Need a Little EMDR Magic?

Imagine giving your nervous system the freedom it’s been craving—from old hurts, stuck patterns, and stories that no longer serve you.

Welcome. You’ve just stepped into a space where understanding meets transformation. This is your introduction to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—a powerful, evidence-based therapy for trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and more. If you’ve ever felt trapped by the weight of the past, or simply curious if healing can look and feel different... you’re in the right place.

What is EMDR, Really?

At its core, EMDR is a gentle yet effective therapy that helps the brain do what it was built to do: heal. Sometimes life throws us experiences that overwhelm our system—leaving certain memories “frozen in time.” They linger, not just in our minds, but in our bodies and reactions. EMDR works by helping you reprocess those memories—so they lose their emotional charge and stop running the show.

It’s not traditional talk therapy. You don’t have to retell every painful detail. Instead, EMDR taps into your brain’s natural healing capacity using something called bilateral stimulation (BLS)—think rhythmic left-right movements, tones, or tapping. These cues support the brain in releasing and integrating what’s been stuck.

This therapy is backed by major organizations like the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), American Psychological Association (APA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective treatment for trauma. But beyond the science, what really matters is this: it works—and it works in a way that feels empowering, not re-traumatizing.

Hi, I'm Amanda Jones, LCSW-S,

As an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant-in-Training (CIT), and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II (CCTP-II), I’ve helped hundreds of clients rewire the impact of trauma—safely and effectively, from the comfort of their own space.

I believe that healing shouldn’t feel out of reach.
With the right guidance, virtual EMDR can be just as powerful as in-person work—sometimes even more so.

In this blog series, we’ll break down everything you need to know about EMDR—how it works, who it helps, and how to know if it’s right for you.

So... How Does EMDR Actually Work?

Let’s get into it.

Your brain is designed to process and integrate life experiences. But when something traumatic or overwhelming happens, that natural process can get interrupted. It’s like a spinning wheel that suddenly freezes. The memory stays stuck—and so do the feelings, thoughts, and physical responses tied to it.

EMDR helps restart that wheel.

By pairing brief focus on a distressing memory with bilateral stimulation, EMDR supports the brain in “unsticking” the experience. You still remember the event—but it stops hijacking your nervous system.

EMDR in Action: The 8 Phases

EMDR is a structured, phase-based therapy. Here’s a snapshot of what that process looks like:

1. History Taking & Treatment Planning
   We identify the key memories or themes that are holding you back and assess your readiness for EMDR.

2. Preparation & Resourcing
   You’ll learn tools to feel grounded, safe, and supported—before we ever touch the hard stuff.

3. Assessment
   We connect your target memory with the negative beliefs and emotional patterns tied to it.

4. Desensitization
   Here’s where BLS begins. We start reprocessing the memory, allowing the intensity to gradually dissolve.

5. Installation
   We replace old beliefs (like “I’m not safe”) with empowering truths (“I’m in control now”).

6. Body Scan
   We check in with your body—because healing isn’t just mental, it’s physical too.

7. Closure
   You’ll leave each session feeling stable, calm, and grounded—never raw or re-exposed.

8. Reevaluation
   We revisit the target memory later to ensure healing is lasting and complete.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR isn’t just for PTSD. It’s for anyone carrying the emotional weight of unprocessed pain. This includes:

• Childhood trauma (neglect, emotional abuse, abandonment)

• Sexual assault or relationship trauma

• Medical or accident-related trauma

• Anxiety, panic, or chronic stress

• Phobias and irrational fears

• Grief and complicated loss

• Low self-worth, shame, and perfectionism

• Performance anxiety or burnout

Virtual EMDR That Works

If the idea of doing this deep work virtually makes you hesitate—know this: Remote EMDR works. With secure platforms and tools that mimic in-person BLS, you can access the full power of EMDR wherever you are.

And I’ll be with you every step of the way. From preparing your space to regulating your nervous system in session, I help ensure that your virtual EMDR experience is safe, effective, and empowering.

What’s Coming Up in the Blog Series:

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Is EMDR Right for Me? Exploring readiness and how to know when you’re ready

• The EMDR Process: A deep dive into the eight phases

• Common Myths Debunked: What EMDR is not

• The Body & EMDR: Why trauma lives in the body, and how EMDR helps release it

• Beyond Trauma: Using EMDR for anxiety, self-worth, and more

• After an EMDR Session: What to expect, and how to care for yourself

• Maximizing Virtual EMDR: Tips to create a healing container at home

Ready to Explore?

EMDR can be life-changing—but only when it feels like the right fit for you. If you’re curious or ready to take the next step, I offer a free consultation to connect, explore your needs, and see if this approach resonates.

✨ Trust the process.
✨ Your healing is possible.
✨ You don’t have to do it alone.