There are times when simply talking through your pain isn’t enough. Especially when you’re dealing with trauma—whether it stemmed from childhood, a past relationship, or a recent event—words alone might not fully access what’s stuck. That doesn’t mean therapy isn’t for you. It might just mean a different approach is needed. And that’s where EMDR comes in.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based method for treating trauma. It’s not new, and it’s not a fad. Therapists have been using EMDR since the 1980s to help people process painful memories in a way that talk therapy sometimes can’t reach.
At Clarity, EMDR is one of several approaches we offer when deeper healing is needed. For many clients, it’s been a turning point in their work.
What Makes EMDR Different?
When you’ve experienced trauma, your nervous system sometimes gets “stuck” in a state of distress. The memory of the event—along with the physical sensations, emotions, and beliefs you carried during it—can feel like they’re still happening, even years later.
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements) to help your brain reprocess these memories so they no longer carry the same emotional weight. The goal isn’t to erase what happened, but to help you store it differently—so it’s in the past, not running the show in the present.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
You don’t have to be diagnosed with PTSD to benefit. EMDR has been shown to help with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Grief and complicated loss
- Sexual trauma and assault
- Relationship distress and abandonment wounds
- Performance anxiety and fear of failure
- Sleep issues, including nightmares
- Negative self-beliefs rooted in early experiences
Our founder, Justin Pere, offers EMDR sessions for individuals ready to move beyond talk therapy and begin deeper trauma work. He also integrates this method into individual therapy and couples therapy when unresolved trauma shows up in the relationship.
When You're Ready to Begin
If you’ve tried other forms of therapy and still feel like something’s missing, EMDR might be the missing link. It’s not always fast, and it’s not always easy—but for many people, it’s the approach that finally helps them feel peace.
Check our intake page to see if we’re currently accepting new clients. And if you’re not sure EMDR is the right fit, you’re welcome to ask. We’re here to guide you toward the kind of therapy that will help you heal.