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Announcing my new modality... EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): What EMDR is and why I love it
Announcing:
As of July, 2026, I am now EMDR-trained. I completed the 20-hour basic training through EMDR Human Assistance Program, and the required 10 hours of consultation. I’ve been conducting EMDR with clients since winter of 2025.
What is EMDR and how does it work?
Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that was originally developed to treat trauma and PTSD and has since been studied and used for a range of other concerns.
When something overwhelming happens, the brain can struggle to fully process the experience. The memory may become stuck, carrying the original emotions, self-beliefs, and body sensations, continuing to affect emotional well-being, relationships, and everyday life. EMDR therapy helps clients reprocess distressing memories so that they can feel less emotionally overwhelming and no longer carry the same intensity or sense of threat.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to repeatedly describe a traumatic experience in detail. Instead, EMDR uses a structured therapeutic process that may include bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating tapping, while helping clients work with distressing memories, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations.
Why I love EMDR:
I’ve really come to love using EMDR with my clients—so much that I sought out EMDR for myself, as well. I continue to be struck by the shifts that can happen when the client is able to reprocess something that has felt stuck for a long time. One of the things I appreciate most about EMDR is the emphasis on readiness, safety, and preparation. EMDR isn’t simply about jumping into difficult memories. A significant part of the work involves assessing whether EMDR is appropriate for each individual client, building resources, and developing skills for emotional regulation and stability. It’s also about empowering the client to have control of the process, and to tailor the EMDR work to the client. Even though it is a protocol, it is meant to still be centered on the client, and where they are at. The therapeutic relationship and attunement is essential, as well as building trust and alliance.
I’ve also learned that EMDR can be useful beyond traditional PTSD treatment. For some clients, we can use EMDR to reprocess memories connected to problematic patterns, beliefs, or emotional responses that they feel stuck in. I have learned and used a substance abuse EMDR protocol which has expanded the ways I can incorporate this modality into my work.
While I still use traditional talk therapy, expressive arts therapy, somatics (the body), mindfulness, parts work, the therapeutic relationship, the subconsciousness, and looking at thought and behavior change, it’s been great to have another therapy tool in my therapy toolkit. I especially appreciate that EMDR can sometimes lead to sudden, noticeable shifts in how clients experience themselves, their memories, and the patterns they’ve been struggling with.
Here is an explanation of what EMDR is, from the organization that trained me:
Here is a helpful video describing EMDR:
Therapists: here is an important magazine on anti-racist therapy and EMDR and racial trauma:
If you are interested in EMDR with me, reach out to schedule a consultation to see if we’re a fit. I provide individual therapy in-person in Berkeley, and virtually across California.
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