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

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

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.

Elizabeth Ballantyne
MSW, LCSWA

Specialties: Anxiety & OCD, Relationships, Grief & Trauma, ADHD, and more.

Kristin Hoffman, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS, QS, RYT-200

Kristin Hoffman
MA, LCMHC

Specialties: Prenatal, HSP, Perfectionism/People Pleasing, and more.

Anna Sevic, 
MSW, LCSWA

Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Perfectionism/People Pleasing and more.

Lauren Street, 
MSW, LCSW

Specialties: Teens & Young Adults, Childhood Trauma, Sexual Assault, EMDR.

Moriah Willis, 
MAEd, LCMHC

Specialties: HSP, Anxiety, Trauma, EMDR, and more.

Janelle Fleck, 
MAEd, LCMHC

Specialties: Anxiety, Codependency, Family Dynamics and more.

Lauren R. Serpe
MA, LCAS

Specialties: Anxiety, Stress, and EMDR.

Why Choose EMDR
at Women’s Counseling NC?

  1. Personalized Care: Our therapists tailor each EMDR session to your unique needs, ensuring effective and compassionate treatment.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!