EMDR THERAPY

EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING

"Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives."

EMDR therapist guiding a client through a therapy session

What Is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an extensively researched and evidence-based psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma, anxiety, and other distressing life experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs as a highly effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and beyond.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to talk in detail about the distressing event or complete homework between sessions. Instead, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — such as guided eye movements, taps, or auditory tones — to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge. The result is that painful memories become less vivid, less distressing, and easier to manage.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that psychological distress arises when traumatic or adverse experiences are inadequately processed by the brain. These unprocessed memories can become "stuck," continuing to cause emotional pain, negative beliefs, and physical sensations long after the original event.

During EMDR sessions, the therapist guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation while you briefly focus on the traumatic memory. This process activates the brain's natural healing mechanisms, allowing the memory to be reprocessed and integrated in a healthy way — similar to what happens during REM sleep.

Client speaking with psychologist during EMDR therapy

The Eight Phases of EMDR

Phase 1 — History & Treatment Planning: Understanding your history and identifying target memories for processing.

Phase 2 — Preparation: Building trust, explaining the process, and teaching self-regulation techniques.

Phase 3 — Assessment: Activating the target memory and identifying associated images, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations.

Phase 4 — Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation to reduce the emotional intensity of the memory.

Phase 5 — Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs to replace the negative ones associated with the memory.

Phase 6 — Body Scan: Identifying and processing any remaining physical tension or discomfort.

Phase 7 — Closure: Ensuring stability at the end of each session.

Phase 8 — Re-evaluation: Reviewing progress and determining next steps.

What Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR is most widely known for treating PTSD, but its effectiveness extends to a wide range of conditions including anxiety and panic disorders, depression, grief and loss, phobias, childhood trauma and abuse, performance anxiety, chronic pain, addiction, and attachment-related wounds. Whether the source of your pain is a single traumatic event or a lifetime of accumulated stress, EMDR can help you find relief and reclaim your sense of self.

Remote EMDR Therapy

As a certified EMDR specialist, Saloomeh offers remote EMDR therapy sessions using the RemoteEMDR platform — a secure, clinician-designed tool specifically built for online EMDR treatment. The platform features a bilateral stimulation bar that moves back and forth across your screen, accompanied by calming audio tones, replicating the same therapeutic effect as in-person sessions. This means you can experience the full benefits of EMDR therapy from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Your EMDR Specialist

Saloomeh is a trained and certified EMDR therapist with specialized expertise in trauma recovery, anxiety, grief, and emotional resilience. With a deep commitment to evidence-based practice and a compassionate, client-centered approach, Saloomeh integrates EMDR with her unique understanding of the mind-body connection and the SAZ Method to provide holistic, transformative care. Every session is tailored to your unique needs, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for your healing journey.

"You don't have to carry the weight of your past forever. EMDR can help you set it down — gently, safely, and with lasting peace."