EMDR Therapy
I'm an EMDRIA-certified Therapist trained to guide you through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, a powerful, evidence-based approach to healing trauma and distressing memories.
How EMDR Supports Your Healing
Trauma Resolution Without Re-Traumatization
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Unlike talk therapy alone, EMDR works directly with the nervous system, allowing healing to occur without requiring you to relive painful experiences in detail.
Reduction of Symptoms
Clients often experience significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. EMDR helps transform the way traumatic memories are stored, so they no longer trigger the same intense emotional and physical responses.
Holistic Integration
EMDR is integrated with somatic awareness, mindfulness, and parts-work to support whole-person healing. We attend to what your body holds alongside what your mind carries, creating a more complete and lasting transformation.
The 8 Phases of EMDR
Phase 1: History Taking
We begin by exploring your personal history, identifying target memories and current triggers, and developing a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Phase 2 — Preparation
You'll learn stabilization techniques and coping strategies to ensure you have the internal resources needed to process difficult material safely.
Phase 3 — Assessment
We identify the specific memory to target, including the associated image, negative belief, emotions, and body sensations.
Phases 4–7 — Processing and Integration
Through desensitization, installation of positive beliefs, body scan, and closure, we systematically process the targeted memory until its emotional charge is resolved and adaptive beliefs are strengthened.
Phase 8 — Reevaluation
At the start of each subsequent session, we review progress, assess treatment effects, and identify any remaining targets to ensure comprehensive healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer cause intense emotional distress. Dr. Reyna Aday is an EMDRIA-certified therapist trained in all 8 phases of EMDR.
- What conditions can EMDR therapy treat?
- EMDR therapy is highly effective for PTSD, complex trauma, childhood abuse, sexual assault recovery, anxiety, phobias, grief, and performance anxiety. Research supports its use for a wide range of trauma-related conditions. Dr. Aday integrates EMDR with somatic awareness and parts-work for comprehensive healing.
- How many EMDR sessions will I need?
- The number of sessions varies depending on the complexity of the trauma and individual factors. Some clients experience significant relief in as few as 6–12 sessions for single-incident trauma, while complex or developmental trauma may require longer-term work. Dr. Aday creates individualized treatment plans tailored to each client's needs.
- Is EMDR therapy available via telehealth?
- Yes. Dr. Reyna Aday offers EMDR therapy via secure telehealth platforms for clients in Florida, New Jersey, Texas, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania. Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth EMDR, and adaptations for online delivery maintain the integrity of the bilateral stimulation process.
- What is the difference between EMDR and traditional talk therapy?
- Traditional talk therapy primarily works through verbal processing of thoughts and feelings. EMDR works directly with the nervous system's information processing mechanisms, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed without requiring detailed verbal narration of the event. This makes it particularly effective for trauma that is difficult to articulate.
Ready to Begin?
If you are ready to transform how your past impacts your present, contact us to schedule an appointment and discover the benefits of EMDR therapy.