EMDR Therapy at Shades of Healing Therapy

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, trauma-focused therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from distressing memories, unresolved trauma, and emotional challenges. Through a structured eight-phase approach, EMDR helps your brain reprocess traumatic experiences so they no longer trigger intense emotional or physical reactions.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to help your mind reframe painful memories and reduce their impact on your present-day life.

How does EMDR work?

Trauma can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to process experiences, causing distressing memories to become “stuck.” EMDR works by activating your brain’s innate healing processes, allowing those memories to be processed and integrated in a healthier way.

During EMDR sessions, you’ll be gently guided to recall specific memories while following a set of eye movements or taps. This bilateral stimulation helps your brain make new connections and shift negative beliefs—like “I am not safe” or “I am not worthy”—into more balanced, healing perspectives.

Who can benefit from EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is especially effective for people who have experienced:

  • Childhood trauma and abuse

  • Complex or generational trauma

  • PTSD and post-traumatic stress symptoms

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Depression linked to past experiences

  • Grief and loss

  • Chronic stress and emotional overwhelm

At Shades of Healing Therapy, we specialize in supporting women of color who often carry the compounded effects of cultural, societal, and intergenerational trauma. EMDR provides a safe and powerful way to heal these wounds and reclaim your sense of safety and self-worth.