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 has a strong evidence base for PTSD, complex trauma, sexual assault recovery, anxiety, phobias, grief, and performance anxiety. Dr. Aday often combines it with somatic and parts-work approaches depending on what the client is working with.

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.

Dr. Reyna Aday

EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their grip. As an EMDR-certified clinician, Dr. Aday uses it to treat complex trauma and PTSD, including cases where talk therapy has helped but the body and nervous system are still holding the memory.

EMDR stones spelling out the letters E-M-D-R on a green surface

How EMDR Supports Your Healing

Trauma Resolution Without Re-Traumatization

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (guided eye movements, tones, or taps) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories without requiring detailed verbal narration of the event. Memories that once triggered intense distress lose their charge, and the body and nervous system can finally update.

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.

Integrated With Somatic and Parts Work

EMDR is integrated with somatic awareness, mindfulness, and parts-work. We attend to what your body holds alongside what your mind carries, which tends to make the work hold up over time.

Trauma-informed individual therapy with Dr. Reyna Aday

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 has a strong evidence base for PTSD, complex trauma, sexual assault recovery, anxiety, phobias, grief, and performance anxiety. Dr. Aday often combines it with somatic and parts-work approaches depending on what the client is working with.
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.

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