What is EMDR, and how does it work?

EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is one of the most well-researched trauma treatments available. It's recommended by the WHO, the American Psychological Association, and the VA for the treatment of PTSD and trauma.

The core idea is that traumatic memories sometimes get stuck in the nervous system in a way that keeps them feeling present rather than past. Ordinary talk therapy can help you understand what happened, but EMDR works at the level where the memory is actually stored — helping the brain reprocess it so it loses its charge.

Most people describe the shift after EMDR as the memory becoming something that happened to them rather than something that's still happening. The facts don't change — but the grip does.

What EMDR can help with.

• Single-incident trauma — accidents, assaults, medical events, sudden loss.

• Complex or developmental trauma — ongoing difficult experiences in childhood or relationships that shaped how you see yourself and the world.

• PTSD and intrusive symptoms — flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness.

• Trauma that's affecting your relationships, work, or sense of who you are — even if you can't directly connect it to a specific event.

• Stuck patterns or beliefs that haven't moved with traditional talk therapy alone.

How I use EMDR.

I'm a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (CCTS-I) with specific training in EMDR. I integrate it within a broader depth-oriented approach — meaning EMDR isn't the only tool, and we don't rush into it. We build a solid working relationship and therapeutic foundation first, which makes the processing work safer and more effective.

The extended format of my therapy intensives is particularly well-suited to EMDR work — uninterrupted processing time allows us to go further in two days than would be possible across weeks of 50-minute sessions. If you're curious about that option, you can read more about intensives here.

I work primarily with men, though I see others when there's a strong clinical fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to talk about what happened in detail?

No. EMDR doesn't require you to narrate the trauma in detail the way traditional talk therapy might. You hold the memory in mind while we do the processing — but you don't have to walk me through every part of it.

How many sessions does EMDR take?

It varies significantly depending on the complexity of what you're working through. Single-incident trauma can sometimes shift meaningfully in a handful of sessions. Complex or developmental trauma typically takes longer. We'll have a clearer picture after the initial assessment.

Is EMDR only for PTSD?

No — while it's most well-known as a PTSD treatment, EMDR is also used effectively for grief, anxiety, phobias, and deeply stuck negative beliefs about yourself that haven't responded to other approaches.

Is it available online?

Yes. I offer EMDR via telehealth throughout Colorado using a bilateral stimulation tool designed for online sessions. In-person is generally preferable for trauma work, but online is a legitimate and effective option.

Details

Session rate

$135 / 50 minutes

Payment

Private pay · HSA/FSA accepted

Insurance

Out-of-network · superbills provided

Location

Denver · Arvada · Online (CO)

Credential

CCTS-I · EMDR trained

Sometimes trauma can be a major stressor in the important relationships in your life. Click here to learn more about trying couples therapy.

I offer a free 20-minute consultation for individuals interested in processing their trauma. No commitment, just an honest conversation about where things are and whether I can help.