interested in emdr therapy?

Maybe you’ve heard it mentioned on TikTok, from a friend in therapy, or you saw it mentioned on this very website and wanted to learn more!

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and while the name sounds fancy and scientific, the goal is actually pretty simple: to help your brain process experiences that feel “stuck.” These might be traumatic memories, painful life events, or ongoing stressors that still show up in your body, emotions, or relationships…even when you know they’re in the past.

At its core, EMDR is based on the idea that our brains naturally know how to heal, much like our bodies do. Sometimes, though, experiences are too overwhelming for the brain to fully process in the moment. When that happens, memories can get stored in a way that keeps them feeling present and emotionally raw. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (often eye movements, tapping, or tones) to help the brain reprocess those memories so they feel less intense, less disruptive, and more manageable to recall.

While EMDR is commonly associated with single-incident trauma, it can be effective for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, attachment wounds, identity-related stress, religious trauma, and experiences that may not have felt traumatic at the time but continue to have an impact. A single, clearly defined traumatic event is not required for EMDR to be a treatment option for you.

what does emdr look like with you?

When I use EMDR in therapy, we start by going at your pace. I won’t ask you to dive into painful memories right away or share details you’re not ready to talk about. Instead, we’ll spend time building safety, identifying what you’d like to work on, and making sure you have tools to stay grounded and supported throughout the process.

During reprocessing, I’ll guide you to focus on a memory, feeling, or belief while we use bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or tones. My role is to support and monitor the process, adjusting as needed so it stays within your window of tolerance. Many people notice that memories begin to feel less intense, less “stuck,” or easier to think about over time.

EMDR with me is collaborative, consent-based, and flexible. You’re always in control, and we move in a way that respects your nervous system, readiness, and goals.

is emdr right for me?

EMDR might be a good fit if you notice certain memories, emotions, or body responses feeling stuck, even when you logically know the experience is in the past. This can look like strong emotional reactions, patterns that keep repeating, or a sense that something unresolved is showing up in your anxiety, relationships, or self-image.

You don’t need to have all the details of an experience clearly remembered, and you don’t need to know exactly what to work on before starting. EMDR is collaborative and paced intentionally, with an emphasis on safety, consent, and your readiness.

That said, EMDR isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people benefit from building coping skills and stabilization first, and others may find different therapeutic modalities feel like a better fit.

Whether you’d like to dive into EMDR, or are looking to start therapy in general, I’m here to help. Reach out today and let’s chat about how we can get you on a path to feeling like you again.

Therapy with Mack provides virtual services to Texas residents and in-person services to folks residing in or near Allen, TX.