EMDR Therapy IN WESTCHESTER NY

Evidence-Based Treatment for Trauma and PTSD IN Westchester County

If you’ve been searching for trauma treatment, you’ve probably come across EMDR. Maybe you’ve read about its success. Maybe a friend or colleague recommended it. Or perhaps you’ve tried other forms of therapy but still feel stuck, wanting deeper healing and real resolution.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy proven to help people recover from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other emotional wounds. Recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the most effective treatments for trauma, EMDR helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer hold the same power over you.

At Sage Talk Therapy in White Plains, Westchester NY, I use EMDR to help clients release distressing emotions, shift negative beliefs, and feel more grounded in the present.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR was developed in the 1980s and follows a structured eight-phase approach. At its core, it uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while you focus on a distressing memory, thought, or sensation. Over time, your brain rewires how it processes that memory, reducing the emotional charge it carries.

Clients often find that what once felt overwhelming becomes far less distressing. You don’t forget what happened, but the memory no longer controls your present.

Get Started with Therapy

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today and explore whether EMDR is right for you.

What EMDR Can Help With

While EMDR is most commonly used for trauma and PTSD, it can also be highly effective for:

  • Generalized anxiety and panic

  • Depression and negative core beliefs

  • Complicated grief and loss

  • Low self-esteem and self-doubt

  • Physical symptoms tied to trauma (chronic pain, tension, body discomfort)

Phases of EMDR

EMDR adheres to a multi-phase treatment protocol, and each phase goes in a linear order. However, the time it takes to move through each phase varies based on the client and the complexity of the presenting concerns. In my practice, EMDR sessions are typically either 60 or 90 minutes, based on your unique needs and treatment plan.

My treatment approach is flexible, always honoring your psychological and physical symptoms and attuning to a pace that feels reasonable to you.

The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy

Every EMDR journey is unique, but the process generally moves through these steps:

  1. History-Taking – We’ll explore your story and identify the key memories or triggers we’ll focus on.

  2. Preparation – Building trust and safety comes first. I’ll teach you grounding techniques so you feel supported and in control.

  3. Assessment – We choose a target memory and outline the negative belief, emotions, and body sensations tied to it, along with a positive belief you want to strengthen.

  4. Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation, we reprocess the memory so it feels less overwhelming.

  5. Installation – We reinforce the positive belief, pairing it with the memory to build a new sense of empowerment.

  6. Body Scan – We check in with your body to notice and resolve any lingering distress or tension.

  7. Closure – Each session ends with grounding so you leave feeling safe and stable.

  8. Reevaluation – In following sessions, we review progress and decide whether to revisit the target or move to new ones.

EMDR Vs Other Therapies

EMDR has some unique advantages over conventional talk therapy. Some of the benefits may include:

Faster symptom relief: EMDR is an effective treatment that may yield faster treatment outcomes than talk therapy, particularly in resolving PTSD symptoms. If you feel like you've spent several months or years "talking" about what happened without much resolution, it may be worth considering this option.

Focus on regulation: EMDR prioritizes staying grounded and connected, making it easier to work through distressing life experiences without becoming hyperaroused.

Less 'talking' about what happened: Many people find that sharing disturbing memories or thoughts makes them feel worse. EMDR doesn't require you to explicitly share the narrative of what happened to you. Instead, we simply focus on what's happening in the here and now and aim to resolve your current distress.

Replacing negative beliefs: EMDR focuses on replacing negative thoughts with more adaptive, positive beliefs. This can foster feelings of empowerment and strengthen your self-esteem.

Adaptive with other therapies: EMDR can be used as a standalone treatment model, but it can also be integrated with other modalities. I value being flexible in my approach and truly customizing treatment to best meet your specific needs. 

Online EMDR Therapy for Connecticut Residents

If you live in Connecticut and prefer the comfort of home, online EMDR therapy offers the same proven benefits as in-person sessions. Through secure video sessions, we can work on trauma recovery, anxiety, or other emotional challenges without travel time or location barriers.

FAQs

How Do I Know If I Need Talk Therapy or EMDR?

I understand there are so many options to consider when seeking professional support. EMDR is just one of those choices. If you don't know what's best for you, we can collaborate on the different treatment methods together. As an integrative therapist, I also often use EMDR in conjunction with other modalities, including somatic experiencing, internal family systems, and CBT.

Is Online EMDR Therapy Effective?

Virtual therapy generally provides similar benefits as in-person treatment. Many clients find that online treatment feels more comfortable and convenient, especially if you feel more secure in your own space.

What Happens During a Typical EMDR Therapy Session?

After identifying your target, we'll review how you felt during the previous session, assess if any more distressing memories have shown up, and then briefly discuss progress. We'll then continue with bilateral stimulation, processing, and check-ins. Throughout our session, I'll regularly pause to ask you to share any images, thoughts, or body sensations that arise. We'll keep also working to integrate your positive beliefs so they become more real and salient.

Is EMDR Only Beneficial for Treating Trauma?

EMDR is one of the gold standards of trauma treatment, but it's a misconception that it's only beneficial for resolving trauma. Research has shown that EMDR can be beneficial for a variety of presenting concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, relationship concerns, low self-esteem, and more.

How Effective Is EMDR?

Studies consistently support EMDR's efficacy. It's one of the most researched treatments for PTSD, with research showing that upwards of 75-90% of people with single-incident traumas experience significant relief after just a few sessions. EMDR can also be effective for complex trauma, dissociation, anxiety, depression, and more.

How Many EMDR Sessions Will I Need?

The specific number of EMDR therapy sessions varies from client to client. You may notice a significant improvement in just a few sessions. However, clients with more complex or longstanding concerns often need more time. We will review progress periodically.

EMDR Therapy in WESTCHESTER, New York and Connecticut

If you're considering EMDR, I commend you for seeking support and prioritizing your emotional well-being. I know that adverse life experiences can make it seem like things will feel bad indefinitely. EMDR invites us to consider a new way of experiencing life.

If you struggle with trauma or other difficult mental health concerns, I am here to support you. I provide in-person therapy for adults and teens in White Plains, New York and virtually throughout New York and Connecticut. If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR or want to schedule a consultation, please reach out today.