EMDR is designed to be manageable and controlled, though there will be peak moments during reprocessing where you may feel slightly dysregulated. While we do work with difficult memories, the process includes specific techniques to ensure you remain grounded and safe. You're always in control, and we can pause or slow down at any time. Many clients report feeling relief rather than distress as processing occurs. That said, sometimes reprocessing doesn't complete in one session, and we will use techniques to help you contain those unprocessed memories until we meet again, but you may feel off in between reprocessing sessions or notice things come up you haven't thought of in awhile.

The honest answer is it varies significantly from person to person. While some research suggests EMDR can work more quickly than traditional talk therapy for specific traumas, the reality is more complex. Some clients notice shifts after 3-6 reprocessing sessions, but many need 12+ sessions for sustainable change, especially with complex or developmental trauma. We may need to spend several sessions building resources before beginning processing work. EMDR isn't a quick fix—it's a process that unfolds according to your nervous system's timing. Some weeks might feel like big breakthroughs while others might feel like plateau periods, which are normal parts of healing.

You don't need to provide a detailed narrative of traumatic events, which is a relief for many clients. However, we do need to identify target memories and some context around them. You'll need to briefly focus on these memories during processing. While you don't have to share every detail with me, you will need to internally connect with aspects of the experience. We'll work together to make this manageable, using techniques to help you stay present while accessing these memories without becoming overwhelmed.

EMDR doesn't erase memories, but it can change your relationship to them. After processing, memories often become less vivid or emotionally charged. Some clients worry about losing connection to important parts of their history, even painful ones. What typically happens is the memory transforms—the facts remain, but the distress diminishes. Rather than emotional numbness, most clients experience greater emotional range and flexibility. That said, some people do report temporary emotional "flatness" between sessions as the brain processes material, but this generally resolves as integration occurs.

Yes, but with varying levels of research support. EMDR has strongest evidence for PTSD and trauma-related conditions. It can also be helpful for anxiety, phobias, grief, and some forms of depression, particularly when these connect to earlier difficult experiences. It may be less effective for conditions without clear memory targets or those requiring significant skill-building (like some personality disorders or severe OCD). We'll discuss whether EMDR is appropriate for your specific concerns or if we might integrate it with other approaches for best results.

Sessions are structured but can feel intense. After our preparation work, we'll identify a target memory and establish baseline measurements. You'll focus briefly on this memory while following my hand movements or engaging with other forms of bilateral stimulation. You'll notice whatever emerges—emotions, body sensations, thoughts, images—without forcing anything. This process repeats in sets, with check-ins between each set. Sessions can involve unexpected connections to other memories, intense emotions, or physical sensations. We always end sessions with grounding exercises, but you may feel tired afterward as your brain continues processing.

No, though some aspects might feel similar. You remain conscious and aware during EMDR, unlike deep hypnotic trance states. However, many clients enter an "observing" state where they're simultaneously connected to memories while remaining present. This dual awareness can feel unusual at first. Some clients report time distortion or deep absorption in internal experience, which can resemble hypnotic phenomena. The key difference is you maintain your ability to communicate, pause the process, and make choices throughout EMDR sessions.

Preparation is important. Practically speaking, avoid scheduling demanding activities immediately after sessions. Plan for potential emotional vulnerability or fatigue afterward—some clients feel energized, but many feel tired or emotionally sensitive. Staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and having comfort measures available (like favorite foods, supportive people, or comfort objects) can help. Some clients find journaling helpful between sessions, but others prefer not to focus on the material outside our time together. We'll develop a personalized self-care plan that fits your needs and circumstances.

Change often happens in non-linear ways that might surprise you. Early signs might include shifts in dreams, different emotional responses to triggers, or noticing new perspectives on old situations. Physical changes like improved sleep or reduced tension often precede conscious insights. Some clients report friends or family noticing differences before they do. We'll track specific measurements related to your target memories, but equally important are changes in your day-to-day functioning and relationship with yourself. The process sometimes includes temporary increases in awareness of problems before improvement—this is normal and often precedes significant breakthroughs.