EMDR helps you process memories that keep replaying so they lose intensity over time.
Evidence-based care for PTSD, trauma, and distressing experiences that resurface.
Available as part of therapy at PAAPOY when clinically appropriate.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence‑based psychotherapy that helps your brain process traumatic memories. When we experience trauma, disturbing memories can feel unprocessed and continue to affect us emotionally and physically. EMDR helps unlock these unprocessed memories so you can integrate them and move forward.
We pace this work to help your system stay oriented and supported.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while you process traumatic memories. This stimulation mirrors what happens during REM sleep, helping your brain reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional charge. Through a structured protocol, we work together to identify and resolve the distressing memory.
EMDR is most effective for PTSD, single‑incident trauma, and complex trauma. It also helps with anxiety triggered by specific memories, grief that remains intense, and distressing experiences that keep resurfacing. Many clients notice significant shifts in 8‑12 sessions, though treatment length varies based on your needs.
Before we get into the step-by-step process, it helps to know what
'readiness' actually means in EMDR.
Many people assume you have to feel 'ready' before starting EMDR, as if readiness is confidence or emotional toughness. In reality, readiness is simpler and more practical: it means your system can stay oriented while we do the work.
At PAAPOY, we build readiness on purpose. That includes pacing, grounding skills, and clear stop points. You can pause, slow down, or shift direction at any time. Processing is never forced, and you do not need to start with your hardest memory.
If you're anxious about feeling overwhelmed, that doesn't automatically mean EMDR is not a fit. It often means your nervous system has been carrying too much for too long. The goal is not to push through discomfort. The goal is to create enough stability that your brain can update what still feels 'present' without pulling you back into it.
EMDR is offered in two formats to match your needs and schedule — both are evidence-based and highly effective.
3-hour sessions
Structured 3-hour sessions for focused trauma processing. Flexible scheduling accommodates ongoing therapy with regular support between sessions.
Session length: 3 hours
Scheduling: Weekly, biweekly, or monthly
Location: Virtual across NYS or limited in-person (NYC)
Payment: Private pay (rarely covered by insurance)
3–5 day intensive therapy
Immersive 3 to 5 day intensive blocks for deep, concentrated trauma processing. Ideal for clients ready to accelerate healing in a focused timeframe.
Session length: 3 to 5 consecutive days
Scheduling: Intensive blocks (limited availability)
Location: Virtual across NYS or limited in-person (NYC)
Payment: Private pay (rarely covered by insurance)
Both formats are offered when clinically appropriate and based on fit, readiness, and safety.
20 minutes. No pressure.
EMDR sessions are private pay. If you have out-of-network benefits, we provide superbills with EMDR-specific CPT codes so you can submit for reimbursement. Flexible payment plans are available.
Check your insurance coverageStarting EMDR can feel like a big step, so we want you to know what the experience will be like. Your first session focuses on building safety and understanding your goals. There's no judgment, no need to relive trauma, and you're always in control of the pace.
We'll send you intake paperwork before your first appointment. This helps us understand your history, current concerns, and what you hope to achieve. It typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete. Don't worry about perfect answers, just be honest about what's going on for you.
Come to your session in a comfortable state: eat normally, stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep. You don't need to prepare anything else. If you're feeling anxious about the appointment, that's completely normal. We' will take time to establish safety and answer any questions before we begin any clinical work.
We'll begin by talking about what brought you in and identifying specific memories or patterns you want to work on. This conversation is the foundation of EMDR. We'll also teach you grounding techniques and coping strategies so you feel resourced and safe throughout the process.
Once we've established safety and a clear focus, we'll begin bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, but sometimes tapping or alternating sounds). You'll think about the memory or issue while our eyes or attention follow a moving target. This might feel strange at first, but many clients find it easier than talking through everything in detail.
Throughout the session, you're in control. You can pause at any time, slow down, or change direction. You might experience different emotions, sensations or insights. This is all normal and part of the healing process. Your therapist will monitor your experience and adjust the pace to match what feels right for you.
Many people feel relieved, lighter, or more at peace after a session. Some feel tired (your brain has been working hard). Others might notice that emotions or insights continue to surface in the hours or days after. All of this is normal and part of the processing. Keep a notebook handy to jot down any insights.
Self-care after your session is essential. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which can help you feel more grounded and cared for. Be gentle with yourself, and reach out if you need support. Between sessions, you might notice shifts in how you feel about the memory or trigger, which is the magic of EMDR at work. We'll build on this progress in your next session.
If you have specific questions or concerns as you prepare for your first session, reach out. We're here to make this process as comfortable and effective as possible for you.
Progress in EMDR doesn't always look the way people expect.
Many people expect EMDR to feel dramatic or emotionally intense. In practice, progress is often subtle. You may notice small shifts first, such as a memory feeling less charged, a reaction taking longer to arrive, or your body recovering more quickly after stress.
This is how nervous-system change typically manifests. The brain updates quietly before behavior or emotion catches up. A session does not have to feel powerful to be effective. Sometimes the most meaningful progress looks like steadiness, relief, or a sense that something no longer has the same pull.
At PAAPOY, we pay attention to these quieter signs of change. We look for reduced reactivity, increased capacity, and moments where the present feels easier to stay in. Over time, these small updates add up. This is how EMDR supports lasting change without overwhelming your system.
EMDR follows a structured 8‑phase protocol designed to help you process traumatic memories safely and effectively. Your therapist guides you through each phase at a pace that feels right for you.
We discuss your history, identify target memories, and establish safety resources.
This foundation is essential for successful processing.
We develop grounding techniques and coping strategies to help you stay stable during processing. These are tools you'll use throughout EMDR.
We identify the specific memory to target, how it feels in your body, and what belief you have about it. This creates a clear focus for processing.
These phases are integrated as one cohesive process focused on reprocessing the traumatic memory using bilateral stimulation.
The core of EMDR happens here. Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds), we process the memory while you stay present with whatever comes up. You remain in control throughout.
We check in on how the memory feels now and what shifts you've noticed.
We discuss how to maintain these gains between sessions.
Quick call. No form. No pressure. No charge.
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