EMDR Therapist in Lynnwood, WA & Online in WA and CA
Trauma Healing That Works With Your Brain and Nervous System
EMDR Therapy If you’re someone who understands your patterns, thinks rationally, and knows what you “should” let go of—but still feels stuck emotionally or in your body—EMDR therapy may help bridge that gap.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-informed therapy that helps the brain and body process overwhelming experiences so they no longer feel like they’re happening in the present.
WHAT IS EMDR THERAPY?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
It uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, alternating sounds, or gentle tapping—to help different parts of the brain and nervous system communicate more effectively.
Rather than relying only on talking or insight, EMDR helps process:
• emotions • body sensations • beliefs • traumatic memories
This allows experiences that were once overwhelming to finally be integrated and resolved.
How EMDR Works?
Trauma can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to process experiences. When this happens, memories may become “frozen” in the nervous system.
EMDR helps activate the brain’s innate healing mechanisms using bilateral stimulation—typically eye movements, tapping, or sound.
As memories are reprocessed: • emotional intensity decreases • body responses settle • new, more adaptive beliefs can take root
The memory doesn’t disappear—but it no longer feels charged or controlling.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
01
History Taking & Treatment Planning
02
Preparation
03
Assessment
04
Desensitization
05
Installation
06
Body Scan
07
Closure
08
Reevaluation
Can EMDR Be Done Online?
EMDR online?
YES!Yes. I offer EMDR therapy via telehealth for clients throughout Washington State sinc3 2020 effectively.
I use a gentle, adapted approach where clients:
follow visual dots for eye movements
listen to alternating bilateral sounds
Tapping
All you need is:
a computer
reliable internet
earbuds or headphones
a private, quiet space
Online EMDR can be just as effective as in-person therapy when done thoughtfully and with proper preparation.
Why EMDR Therapy?
Most clients I work with are already insightful.
They understand their history.
They know how to think logically.
What they don’t understand is why their body and emotions haven’t caught up yet.
EMDR helps bridge the gap between:
knowing and feeling
insight and embodiment
logic and nervous system responses
Sometimes, if EMDR feels “stuck,” that may be a protective mechanism doing its job.
In those moments, integrating parts work (IFS) and Somatic Experiencing helps support protective parts rather than pushing past them.
Throughout therapy, we will encounter many choice points. I will always pause, check in, and collaborate with you—so the work feels attuned, respectful, and supportive.
Prefer intentional, concentrated work?
How I Combine EMDR with IFS and Somatic Work
As an EMDR and IFS therapist trained in Somatic Experiencing, I don't follow a one-size-fits-all protocol. For people with complex or childhood trauma, standard EMDR can sometimes feel too fast, get stuck or stir up more than it settles. Blending three approaches lets us go deep while keeping your nervous system safe.
EMDR: Processing the Memories
EMDR helps your brain reprocess painful experiences so they stop feeling like they're happening now. Old triggers lose their charge, and beliefs like "I'm not enough" or "It was my fault" can finally shift.
IFS: Working With the Parts That Protect You
Sometimes a part of you resists processing, like the inner critic, the people-pleaser or the part that goes numb. With Internal Family Systems (IFS), we get to know these protective parts with curiosity instead of pushing past them. When they feel understood, EMDR moves more smoothly and feels safer.
Somatic Experiencing: Keeping Your Body Grounded
Trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. Somatic Experiencing helps us track sensations, slow down when you're overwhelmed and help your body complete the stress responses it never got to finish. This keeps processing within your "window of tolerance," so healing feels steady rather than exhausting.
What EMDR Can Help With
EMDR can help with many kinds of trauma and anxiety. In my practice, I use EMDR, along with IFS and Somatic Experiencing, to support adults healing from:
Complex PTSD & childhood trauma: emotional neglect, growing up with unpredictable or critical parents, and patterns that still shape your relationships
Sexual trauma: childhood sexual abuse, assault, coercion and boundary violations
Medical trauma: birth trauma, surgeries, hospital stays, and being dismissed by doctors
Body image trauma: body shame, chronic dieting and food guilt rooted in childhood or culture
Fear of flying, test anxiety & public speaking anxiety: fears that hold you back when it matters most
Not sure where you fit? That's okay. We'll figure it out together during a free 20-minute consultation.
WHY WORK WITH ME
Over the years, I’ve helped clients move beyond trauma, reconnect with their bodies, and feel more like themselves—more compassionate, calm, confident, courageous, and creative.
I blend inner child work, attachment-focused therapy, bilateral stimulation, somatic tracking, and nervous system healing to create deep, lasting change. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in genuine compassion.
I understand how heavy things have felt, and I know how to help you find clarity, ease, and a more empowered relationship with yourself.
You’ve already taken a brave step by being here.
Let’s continue this journey — gently, intentionally, and together.
EMDR Therapy FAQs
1. How many EMDR sessions will I need?
It depends on what you're healing from. For a single upsetting event, many people notice real change within about 4-12 sessions. For complex or childhood trauma, EMDR usually takes longer, because we spend time building safety and resources before processing, and there are often several memories connected together. If you'd like more concentrated progress, an EMDR intensive offers several hours of focused work over 1–3 days. We'll talk about what fits your goals during a free 20-minute consultation.
2. Does EMDR work for childhood trauma?
Yes. EMDR can be very effective for childhood trauma, including emotional neglect, growing up with critical or unpredictable parents, abuse, and the shame or self-doubt those experiences leave behind. Because childhood trauma shapes the nervous system and sense of self, I combine EMDR with IFS (parts work) and Somatic Experiencing. We go at a pace that feels safe, so the younger parts of you can finally feel heard and released from the past.
3. Is EMDR covered by insurance?
I'm an out-of-network provider, which means I don't bill insurance directly. However, many PPO plans offer out-of-network mental health benefits that may reimburse part of your EMDR sessions. I can provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) you can submit to your insurance company. I recommend calling your insurer and asking about "out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits" and your deductible. You can also use HSA or FSA funds.
4. What does EMDR feel like?
Most people are surprised by how natural it feels. You stay awake, aware and in control the whole time. While you briefly bring a memory to mind, you follow eye movements, feel gentle tapping or hear alternating tones. Then we pause and notice what comes up, like a thought, feeling, image or body sensation. Some moments may feel emotional, and others may feel calm or even boring. Many clients say memories feel more distant, less charged or "just a memory" afterward. We always end sessions with grounding, so you leave feeling steady.
5. How much does EMDR therapy cost?
EMDR therapy sessions are $200 for 60 minutes or $300 for 90 minutes. Many clients choose 90-minute sessions for EMDR because they allow more time for processing and grounding. EMDR intensives start at $810 for a 3-hour session, with 6-, 9- and 12-hour options. You'll receive a Good Faith Estimate before we begin, and superbills are available for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
EMDR Related Blogs
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Lynnwood WA
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EMDR Therapy Across Washington & California
EMDR therapy in person in Lynnwood, WA and through telehealth for clients throughout Washington and California.