EMDR Therapy

Healing Trauma Through Brain-Based Processing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy method designed to help individuals recover from trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, usually in the form of eye movements, to support the brain in reprocessing unresolved memories.

When something overwhelming happens, those memories can get “stuck,” causing ongoing anxiety, fear, or emotional pain. In EMDR treatment, your brain reprocesses those memories so they no longer feel as intense or triggering.

You don’t have to retell every detail of what happened; instead, we focus on helping your mind and body release the emotional charge attached to the memory. Unlike traditional therapy, EMDR focuses on resolving the emotional and physical reactions tied to painful experiences.

EMDR helps you move from just surviving to truly healing, creating space for peace, confidence, and emotional freedom. This modality is grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that traumatic or distressing events can become "stuck" in the brain. When this happens, the memory—along with the emotions, thoughts, and body sensations linked to it—fails to fully process.

EMDR can help when talk therapy hasn’t brought lasting relief because it activates the brain’s natural healing mechanisms. By using bilateral stimulation (such as guided rapid eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones), EMDR therapy facilitates the reprocessing of disturbing memories so they can be stored more flexibly without the emotional charge.

Over time, clients often experience a shift in beliefs, feelings, and physical sensations associated with the trauma. It allows clients to heal on a deeper, neurological level—often bringing breakthroughs where insight alone couldn’t. Clients who’ve felt trapped in old patterns or trauma finally begin to feel calm, safe, and free to grow beyond survival.

At Ubuntu Psychological Services, we believe healing happens in relationship with self, community, and culture. Whether through individual therapy, group work, or wellness programs, our mission is to create a compassionate space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to rewrite their stories.

EMDR allows us to help clients reconnect with safety and self-trust while integrating mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. Our clinicians are trained in EMDR and trauma-informed care, integrating this evidence-based method into therapy for clients impacted by trauma, anxiety, and distress.

Our team has extensive experience helping individuals process painful memories and rebuild emotional safety using EMDR alongside CBT, mindfulness, and somatic approaches. We provide a culturally responsive and supportive environment where healing unfolds at the client’s pace, combining professional expertise with compassion and respect for each person’s unique story.

EMDR offers a powerful, evidence-based way to heal trauma at its core—helping clients release pain stored in the body and mind. Its results in restoring calm, confidence, and connection inspired us to make it a core part of our trauma-informed approach.

Healing is possible, even if the past feels heavy or unchangeable. Many clients feel relief after just a few sessions with an EMDR counselor as anxiety, fear, and tension begin to fade. Over time, you’ll notice more calm, confidence, and control in how you respond to life’s challenges. With consistency and care, EMDR helps you move from surviving to truly living—with peace, purpose, and freedom.