EMDR Therapy in Salem, NH

Exploring Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Find relief from the weight of past experiences with a therapy designed to help your mind and body heal.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—a research-backed therapy designed to help people heal from distressing or traumatic experiences. It’s particularly effective for trauma-related disorders, but its impact extends far beyond that.

Rather than revisiting painful memories over and over, EMDR allows your brain to process and integrate those experiences in a healthier way, reducing the emotional charge they hold and helping you move forward with more clarity and peace.

Woman in EMDR therapy

How It Works

At the core of EMDR is a process called bilateral stimulation, often using gentle, guided eye movements. This technique helps the brain access and reprocess stored memories—particularly those tied to trauma.

During sessions, you’ll remain grounded in the present while revisiting past experiences. The goal isn’t to erase memories, but to change how you feel about them, freeing you from the intensity and distress they once held.

EMDR therapy is broken down into eight treatment phases and features a three-pronged approach to treatment.

Close-up of a person's blue eye with detailed iris and long eyelashes.

The 8 Phases of EMDR

  • We start by getting to know your story, identifying patterns, and creating a personalized plan for your EMDR work.

  • You’ll learn grounding and regulation skills so you feel safe, supported, and ready before we move into deeper processing.

  • Together, we identify the specific memory, belief, emotion, or body sensation that will become the focus of your EMDR work.

  • Using bilateral stimulation, we help your brain reprocess the distressing material so its emotional intensity naturally decreases.

  • We strengthen a healthier, more adaptive belief to replace the old one that’s been holding you back.

  • You’ll notice any remaining physical tension connected to the memory so we can process and resolve it.

  • We end each session with grounding, reflection, and stabilization so you leave feeling regulated and supported.

  • At the start of the next session, we check in on what shifted and what still needs attention to guide our ongoing work.

The 3 Prongs of EMDR

Prong 1: Past

We address the earlier experiences and memories at the root of your current symptoms or patterns.

Prong 2: Present

We work with today’s triggers, reactions, and emotional responses to help you feel more empowered and grounded.

Prong 3: Future

We strengthen the skills, beliefs, and internal resources you’ll need to respond confidently and effectively moving forward.

Benefits of EMDR

EMDR offers meaningful, lasting change by helping your brain and body process what’s been overwhelming, so you can move through life with greater clarity, confidence, and calm. When you start EMDR therapy in NH, you can experience:

Relief from Trauma Symptoms

EMDR can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, including hypervigilance, flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. Many clients report feeling lighter and more in control after just a few sessions.

Shorter-Term, Structured Support

Compared to some traditional talk therapies, EMDR is often a more focused, time-efficient process. While every individual’s journey is unique, many notice meaningful progress in fewer sessions.

A Shift in Self-Beliefs

Trauma often distorts how we see ourselves. Through EMDR, clients can reframe limiting beliefs—like “I am powerless” or “It was all my fault”—into more empowering truths, such as “I am capable” or “I am safe now.”

More Than Just Trauma

While EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, it’s also effective for anxiety and panic, depression, grief and loss, addiction, and unresolved negative life experiences.

What Is EMDR Good For?

EMDR can be really effective for anyone carrying the weight of unresolved experiences, overwhelming emotions, or long-standing patterns that feel hard to break. While it’s best known for treating trauma and PTSD, EMDR goes far beyond single events — helping clients heal from the experiences, beliefs, and nervous-system responses that still affect their daily lives.

EMDR can be especially helpful for:

  • Trauma and PTSD, including childhood trauma, complex trauma, and single-incident events

  • Anxiety and panic, especially when symptoms feel stored in the body

  • Depression, emotional numbness, and feeling “stuck”

  • Chronic stress and burnout that won’t resolve through coping skills alone

  • Attachment wounds, abandonment fears, or relationship patterns that keep repeating

  • Low self-esteem, negative self-beliefs, and lingering shame

  • Grief and loss, whether recent or unresolved from years ago

  • Phobias, fears, or specific triggers you want to respond to differently

At its core, EMDR helps your brain process what it previously couldn’t — giving you the space to feel safer, calmer, and more in control. You don’t need a “big” trauma to benefit. 

If something in your present life feels heavier than it should, EMDR can help you understand why and create the kind of change that lasts.

Ready  to Get Started with EMDR Therapy in NH?

Healing is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you're curious about EMDR in NH or ready to start, I'm here to answer questions and walk with you at your own pace.

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