Embodied EMDR
Embodied EMDR integrates EMDR, parts work, dance/movement therapy, and somatic psychotherapy to create a whole-person approach to healing. By positioning the body as a central resource—rather than an afterthought—this approach supports deep stabilization during trauma processing and lasting integration of the insights and resources you build in therapy. Whether you're recovering from a single traumatic event or the cumulative weight of complex life experiences, Embodied EMDR meets you where you are.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that uses bilateral stimulation — typically side-to-side eye movements — to help your brain reprocess distressing memories and experiences. It works with the body's natural capacity for healing, making it distinct from traditional talk therapy.
EMDR is not hypnosis. You won't forget your memories, and some emotions may still be associated with them. The goal isn't to erase what happened — it's to reduce how much those memories disrupt your daily life. After successful EMDR, a difficult memory may still feel like a "sad story" or a "scary story," but it no longer pulls you under when it surfaces unexpectedly.
We store experiences not just as thoughts, but as images, sensations, sounds, smells, and feelings. Many people I work with don't remember all the details of what happened — the memory may live in their body as a physical sensation or a recurring emotional reaction. EMDR doesn't require you to have the full story. Using bilateral movements, we create a space where present-day beliefs, resources, and safety can be layered over earlier experiences — gradually lowering their emotional charge so they no longer catch you off guard.
What is Parts Work?
We are all made up of many parts — each shaped by our unique experiences and history. One of the most common fears I hear from clients is the worry that healing means losing a part of themselves they've always known, often a protective part that has kept them safe for years.
In parts work, there are no "bad" parts. Every part of your inner system developed for a reason, and at some point, it was doing exactly what you needed. The challenge is that as we grow, our lives change — and our parts don't always update alongside us. A part that once protected you may now be holding you back from living more fully.
Through parts work, we get to know each of your parts individually, so they can begin to understand one another and work together in support of your present, adult self. No part gets left behind. When the whole system is online and working together, real and lasting change becomes possible.
What is Dance/Movement Therapy?
Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is defined by the American Dance Therapy Association as "the psychotherapeutic use of dance, movement, body awareness, and embodied communication to foster healing and well-being for all individuals, families, and communities."
In practice, this means the body is always present in our work together. It might look like noticing how your body responds when you talk about a difficult topic, using gentle movement to build a sense of calm, or finding rhythm and mobilization to support processing.
I believe the body is one of our most powerful and underutilized resources. Unlike any external tool — a phone, headphones, a weighted blanket — your body is with you everywhere you go. My goal is to help you access it as a steady, supportive resource that you can draw on long after our sessions end.
To learn more about Dance/Movement Therapy, visit the ADTA’s website