The impact of trauma on the brain
It’s more than just something that happened in the past. For trauma survivors, trauma is a lived experience that continues to invade their present reality.
This is why trauma isn’t something we can just ‘get over.’ Moving on isn’t possible – we need to move through.
Reconnecting what trauma severed
As a result, all the information about the adverse event is trapped in our bodies via the nervous system. But the brain is determined. Working with the limited information it has, it will replay the moment over and over again in a continuous feedback loop trying to understand what happened and why.
This is why horrible experiences can feel ongoing, not past. This is why ‘it’ still matters. This is why triggers feel so invasive, why ‘getting over it’ feels impossible, and why ‘moving on’ doesn’t work. Because the brain is still stuck there.
Until the brain reconnects with the nervous system and processes the memory (or memories), the brain will continue to regurgitate the moment, provoking all the same emotions you experienced at the time of the event(s). EMDR is a proven form of psychotherapy that is based in neuroscience and is designed to help the brain reconnect with the body, process the trauma effectively, and welcome the relief of healing.
EMDRIA-certified™ EMDR therapy in Texas
I provide EMDR therapy for adolescents (15+) and adults in-person in Kyle, Texas and virtually throughout the state.
As an EMDRIA Certified™ EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant-in-Training™, I maintain advanced training in the EMDR protocol and remain actively engaged in professional development within the EMDR community. This ensures that clients receive EMDR trauma treatment grounded in the latest research and most current clinical best practices.
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence based, highly structured, and specialized form of psychotherapy that helps people heal from traumatic memories. It has proven to be especially effective at helping individuals reduce or even resolve symptoms of PTSD and C-PTSD.
Although EMDR is known for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD), it is also highly effective for:
- Childhood trauma
- Relational trauma
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Disturbing memories and life experiences
- Grief and loss
- Depression
- Guilt and anger
- Phobias
- Shame or negative core beliefs
- Emotional triggers connected to past experiences
EMDR Therapy vs Trauma Counseling
Unlike my Trauma Counseling Service which is more holistic and focused on using trauma-focused modalities to resolve the thoughts, emotions, and core beliefs caused by traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy is highly prescriptive, structured, and focused on the core event itself.
EMDR therapy is a distinct therapy program that follows an eight-phase structure including a preparational phase, a reprocessing phase, and an integration phase.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR therapy works by helping the brain reconnect to the nervous system, access the information trapped there, and then process the traumatic memory effectively.
During an EMDR therapy session, we’ll focus on specific memories, experiences, or events that continue to influence your present-day thoughts, emotions, and physical reactions – all while activating both sides of the brain through bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation in EMDR therapy is very calming and does not hurt at all. It’s simply a gentle yet effective way to keep both sides of the brain active so that ‘frozen’ memories can be released and processed in a safe way. Examples of bilateral stimulation can include guided eye movements, tactile tapping/tappers, or soft auditory tones.
EMDR Therapy can function in two ways within my practice
- For some clients, EMDR is a focused treatment program dedicated specifically to reprocessing traumatic memories.
- For others, an EMDR treatment sequence may be integrated into a broader trauma counseling approach to accomplish deeper memory processing.
We’ll collaborate together to determine which path is the most appropriate approach based on your history, goals, preference, and comfort level. If you’re not sure which option is best for you, please contact me by scheduling a discovery call. This complimentary 15-minute consultation is a great time for me to answer your questions and help you decide which option is best for you.
A somatically informed approach to EMDR
My approach to EMDR therapy includes a somatic awareness component, meaning we pay close attention to how life-altering occurrences live not only in the mind, but also in the body.
Distressing, overwhelming events often disrupt the nervous system and leave it stuck in survival mode. By incorporating body-based awareness and nervous system regulation techniques into EMDR therapy, we create opportunities for the body to release stored survival energy connected to past experiences.
This integrative approach can help clients move beyond simply understanding negative events intellectually and begin experiencing deeper physiological healing.
EMDR, Trauma, & Anxiety Therapy in Kyle, TX for adults
Benefits of EMDR
EMDR is a commitment that takes time; however, most clients begin to notice positive changes after around 3-4 EMDR reprocessing sessions. Common EMDR benefits include:
- Reduced emotional intensity connected to past events
- Fewer intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Improved emotional regulation
- Greater self-confidence and clarity
- A stronger sense of safety in the present
- Better sleep and fewer nightmares
- Triggers feel less intense
- Overall sense of hope and optimism
In other words, the traumatic memory remains – but the distress attached to it begins to fade.
EMDR therapy FAQ
Do I need to share all the traumatic details?
No. That’s one of the reasons why so many clients appreciate EMDR – because they don’t have to share all the triggering and upsetting details. High level information is more than sufficient for reprocessing to occur.
What if I can’t remember everything? Does EMDR still work?
Yes. EMDR still works even if you can’t remember everything
How long does EMDR take? What is the frequency and duration?
EMDR can work at whatever pace works best for you and your nervous system, and it takes as long as it takes. The number of EMDR therapy sessions needed completely depends on each individual client and the severity of trauma.
Individual client, severity of trauma, number of traumas, current stressors, existing coping skills and support system, and frequency of sessions
What are the side effects to EMDR?
EMDR can cause temporary side effects including heightened emotions, physical sensations like fatigue, dizziness, or headaches, and sometimes vivid dreams. These effects usually only last for a few days and are typically positive signs that the brain is integrating therapeutic insights.
Is EMDR like hypnosis?
No. Hypnosis is completely different than EMDR. During EMDR therapy sessions, you are completely 100% conscious and in control the entire time. Also, you don’t forget anything. Rather, the emotions surrounding the memory lose their charge.
Are you EMDR-Certified?
Yes. While some therapists are EMDR-trained, I am EMDR-Certified through EMDRIA.
What are some signs that EMDR is right for me?
If any of the below resonates with you, then you may be a good candidate for EMDR therapy.
- You have persistent, vivid memories that feel like they hijack your mind, mood, emotions, and even body.
- You have unexplained emotional outburst.
- You feel haunted by past events, experience nightmares, flashbacks, or hypervigilance.
- You experience physical symptoms of distress such as chronic pain, tension, or migraines.
- You feel stuck and/or numb even on ‘good’ days.
- You tried traditional talk therapy, and it didn’t work for you.
- You feel controlled by your triggers.
- Certain sights, sounds, visuals, or situations spark intense anxiety, anger, or even panic attacks.
EMDR, Trauma, & Anxiety Therapy in Texas
How to begin EMDR therapy
If past experiences continue to influence your emotions, relationships, or sense of safety, EMDR therapy can help neutralize traumatic distress and offer a path toward relief. EMDR therapy is highly researched and has proven to be effective at lessening or resolving the symptoms of trauma.
To begin EMDR therapy, please schedule a free 15-minute discovery call at the link below.