EMDR therapy in orlando
for adults, pre-teens, and teens
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence‑based therapy that helps the brain process experiences that didn’t fully resolve at the time they happened. Many people come to EMDR because something in their present day life feels harder than it “should”; either with emotions that show up quickly, reactions that feel out of proportion, or patterns they can’t seem to shift even when they understand them.
Sometimes the mind and body hold onto moments in ways that continue to shape how you feel and respond, long after the event is over. EMDR helps your system complete the processing that didn’t happen then, so you can respond from a more grounded, present place.
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which explains that experiences are stored in interconnected memory networks. These networks hold not just what happened, but also the emotions, body sensations, images, and beliefs that were present in the moment. When something is overwhelming or happens without enough support, the memory may be stored in a less integrated way, almost like it’s paused in its original form.
When that happens, present‑day situations can activate those older networks, leading to reactions that feel bigger, faster, or more immediate than you’d expect.
EMDR helps the brain resume its natural processing system so these networks can link up with more adaptive information. As this happens, the emotional intensity decreases, the meaning shifts, and the experience begins to feel truly resolved, and no longer driving your reactions in the present.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is one of the most researched and effective therapies for treating both big trauma (single incident or repeated traumatic events) and little trauma (the chronic, cumulative, or relational experiences that shape how you see yourself and respond to stress).
People often seek EMDR when their reactions feel bigger, faster, or more persistent than they expect, or when emotions, sensations, or beliefs seem to show up automatically.
EMDR is an evidence‑based treatment for conditions such as:
PTSD and complex trauma
Anxiety and chronic worry
Depression
Panic and phobias
Grief and loss
Medical or health‑related trauma
Performance‑related blocks or fears
It’s also effective for the ongoing patterns that come from earlier experiences — the ones that continue to shape how you think, feel, and cope in the present, affecting your well-being and mental health.
EMDR can also help with common concerns such as:
Emotional reactions that feel stronger than the moment calls for
Feeling stuck in the same thoughts, fears, or self‑doubt
A sense of pressure, dread, or being on edge
Difficulty relaxing or feeling safe in your body
Perfectionism or people‑pleasing that feels hard to turn off
Memories that feel vivid, intrusive, or hard to shake
Persistent beliefs like “I’m not enough,” “I’m too much,” or “I’m not safe”
Feeling overly responsible for other people’s emotions or reactions
I offer EMDR therapy for adults across Florida online, or for local clients in-person at my office in downtown Orlando, Florida. Pre-teens and teens can book EMDR therapy at my office in downtown Orlando, or in Maitland, Florida.
If you’d like to explore more about EMDR or review the research behind it, you can check out my FAQ page, or the EMDRIA website.
What Does EMDR Look Like in Therapy?
Every EMDR therapist has their own style, and every client has their own needs and goals, so EMDR is never a one‑size‑fits‑all process. I follow the standard EMDR protocols and the ethical guidelines of EMDRIA, and within that structure there is plenty of room for pacing, flexibility, and the human‑ness that real healing requires.
I offer in-person EMDR therapy to adults, teens, and pre‑teens in Orlando, Florida, and to adults throughout Florida via telehealth. Below gives a general sense of what EMDR looks like in my practice, knowing that we’ll always tailor the work to what feels right for you.
EMDR is an eight‑phase, evidence‑based approach, but it doesn’t feel rigid or mechanical, and it isn’t always linear. Most people move through these phases many times throughout therapy, returning to earlier phases whenever grounding or clarity is needed. It’s a collaborative, cyclical process that unfolds at the pace your nervous system can comfortably handle.
Below is a very generalized and simplified outline of the eight phases.
EMDR: A Simplified Overview of the Eight Phases
Phase One and Two
History and Preparation:
Building the Foundation
We begin by building rapport and trust. Together we explore what’s been going well for you, and what changes you might like to make. We look at what’s been coming up for you in the present, any patterns you might be aware of, and any past experiences that may have shaped how you see yourself or the world. This helps us understand what feels most important to work on.
We also focus on grounding and stability. Before any reprocessing, we make sure you feel resourced, supported, and steady. This phase is essential, and we stay here as long as needed. Many clients find this part of the work deeply regulating on its own.
Phase Three
Assessment:
Identifying a Memory for Reprocessing
In this phase, we work together to identify a “target” memory for reprocessing. We explore what’s been showing up in your life now, how it might connect to earlier experiences, and what feels most important or meaningful to work on. When you feel ready, we select a target together and gently map out the emotions, sensations, and beliefs connected to it so your system has a clear starting point for reprocessing.
Phases Four through Six
Reprocessing:
Supporting the Brain’s Natural Healing
We use bilateral stimulation (eye movements, buzzers, tapping, or audio tones- depending on your preference) to support the brain’s natural ability to heal and integrate the past experiences to connect it with more adaptive information.
As we move through these phases, your systems begin to shift. Emotions settle, the experience feels less charged, and new insights or perspectives often emerge naturally. You don’t have to relive anything in detail or “go back” in the moment. We stay connected and grounded throughout.
Phases Seven and Eight
Closure and Reevaluation:
Reinforcing What’s Changed
We integrate the changes that emerged, helping the new, more adaptive beliefs feel grounded and lasting. When it’s helpful, we return to notice what feels different, what still feels active, and how these shifts support you moving forward. We also prepare for the future, exploring how you want to respond in upcoming situations and what you’re ready for next.