Healing Trauma with EMDR Therapy
Trauma can leave deep emotional scars, affecting how you think, feel, and relate to others. Even years after a painful event, memories can resurface in the form of anxiety, flashbacks, or overwhelming emotions. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, research-backed therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences.
At Marissa Greenberg, LMFT, I offer EMDR therapy to clients who want relief from the weight of past trauma. Whether you’ve experienced childhood abuse, sexual assault, a difficult birth, or another painful event, EMDR provides a safe and structured path toward healing.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is a therapeutic approach that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel as distressing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on how memories are stored in the brain and uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to reduce the intensity of painful experiences.
The goal is not to erase memories, but to help you view them in a healthier, less overwhelming way. After EMDR, many clients report feeling lighter, calmer, and more able to move forward.
What EMDR Can Help With
EMDR is most commonly used to treat trauma and PTSD, but it can also help with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Sexual assault or violence
- Birth trauma and difficult postpartum experiences
- Accidents, natural disasters, or sudden loss
- Anxiety, panic, or phobias
- Grief and complicated loss
- Depression related to unresolved trauma
If distressing experiences continue to affect your daily life, EMDR can provide a way to reduce their emotional impact.
How EMDR Works
EMDR sessions follow a structured process that includes:
- History-taking and preparation – We begin by identifying your goals, discussing past experiences, and making sure you feel safe and supported.
- Targeting specific memories – You’ll bring up an image, thought, or feeling related to the trauma while staying grounded in the present.
- Bilateral stimulation – Through eye movements, tapping, or sounds, your brain reprocesses the memory, allowing it to become less distressing over time.
- Integration – We focus on strengthening positive beliefs and coping skills so you feel more resilient moving forward.
Many clients experience relief after just a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment depending on their history.
My Approach to EMDR
I use EMDR as part of a broader, client-centered approach. While EMDR is powerful, it’s not used in isolation. Depending on your needs, I may integrate:
- Talk Therapy: To provide space for reflection and support
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To shift negative thought patterns
- Eclectic Methods: Blending techniques to meet your goals
Throughout the process, I create a compassionate and trauma-informed environment so you feel safe and empowered.
Benefits of EMDR
Clients who engage in EMDR therapy often experience:
- Relief from symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Reduced emotional intensity of traumatic memories
- Increased ability to cope with stress and triggers
- Improved self-esteem and self-compassion
- Greater sense of calm and control in daily life
- Freedom to live more fully in the present