What it is
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps the brain reprocess memories and experiences that stay "stuck." Using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tapping, it helps those experiences lose their emotional charge. You don't have to retell every detail for it to work. EMDR is recommended by the World Health Organization for PTSD (2013 guidelines).
Who it's for
- High achievers who can explain their patterns perfectly and still can't change them
- People with trauma, of any kind, that still shows up in the body
- Anyone dealing with anxiety, performance pressure, imposter feelings, or a harsh inner critic
- Adults who've tried talk therapy and felt like they hit a ceiling
Benefits
- Reduces the emotional intensity of distressing memories
- Calms reactions that feel bigger than the situation
- Shifts core beliefs like "I'm only valuable when I perform"
- Often moves faster than talk therapy alone
- Less pressure to talk through every detail
EMDR for kids and teens
When something scary or painful happens, kids don't always have the words to process it. The memory can get "stuck," showing up as nightmares, big fears, meltdowns, or a child who just isn't themselves anymore. EMDR helps the brain process those experiences so they stop running the show.
What it looks like with kids. EMDR is adapted to your child's age and attention span. Sessions use shorter sets, tapping, "butterfly hugs," drawings, and stories, so it feels more like play than talking. Your child doesn't have to describe every detail for it to work.
It may help kids and teens who have experienced:
- A frightening event, like an accident, a storm, or a medical procedure
- The loss of a loved one, including a loss to violence
- Exposure to violence at school, in the neighborhood, or at home
- Bullying or a painful social experience
- Divorce or a sudden family change
- Ongoing fears, nightmares, or anxiety that seem bigger than the moment
What parents often notice: better sleep, fewer meltdowns, less fear and avoidance, and a child who feels more like themselves again.
We always start by building safety and trust, and parents are part of the process from the first session.