EMDR Therapy

A Trauma-Informed Approach

EMDR is a therapeutic approach that helps you safely release and reprocess distressing memories, emotions, and sensations stored in the mind and body. Trauma is not just what happened to you, it’s how your body and nervous system responded to what happened. That’s why EMDR focuses on helping you reconnect with your body’s innate wisdom and resilience.

EMDR = Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

At Living Well, every EMDR session is guided by trauma-informed principles that emphasize safety, empowerment, and compassion. Healing from trauma isn’t just about talking through what happened, it’s about helping your whole system process what it has held onto for too long.

A gentle, evidence-based path to healing from trauma.

How does EMDR work?

When something overwhelming happens, your brain may not be able to fully process it in the moment. That experience can get “stuck,” replaying as anxiety, fear, or self-doubt long after the event has passed.

EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation—gentle, alternating eye movements, taps, or sounds to engage the brain’s natural healing system. This process is similar to what happens during REM sleep, allowing you to reprocess painful memories in a safe and supported way.

Over time, the emotional charge and intensity of the memory fades. The experience will gradually become something you can remember without reliving, freeing your nervous system to rest, reset, and heal.

What Should I Expect?

Your EMDR journey begins with building trust and stability before any trauma processing occurs. Early sessions focus on:

  • Resourcing: Developing inner tools for safety, such as calming imagery, protective figures, or grounding practices.

  • Body Awareness: Learning to notice sensations and emotions without becoming overwhelmed.

  • Preparation: Gently identifying the memories or triggers that you’d like to address, when you’re ready.

Throughout the process, we will move at your pace, never rushing your healing; teach grounding and self-regulation tools; and ensure consent, clarity, and emotional safety at every step.

What Can EMDR Do?

EMDR can be effective in addressing a wide range of challenges, including:

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Childhood trauma or neglect

  • Depression, grief and loss

  • Phobias and fears

  • Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)

  • Relationship wounds

  • Stress and overwhelm

Even if you don’t identify with a major traumatic event, EMDR can help you release old emotional patterns and find more peace and clarity in everyday life.

Begin Your Healing Journey

Integrating Mind, Body, and Energy

At Living Well, EMDR can be paired with somatic and energetic practices to support whole-person healing. These may include:

  • Energy Work: Reiki, chakra balancing, or grounding to stabilize after deep sessions.

  • Breathwork or Movement: To help release tension and integrate new awareness.

  • Spiritual Integration (optional): For clients interested in exploring meaning, forgiveness, or post-traumatic growth on a deeper level.

This integrative approach helps you move beyond symptom relief toward genuine transformation, feeling not just “better,” but more yourself.

Questions before getting started?
Get in touch.