EMDR Therapist in Austin

You may be feeling mentally overloaded, constantly stressed, and find yourself reliving the past.  I understand, and I’m here to help!

I help people break patterns, become unstuck in the past, and ultimately create a more meaningful life. With my guidance, you can truly move forward and enjoy your life instead of reliving the past. You deserve that!

My Approach to EMDR Therapy

As an EMDR therapist in Austin, my approach is gentle, thoughtful, and empowering.  The most important thing for clients to know is that they are fully in control during the process.

In general, our body is able to store new information without us being aware of it.  However, if we experience repeated distressing memories (i.e. child abuse) or a significant event (i.e. sudden loss or car accident) our natural ability to cope cannot be located and our brains are overloaded.  These memories become “unprocessed” and they are stored in the limbic brain, which is the part of the brain where we experience body sensations and emotions (AKA fight, flight, freeze, or fawn). Memories are locked and as a result, we find ourselves stuck in the past and disconnected from the neocortex (responsible for language, rational thought, and judgment). EMDR therapy is a powerful and effective modality to ultimately reorganize distressing memories in the brain.

EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy

After a thorough history assessment and guided visualizations, the client will be asked a series of specific questions about a particular disturbing memory.  Due to the virtual EMDR therapy sessions, a trusted EMDR program called “bilateral stimulation.io” is used. Eye movements are created by a client simply following a dot back and forth on the screen. There is also the option to add auditory noise that will play in sync with the visual field. The eye movements will play at a fast speed, but at a pace that is comfortable for the client’s eyes and last for a short while and then stop. In between each lap, you will be asked what you are experiencing (i.e. an emotion, a thought, or an image). During your EMDR therapy session, you will remain fully awake, alert, and in control.  You have the ability to pause or stop at any time if you wish to do so.

 Frequently Asked Questions about Austin EMDR FAQs

  • Yes! Studies have shown that virtual EMDR therapy is just as effective as In-person EMDR therapy. At the end of the day, it is a personal preference if the client prefers In-person EMDR over Virtual EMDR.

  • Through eye movement, auditory sounds, and/or tapping, the client begins to focus on the most distressing part or image of the memory. During this time, both hemispheres of the brain are activated and begin to connect as the corpus callosum (bridge between the limbic system and neocortex) is strengthening and expanding. The distressing memory that is locked in the limbic brain is able to move through the bridge and into the part of the neocortex. This painful and intense memory becomes a neutral memory of an event in the past.

  • Typically 50 minutes long but clients can choose to meet for a 60-75 minute Virtual EMDR session.

  • Yes! The client has the option to split talk therapy and EMDR in the session or EMDR can be woven into the sessions for ongoing talk therapy. I also offer EMDR therapy for clients who are working with an individual or couples therapist who want to use the modality to target a specific distressing memory.

  • A certified EMDR Therapist means the therapist has reached a higher level of mastery in EMDR. Therapists that are Certified in EMDR have completed the basic EMDR training, at least 20 additional hours of consultation, and a minimum of 50 clinical EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients. Therapists must be licensed for at least two years in their field as an independent practice mental health professional. In addition, EMDRIA – the EMDR International Association – requires therapists to complete at least twelve hours of EMDR continuing education credits every 2 years to maintain certification.

  • This varies depending on the circumstances and the presenting issue(s). Every individual varies with how long it will take to process information through the standard EMDR protocol. This can look like anywhere from a few sessions to several months of sessions. I also use the Flash Technique and/or IFS parts work to help with the process which often shows rapid results.

  • PTSD

    Sleep Issues

    Phobias

    Performance Anxiety

    Depression

    Low Self-Esteem

    Childhood trauma

    Addictions

    Grief/Loss

    General Anxiety

    Panic Attacks

    Anger

    Sexual or physical abuse

Get Help from an EMDR Austin Therapist today!

Your past doesn't have to define or prevent you from living the life you truly desire. It's time to break free from the chains of your past and embrace the present with open arms. No longer do you have to "suck it up" and merely survive day by day. With my guidance and support, you have the opportunity to not only heal from your past wounds but also to thrive and experience true joy and fulfillment. Together, we will navigate through the complexities of your past experiences, unpack the emotional baggage that weighs you down, and create a roadmap towards a brighter future!
EMDR Therapy