EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a therapy that helps you work through memories or experiences from the past that still feel unresolved.

That might mean something big, like a traumatic event, or something smaller that affects you today. During a session, we use simple tools like eye movements or tapping to help your brain finish processing what it didn’t get to at the time. The goal is for those memories to lose their emotional charge so you can move forward in life and relationships with more ease.

When something overwhelms your system, it can get “stuck” in your body or mind. EMDR helps you safely revisit those experiences in small, manageable ways.

As you focus on a memory or feeling, we use gentle back-and-forth movements—like eye movements, tapping, or tones—to help your brain reprocess it. You stay present and in control. Over time, that memory starts to feel less intense, and your response to it softens. People often say they feel lighter, clearer, and more like themselves again.

That really depends on you and what you’re hoping to work on. Some people come in with a specific memory and notice a change in a few sessions. Others are working through years of complex trauma or experiences in unsupportive relationships, and because of these complicated layers, you may need more time and support.

We’ll talk openly about your goals, check in regularly, and move at a pace that feels safe and helpful for you.

The point of EMDR isn’t necessarily to remember the memory, or every part of it.

You don’t have to.

Some people can’t access the full memory, and that’s okay. The point is actually to lessen the present-day charge and reduce the intensity of the feeling, not so much to remember every part or piece of the memory.

EMDR can still help.

We can work with the body sensations, emotions, or beliefs that come up, even if you’re not totally sure where they come from. Your body knows what it’s holding, and we can trust that process together.

EMDR can be helpful if you’ve experienced trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, postpartum mental health concerns, stressful and unsupportive relationships, or anything that still feels unresolved. It’s often used for PTSD, but it also works well for issues like panic attacks, low self-worth, relationship pain, medical trauma, maternal mental health concerns, or childhood wounds.

If something from your past keeps showing up in your present, EMDR might be worth exploring.

Yes, absolutely. We offer EMDR Intensives at Discover Peace Within. These are longer sessions where we can really take our time and go deeper without rushing.

They’re a good option if you want to make quicker progress, are visiting from out of town, or just feel like the traditional therapy format isn’t quite enough. We’ll talk through what you need and plan something that feels helpful and supportive.

At Discover Peace Within, EMDR sessions fall under individual therapy. Rates range from $175 to $190 for a standard 50-minute session, depending on the therapist you work with. If you plan for longer EMDR sessions, the price will be adjusted.

We’re out-of-network for for most major insurances, however, we do accept Aetna insurance. If we aren’t in-network with your insurance, we can bill as an out-of-network provider on your behalf.

You can also use an HSA or FSA card. If you’re unsure what your plan covers, we’re happy to help you look into it for you!

Yes, you can. You don’t have to give up your current therapist to come here for EMDR.

Many people already have a trusted therapist and just want to add EMDR to their healing. We’re always happy to work alongside your existing support system and keep things collaborative if that’s what you want.

Not at all. EMDR doesn’t have to be the focus every time we meet. Some people like to do it weekly for a while, while others mix it with talk therapy or take breaks.

We’ll figure out what feels right for you. You’re never locked into one format, and you can always change the pace based on how you’re feeling.

Yes, EMDR can absolutely be done over telehealth.

Many clients actually prefer it that way because they feel safer and more relaxed doing this work from home. The tools we use adapt well to video sessions, and your EMDR therapist will walk you through everything to make sure you feel grounded and supported throughout.