EMDR Therapy
Targeted support for what talk therapy alone sometimes can't reach. Available virtually across New York State and in person in Clinton, NY.
When the Past Keeps Showing Up in the Present
Sometimes the thing you have worked on for years still feels raw. Maybe you know where it comes from, but knowing has not made it go away.
EMDR works differently than traditional talk therapy, it helps your brain process experiences that got stuck, so they stop having the same hold on you.
You might be a good fit for EMDR if you:
Experienced something in the past that still feels unresolved or close to the surface
Struggle with distressing memories, flashbacks, or a constant sense of being on edge
Notice anxiety, panic, or strong emotional reactions that feel disproportionate to what is happening now
Have been through trauma, big or small, and feel like it has quietly shaped how you see yourself or the world
You do not need a formal trauma diagnosis to benefit from EMDR. If something is still affecting you, that is reason enough.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
A typical EMDR session starts with identifying the memory, belief, or feeling you want to work on. From there, Valerie guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation, usually eye movements, taps, or sounds, while you briefly focus on that memory. This helps your brain reprocess the experience so it feels less charged and more resolved.
You are never asked to describe every detail out loud. Much of the work happens internally, with Valerie checking in along the way so you always know what is happening and why.
How Is EMDR Different From Talk Therapy?
Talk therapy often works by helping you understand and reframe an experience through conversation. EMDR takes a different route. It is a structured process that works with how your brain naturally heals, rather than relying only on insight or discussion.
That does not mean talk therapy has not helped. It often has. EMDR is not about starting over. It is about reaching the parts of an experience that talking alone has not fully resolved.
What Can EMDR Treat?
EMDR was originally developed for trauma and PTSD, but its use has expanded well beyond that. People come to EMDR for:
Anxiety and panic
Phobias
Grief and loss
Low self-worth or persistent negative beliefs about yourself
Difficult childhood experiences
Single incident trauma, like an accident or medical event
Complex or repeated trauma
If a memory or belief still feels stuck, even if it seems small from the outside, EMDR may be able to help.
Does EMDR Really Work?
EMDR is one of the most researched approaches for trauma and is recognized by organizations including the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization. Many people notice meaningful shifts in fewer sessions than they expected, though everyone's timeline looks a little different.
Results depend on the person, the experience being processed, and how ready your nervous system is to engage with the work. Valerie will walk you through what progress might look like for your specific situation.
Can EMDR Be Done Online?
Yes. EMDR can be effective in a virtual setting using secure video platforms and remote bilateral stimulation tools. Sessions are available virtually for anyone located in New York State, as well as in person in Clinton, NY, so you can choose whichever format fits your life right now.
What Should I Expect After an EMDR Session?
It is common to feel tired, reflective, or even a little emotionally raw after a session, especially early on. Some people notice shifts right away, while others notice changes gradually over the following days. Valerie will help you build tools to manage anything that comes up between sessions, so you are supported the whole way through, not just in the room.
A Different Kind of Therapy, With the Same Commitment to You
EMDR is not about rehashing everything in detail or finding the right words. It is a structured process that works with how your brain naturally heals, and many people notice meaningful shifts in fewer sessions than they expected. Valerie will walk you through every step so you always know what to expect and feel in control of the pace.
Sessions are available virtually across New York State and in person in Clinton, NY, making it easy to access this kind of support in a way that actually works for your schedule.
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You can choose the format that works best for you, whether that is virtual sessions from home, in-person therapy in Clinton, or walk and talk sessions outdoors. Appointment times are offered during the day, creating a consistent and structured space for you to step away, reset, and focus on yourself.
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Services are private pay only, with superbills available for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapy approach that uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help your brain reprocess stuck or distressing memories. Instead of relying only on talking through an experience, EMDR works with your brain's natural healing process so the memory holds less emotional charge over time.
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EMDR is widely used for trauma and PTSD, but it also helps with anxiety, panic, phobias, grief, and persistent negative beliefs about yourself. If a past experience still feels unresolved or is shaping how you respond to the present, EMDR may help.
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No. EMDR is designed to be paced and controlled, and you are never asked to relive an experience in full detail out loud. Valerie will guide you through the process step by step, checking in throughout so you always feel in control of what happens and when.
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This varies from person to person. Some people notice meaningful change in just a handful of sessions, while more complex or long standing experiences may take longer to process. Valerie will help you understand what to expect based on your specific situation during your initial consultation.