What EMDR Therapy Is

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, research-supported psychotherapy approach designed to help the brain and nervous system process distressing or traumatic experiences that feel “stuck.”

When something overwhelming happens—whether a single traumatic event or repeated relational wounds—the brain sometimes stores the memory in a fragmented, emotionally charged way. Even years later, certain triggers can make it feel like the experience is happening all over again.

EMDR helps your brain do what it was originally designed to do: process, integrate, and resolve experience so it becomes part of your story—not something that continues to hijack your present.

At Forbes Individual & Family Therapy, EMDR is never used mechanically or in isolation. It is integrated within a depth-oriented, relational framework so that processing happens safely, thoughtfully, and sustainably.

What It Will Feel Like at Forbes Individual & Family Therapy

EMDR therapy here unfolds in phases. It is not immediate exposure or forced reliving.

  • A strong emphasis on preparation and stabilization

  • Collaborative goal setting and target selection

  • Clear explanation of each step in the process

  • A pace that respects your nervous system

  • Ongoing relational support from your therapist

You can expect:

During active processing, you will focus on aspects of a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (often guided eye movements or tapping). This dual attention allows the brain to reprocess the memory in a way that reduces its emotional intensity.

  • Memories becoming less vivid or charged

  • New insights emerging spontaneously

  • A shift from “I am unsafe” to “That happened, and I survived”

  • Emotional relief that feels embodied—not just intellectual

Clients often describe the experience as:

You remain in control throughout. You can pause at any time. EMDR is guided, structured, and attuned.

  • Single-incident trauma (accidents, assaults, medical trauma)

  • Childhood trauma or neglect

  • Complex or relational trauma

  • PTSD

  • Panic attacks linked to specific triggers

  • Phobias

  • Performance anxiety

  • Grief that feels stuck

  • Disturbing memories that feel “alive” in the present

  • Negative core beliefs (“I’m not good enough,” “I’m not safe,” “It was my fault”)

What EMDR Therapy Is Used to Treat

EMDR is particularly effective for experiences that continue to feel unresolved or intrusive, including:

Many clients come in saying:
“I know it’s in the past—but my body doesn’t.”

EMDR helps align the body, emotions, and cognition so they are no longer in conflict.

How EMDR Works (From a Depth-Oriented Lens)

From a psychodynamic perspective, unresolved trauma often organizes personality, attachment style, and relational expectations. We develop protective strategies—avoidance, hypervigilance, perfectionism, emotional shutdown—that once made sense.

EMDR helps process the original experiences that shaped those strategies.

When traumatic memories are integrated:

  • The nervous system calms

  • Defensive patterns soften

  • Emotional reactivity decreases

  • Self-concept shifts

  • Relationships feel less threatening

Rather than just teaching coping skills, EMDR addresses the roots of distress.

How Long EMDR Therapy Typically Lasts

The length of EMDR therapy varies depending on your history.

  • Preparation and stabilization may take several sessions

  • Single-incident trauma can sometimes be processed in a relatively focused time frame

  • Complex trauma or developmental wounds may require longer-term integration

Many clients engage in EMDR within ongoing weekly therapy for several months or longer. Weekly sessions are recommended for best outcomes.

We regularly reassess pacing together to ensure the process feels steady and contained.

Meet Our Specialists In EMDR Therapy

Get Started Today

Getting Started

If certain memories feel intrusive, overwhelming, or emotionally “unfinished,” EMDR may help you finally experience relief—not by avoiding the past, but by fully processing it.

You don’t have to carry it alone anymore.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation. Our intake coordinator will help determine whether EMDR is an appropriate fit and guide you toward the right clinician.

Book an appointment