EMDR Therapy for Trauma, Grief & Guilt
Virtual EMDR therapy in Virginia and Florida
Trauma-informed, structured, and research-supported — helping your brain and body process traumatic experiences so you feel steady instead of constantly activated.
Trauma isn’t always one catastrophic event.
Sometimes, it’s a single overwhelming moment — or years of smaller hurts that your nervous system never fully processed.
You may look fine. You may be functioning well.
But inside, you’re bracing.
You might notice:
A memory that still feels charged — vivid, intrusive, hard to interrupt
Reacting strongly to something small and thinking, “Why did that hit me so hard?”
Your stomach dropping or your body tensing before you understand why
Feeling foggy, detached, or numb when certain topics come up
Avoiding situations that shouldn’t feel threatening — but do
A quiet sense that something is wrong, even though your life looks stable
The past showing up in your body, even when you know you’re safe
When the past still feels present, EMDR offers a structured way to move it through.
What Is EMDR Therapy — And Will It Work for Me?
EMDR is a structured, research-supported therapy that helps your brain and nervous system process traumatic or overwhelming experiences.
When something is too much, too fast, or too unexpected, your brain can store it in a way that keeps it feeling like it’s happening, even when it’s over.
It’s why your body reacts before your mind catches up.
Why talking about it hasn’t worked.
During EMDR, you briefly focus on a distressing memory while I guide you through bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or audio tones). This activates your brain’s natural processing system — similar to what happens during REM sleep.
The result?
Over time, the memory loses its charge. Your body softens.
It doesn’t disappear. But it stops feeling overwhelming.
Fewer intrusive images or replaying loops
Less emotional intensity around upsetting memories
Reduced physical symptoms of anxiety and stress
More steadiness in your reactions
Greater trust in themselves moving forward
EMDR can be done effectively online, and research shows virtual EMDR therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions.
EMDR helps your nervous system feel that the threat is truly over — so you can respond from the present instead of the past.
EMDR for Trauma & Grief:
Traumatic Loss
Sudden or violent death — suicide, child loss, overdose, accident.
When shock, intrusive images, or panic still feel immediate, EMDR helps your brain process the memory so it no longer triggers flooding or shutdown.
Complex & Anticipatory Grief
Addiction. Cognitive decline. Estrangement. Chronic illness. Living with a known ending. Painful daily reminders.
When grief feels stuck or consumed by fear, EMDR targets the specific memories and scenarios keeping your nervous system activated — allowing the intensity to soften so grief can move.
Trauma & Chronic Survival Mode
Assault. Injury. Accidents. Medical trauma. Disaster. Childhood abuse. Or years of living on edge.
When your nervous system stays stuck in “on,” EMDR helps your brain process what happened so your body can finally settle instead of constantly bracing.
Betrayal & Attachment Wounds
Infidelity. Divorce. Emotional neglect. Rejection. Childhood abandonment. Humiliation.
When experiences of broken trust or exclusion still shape how you react, EMDR helps reduce the emotional charge so your responses begin to match the present instead of the past.
Is EMDR therapy right for you?
EMDR may be a good fit if:
• You’ve experienced trauma, sudden loss, betrayal, or overwhelming stress that still feels active
• Disturbing memories, images, or body reactions interrupt your focus or sense of safety
• You’ve tried traditional talk therapy but the intensity hasn’t shifted
• It’s been years — but you suspect it’s still shaping how you react, relate, or make decisions
• You’re ready to process what happened in a structured, supported way
• You tend to intellectualize your pain — and want a therapy that works beyond just insight
EMDR May Not Be the First Step If:
You’re currently unable to access emotions or memories without becoming completely overwhelmed
You don’t yet have tools to regulate or self-soothe between sessions
You’re experiencing active psychosis, mania, or severe dissociation
You’re under the influence of substances that significantly impair stability
You’re in immediate crisis or have active suicidal intent
In these situations, we focus first on stabilization and safety. EMDR works best when there is some stability and support in your life, even if that support is small.
EMDR can be introduced when you’re ready.
Hi, I’m Carly,
Your Expert EMDR Therapist
EMDR therapy begins with building inner resources, helping you address upsetting memories both in and out of session. We'll move at your pace - you’re always in control. We gently process memories during the 'desensitization' phase using bilateral stimulation like visual tracking, tapping, or audio.
Personally and professionally, I've seen EMDR bring rapid relief and lasting healing from both grief and trauma. Many clients experience positive shifts in about three sessions, with continued growth throughout therapy.
Whether you prefer the convenience of weekly virtual EMDR therapy or intensive EMDR sessions, this therapy offers a powerful path to well-being.
Step 1:
Free Consultation
We’ll start with a 15-min phone call to talk openly about your life and what you want out of therapy. This is a low-pressure way for us both to confirm we’re the right fit.
Step 2:
Online Intake Session
This 75-min session helps us clarify the life you want to build, map out your specific goals, and build the EMDR treatment plan to get you there.
Step 3:
Continue Therapy
In therapy, we process trauma, regulate your nervous system, and shift your patterns. You'll notice more internal harmony as you build a more secure life.
faq
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a powerful and evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help you heal from the emotional distress and symptoms resulting from traumatic or difficult life experiences.
It utilizes bilateral stimulation (alternating left-right stimulation of the brain) while you focus on specific memories, allowing your brain to process these experiences in a new and less distressing way.
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While the precise neurological mechanisms are still being explored, EMDR therapy is thought to facilitate the brain's natural processing of information, similar to what happens during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
The bilateral stimulation (often eye movements, but also tactile or auditory) appears to help "unstick" traumatic memories that may be unprocessed or maladaptively stored. This allows for the emotional charge of the memory to reduce, new insights to emerge, and more adaptive beliefs to develop.
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EMDR therapy is a powerful and effective treatment for a wide range of challenges, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders (single-incident, complex, childhood trauma)
Grief and loss (including complicated grief, traumatic grief, and unresolved grief)
Anxiety disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, generalized anxiety)
Depression and mood disorders
Disturbing memories and intrusive thoughts
Low self-esteem and negative self-beliefs
Body image issues
Performance anxiety
Chronic pain (as an adjunct treatment)
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Bilateral stimulation is a key component of EMDR therapy that involves alternating stimulation of the left and right sides of your brain.
This can be done a lot of different ways.
Eye Movements: Following the therapist's finger, a video, or a light bar with your eyes.
Tactile Stimulation: Holding small, vibrating pulsers (buzzies) in each hand that alternate vibrations.
Auditory Stimulation: Listening to alternating tones or sounds through headphones.
In my practice, I offer all three forms of bilateral stimulation (visual, tactile, and auditory) to tailor the experience to your comfort and processing style. I offer in person EMDR therapy at my Steamboat Springs office, and virtual EMDR therapy to adults anywhere in Colorado, California, Virginia or Florida.
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EMDR therapy typically follows an 8-phase protocol.
While the processing phase with BLS is central, the initial stages are crucial for safety and preparation:
History Taking: We'll discuss your history and the specific issues you want to address with EMDR.
Preparation: I'll explain the EMDR process in detail, answer your questions, and teach you coping mechanisms and grounding techniques to manage any potential distress.
Assessment: Together, we'll identify specific target memories, the negative beliefs associated with them, and the positive beliefs you'd like to embrace.
Desensitization (Processing): You'll focus on the target memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. You'll simply notice any thoughts, feelings, images, or sensations that arise without judgment or trying to control them. We'll do several sets of BLS with brief check-ins.
Installation: Once the distress related to the memory significantly reduces, we'll work on strengthening and "installing" the positive belief you identified.
Body Scan: You'll bring the target memory and positive belief to mind and notice any remaining physical sensations. Further processing may occur if there's still disturbance.
Closure: Each session concludes with ensuring you feel grounded and stable. We'll discuss coping strategies for between sessions if needed.
Re-evaluation: In subsequent sessions, we'll review your progress and identify any new targets for processing.
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The number of EMDR sessions varies depending on the complexity and chronicity of the issues, the intensity of past trauma, and your individual processing style.
Some single-incident traumas may see significant improvement in 3 or fewer sessions, while more complex or multiple traumas may require a more extended course of therapy.
We will collaboratively assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
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While processing difficult memories can bring up uncomfortable emotions, the goal of EMDR therapy is to reduce the intensity of that distress.
I will work with you at a pace that feels safe and manageable, and we will utilize grounding techniques to help you stay present and regulate your emotions.
You are always in control and can stop the processing at any time. The aim is to desensitize the memory so it no longer evokes the same level of emotional pain.
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Yes, I use EMDR therapy as part of my personal healing program.
EMDR therapy was very helpful for me through particularly challenging times of loss.
My training and ongoing consultation in EMDR therapy allows me to practice and ensure I am giving you the best EMDR therapy available.
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Yes, EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective and evidence-based treatment for PTSD and other conditions by numerous national and international organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
Extensive research has consistently demonstrated its efficacy, both in-person and online.
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Following an EMDR processing session, some individuals may experience temporary after-effects such as vivid dreams, increased awareness of the processed material, fatigue, or mild emotional sensitivity.
These are usually short-lived (lasting a few hours to a day or two) and are often a sign that processing is continuing. Clients often report feeling very tired after EMDR, which makes sense as it is a powerful processing therapy that requires a lot of energy.
We will discuss potential after-effects and develop strategies for self-care and grounding to support you between sessions.
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Traditional talk therapy often involves discussing and gaining insight into your experiences.
While EMDR therapy also includes a therapeutic relationship and discussion, the key difference is the use of bilateral stimulation to directly facilitate the brain's processing of distressing memories.
This can sometimes lead to more rapid and profound shifts in emotional processing compared to talk therapy alone, particularly for trauma-related issues.
Additionally, we know that “talk therapy” that relies heavily on logic or challenging beliefs can be really unhelpful. I got trained in EMDR as I began to see folks with trauma and realize the “gold standard” CBT just doesn’t always cut it.
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Yes, EMDR therapy can be effectively adapted for online sessions using virtual bilateral stimulation (following a moving dot on your screen or using alternating auditory tones through headphones).
While in-person sessions in my Steamboat Springs office allow for the added benefit of tactile BLS, online EMDR offers greater convenience and accessibility for clients in Colorado, Florida, California, Virginia, and beyond.
We will discuss the pros and cons of each format to determine the best fit for you.
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I use a secure and HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform through Psychology Today.
For online EMDR therapy, I use a variety of videos that allow me to control the visual BLS.
The platform uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that your sessions are confidential and protected.
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My fees for online EMDR therapy are:
$300 - Intake session
$200 - Weekly or biweekly session
You can pay for counseling using Zelle, venmo, cash/check, credit/debit card, or HSA/FSA.
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No, I don’t accept insurance for EMDR therapy. If you have insurance with out-of-network benefits, you might be able to be reimbursed through Thrizer. Click here to learn more.
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Yes, I offer a 3 hour virtual EMDR Intensive for $550.
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In-person EMDR therapy in my office offers several advantages:
Tactile Bilateral Stimulation: The use of physical buzzies held in your hands can provide a more grounding and embodied experience, which some clients find particularly helpful for processing.
Precise Visual BLS: I can precisely control the pace, rhythm, and range of eye movements to optimize your brain's processing.
Real-Time Observation and Support: Being physically present allows me to observe your subtle physical and emotional responses in real-time, enabling immediate adjustments and tailored support throughout the session.
Dedicated Therapeutic Space: My comfortable and private office provides a focused and contained environment specifically designed for therapeutic work, minimizing distractions.
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If you're interested in learning more or scheduling EMDR therapy sessions (either online or in person in Steamboat Springs), you can click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
I'm happy to answer any further questions you may have and help you take the first step towards healing.
I offer these free initial consultations to discuss your needs and determine if EMDR therapy is a good fit for you.
I’ll answer your questions about my approach and experience, and we will plan our first session from there.