Our Approach · EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy — what it is and how it works
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It sounds technical — but in practice, it is one of the gentlest and most effective approaches available for healing trauma, PTSD, and painful memories.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps your brain process and heal from distressing memories that feel "stuck." When something traumatic or overwhelming happens, the memory can get frozen in a way that makes it feel present and threatening long after the event has passed. This is why trauma survivors can feel as though something happened yesterday, even decades later.
EMDR uses a technique called bilateral stimulation — most commonly, following a therapist's hand movements with your eyes, or tapping alternately on your knees — while briefly holding a distressing memory in mind. This process activates the brain's natural healing mechanism, allowing the memory to be reprocessed and stored as something that happened in the past, rather than something that is still happening now.
You do not have to describe your trauma in detail for EMDR to work. This is one of the most important things to understand about this approach — the process works at a neurological level, not through verbal retelling. Many clients find this a significant relief.
What happens in an EMDR session?
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol. Here is what that looks like in practice.
Phase 1–2
History & preparation
Your therapist learns about your history and what you'd like to work on. You're never rushed into reprocessing before you feel safe and ready. Coping skills are established first.
Phase 3
Assessment
You and your therapist identify a specific memory or experience to work on, along with the negative belief it created about yourself (e.g. 'I am not safe') and what you'd prefer to believe instead.
Phase 4
Desensitization
You hold the memory in mind while following bilateral stimulation — usually the therapist's hand movements. This continues in short sets until the memory's distress significantly reduces.
Phase 5
Installation
The positive belief you identified is strengthened and connected to the memory, replacing the negative one at a felt level — not just intellectually.
Phase 6
Body scan
You scan your body for any remaining tension or discomfort connected to the memory. If any is found, it is addressed before the session closes.
Phase 7–8
Closure & review
Each session ends with grounding exercises. Between sessions, you may notice memories, dreams, or insights — this is a normal part of the healing process.
Who does EMDR help?
EMDR was originally developed for PTSD and is now recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and Health Canada as an evidence-based treatment for trauma. It is also widely used for:
PTSD and CPTSD
Single-incident trauma (accidents, assault, medical events)
Childhood trauma and adverse experiences
First responder occupational stress injuries
Anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem rooted in past experiences
Performance anxiety and blocks
Common questions
Does EMDR work online?
Yes. Virtual EMDR uses audio bilateral stimulation (tones alternating between ears) or tapping, and research shows it is equally effective to in-person EMDR.
How many sessions does it take?
Many clients notice significant change within 6–12 sessions for a specific memory or issue. Complex or long-standing trauma typically requires more time. Results can come faster than traditional talk therapy.
Will I have to talk about what happened in detail?
No. EMDR does not require you to narrate your trauma. You hold it in mind briefly while the bilateral stimulation does the work. Some clients describe this as a significant relief.
Is EMDR safe?
Yes — when conducted by a trained therapist, EMDR is a well-researched and safe approach. Mohamad holds advanced EMDR training through EMDRIA (EMDR International Association).
Curious whether EMDR is right for you?
The free consultation is the right place to ask. We'll talk about what you're carrying, explain how EMDR works in more detail, and help you decide if it's a good fit.
Book Free ConsultationOr call: (672) 648-0512