Heal From The Past with EMDR Therapy in Jacksonville,FL
Many of us carry unresolved emotional pain that still affects how we think, feel, and react today. EMDR therapy helps your brain process past experiences in a healthy way, so you can move forward with the life you want to live.
We Can’t Change Our Past, But We Can Heal for the Future
Painful experiences don’t just stay in the past. They can continue to shape how you think, feel, and react long after they happen. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a scientifically backed approach that uses a combination of discussion and movement to help your brain reprocess past traumatic experiences or feeling. And while its name highlights “eye movements,” EMDR is much more than that — it’s a transformative process that helps free you from the weight of past experiences. Whether you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, or memories that feel impossible to shake, EMDR therapy can help you move forward with more clarity and peace.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
When we experience something traumatic or overwhelming, our brain may struggle to process the event fully. Instead of storing the memory in a way that feels manageable, it gets “stuck” in its raw, emotional form. These unprocessed memories can resurface as distressing thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations, often without warning.
EMDR works by activating the brain’s natural healing process. Bilateral stimulation —such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds — helps your brain reprocess these stuck memories. This reprocessing reduces the intensity of negative emotions tied to the memory and allows positive, healthier thoughts to take their place.
Think of EMDR as a way to help your brain file away old memories properly, so they no longer disrupt your present.
EMDR isn’t just for people who’ve experienced major trauma — it can also help with:
Ways EMDR Can Help
Managing depression and reducing feelings of hopelessness
Reducing anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias
Reliving painful or distressing memories
Reducing stress from work, relationships, or life changes
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem or self-doubt
Emotional pain tied to unresolved childhood experiences
Whether you’re dealing with a single traumatic event or ongoing struggles, EMDR can help you find comfort and move forward.
What To Expect in an EMDR Session
EMDR therapy isn’t about reliving painful memories — it’s about helping your brain process them in a way that feels safe and manageable. Whether we do you EMDR therapy in Jacksonville, FL or online, each session follows a structured approach designed to reduce emotional distress, reframe negative beliefs, and help you move forward with more ease. While every journey is unique, here’s a general outline of what to expect in EMDR therapy.
Getting to Know You (History Taking)
We’ll start by talking about your challenges, your goals, and any memories or feelings that might need attention.
Building Your Toolkit (Preparation)
Before we dive into the deeper work, you’ll learn simple techniques to help you feel calm and in control, both in and out of sessions.
Focusing In (Assessment)
Together, we’ll pinpoint specific memories, thoughts, or emotions that feel the most difficult.
Processing the Pain (Desensitization)
Here’s where the magic happens. Using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or sound), we’ll work on the memory so it feels less upsetting.
Replacing the Negative (Installation)
As the old emotions lose their power, we’ll strengthen positive beliefs — like “I am safe” or “I am enough” — to replace them.
Checking In with Your Body
(Body Scan)
We’ll make sure your body feels just as calm as your mind by addressing any lingering tension.
Wrapping Up (Closure)
Each session ends with grounding techniques so you leave feeling safe, calm, and ready to take on the rest of your day.
Tracking Your Progress (Reevaluation)
At the start of each session, we’ll check in to see how you’re feeling and what needs attention next.
Healing Happens, Here’s Proof
It’s Time To Leave The Past In The Past
Many clients describe feeling lighter, clearer, and more in control after EMDR therapy. Memories that once felt overwhelming begin to lose their grip, and thoughts that used to spiral may start to feel more manageable. Instead of emotions running the show, you’ll feel like you’re back in the driver’s seat. Positive beliefs—like I am safe or I am capable—become easier to believe, and triggers that once felt unbearable no longer hold the same weight.
Healing is a process, and it’s normal to experience a mix of emotions as you work through difficult experiences. But over time, EMDR helps create a sense of relief, resilience, and empowerment —allowing you to move forward without the past defining you.
See Who Else Uses EMDR
See Prince Harry Open Up About His EMDR Journey
Hear Tricia Kim Walsh’s Battle with Negative Self Worth
Have some more questions?
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No. EMDR focuses more on how you’re feeling about the memory than on the details. You only share what you’re comfortable with.
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Not at all. EMDR doesn’t erase anything—it helps take the emotional sting out so the memories feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
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It depends on what you’re working through. Some people feel relief after just a few sessions, while others might need more time to work through deeper issues. EMDR clients typically see faster results compared to talk therapy based clients who are working on similar issue.
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Yes, it’s normal to feel emotions during sessions. But you won’t go through it alone — I’ll be there to guide and support you every step of the way.
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The timeline for feeling less anxious varies from person to person. Some clients notice small improvements within a few sessions, while others take longer to experience significant relief. Factors like the severity of your anxiety, past experiences, and your willingness to practice new coping strategies outside of sessions all play a role.
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EMDR is incredibly effective for many people, but everyone is different. If it’s not the right fit, we’ll explore other ways to help you feel better.
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Yes, in order to receive counseling services you must be located in the state of Florida for either in person or virtual sessions.
Getting Started is Easy
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Phone Consultation
Let’s connect on a free 15-minute phone consultation. This gives you a chance to share your feelings, ask questions about the EMDR process, and determine if we're a good fit to work together. I’m here to understand you, without any judgment.
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Fill Our Your Intake Forms
Before we sit down for your EMDR session, I’ll ask you to complete a few intake forms. These take no longer than 15 minutes, but they give you the opportunity to share additional information about your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy.
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Settle in for Your EMDR Session
During your session, we’ll work together to learn your challenges and goals. We’ll go through a series of EMDR techniques to reprocess how you feel about the traumatic past experiences. You’ll leave each session feeling lighter and more like your old self.
You Deserve Healing
EMDR therapy is about more than just revisiting the past — it’s about helping you regain control over your present and future. Whether you’re struggling with unresolved trauma, anxiety, or negative beliefs about yourself, EMDR offers a way to move forward with strength and hope. You don’t have to carry the weight of your past alone. Let’s work together to help you feel lighter, calmer, and more in charge of your life.