Something happened. Maybe a long time ago, or maybe more recently. And even though part of you knows it's in the past, it doesn't always feel that way.
You might notice it as intrusive memories, a startle response that's hard to control, a sense of dread that doesn't match the situation. Or more quietly: a pattern that keeps repeating, a reaction that feels outsized, a part of your life that stays frozen while everything else moves forward.
EMDR was designed for exactly this. It's one of the most thoroughly researched therapies for trauma and PTSD, and in my experience it can produce shifts that years of talk therapy sometimes can't.
What EMDR Is
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. When we experience something overwhelming, the brain sometimes stores that memory differently than other memories. It stays fragmented, charged, easily triggered. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, typically side-to-side eye movements, though tapping and auditory cues can also be used, to engage the brain's natural processing system and help those memories integrate. The memory doesn't disappear, but it loses its charge. It becomes something that happened, rather than something that is still happening.
How I Work with EMDR
EMDR follows a structured protocol, but in my practice it doesn't feel clinical or rigid. Before any reprocessing work begins, we spend time building what's called resourcing: developing your internal sense of safety and stability. This foundation matters, especially for complex or developmental trauma. We move at your pace, and you're always in control of what we engage with.
I integrate EMDR with somatic psychology, which helps address the body's role in holding trauma, and with mindfulness practices that strengthen your capacity to stay present during processing. These approaches work together in ways that pure EMDR alone often can't achieve.
What EMDR Can Help With
EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, and the research there is strong. But its applications are much broader. I use EMDR to work with:
- Trauma from childhood or adult experiences
- PTSD and complex PTSD
- Anxiety rooted in past experiences
- Grief and loss
- Relationship patterns shaped by early attachment wounds
- Performance anxiety and phobias
- Chronic stress that hasn't responded to other approaches
What to Expect
Many people are surprised by how manageable EMDR feels. You're not asked to relive experiences in detail. You hold a memory lightly in mind while the bilateral stimulation does much of the work. Emotions may arise during processing, but clients often notice a significant reduction in distress even within a single session.
Sessions are 50 minutes. Some people do dedicated EMDR sessions; others integrate EMDR moments into broader therapy. We'll figure out what works best based on what you're working through and how your nervous system responds.
How These Approaches Work Together
EMDR
Reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer drive present-day distress
Somatic Psychology
Address how trauma is held in the body, not just in memory
Mindfulness Practices
Build the internal stability and presence needed for trauma processing
Questions About EMDR
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences. During EMDR, bilateral stimulation, typically side-to-side eye movements, is used while you briefly focus on a targeted memory. This appears to engage the brain's natural information processing, allowing traumatic memories to be integrated rather than staying stuck in a way that keeps triggering distress.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
It depends on what you're working through. Single-incident trauma may resolve in as few as 6-12 sessions. Complex or developmental trauma typically takes longer. EMDR often produces results faster than traditional talk therapy for trauma, though we build the foundation carefully before beginning any reprocessing work. We'll check in regularly so you always have a sense of where we are and where we're going.
Can EMDR help with anxiety, not just trauma?
Yes. If your anxiety is rooted in past experiences: a difficult childhood, overwhelming stress, specific events that left a mark. EMDR can help reprocess those memories so they stop fueling your present-day anxiety. It's particularly useful when insight and talk therapy alone haven't produced the shift you're looking for.
What does EMDR feel like?
Most people are surprised by how manageable it feels. You're not asked to relive experiences in graphic detail. You hold a memory lightly in mind while the bilateral stimulation does much of the work. Emotions may come up during processing, but you're always in control of the pace. Many people notice a significant reduction in distress after even a single reprocessing session.
How to Get Started
Getting started is simple. Here’s how the process works.
Schedule a Free Call
Book a free 15-minute phone consultation. We’ll talk about what you’re experiencing and whether EMDR feels like the right fit. No obligation.
Build the Foundation
Before any reprocessing work, we spend time building your internal resources and sense of safety. This isn’t a delay. It’s what makes the EMDR work.
Process and Integrate
We move into targeted reprocessing at a pace that feels right for you. Many people notice real shifts earlier than they expect.
What Clients Say
Aaron changed my life. He always had a way of calming me down. A master at breaking things down, he is truly the best of the best.
Peter F. · Portland, OR
Within 90 seconds of meeting Aaron, I knew there was an impalpable connection. He has this incredible way of making me answer my own questions. He really custom tailors each session in a natural way.
Kylie R. · Portland, OR