EMDR Therapy
A thoughtful, evidence-based approach to helping your brain process difficult experiences so they no longer feel as overwhelming.
Sometimes difficult experiences continue to affect us long after the event itself has passed. You may feel stuck or find yourself struggling with memories, anxiety, or negative beliefs that seem difficult to change.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing experiences so they become less emotionally overwhelming over time.
As an EMDRIA-trained clinician, I carefully evaluate whether EMDR is an appropriate part of your treatment plan. When it is, the process is collaborative, individualized, and always paced according to your comfort and readiness.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps the brain process difficult or distressing experiences that may continue to affect daily life long after they occur.
During EMDR, you'll briefly focus on aspects of a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or other forms of rhythmic stimulation. This process helps the brain reprocess the experience in a way that often reduces its emotional intensity over time.
You remain awake, aware, and in control throughout the process. EMDR is not hypnosis, and you are never asked to do anything you're not comfortable with.
EMDR May Be Helpful For
Trauma
Processing distressing or overwhelming life experiences that continue to affect daily life.
Anxiety
Reduce the emotional intensity of anxiety and persistent worry.
Panic Symptoms
Reduce the impact
of distressing
experiences that
contribute to panic or
fear responses.
Negative
Self-Beliefs
Working through
deeply held beliefs
like "I'm not good
enough" or "I'm
not safe."
Grief & Loss
Process difficult emotions related to grief, loss, or major
life changes.
Distressing Memories
Reduce the
emotional impact of memories that
continue to feel overwhelming.
Everyone's experiences are different. During your consultation, we'll determine whether EMDR is an appropriate part of your treatment plan and whether it aligns with your goals.
EMDR is a structured, collaborative process designed to help you feel safe, prepared, and supported every step of the way.
What to Expect During EMDR
1
2
3
4
Assessment
Preparation
Reprocessing
Moving Forward
We'll first determine
whether EMDR is
appropriate for your
situation, learn about
your experiences, and develop a treatment
plan together.
You'll learn grounding
and coping skills to
help you feel prepared, supported, and ready
before beginning reprocessing.
Using bilateral
stimulation, we'll help
your brain process
difficult experiences
at a pace that feels manageable and
appropriate for you.
We'll continue
strengthening the
progress you've made
while helping you
apply new insights and coping strategies to
everyday life.
My Approach to
EMDR
Not every client is ready for EMDR immediately, and not every concern is best addressed with EMDR.
As an EMDRIA-trained clinician, I thoughtfully incorporate EMDR when it aligns with your goals, your needs, and what will best support your progress.
We'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, checking in regularly throughout the process. My goal is for you to feel informed, supported, and actively involved in every step of your treatment.
EMDR is never a
one-size-fits-all approach.
Every person's experience with EMDR is different. Some concerns can be addressed in relatively few sessions, while others require more time. Throughout the process, we'll regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Common Questions About EMDR
Q: Is EMDR only for trauma? No. While EMDR is widely known for treating trauma, it may also be helpful for anxiety, panic symptoms, grief, distressing memories, and negative beliefs, depending on the individual and their treatment goals.
Q: Will I have to talk about every detail? No. Unlike some forms of therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to describe every detail of a difficult experience. We'll only discuss what is helpful for your treatment, and you'll never be pressured to share more than you're comfortable sharing.
Q: Is EMDR hypnosis? No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain awake, aware, and in control throughout the entire process. You can pause at any time, ask questions, or choose not to continue if something doesn't feel right.
Q: Is EMDR evidence-based? Yes. EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized as an effective treatment for many individuals experiencing trauma-related symptoms. It may also be appropriate for other concerns depending on the person and clinical situation.
Q: How do I know if EMDR is right for me? You don't have to decide that before contacting me. During our initial sessions, we'll talk about your concerns, your goals, and your history. Together, we'll determine whether EMDR is an appropriate part of your treatment plan.
Q: Do you use EMDR with both teens & adults? Yes. When appropriate, EMDR may be incorporated into treatment for both adolescents and adults.
Why Clients Choose Gibbs Treatment Solutions
EMDRIA-Approved Training
Individualized Treatment
Assessment Expertise
Supportive Environment
EMDRIA-approved training and consultation provide care grounded in established best practices.
EMDR is thoughtfully incorporated when it aligns with your goals and treatment plan.
Assessment expertise helps guide treatment based on your unique concerns—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
A calm, welcoming environment designed to help you feel comfortable throughout therapy.
A Calm, Comfortable Space for Healing
Feeling safe and comfortable is an important part of the counseling process. Many clients find that the calming presence of Doc and Benson helps create a relaxed environment, including during EMDR sessions.
From the welcoming office to the optional presence of therapy dogs, every aspect of the environment is designed to help you feel at ease so you can focus on the work that matters most.
Interaction with the therapy dogs is always optional, but many clients find that their presence helps create an atmosphere that feels calm, grounded, and welcoming.
Wondering Whether EMDR Is Right for You?
Every person's story is different.
You don't have to know exactly what kind of therapy you need before reaching out. During an initial consultation, we'll talk about your concerns, answer your questions, and determine whether EMDR—or another evidence-based approach—is the best fit for your goals.