EMDR / IADC Q&A
Is EMDR Right for Me?
What does EMDR feel like during a session? Many people are surprised to learn that EMDR does not require talking in detail about traumatic experiences for hours. During EMDR, you briefly focus on memories, emotions, body sensations, or beliefs while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones). Clients often describe the experience as allowing memories to feel "less stuck," with emotional intensity gradually decreasing over time.
Can EMDR help with issues that don't seem "traumatic"? Yes. Many people seek EMDR for experiences they would not necessarily label as trauma. Chronic criticism, bullying, difficult relationships, perfectionism, medical experiences, loss, shame, or feeling emotionally stuck can all leave lasting imprints on the nervous system. EMDR can help reprocess these experiences and reduce their ongoing impact.
How do I know if EMDR is right for me? EMDR can be helpful for people struggling with trauma, anxiety, panic, grief, relationship wounds, childhood experiences, low self-worth, medical trauma, or distressing life events. It may be especially beneficial if you feel that you understand your issues intellectually but continue to experience emotional triggers, fear, or patterns that don't seem to shift through insight alone. EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD by organizations including the World Health Organization and the Veterans Administration.
Will I lose control or become overwhelmed during EMDR? No. EMDR is designed to be a collaborative process that moves at a pace that feels manageable. Part of treatment involves developing grounding, stabilization, and resourcing skills so that difficult emotions can be approached safely. You remain aware of your surroundings throughout the session and can pause at any time.
How many EMDR sessions will I need? The answer depends on your history, goals, and the complexity of the issues being addressed. Some people experience significant relief from a specific issue in a relatively short period of time, while others with complex trauma or multiple life experiences may benefit from longer-term work. During your consultation, we can discuss what approach may be the best fit for your needs.
EMDR Intensives
What are the benefits of an EMDR Intensive? An EMDR Intensive allows you to dedicate focused, uninterrupted time to healing rather than spreading the work across months of weekly sessions. Many clients appreciate the ability to stay immersed in the process, maintain momentum, and address deeper layers of trauma without repeatedly stopping and restarting. Intensives can be particularly helpful for people traveling for treatment, those with busy schedules, or individuals seeking more concentrated trauma work.
Can I travel to Sedona for an EMDR Intensive? Yes. Many clients travel to Sedona specifically for an EMDR Intensive. An intensive format allows you to dedicate focused time to healing without the interruptions of everyday life, making it an excellent option for those coming from out of town. Sedona's natural beauty and peaceful environment can also support the healing process.
IADC & Grief Healing
What is IADC Therapy? Induced After-Death Communication (IADC) is a grief-focused therapeutic approach developed from EMDR. It uses bilateral stimulation within a structured protocol designed to help reduce grief-related distress and facilitate healing after the loss of a loved one. While many clients report experiencing a profound sense of connection with the deceased, the primary goal of IADC is emotional healing and resolution of grief.
Can EMDR and IADC be combined with other therapeutic approaches? Absolutely. EMDR and IADC can be integrated with other trauma-informed therapies, mindfulness practices, psychospiritual approaches, grief work, and ongoing psychotherapy. Treatment is individualized and designed around your unique history, goals, and healing process.
Credentials & Experience
What Are Your Qualifications? Not all EMDR therapists have the same level of training and experience. EMDR practitioners may be EMDR Trained (Basic Training/EMDR I & II), EMDR Certified, or EMDR Consultants, which is the highest credential available through the EMDR International Association. I am an EMDR Consultant and have been practicing EMDR since 2006. I completed my initial training through the EMDR Institute, founded by Francine Shapiro, the developer of EMDR therapy. I work as a consultant to other EMDR practitioners and have presented at the EMDRIA conference. When choosing an EMDR therapist, it can be helpful to ask about their level of EMDR training, years of experience, and areas of specialization.