EMDR Therapy in Fort Collins, CO

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR used for?

EMDR was originally developed for trauma and PTSD, but its use has expanded well beyond that. I use EMDR to treat anxiety, panic, complex trauma, grief, and the kind of stuck negative beliefs that talk therapy alone hasn't been able to shift. If you find yourself carrying an experience that still feels unresolved, no matter how much time has passed, EMDR may be able to help.

Does EMDR work if you don't remember the trauma?

Yes. You don't need a clear, detailed memory for EMDR to be effective. Trauma is often stored in the body and nervous system, not just in conscious memory, which is why you can feel triggered, anxious, or on edge without knowing exactly why. We can work with body sensations, emotions, or even a general sense of "something happened," and let your brain's own healing process do the rest.

How many sessions of EMDR will I need?

This varies from person to person, depending on the nature and number of experiences we're working through. Some people notice a shift in approximately six to eight sessions, while more complex or longstanding trauma may take longer. In our consultation, we'll talk through your history so you have a realistic sense of what treatment might look like for you.

Is EMDR painful or retraumatizing?

It makes sense to feel some hesitation here. EMDR is designed to help you process difficult memories without becoming overwhelmed by them. We move at a pace your nervous system can handle, and I'll make sure you have grounding tools in place before we ever begin reprocessing. Many people are surprised by how manageable the process feels, even when the material itself is hard.

Can EMDR help with anxiety?

Yes. EMDR can be used to address anxiety, including anxiety related to panic, phobias, distressing experiences, or situations that feel threatening or overwhelming.

Anxiety can have different sources. It may be connected to something that happened in the past, something happening in your life now, or something you fear might happen in the future. In EMDR therapy, we work together to understand what may be driving your anxiety and identify the experiences, situations, thoughts, or body sensations that may be keeping your nervous system on alert.

Can EMDR help with complex trauma?

Yes. EMDR can be used as part of therapy for complex trauma, including experiences that happened repeatedly or over a long period of time. Complex trauma can affect more than memories of what happened; it can also shape relationships, emotional regulation, beliefs about yourself, and your sense of safety.

When working with complex trauma, I don't approach EMDR as a one-size-fits-all treatment. We first focus on safety, stability, and your ability to stay within a manageable range of emotion before moving into trauma processing. I integrate EMDR with relational and attachment-focused therapy, and we adjust the pace based on your history, needs, and readiness.

EMDR is an established trauma-focused treatment for PTSD, and research and clinical literature also support thoughtful, individualized approaches when working with people who have experienced complex or repeated trauma.

How does EMDR work with attachment or relational trauma?

Attachment and relational trauma can be especially complex because the experiences that shaped you may have happened within relationships where you also needed connection, care, or safety.

EMDR can be incorporated into therapy for these experiences, but the relationship between you and your therapist matters, too. We may work with memories, emotions, beliefs about yourself and others, and the ways earlier relationships continue to influence relationships in the present.

For complex relational trauma, I use a relational and attuned approach rather than rushing into trauma processing. We pay attention to safety, pacing, and your capacity to stay connected to yourself as difficult material emerges. EMDR can be one part of that work, alongside attachment-focused and experiential therapy.

Do I have to talk about everything that happened to me?

No. You don't have to tell me every detail of what happened in order to begin therapy.

Part of EMDR involves identifying memories, situations, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations that are connected to what you're experiencing now. We can approach this gradually and thoughtfully. You remain an active participant in deciding what feels manageable to explore.

Especially when working with complex trauma, I believe therapy should move at a pace that supports safety rather than forcing you to relive experiences before you're ready. We can spend time building resources, understanding your patterns, and developing a sense of stability before moving into deeper trauma processing.

You don't have to tell your whole story all at once. We can begin with what feels possible to talk about today.

Do you offer EMDR therapy in Fort Collins?

Yes. I provide EMDR therapy to clients throughout Fort Collins and the surrounding area, both in-person and online for Colorado residents. Whether you're local to Fort Collins or prefer the flexibility of online sessions, we can find an approach that works for you.