The Blog

Why Skills Sometimes Fail (and What That Actually Means) When skills fail, The emotion takes over. The reaction happens anyway. The shutdown, spiral, or impulsive response shows up before there’s any chance to intervene. Afterward, there’s often a familiar wave of shame: Why couldn’t I use the tools I’ve learned? This is not a failure […]

Why Insight Alone Doesn’t Create Change Sometimes therapy is really good at helping people become very aware of their own experiences. You may learn how to understand your thoughts, emotions and patterns. You may be able to understand why you do the things you do and what life experiences contributed to the way that you […]

Trauma Intensive Outpatient Program A trauma intensive outpatient program can be the right next step when once-a-week sessions aren’t creating enough stability or momentum for trauma processing. Reference: SAMHSA National Helpline (overview of treatment resources and support). When Trauma Treatment Needs More Than Weekly Therapy A trauma intensive outpatient program (IOP) can provide the structure […]

What Actually Happens in an EMDR Session? First, an EMDR session usually starts with a quick check-in so you and your therapist agree on today’s focus. Next, you choose a specific memory or theme and notice the feelings, beliefs, and body sensations that go with it. Then, you do short sets of bilateral stimulation (eye […]

Red Flags When Working with an EMDR Therapist EMDR can be a highly effective therapy when it is used with attention to nervous system capacity, memory organization, and timing. Many therapists who offer EMDR are thoughtful and well intentioned. Even so, there are situations where EMDR does not unfold in a way that leads to […]

Why Your First EMDR Target Matters EMDR works by activating and reprocessing memory networks. These networks are not single memories stored in isolation. They are channels of association that link experiences, emotions, body sensations, and beliefs that formed together over time. When EMDR targets a large theme in someone’s life, especially one rooted in attachment […]

How to choose an EMDR therapist If you’re trying to choose an EMDR therapist, focus on training, experience with your concerns, and whether they assess stability/readiness before starting reprocessing. Reference: EMDRIA therapist directory. How to Choose an EMDR Therapist EMDR is a powerful therapy, but people’s experiences with it can look very different. When it […]

Why Didn’t EMDR Work for Me? Many people seek out EMDR after hearing how transformative it was for someone else. They hear stories of rapid relief, resolved memories, or symptoms that seemed to fall away. When they try EMDR themselves and do not experience those outcomes, the result is often confusion or discouragement. This is […]

What Is Complex PTSD and How Can EMDR Help? Complex PTSD refers to a nervous system that adapted to prolonged or repeated threat, often in relational contexts where safety, support, or escape were limited. Unlike PTSD that develops after a single overwhelming event, complex PTSD forms over time. The system learns not only how to […]

If you’re wondering “Is EMDR right for me?” People often describe EMDR as a trauma therapy, and that can make it hard to know whether it fits your situation. Many people who are curious about EMDR do not see themselves as traumatized. Others wonder whether they are ready for it, or whether it is the […]