In person in Olympia & online across Washington State

EMDR Therapy

with an EMDR Certified Therapist

 

Do you feel stuck?

You’ve worked hard to get where you are, but something from the past keeps interfering with your life today.

You’ve tried moving forward on your own. You’ve done the research. Journaled. Tried yoga, meditation, deep breathing, maybe even talk therapy - and it hasn’t been enough. You feel stuck.

Maybe you’re noticing…

  • You feel constantly exhausted and are struggling to meet your day-to-day responsibilities. You don’t feel like yourself.

  • You’re worried that your friends or partner are tired of hearing you analyze the same information over and over. Talking about it doesn’t seem to help anyway, though.

  • You’re unable to stay present and enjoy anything “good” happening in your life now.

  • Your relationships are strained or suffering, and you’re not able to show up for others the way you want to.

EMDR therapy can help.

 

More about EMDR therapy

  • What is EMDR?

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of mental health therapy. It can decrease the distressing feelings you have regarding past or upcoming events. It works by changing the way information is processed and stored in your brain.

    EMDR is an evidence-based therapy, which means scientific studies have found it to be an effective form of treatment. It’s a well established treatment for anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and other related disorders.

  • How is EMDR different?

    Many mental health therapies rely on talking about things to change the way you think and feel about them. EMDR is different because it works on a neurobiological level by changing the way your brain processes and stores information. In addition to insight and changes in your thinking, it can change how your body reacts to reminders of stressful events. Things like distressing emotions, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts can be reduced or eliminated with EMDR, often more quickly than traditional talk therapies.

    EMDR also does not require that you talk in detail about the upsetting event you’re working on. This can make therapy easier to get through.

  • What are EMDR sessions like?

    EMDR takes place in different phases. The first few phases involve talking about your history, creating a plan, and strengthening your skills for managing stress. The length of these phases will be unique to you, and will depend on your past experiences and how much stress you’re experiencing now. For some people this might take a few weeks; for others, it could take longer.

    The next phases involve EMDR reprocessing. Reprocessing involves moving your eyes, tapping, or listening to sounds while thinking about certain information. During and after reprocessing is generally when your distressing thoughts and feelings decrease, and when you gain new insight. Afterwards you might feel tired and more sensitive for a while. Many people choose to engage in quiet, calming, “self-care” activities after sessions if they can. You might notice changes in how you feel and think in the days, weeks, and even months after reprocessing. We’ll continue to check in during this time to ensure things are going smoothly and you’re making progress towards your goals.

MY APPROACH TO EMDR

My approach to EMDR involves moving at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. Before we start working through the hard things, we’ll make sure you feel confident about handling any stress, emotions, or challenges that might come up. We might also incorporate the Flash Technique, which can help minimize your distress prior to reprocessing. Your input will be important as we work together in a way that helps you feel comfortable and confident throughout this process.

EMDR therapy can help you:

  • Understand why your experiences have impacted you the way they have.

  • Strengthen your skills for managing stress, anxiety, and challenging situations.

  • Experience relief from the physical, mental, and emotional distress you’re experiencing.

  • Gain new insight.

  • Increase your confidence by helping you realize - and experience - positive beliefs about yourself.

Feeling stuck and living in the past doesn’t have to be your story.

Schedule Free consult

FAQS

Common questions about EMDR therapy

  • Before you begin therapy, we’ll start with an initial consultation to make sure EMDR is a good fit for you. EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma, PTSD, and other stressor related disorders, and is supported by a strong evidence base. For more information on EMDR, see the EMDR International Association’s website here.

  • In addition to trauma, EMDR can also help with depression, anxiety, grief, pain, phobias, and sleep issues.

    If you’re having a hard time with something and feeling stuck, EMDR might be helpful. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or are wondering if EMDR might be a good fit.

  • The Flash technique is a relatively new therapeutic exercise that can lower the distressing feelings you have about a past event. It works relatively quickly and does not require talking about the distressing event.

    While research on the Flash technique is just being developed, many of my clients have reported positive experiences with Flash. Read more information on The Flash Technique website here.

  • This will depend on your past experiences, how you’re doing now, and your goals. Some people work with me for several months, while others work with me for more than a year. I’ll be able to give you an estimated time frame during your initial consultation and after your first session. However, you will ultimately decide how long you want to be in therapy.

  • To get started, you can click here to schedule an initial consultation with me. During our consultation, we’ll talk about why you’re interested in therapy, what you’d like to get out of our time together, and I’ll answer any questions you have. If it seems like we’ll be a good fit, you’ll have the option to schedule your first session at that time. If we’re not a good fit, no problem - I can refer you to another skilled therapist in my network.

  • I’m certified in EMDR through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). To be certified through EMDRIA, therapists must:

    -Be fully licensed and able to practice independently as a mental health professional.

    -Have completed an EMDRIA-approved EMDR training program.

    -Have been practicing in their field of license for at least two years.

    -Have completed a least 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 different clients.

    -Have completed at least 20 hours of consultation with an EMDR Consultant.

    -Receive the endorsement of an EMDR Consultant in the form of a letter of recommendation for certification.

    -Receive endorsements from two peers or colleagues in the form of letters of recommendation for certification.

    -Complete at least 12 hours of continuing education in EMDR.

    -Agree to abide by EMDRIA’s Policies.

  • Yes. I’m an EMDR Certified Therapist through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). You can view my digital badge here.