EMDR Therapy: What It Treats, How You'll Feel, and What to Expect
If you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm, you've probably heard from a friend, family member, or even social media about EMDR therapy. I have had many clients wonder what exactly is EMDR, and can it help? Let's break it down.
Hi, I'm Denise. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 14 years of experience working with teens and young adults. I'm certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and trained in EMDR, and I specialize in trauma-informed care for young people navigating anxiety, depression, self-harm, and the aftermath of trauma. My approach is rooted in anti-oppressive, justice-oriented care, because healing happens when you feel safe, seen, and supported.
I provide virtual therapy for young adults located in in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Conneticut, and Delaware, offering both individual EMDR sessions and intensive EMDR programs for those ready to dive deeper into their healing journey.
What Conditions Can EMDR Treat?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) was originally developed to treat PTSD, but research shows it's effective for much more than that. Here's what EMDR can help with:
Trauma and PTSD: Whether you've experienced a single traumatic event or ongoing trauma, EMDR helps your brain process these memories so they don't control your present.
Anxiety and Panic Disorders: EMDR can reduce the intensity of anxious thoughts and help you feel more grounded in your body.
Depression: When depression is connected to past experiences or trauma, EMDR can address the root causes rather than just managing symptoms.
Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts: EMDR helps you process the pain underneath these behaviors and develop healthier coping strategies.
Grief and Loss: EMDR can help you work through complicated grief and find a way forward.
Phobias: Specific fears that interfere with your daily life can be addressed through targeted EMDR processing.
Low Self-Esteem: If negative beliefs about yourself stem from past experiences, EMDR can help rewrite those narratives.
For young adults dealing with emotional dysregulation, relationship struggles, or the weight of systemic harm, EMDR offers a path toward healing that doesn't require you to relive your trauma in detail.
Is EMDR Safe?
Yes, EMDR is considered a safe and evidence-based therapy! It's been extensively researched and is endorsed by major mental health organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization.
Here's what makes EMDR safe:
You're in control: You can pause or stop at any time. EMDR moves at your pace.
No forced re-traumatization: Unlike some therapies, you don't have to describe your trauma in graphic detail. EMDR works by helping your brain reprocess memories without making you relive them.
Trained professionals: Working with a trained EMDR therapist ensures the process is done correctly and safely.
Body-based healing: EMDR works with your nervous system, helping you feel more regulated and less reactive over time.
That said, EMDR can bring up intense emotions during processing. This is normal and part of the healing process. A good EMDR therapist will help you build coping skills before diving into trauma work, so you feel prepared and supported.
What Is Bilateral Stimulation?
This is where EMDR gets interesting. Bilateral stimulation is the core technique that makes EMDR work, and it involves activating both sides of your brain in a rhythmic pattern.
There are 3 main types of bilateral stimulation:
Eye Movements: As your virtual therapist, I would guide you with your eyes to follow their hand or a light moving back and forth. This mimics the eye movements that happen during REM sleep, when your brain naturally processes memories.
Tapping: You might tap your knees, shoulders, or use handheld buzzers that vibrate alternately in each hand.
Auditory Tones: Some therapists use headphones that play sounds alternating between your left and right ear.
Then…How does it work?
While you focus on a traumatic memory or negative belief, the bilateral stimulation helps your brain reprocess the memory in a way that reduces its emotional charge. It's like your brain is "digesting" the experience so it becomes just a memory—not something that triggers you in the present.
Think of it like this: traumatic memories can get "stuck" in your brain, keeping you in fight-or-flight mode. Bilateral stimulation helps unstick them, allowing your brain to file them away properly so they stop haunting you.
How Will You Feel After EMDR?
Everyone's experience is different, but here's what many young adults report:
Immediately After a Session:
You might feel tired or emotionally drained—processing trauma takes energy
Some people feel lighter or experience a sense of relief
You could feel a bit "spacey" or need time to ground yourself
Emotions might continue to surface for a day or two as your brain keeps processing
As You Continue EMDR:
Triggers that used to send you spiraling start to lose their power
You notice you're less reactive to things that used to set you off
Negative beliefs about yourself begin to shift ("I'm not good enough" becomes "I'm doing my best")
You feel more present in your body and less stuck in your head
Relationships might improve as you're less guarded and more able to connect
Long-term:
Many people report feeling like they've finally moved past something that held them back for years
You develop a different relationship with your memories: while they remain, they do not define you
You have more energy for building the life you actually want
What to Expect During Your Healing Journey
EMDR isn't a quick fix, but many people see results faster than with traditional talk therapy. Here's what the process typically looks like:
Phase 1: History and Preparation (1-3 sessions)
We'll talk about what brought you to therapy and identify the memories or beliefs we'll target. I'll teach you grounding and coping skills to use between sessions.
Phase 2-7: Processing (varies by person)
This is where we use bilateral stimulation to work through traumatic memories or negative beliefs. Some people see significant shifts in just a few sessions; others need more time depending on the complexity of their trauma.
Phase 3: Re-evaluation
We check in regularly to see how you're doing and adjust our approach as needed.
Most clients start noticing changes within 3-6 sessions, though deeper trauma work may take longer. The beautiful thing about EMDR is that once your brain processes a memory, it stays processed—you don't have to keep revisiting it.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
If you're a teen or young adult in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, or Delaware struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, or self-harm, EMDR might be the missing piece in your healing journey. You don't have to carry this weight alone.
I offer virtual EMDR therapy, DBT skills groups, and intensive EMDR programs for those ready to commit to deeper healing work. I also work with parents who are navigating their own trauma while trying to support their kids.
Your next step: Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation. We'll talk about what you're going through and whether EMDR is right for you. No pressure, no judgment—just an honest conversation about what healing could look like. You deserve a life rooted in dignity, connection, and possibility.
About Healing Hearts Healthy Minds
Denise Takakjy, MS, LPC-PA, LPC-NJ, LPMHC, C-DBT is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma-informed care for teens, young adults, and parents. With over 14 years of experience and certifications in both DBT and EMDR, Denise provides movement-aligned, anti-oppressive therapy that centers healing, justice, and building a life worth living. Virtual sessions available for clients in PA, NJ, and DE. Call (484) 302-7298 for a free consultation.