deeply distressing experiences during childhood, usually by a parent or caregiver. Emotional neglect, rejection by a parent, abandonment, intense criticism, physical abuse, verbal abuse, witnessing violence at home, or experiencing the death of a parent can all leave lasting emotional scars that follow individuals into adulthood. A child who grew up in a home where they didn’t feel safe might struggle with anxiety, trust issues, or difficulty forming healthy relationships as an adult. Similarly, someone who experienced emotional neglect may develop low self-esteem or have trouble regulating their emotions. Childhood trauma can lead to patterns of anxiety, avoidance, or self-criticism. Healing from childhood trauma is possible, and therapy can help break these patterns. By working through how the past affects us, we can achieve greater self-understanding, resilience, and emotional freedom. Many people find that EMDR helps them let go of old patterns, allowing them to feel more secure, connected, and ready to go about building healthy relationships for the first time.