Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences. Instead of talking through the trauma in detail, EMDR helps your brain reprocess painful memories so they are no longer emotionally triggering.
Through bilateral stimulation (often through guided eye movements, tapping, or sound), EMDR activates your brain’s natural healing ability—allowing painful memories to feel more distant, less overwhelming, and ultimately less powerful over your day-to-day life.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in treating:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Childhood trauma
- Relationship trauma
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Body image issues
- Medical trauma or chronic illness
- Birth trauma or perinatal distress
If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in therapy or unable to let go of something you know is in the past, EMDR might be the approach that finally helps shift things for you.
Now offering virtual EMDR therapy across North Carolina,
In-person options in Wilmington and Charlotte
At Women’s Counseling NC, we specialize in helping women heal from trauma and reclaim their sense of self. One of the most powerful tools we offer for trauma recovery is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)therapy.
Whether you’re working through the lasting effects of childhood trauma, recovering from a recent distressing experience, or struggling with anxiety, grief, or emotional dysregulation, EMDR can help you move forward. We offer EMDR therapy virtually throughout North Carolina, and limited in-person sessions are available at our offices in Charlotte and Wilmington.
How does virtual EMDR therapy work?
You don’t need to be in a therapist’s office to benefit from EMDR. Our clinicians are trained to provide safe, effective EMDR therapy online, so you can heal from the comfort and privacy of your own space.
We use several forms of virtual bilateral stimulation, including:
- Tapping: Your therapist may guide you to alternate taps on your shoulders, legs, or hands.
- Eye Movements: Your therapist will move their hand or a visual aid on screen to guide your eyes back and forth.
- Audio Stimulation: Using headphones or earbuds, tones will alternate between the left and right ear.
Your therapist will ensure that you feel emotionally grounded and safe throughout the process, offering tools for regulation and pacing based on your comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about EMDR
Is EMDR only for trauma?
No. While EMDR is best known for treating trauma, it is also highly effective for anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, and other distressing emotional experiences.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of EMDR sessions varies depending on your goals and history. Some clients experience significant relief in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work.
Is EMDR safe to do virtually?
Yes, EMDR is safe and effective when done virtually with a trained clinician. Your therapist will guide you through grounding exercises and monitor your emotional state closely throughout the session.
Do I have to talk in detail about my trauma?
Not necessarily. One of the benefits of EMDR is that you can process painful memories without going into full detail or retelling the entire story.
What does a typical EMDR session look like?
Your therapist will guide you through a structured process that includes identifying the target memory, assessing current beliefs or emotions, and then using bilateral stimulation to help reprocess and desensitize the memory.
Our EMDR Specialists
At Women’s Counseling NC, all of our therapists are EMDRIA trained. Lauren Street, Moriah Willis, Janelle Fleck, and Lauren Rodgers Serpe bring over 50 years of combined experience working with women to overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma.
To easily connect with one of our therapists, simply click the button below to view their availability and book your appointment online at a time that works best for you.
Anna Sevic, MSW, LCSWA
⟡ Now Accepting New Clients ⟡
Anna is passionate about supporting women facing anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and people-pleasing, and PMDD. As a trained EMDR practitioner, she offers a compassionate, personalized approach to help you process past pain, release unrealistic expectations, and move toward greater balance, resilience, and self-compassion.
Lauren Street, MSW, LCSW
⟡ Limited Openings ⟡
Lauren is passionate about helping young adults feel supported as they navigate anxiety, depression, and the lasting effects of trauma, including childhood wounds and sexual assault. As a trained EMDR practitioner, she offers a compassionate, personalized approach to help you process pain, break free from old patterns, and move toward a more grounded, fulfilling life.
Moriah Willis, MAEd, LCMHC
⟡ Join the Waitlist ⟡
Moriah is passionate about helping clients heal from trauma, including birth trauma and other deeply rooted experiences. She provides a safe, supportive space for clients to process and recover at their own pace. Moriah integrates evidence-based approaches with EMDR to ensure care is compassionate, empowering, and tailored to each person’s unique healing journey.
Janelle Fleck, MAEd, LCMHC
⟡ Join the Waitlist ⟡
Janelle brings 20 years of experience in the mental health field and a deep passion for helping people break cycles of generational trauma and build healthier, more connected relationships. She earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Akron in 2005 and has since dedicated her career to supporting individuals and couples on their paths to healing, growth, and lasting wellness.
Lauren Rodgers, LCMHC, Founder
⟡ Join the Waitlist ⟡
Lauren specializes in helping women who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, especially when it’s connected to difficult or painful past experiences. As a trained EMDR therapist, she gently guides clients through reprocessing distressing memories so they no longer feel stuck in cycles of worry, self-doubt, or fear. Her approach is compassionate, personalized, and focused on helping you feel more grounded, empowered, and at ease in your daily life.
Why Choose EMDR
at Women’s Counseling NC?
- Personalized Care: Our therapists tailor each EMDR session to your unique needs, ensuring effective and compassionate treatment.
- Expertise: Anna Sevic, Lauren Street, Moriah Willis, Janelle Fleck, and Lauren Rodgers Serpe have received EMDRIA-approved training, offering you access to highly skilled professionals.
- Supportive Environment: We provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and heal from your trauma.
If EMDR therapy sounds like it would benefit you,
schedule a consultation with one of our therapists today!