Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) & Brainspotting
Three ways we can work with difficult experiences and the responses that still show up today. You do not have to know which approach you need before we meet.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps you revisit a troubling memory in manageable pieces while using back-and-forth eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. The aim is for the memory to feel less charged and for you to relate to yourself and what happened in a new way.
ART
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is more guided and structured. It uses sets of eye movements while you work with a distressing scene and, when appropriate, change the images associated with it. You remain aware of what you are doing and do not have to describe every detail of the experience out loud.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting uses a particular point in your field of vision as we pay attention to what happens inside. There may be words, feelings, body sensations, images, or simply a sense that something is shifting. We can follow the process without needing to explain every part of it.
When your body still has other ideas
Sometimes you understand exactly why you react the way you do—and your body still has other ideas. You may have talked through an experience, gained insight, and even know you are safe now. Yet a memory, a situation, or a feeling can still set off an old response. That does not mean you have failed at therapy. It may mean we need a different way to work with what is still showing up.
Each approach has a different structure. We will choose what fits you and adjust the pace along the way.
We start with the relationship, not the technique.
Having a method I trust matters. So does having a place where you feel understood, have choices, and can tell me when something is not working. We will make room to get grounded, talk things through, and decide together when you are ready to process. There is no prize for pushing past what feels manageable.
I have experienced all three approaches as a client, as well as used them in my work as a therapist. That has shaped the way I practice: I know how vulnerable this work can feel, and I also know that change can happen in ways that are hard to reach by talking alone.
We follow what is useful for you.
We might work with a specific memory, a present-day trigger, a belief that will not budge, or a response you notice in your body. Sometimes the focus is trauma. Sometimes it is grief, anxiety, medical experiences, or the stress of carrying too much for too long.
You will not be asked to tell your whole story all at once. We can slow down, pause, change direction, or use another approach. The goal is to help you move forward with more choice and less distress.
Curious about whether this could help?
We can talk about what you are experiencing and where it makes sense to begin.