Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Washington State (Telehealth)

EMDR is a therapeutic intervention for trauma treatment based in neurobiology. It is a structured, eight-phase treatment that uses bilateral stimulation (tapping, eye movements, audio) to alleviate the emotional and physical distress associated with traumatic memories. Research shows that EMDR can be just as effective, if not more, than traditional talk therapy.

What to Expect

  • Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning

    Comprehensive client assessment, identify traumatic memories, collaborate on treatment goals, assess client stability.

  • Phase 2: Preparation

    Overview of EMDR process and what to expect, establish trust in the therapeutic relationship, practice grounding and stabilization techniques.

  • Phase 3: Assessment

    Identify specific memories and associated negative beliefs, noting emotional reactions and physical sensations. Prepare for processing.

  • Phase 4: Desensitization

    Engage in bilateral stimulation (tapping, eye movements, audio) to process traumatic memories. Alternate processing and present moment grounding. Alternate with talk therapy, as needed.

  • Phase 5: Installation

    Focus on replacing negative beliefs with positive ones, while engaging in a slower, more relaxed version of bilateral stimulation.

  • Phase 6: Body Scan

    Take note of the physical sensations of your body. Release tension with additional bilateral stimulation as needed, until the body is free of stresss and tension.

  • Phase 7: Closure

    Return to a state of equilibrium. Guide client through grounding and relaxation techniques and offer coping skills.

  • Phase 8: Reevaluation

    Assess the impact of EMDR sessions and adjust treatment plan, as needed. Reevaluate client’s processed memories, asses physical sensations and emotional state, and move on to next target memory.

Is EMDR right for me?

The pace and duration of EMDR treatment varies widely, depending on a client’s stress tolerance, ability to stay in the present, and their internal and external resources (coping strategies, healthy relationships, fulfilling hobbies, etc.).

I work with severe trauma and dissociation, and it may take time for me to assess if a client is ready for deeper trauma work. This means that we may stay in phases 1-3 for many months, even years, before I would recommend EMDR processing as a therapeutic intervention.

  • EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation to activate both hemispheres of the brain, mimicking REM sleep and promoting the processing of emotional memory.

    Practically, this looks like crossing your arms over your chest, resting each hand on the alternate shoulder, and tapping each shoulder with your hand in an alternating pattern.

    Some clients prefer back-and-forth eye movements, alternating sounds in each ear, or tapping on their thighs.

    I am happy to customize the method of bilateral stimulation to your preferences.

  • Yes, EMDR is an evidence-based trauma treatment that has been extensively researched and validated through clinical trials, meta-analysis, and even brain scans. More information can be found under “Resources.”

  • NO! EMDR isn’t a good fit for every client. Individuals with more severe symptoms (amnesic dissociation or frequent emotional flooding, for example) may not be ready for EMDR processing.

    I think of myself as a psychodynamic therapist who incorporates EMDR, if appropriate (as opposed to an EMDR therapist), and EMDR is not a fit for all of my clients.

  • EMDR can be helpful for people who would prefer to process their trauma without extensive verbal processing.

    With EMDR, while keeping one foot in the present, we can place one foot in the past. This allows a client to “microdose” trauma treatment - alternating between revisiting painful memories and present moment grounding.

    Overall, EMDR is effective in reducing the emotional and physical disturbance associated with traumatic memories and provide a renewed sense of personal empowerment.

EMDR therapy in Washington state (telehealth)
EMDR Resources

The Details

  • $250 / 60-minute session

  • Appointments available Monday - Thursday at 9:30am, 10:45am, 12:00pm, and 1:15pm.

  • All appointments are offered via secure telehealth, so you can join from the comfort and safety of your own space.

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