EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. A proven, evidence-based approach to healing trauma, anxiety, depression, and more.
What Is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps your brain process traumatic and distressing memories in a way that traditional talk therapy often cannot. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR has since become one of the most extensively researched and widely recommended treatments for trauma and PTSD worldwide.
EMDR works by activating your brain’s natural information processing system through bilateral stimulation,alternating sensory input delivered through a light bar, tactile pulsers held in each hand, and audio tones through headphones. This dual attention allows your brain to reprocess “stuck” memories, reducing their emotional charge and helping you form healthier, more adaptive beliefs about yourself and the world.
Unlike traditional therapy, EMDR does not require you to talk in detail about the traumatic event or complete homework assignments between sessions. Many clients describe the experience as the memory losing its emotional weight,the facts remain, but the pain, shame, and fear gradually fade.
, Dr. Francine Shapiro, Creator of EMDR
Modern EMDR Equipment
We use the latest professional-grade EMDR technology to deliver precise, comfortable bilateral stimulation during every session.
Light Bar
A professional LED light bar guides your eye movements with smooth, adjustable tracking patterns. The speed, brightness, and range are customized to your comfort level for optimal bilateral stimulation.
Tactile Pulsers
Wireless handheld pulsers deliver gentle alternating vibrations to each hand, providing tactile bilateral stimulation. These work alongside or as an alternative to eye movements for deeper processing.
Bilateral Audio
Over-ear headphones deliver alternating tones that move from ear to ear, adding an auditory layer of bilateral stimulation. This multi-sensory approach enhances the brain’s reprocessing capacity.
The Science Behind EMDR
When you experience a traumatic event, your brain’s information processing system can become overwhelmed. The memory gets stored in an unprocessed, fragmented state,along with the original emotions, physical sensations, and negative beliefs. This is why a trauma survivor can be triggered years later and feel as though the event is happening all over again.
EMDR activates the brain’s natural healing mechanism through bilateral stimulation, similar to what occurs during REM sleep. Functional MRI studies have shown that EMDR reduces hyperactivity in the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) and normalizes function in the hippocampus (responsible for memory storage and context). The result is that traumatic memories are reprocessed and integrated into your broader memory network, losing their emotional intensity.
Single-Trauma Recovery
Of single-trauma victims no longer meet PTSD diagnostic criteria after just 3 sessions of 90 minutes each.
Multiple-Trauma Recovery
Of individuals with complex, multiple-trauma histories no longer meet PTSD criteria after 6 sessions of EMDR therapy.
Veteran Dropout Rate
Dropout rate in veteran-focused EMDR studies, compared to 25%+ for other trauma therapies. Veterans complete treatment.
Strongest Recommendation
The VA National Center for PTSD states EMDR has the “strongest recommendation” as an effective treatment for PTSD.
What Can EMDR Treat?
While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, decades of research have demonstrated its effectiveness for a wide range of conditions rooted in unprocessed experiences.
The 8 Phases of EMDR
EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase protocol designed to ensure safety, thorough processing, and lasting results.
Understanding Your Story
We begin by gathering a thorough history of your experiences, identifying the specific memories, triggers, and negative beliefs that are contributing to your current difficulties. Together, we create a targeted treatment plan.
Building Safety & Resources
Before any processing begins, I ensure you have the coping skills and internal resources needed to manage emotional distress. We practice grounding techniques, safe-place visualization, and relaxation strategies so you feel fully prepared.
Activating the Target Memory
We identify the specific memory to process, along with the image, negative belief, emotions, and body sensations associated with it. We also identify the positive belief you want to hold about yourself after processing.
Processing with Bilateral Stimulation
This is the core of EMDR. While focusing on the target memory, you follow the light bar with your eyes, hold the tactile pulsers, and listen to bilateral audio tones. The bilateral stimulation helps your brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity. Sets of stimulation continue until the distress level drops significantly.
Strengthening Positive Beliefs
Once the distress is resolved, we strengthen the positive belief you identified earlier. Bilateral stimulation is used to “install” this new, adaptive belief so it feels true and natural when you think about the original memory.
Releasing Physical Tension
Trauma is stored in the body as well as the mind. We scan for any remaining physical tension or discomfort related to the memory and use bilateral stimulation to process it until your body feels clear and at ease.
Returning to Equilibrium
Each session ends with stabilization techniques to ensure you leave feeling grounded and safe, regardless of whether the memory has been fully processed. I provide guidance on what to expect between sessions.
Checking Progress
At the start of each new session, we review the progress from previous processing. We check whether the target memory still causes distress and determine whether additional processing is needed or if we can move to the next target.
What the Latest Research Says
EMDR is one of the most extensively studied psychotherapies in the world, with over 30 randomized controlled trials supporting its effectiveness.
Wright et al. (2024)
A comprehensive meta-analysis found EMDR equally effective as Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy across randomized controlled trials for PTSD.
Every-Palmer et al. (2024)
Demonstrated EMDR’s safety and efficacy for patients with PTSD and co-occurring psychotic disorders,a population traditionally excluded from trauma studies.
Fairbanks et al. (2025)
Confirmed EMDR’s effectiveness for veterans across both in-person and telehealth formats, with strong effect sizes for PTSD (d=0.76) and depression (d=0.56).
PTSD Diagnosis Remission
A 2025 study found that 65% to 86% of participants lost their PTSD diagnosis after receiving evidence-based psychotherapies including EMDR.
Recognized Worldwide
EMDR is recommended as a first-line treatment for trauma and PTSD by the world’s leading health organizations.
World Health Organization
The WHO recommends EMDR as one of only two therapies for PTSD in children, adolescents, and adults in its clinical guidelines.
American Psychological Association
The APA includes EMDR in its list of recommended trauma-focused therapies, recognizing its strong evidence base for treating PTSD.
VA & Department of Defense
The VA/DoD places EMDR on the same tier as Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy in their 2023 clinical practice guidelines.
, National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (2026)
Why Choose EMDR with Heleen?
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and experienced trauma therapist, I bring deep clinical expertise to every EMDR session. My approach goes beyond standard EMDR protocol,I integrate IFS (Internal Family Systems), mindfulness, resourcing, and imagery rescripting to create a comprehensive, personalized treatment experience.
I use modern, professional-grade EMDR equipment including a light bar, wireless tactile pulsers, and bilateral audio headphones to deliver precise, comfortable bilateral stimulation. This technology-enhanced approach allows for a more immersive and effective processing experience compared to traditional hand-guided eye movements.
I have years of experience working with veterans, first responders, survivors of sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, and domestic violence who struggle with PTSD and complex PTSD, as well as people with debilitating phobias such as fear of flying. Whether your trauma is recent or something you’ve carried for decades, EMDR can help you find relief.
Licensed Trauma Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in PTSD, complex PTSD, and phobias with years of experience treating veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors.
Modern Equipment
Professional-grade light bar, wireless tactile pulsers, and bilateral audio headphones for precise, comfortable, and effective bilateral stimulation.
Integrative Approach
EMDR enhanced with IFS, mindfulness, resourcing, and imagery rescripting for a comprehensive, whole-person treatment experience.
Begin Your Healing Journey
You don’t have to keep living with the weight of unprocessed trauma. EMDR can help you find relief, clarity, and freedom. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
Schedule a Consultation Call 503-395-5522References
- Shapiro, F. (2014). The Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Medicine: Addressing the Psychological and Physical Symptoms Stemming from Adverse Life Experiences. The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71–77.
- Wright, L. A., et al. (2024). EMDR v. other psychological therapies for PTSD: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, Cambridge University Press.
- Every-Palmer, S., et al. (2024). EMDR for PTSD with co-occurring psychotic disorders. Published in peer-reviewed clinical journal.
- Fairbanks, J., et al. (2025). Multisite retrospective review of EMDR therapy delivery to veterans via telehealth versus in person. VA National Center for PTSD.
- Seok, J. W. (2024). The Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Treating Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PubMed.
- Simpson, E., et al. (2025). Clinical and cost-effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for treatment and prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder in adults. British Journal of Psychology.
- van der Kolk, B. A., et al. (2007). A randomized clinical trial of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), fluoxetine, and pill placebo in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(1), 37–46.
- Carlson, J. G., et al. (1998). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 11(1), 3–24.
- World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. Geneva: WHO.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (2026). EMDR Therapy for PTSD: Clinician’s Guide.
- American Psychological Association. (2017). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSD.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. EMDR therapy should be provided by a trained, licensed mental health professional. Individual results may vary. If you are in crisis, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.