EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing · EMDRIA Certified

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-supported therapy that helps the brain and nervous system heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. By working directly with how memories are stored, EMDR may reduce the emotional and physical impact of past experiences and support deeper healing and integration.

Our work begins by establishing trust and safety and providing practical tools to help you feel grounded and connected throughout the process. Using guided eye movements or gentle bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps the brain reprocess experiences that continue to affect your wellbeing. Many clients find that EMDR facilitates profound healing and meaningful change without requiring repeated retelling of painful events.

EMDR is widely recognized for the treatment of PTSD and complex trauma and may also be beneficial for anxiety, burnout, and other trauma-related concerns, with the goal of supporting integration so that past experiences feel less present and intrusive.

"Many clients find that EMDR facilitates profound healing and meaningful change without requiring repeated retelling of painful events."

EMDRIA Certified

Susan Marie York is an EMDR therapist certified by EMDRIA, with more than a decade of experience treating PTSD, complex trauma, and dissociative symptoms.

EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist Badge

View EMDRIA Therapist Profile →

EMDR May Help With

  • PTSD & Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
  • Developmental & Attachment Trauma
  • Anxiety & Emotional Overwhelm
  • Burnout & Workplace Trauma
  • Dissociative Symptoms
  • Religious or High-Control Environment Trauma
  • Negative Self-Beliefs

No PTSD Diagnosis Needed

EMDR can be effective for a wide range of difficult life experiences — you do not need a formal PTSD diagnosis to benefit.

EMDR vs. Traditional Talk Therapy

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy often focuses on understanding patterns, developing new perspectives, and building insight through conversation. It is a valuable approach for many concerns and can help you make sense of your experiences over time.

EMDR Therapy

EMDR works more directly with how distressing experiences are stored in the brain and nervous system, helping reduce their emotional impact and promote healing. Many clients experience meaningful change without needing to recount painful events in detail repeatedly.

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy

Every client's EMDR experience is unique and tailored to their individual needs, history, and goals. In general, our work will move through several key phases:

1

History & Treatment Planning

We begin by getting to know one another, exploring what brings you to therapy, and creating a personalized treatment plan that reflects your goals and readiness.

2

Preparation & Stabilization

Before any trauma processing begins, we establish a foundation of safety and stability. I will provide practical tools to help you feel grounded and regulated throughout the process.

3

Reprocessing

Using guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation, we work to reprocess distressing memories and experiences so they become less emotionally charged and intrusive.

4

Integration & Closure

We work toward integration — helping you move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of safety and self-trust.

EMDR via Telehealth

Many clients are surprised to learn that EMDR can be highly effective through telehealth. When clinically appropriate, bilateral stimulation can be adapted for virtual sessions using visual, auditory, or tactile methods.

As with all trauma-focused work, treatment begins by establishing safety, stability, and coping resources before moving into deeper processing. Your comfort, pacing, and readiness remain central throughout the process.

Learn About Telehealth →

Telehealth EMDR is Available For:

  • Adults throughout Connecticut
  • Adults throughout New York
  • Those with demanding schedules
  • Clients who prefer the privacy of home
  • Those seeking specialized care not available locally

Common Questions About EMDR

Talk therapy often focuses on understanding patterns and developing new perspectives through conversation. EMDR works more directly with how distressing experiences are stored in the brain and nervous system, helping reduce their emotional impact and promote healing — often without needing to recount painful events in detail.
No. While EMDR is widely recognized for treating PTSD, it can also be effective for anxiety, burnout, attachment wounds, negative self-beliefs, and the lasting effects of a wide variety of difficult life experiences.
The length of EMDR therapy varies depending on your goals, history, and the concerns being addressed. Some individuals experience meaningful shifts in a relatively short period, while others benefit from longer-term treatment. We will discuss this during your initial consultation.
Yes. EMDR can be effectively adapted for telehealth using secure virtual tools and techniques, providing many clients with the benefit of trauma-focused treatment from wherever they are. I provide telehealth EMDR for adults throughout Connecticut and New York.

View all frequently asked questions →

Learn Whether EMDR Is Right for You

I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your concerns and explore whether EMDR therapy and my approach are the right fit for your needs.

Schedule a Consultation