What happens during an EMDR session?
In an EMDR session, we work together to process painful or disturbing memories that may still be impacting your emotions, thoughts, or behaviors today. Ill guide you through a structured eight-phase process, using bilateral stimulation like eye movements, tapping, or sounds to help your brain reprocess trauma in a healthier way. You remain fully awake and in control throughout the session.
Will I cry during EMDR?
You might. EMDR can bring up strong emotions as your brain begins to process stuck memories. Tears are
not a sign of weakness they are part of healing, and if you cry, you’re in a safe space. Well move at a pace that
feels manageable and respectful of your story.
not a sign of weakness they are part of healing, and if you cry, you’re in a safe space. Well move at a pace that
feels manageable and respectful of your story.
Why do I feel weird after EMDR?
Its normal to feel a bit off or emotionally stirred up after an EMDR session. Your brain continues to process material even after the session ends, and that can leave you feeling tired, emotional, or foggy. That’s part of the healing work. I always encourage clients to give themselves extra care and rest afterward.
When is EMDR not appropriate?
EMDR isn’t always the first choice for everyone. If someone is actively in crisis, has untreated severe
dissociation, or lacks stability in their daily life, we may need to focus first on building grounding and coping skills before beginning EMDR. Safety and readiness always come first.
dissociation, or lacks stability in their daily life, we may need to focus first on building grounding and coping skills before beginning EMDR. Safety and readiness always come first.
Do you talk during EMDR?
Yes, but its different from traditional talk therapy. During the processing phases, Ill guide you with brief
prompts and check in with you between sets of bilateral stimulation. The goal is not to analyze in the moment, but to allow your brain to do the work it needs to do naturally.
prompts and check in with you between sets of bilateral stimulation. The goal is not to analyze in the moment, but to allow your brain to do the work it needs to do naturally.
What do your eyes do during EMDR?
In standard EMDR, your eyes follow a set of movements usually left to right guided by my hand or a light bar.
These movements mimic the way your brain processes information during REM sleep and help you reprocess difficult memories more effectively. Another process you can use is tapping for bilateral simulation. Some clients prefer tapping versus eye movement.
These movements mimic the way your brain processes information during REM sleep and help you reprocess difficult memories more effectively. Another process you can use is tapping for bilateral simulation. Some clients prefer tapping versus eye movement.
Can EMDR reduce anxiety?
Yes, it can. Many people carry anxiety rooted in unresolved experiences whether trauma, loss, or negative beliefs about themselves. EMDR helps you get to the root of the anxiety and shift your emotional responses.
Clients often report more peace and clarity after completing EMDR.
Clients often report more peace and clarity after completing EMDR.
What is an EMDR certified therapist?
An EMDR certified therapist is a licensed mental health professional who has completed both basic and
advanced EMDR training and has demonstrated a high level of competency in the method. Certification
involves completing a set number of EMDR therapy sessions, receiving consultation from approved EMDR consultants, and committing to ongoing education. This credential signals that the therapist has extensive experience in using EMDR to help clients work through trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
advanced EMDR training and has demonstrated a high level of competency in the method. Certification
involves completing a set number of EMDR therapy sessions, receiving consultation from approved EMDR consultants, and committing to ongoing education. This credential signals that the therapist has extensive experience in using EMDR to help clients work through trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
Is EMDR a legitimate therapy?
Absolutely. EMDR is backed by decades of research and is recommended by organizations like the American Psychological Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the World Health Organization. Its not a quick fix, but its a proven method that brings lasting results for many people.
Is EMDR just hypnosis?
No, EMDR is not hypnosis. You are awake, aware, and in control the entire time. Its a structured therapy
process that helps your brain reprocess memories in a more adaptive way. Unlike hypnosis, EMDR does not involve suggestion or altered states of consciousness.
process that helps your brain reprocess memories in a more adaptive way. Unlike hypnosis, EMDR does not involve suggestion or altered states of consciousness.
How do you know if EMDR is right for you?
If you’ve been carrying the weight of past experiences that still affect your life, EMDR might be a good fit. We will talk about your goals, history, and current challenges to decide together if EMDR is the right approach. We will never move forward unless you feel ready.
What should I expect in my first EMDR therapy session?
The first session isn’t about jumping into trauma. Its about building trust. Ill get to know you, explain how EMDR works, and begin developing a plan tailored to your needs. Well also work on resourcing tools to help you stay grounded during and outside of sessions.
How is EMDR different from normal therapy?
While traditional talk therapy focuses on insight and conversation, EMDR is more experiential. It taps into how trauma is stored in the brain and body, helping you heal without needing to retell your story over an over again. Its efficient, deeply healing, and often transformative.
What does EMDR actually do?
EMDR helps unlock stuck memories, shift negative beliefs, and reduce the emotional charge connected to trauma. It activates your brains natural healing process what I sometimes call ‘Gods built-in ability for
renewal.’ You begin to feel more freedom, more peace, and more like yourself.
renewal.’ You begin to feel more freedom, more peace, and more like yourself.
Begin Working with A Therapist in Decatur, GA
Starting therapy can seem intimidating at first. But, improving your quality of life starts with reaching out for support. The caring therapists at Faith and Family Empowerment would be honored to help our Decatur, GA-based therapy practice. To start your therapy journey, please follow these steps:
-
Start addressing the issues that matter most!
Services Offered at Faith & Family Empowerment
We offer a variety of services from our Decatur, GA-based therapy practice. This includes therapy for anxiety, depression, relationship counseling for one, and grief. I also offer services with a focus on couples, including premarital counseling, marriage counseling, affair recovery, discernment counseling, and family therapy. If you are experiencing issues after adoption, my adoption counseling can help. I also offer Christian counseling to help you navigate life through a faith-based perspective, along with group therapy and public speaking.