What to Expect in EMDR Therapy (Especially Through Telehealth)
If you’ve been curious about EMDR therapy but feel unsure or a little apprehensive, you’re not alone.
Many women come to EMDR after years of trying to “talk it through,” wondering why insight hasn’t fully translated into relief. Others worry that EMDR will be intense, overwhelming, or require revisiting painful memories before they feel ready.
I want to offer a grounded, honest picture of what EMDR therapy actually looks like—especially when offered through telehealth in California—so you can decide whether it feels like the right next step for you.
What Is EMDR Therapy, Really?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma-informed therapy that helps your brain and nervous system process experiences that were never fully integrated at the time they occurred.
These experiences don’t have to be dramatic or obvious “big T” trauma. For many women, they include:
Chronic emotional stress
Relational wounds or attachment injuries
Medical, fertility, pregnancy, or birth experiences
Growing up needing to be the responsible or high-achieving one
Moments where you learned it wasn’t safe to fully feel or express yourself
When these experiences remain unprocessed, they can continue to shape how your nervous system responds—long after the original situation has passed.
EMDR helps your system complete what was left unfinished.
EMDR Is Not About Reliving the Past
One of the most common concerns I hear is:
“Do I have to relive everything in detail?”
The answer is no.
EMDR does not require you to retell traumatic experiences or stay stuck in painful memories. Instead, we work in a carefully paced, resourced way that prioritizes safety, choice, and nervous system regulation.
You remain present, grounded, and in control throughout the process.
What EMDR Looks Like in Telehealth Sessions
EMDR can be very effective through telehealth when done thoughtfully and skillfully.
In our work together, EMDR therapy via telehealth typically includes:
Building safety and trust first (this is not rushed)
Learning grounding and nervous system regulation tools
Identifying patterns rather than forcing memories
Using bilateral stimulation adapted for online sessions
Moving at a pace that respects your sensitivity and wisdom
Many women find that doing EMDR from their own space actually helps them feel more relaxed and supported.
You Don’t Have to Be “Ready” or Know Where to Start
Another common belief is that you need to have a clear trauma story or specific memory to begin EMDR.
In reality, many women come in saying:
“I just feel anxious all the time”
“I know something’s there, but I can’t name it”
“I feel disconnected from myself”
“I’m tired of holding it together”
That’s enough.
EMDR works with what’s present now—sensations, emotions, beliefs, and nervous system responses—not just explicit memories.
EMDR for Anxiety, Depression, and Feeling Stuck
EMDR therapy can be especially helpful if you:
Feel chronically anxious or on edge
Experience depression that feels heavy or numb
Struggle with self-doubt or shame despite knowing better
Feel emotionally stuck or disconnected from yourself
Have done therapy before but want something deeper
Rather than managing symptoms, EMDR helps your system resolve what’s underneath.
A Trauma-Informed, Relational Approach Matters
EMDR is not a technique applied to you—it’s a process we move through together.
My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and deeply respectful of your nervous system. That means:
We go slowly
We listen to your body
We pause when needed
We trust your internal wisdom
Healing happens not through force, but through attunement and safety.
A Gentle Next Step
If you’ve been feeling curious about EMDR therapy, trust that curiosity. You don’t need to commit to anything yet.
I offer EMDR therapy via telehealth for women throughout California, supporting anxiety, depression, trauma, perinatal mental health, and life transitions.
You deserve meaningful support.
When you’re ready, let’s schedule a consultation to talk about what’s been weighing on you, what you’re hoping for, and whether EMDR feels like the right fit.
