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EMDR therapy

EMDR Therapy for couples and parents in Denver, Boulder, and Across Colorado

understanding EMDR therapy.

At its heart, EMDR therapy isn't just about the eye movements (that's the “intervention,” or the bilateral stimulation part). It's a complete therapeutic approach, based on a theory called the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. This model tells us that most emotional, relational and mental health issues come from experiences and sensations we haven't fully processed. They're stuck in our memory system in a way that continues to affect us in our everyday life. Picture your brain as an advanced computer that stores every single experience - while most memories are neatly archived, the intense or overwhelming ones might get scrambled, leading to unprocessed memories that unexpectedly influence your current feelings, reactions and relationships.

EMDR therapy: a holistic approach to healing .

In my practice, I pull in ideas from the AIP model, along with attachment theory, neurobiology, and somatic psychology (which is all about the mind-body connection). This mix helps me offer you a more rounded and effective way to identify and tackle the unprocessed trauma or sensations that are causing trouble for your mental health or your relationships - it's kind of like updating the software on your computer so it can run more smoothly.

When we talk about trauma in EMDR therapy, we're casting a wide net. It's not just the big, obvious stuff like accidents or huge losses. Neurobiologically, trauma actually includes any experience that was too much for your brain to handle at the time, especially if you felt alone or unsupported. It can be something that happened all at once or something that wore you down over time —like societal pressures, feeling left out or being repeatedly criticized. Trauma, which we could also call overwhelming life experiences, can be the result of something that “happened” or a result of something that didn’t happen (physical, emotional or psychological needs that weren’t met). This broader perspective on trauma acknowledges the diverse experiences that can impact our nervous system and as a result, our overall mental and relational health.

Because of how society views trauma, many people don't recognize their own experiences as "traumatic." But here's the thing: trauma is really about how your body and nervous system experienced and responded to reality, not just reality itself. These experiences, when not adequately processed, can become stuck, creating neural networks that trigger disproportionate reactions to current events that remind us, even subconsciously, of the past trauma. In EMDR, we can access and activate these neural networks through present day feelings, relationship cycles and bodily sensations - even if you don't have specific memories in mind to target.

redefining trauma through the lens of EMDR therapy.

the EMDR therapy process.

One of the cool things about EMDR therapy is how it tackles the past, present, and future. Our brains are always using past experiences to figure out what's happening now and what might happen next (even if you don’t notice it’s doing so!). If those past experiences are full of unprocessed memories, it can make today, and tomorrow, feel a lot more challenging. Through EMDR, we'll work together on those sticky memories and sensations in a structured way, aiming to free you up from the patterns they've locked you into. Whether it's something you can pinpoint, a relational cycle, or just a feeling you can't shake - we can target it, work through it, and help you find a new perspective. In our work together, this means not only targeting specific memories for reprocessing but also addressing how the body holds onto trauma. This holistic approach allows for a more profound healing process, as it deals with both the mind's and the body's responses to past experiences. Imagine not being weighed down by the past anymore and feeling more in control of how you react to things happening now. That's the goal.

experience online EMDR therapy.

EMDR therapy can feel a bit different from what you might expect from therapy. Yes, we'll talk, but we'll also do specific exercises that help your brain work through those stuck memories. It's very hands-on and active. You're not just talking about your past; you're doing something to change its impact on your present and future.

Working with an EMDR therapist is about healing from the inside out, offering a path toward change that is both deep and broad, capable of addressing a wide range of mental health and relationship issues. It's about understanding that your past has been influencing your present and future, but it no longer has to dictate it. If you're curious about how this could work for you, let's have a chat. We'll explore your experiences together, aiming to process those unmet needs and move toward a future filled with more peace, patience, and presence.

you’ve got questions. I’ve got answers.

  • The duration of EMDR therapy varies from person to person, depending on the complexity of the issues being addressed and the individual's response to treatment. Some clients may notice significant improvements within just a few sessions, while others may require a longer period to work through more deeply rooted or complex traumas.

    A typical EMDR session with me lasts 55 minutes, with the total number of sessions tailored to meet each client's unique needs. For those looking to make more rapid progress, I do offer 3 hour EMDR intensive sessions.

  • All appointments are remote via a confidential video link. Being in familiar surroundings can enhance comfort and help you feel more at ease during our sessions. I encourage you to show up in whatever ways help you feel most at ease- with a warm cup of tea, in your favorite sweatpants, or wrapped up in your coziest blanket.

    Online appointments also mean increased convenience and flexibility - join a session in the evening after the kids are asleep, from your car on your cellphone before school pickup, or even at work on your lunch break.

  • Research shows online EMDR therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions. Virtual EMDR sessions utilize the same principles and techniques but are conducted over a secure video conferencing platform, utilizing web based tools for visual, auditory, and sensory bilateral stimulation.

  • You don’t need to purchase any additional gadgets for our virtual EMDR sessions. As long as you can connect to the internet (via wifi or cellular data), you’re all set!

    If you would prefer to explore auditory or tactile bilateral stimulation (vs. eye movements), you will need a pair of wired (aka, not airpods) headphones.

    If you have a Nintendo Switch, we can even turn that into a tool for tactile bilateral stimulation during the reprocessing and integration phases of EMDR!

  • Deciding if EMDR therapy is the right choice for you involves reflecting on your needs, goals, and past treatment experiences.

    Consider if you:

    Frequently feel overwhelmed by memories or emotions tied to past events

    Experience anxiety, panic attacks, or depressive episodes linked to specific triggers or life patterns

    Repeatedly find yourself in unhelpful relational dynamics or struggling with repetitive cycles of conflict in your relationships

    Encounter daily triggers that lead to disproportionate emotional reactions or reactivity, making it difficult for you to show up as the partner or parent you want to be

    Are open to engaging in a therapy that includes actively working through and reprocessing past experiences in a structured, supportive setting

    EMDR therapy is unique in its ability to help clients process not just past traumas, but also how these traumas continue to affect present-day feelings, behaviors, and relationships. It offers tools for dealing with current triggers and reducing reactivity by addressing the root causes of these responses.

    The first step in determining if EMDR is suitable for you is scheduling a consultation. This conversation will help you understand how EMDR works, how it can address your specific issues, and whether it aligns with your therapy goals.

  • $200 / 55 minute session

    $550 / 3 hour intensive session

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ready for therapy or coaching in Colorado?

Something Soulful offers EMDR therapy, EMDR therapy for couples, couples therapy, parent coaching, maternal mental health support and more in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs and across Colorado.