When medication or traditional talk therapy isn’t enough, and you’re simply tired of talking, EMDR offers a powerful path to healing. It is especially well-suited for women and men navigating life transitions or seeking deep, trauma-informed recovery.
I bring over two decades of experience as a psychotherapist, and completed EMDRIA-approved training and clinical supervision in 209. Since that time, EMDR has been a central component of my clinical work, informing a depth-oriented, trauma-informed approach to healing.
When insight alone isn’t enough and talking no longer brings relief, EMDR offers a powerful path forward. Many adults arrive feeling stuck—aware of their patterns, yet unable to shift them. EMDR works at the level where trauma and distress are stored, allowing the nervous system to release what has been held beneath conscious awareness. This approach supports deep healing, emotional integration, and lasting change without requiring you to relive your story again and again.Through structured, neurobiological treatment, EMDR therapy supports meaningful, long-term healing for individuals who feel stuck despite prior treatment.
What Is EMDR+ Therapy?
I offer EMDR therapy through an integrative approach I like to call EMDR+. While EMDR remains the primary treatment framework, EMDR+ weaves in complementary, trauma-informed modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS)/Parts Therapy, Attachment-based therapy and Somatic Experiencing. This allows sessions to be tailored to nervous system regulation, attachment patterns, and internal parts that arise during trauma processing—supporting deeper safety, integration, and long-term healing.
On it’s own, EMDR therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help the brain reprocess traumatic or distressing experiences that continue to affect emotional health. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require detailed verbal recounting of traumatic events. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements or tapping—to activate the brain’s natural healing mechanisms.
As a recognized treatment for trauma and PTSD, EMDR therapy is endorsed by organizations including the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization.
Why EMDR Therapy Works When Medication and Talk Therapy can Fail
Many people seek EMDR therapy online after trying medication or traditional psychotherapy without achieving lasting results. While medication can reduce symptoms, it does not process trauma stored in the nervous system. Talk therapy can increase awareness, but trauma often exists beyond conscious thought.
EMDR therapy New York helps resolve these deeper patterns by:
Targeting unprocessed traumatic memories
Reducing nervous system hyperarousal
Releasing trauma-based emotional and behavioral responses
Supporting integration at both the brain and body level
For many clients, online EMDR therapy leads to relief that feels more complete, embodied, and enduring.
Conditions Treated With EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is highly effective for a wide range of mental health concerns, including:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and panic disorders
Depression related to unresolved trauma
Childhood emotional neglect and attachment trauma
Medical trauma and chronic stress
Relationship difficulties rooted in past experiences
Persistent negative beliefs about self-worth or safety
Self-sabotage and self-defeating behaviors
If symptoms persist despite prior therapy or medication, EMDR therapy New York may be an effective next step.
Unusual conditions that EMDR treats beyond trauma
Chronic pain conditions, reducing symptoms unresponsive to other therapies
Addictions and substance use, addressing underlying triggers
Eating disorders, resolving trauma-driven patterns
Performance anxiety in professionals or performers
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), easing intrusive thoughts
Sleep disorders tied to stress or memories
Body dysmorphic disorder, reframing distorted self-perceptions
Complicated grief from non-death losses, like job or identity trauma
Sports injuries with performance blocks or fear of re-injury
Performance inhibitions
Hoarding behaviors rooted in past emotional wounds
Dissociative episodes in non-PTSD contexts
How EMDR Therapy Works
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and integrate distressing memories, particularly those connected to trauma. While many people associate EMDR with eye movements, the therapy involves a comprehensive eight-phase approach that goes well beyond this single technique.
History Taking – Your therapist begins by understanding your personal history, emotional patterns, and the specific experiences you wish to address. This phase ensures that treatment is tailored to your needs and goals.
Preparation – You’ll learn what to expect during EMDR, including coping strategies, grounding techniques, and ways to manage overwhelming emotions, helping you feel safe and supported throughout the process.
Assessment – Together, you and your therapist identify the memories, beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations that will be the focus of reprocessing.
Reprocessing/Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation techniques—such as guided eye movements, auditory tones, or gentle tapping—you are guided to revisit distressing memories in a controlled and supportive way. This helps the brain integrate these experiences differently, reducing their emotional intensity.
Installation – Positive, adaptive beliefs are introduced and reinforced, helping you replace negative or limiting thoughts associated with the trauma.
Body Awareness/Body Scan – You’ll be guided to notice physical sensations in your body, integrating mind and body awareness to support complete processing.
Closure – Sessions end with grounding techniques and reflection, ensuring you leave feeling stable, safe, and supported. You may also review emotional and physical responses from the session.
Reevaluation – At the beginning of each new session, progress is reviewed, including shifts in emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations. This allows your therapist to adjust treatment and identify new targets for healing.
While Phase 4, the desensitization stage, is often the most recognized part of EMDR, the earlier phases—especially preparation and resource-building—are essential. They provide a foundation of safety, skills, and resilience, making the processing of trauma more effective and sustainable. By carefully guiding you through each phase, EMDR helps transform how difficult memories are stored in the brain, promoting lasting emotional healing and greater inner stability.
Finding the Best EMDR Therapist for you in NYC
If you’re seeking trauma healing through EMDR therapy in NYC, finding the right therapist is key to a safe and effective experience. Here’s what to look for when choosing a trauma-informed EMDR therapist:
Advanced EMDR Training and Experience – Seek therapists who have completed certified EMDR training and have hands-on experience helping clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, or stress-related conditions.
Licensed and Credible – Make sure your therapist is fully licensed in their field (psychology, counseling, or social work) and has professional credentials that demonstrate expertise in trauma care.
Trauma-Informed, Hormone-Aware Approach – A therapist who understands how trauma interacts with hormonal changes, such as during perimenopause or menopause, can provide more tailored, effective support.
Safe, Supportive Environment – Healing requires a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you feel grounded and secure throughout each session.
Therapeutic Fit – Your comfort and connection with your therapist matter. Their approach, communication style, and personal rapport should align with your needs and preferences.
By carefully researching and connecting with a qualified EMDR therapist in NYC, you can ensure personalized support that addresses both emotional and physical effects of trauma, helping you build resilience, regain balance, and move toward lasting healing.
Integrative EMDR Therapy With a Nervous System Focus
EMDR therapy is offered through an integrative, trauma-informed approach that centers nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and readiness for processing. Sessions are thoughtfully paced and individualized, taking into account your personal history, current stressors, and overall capacity. Online EMDR therapy may be combined with somatic awareness, attachment-based therapy, and nervous system resourcing techniques to help build stability before, during, and after trauma processing.
This personalized model allows EMDR treatment to unfold gradually as your nervous system becomes more regulated and resilient, supporting deeper, more sustainable healing rather than rapid or overwhelming exposure.
Online EMDR Therapy for NYC & New York State
Online EMDR therapy New York is available via secure telehealth for adults and couples statewide. Research shows that EMDR therapy can be highly effective when delivered online, allowing trauma work to take place in a familiar, private environment. This practice uses SimplePractice as an online delivery for EMDR
Telehealth EMDR therapy is ideal for those seeking:
Flexible scheduling
Extended sessions
Concierge therapy with EMDR treatment
Privacy and discretion
Access to an experienced EMDR therapist in New York
High-quality trauma therapy without commuting
What to Expect From EMDR Therapy Sessions
EMDR therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment and preparation phase to ensure safety and stability. Sessions progress at a pace guided by your nervous system, with an emphasis on consent, grounding, and integration.
EMDR therapy sessions may include:
Identifying trauma-related patterns and treatment targets
Building internal resources for regulation
Reprocessing traumatic memories
Integrating emotional and cognitive shifts into daily life
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
EMDR therapy New York may be a good fit if you:
Feel emotionally reactive or chronically anxious
Have tried medication or talk therapy without lasting change
Experience intrusive memories or trauma responses
Want trauma therapy that works beyond insight alone
Are seeking deep, long-term nervous system healing
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help people process distressing or traumatic experiences so they become less emotionally charged and disruptive.
What does EMDR stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or alternating tapping) while you focus on aspects of a distressing memory. This process supports the brain’s natural ability to reprocess experiences in a more adaptive way.
Is EMDR evidence-based?
Yes. EMDR is widely recognized as an evidence-based treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is also used for anxiety, phobias, and other distressing experiences.
Do I have to talk in detail about my trauma?
Not necessarily. EMDR does not require detailed verbal descriptions of traumatic experiences. The focus is on internal processing rather than extensive narrative.
Is EMDR hypnosis?
No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain fully awake, aware, and in control throughout sessions.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your history, goals, and the complexity of the experiences being addressed. Some people notice improvement within a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment.
Is EMDR emotionally intense?
EMDR can involve accessing difficult material, but the process is structured and paced carefully. We prioritize stabilization, resourcing, and safety throughout treatment.
Can EMDR be done through telehealth?
Yes. EMDR can be effectively provided via secure telehealth using online bilateral stimulation tools when clinically appropriate.
Do you combine EMDR with other therapies?
Yes. EMDR is often integrated with psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and other evidence-based methods based on individual needs.
Is EMDR right for everyone?
EMDR is not appropriate for every person or every situation. A thorough assessment helps determine whether EMDR is a good fit or if another approach may be more suitable.
Will EMDR erase my memories?
No. EMDR does not erase memories. The goal is to reduce emotional intensity and distress associated with the memory so it no longer feels overwhelming.
What does EMDR feel like?
Experiences vary. Some people notice shifts in thoughts, emotions, or body sensations. Many report that memories feel more distant or less disturbing over time.
Is EMDR covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. EMDR is billed as psychotherapy using standard therapy codes.
Begin virtual EMDR Therapy in New York
If you’re ready to explore EMDR therapy online in New York, I invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll determine whether EMDR is the right approach for your healing and long-term well-being.