Ready for a Breakthrough?
When talk therapy isn’t enough, EMDR offers a powerful way forward.
Reprocess painful memories without reliving them
Replace limiting beliefs with optimism and serenity
Discover Lasting Relief Through EMDR Therapy
Life can be complicated! Some experiences hit hard and fast, while others are more of a slow burn. You’re here because you know therapy can help, but maybe you’re looking for something a little different. It’s not uncommon to hear of people that have been to therapy for a number of years and still feel like they’re not quite where they would like to be. Traditional talk therapy has its benefits that’s for sure, but EMDR therapy can take you to a new level of healing. One that is difficult to achieve in talk therapy.
EMDR therapy can help if you’ve endured abuse, neglect, serious medical procedures, car accidents or natural disasters. Even if your experiences don’t feel “traumatic” and you tend to dismiss or downplay what you’ve experienced because “other people have it worse,” EMDR can support you. Things like stress, anxiety, grief, phobias, low self-worth, and depression can benefit from this therapeutic approach. When your old survival strategies keep you feeling stuck and talk therapy hasn’t done the job, EMDR will take you deeper, working not only with your mind but also with your nervous system.
Consider this…
It’s important to note that EMDR works best when basic needs like safety, housing, and sobriety are in place. You may find therapists out there willing to jump in the deep end with you without considering these factors, but that is not how we operate. This work can be deep. It can be heavy. In our practice, we need to know that you have the basics covered so you have the physical, mental and emotional capacity to engage in trauma work. Think of it like building a house: you wouldn’t renovate when the foundation is crumbling.
Don’t let this scare you though! It doesn’t mean we won’t work with you; it just means that we may recommend alternative supportive services in the beginning to help you establish safety and security in your life, reinforcing that foundation so have a good footing when you start EMDR therapy.
How does it work?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. That’s a mouth full, but don’t let the name intimidate you. Put simply and without getting too scientific, this method of therapy taps into your brain’s natural ability to heal through bilateral stimulation, which may include following a moving light with your eyes, holding vibrating paddles in your hands, listening to alternating tones, or gentle tapping on your knees or arms.
You’ll be asked to focus on a memory and the belief it created, such as “I’m not safe” or “I’m not enough.” Then the bilateral stimulation begins, and your brain will do what it automatically knows how to do and reprocess that memory, softening its emotional impact. You won’t have to relive the memory in full as you might have experienced in a talk therapy setting. Your nervous system can relax during this process, and the heavy emotional weight will lift.
As you move through the reprocessing phase the old belief is replaced with a perspective that aligns with who you are today. One that is more functional for you, releasing you from that stuck feeling that you’ve come to know so well.
Try something new with Nicole Ambrose, LCSW
Nicole didn’t start out as an EMDR therapist. After years of witnessing clients get just so far in their healing before they hit an invisible wall, she pursued EMDR training in hopes of learning a technique and approach that could breakthrough barriers. In 2018 she trained with Roy Kiessling and it finally became clear why so many clients would say “I know this logically, but I still feel stuck.” Seeing clients shift and move forward solidified things for her and she later completed the process of becoming an official Certified EMDR Therapist.
Today, Nicole integrates EMDR seamlessly into her holistic therapy practice. With her guidance, you won’t just talk about your feelings. You’ll gain real tools, support, and a genuine chance to change how your past shows up in your present. She will help you stop reliving the same old stories and start writing new ones. Nicole provides a safe, professional space to process your experiences and find relief. Reach out today to take your first step toward real, lasting change.
There’s a Different Way to Heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during an EMDR therapy session?
In an EMDR session, you’ll be asked to focus on a memory or issue while using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping). This helps your brain process the memory, reduce emotional charge, and shift your thoughts and beliefs about the experience, leading to healing and a fresh perspective.
Is EMDR only for people with trauma or PTSD?
EMDR was initially developed for trauma but is now used to address anxiety, grief, phobias, low self-esteem, depression, and other emotional challenges. If you feel “stuck” in patterns that aren’t serving you, EMDR might be a good fit. We’d love to hear from you to help you determine if it’s right for you.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail for EMDR to work?
No, that’s the beauty of it! EMDR activates your brain’s healing systems, so you don’t have to fully disclose your trauma for the process to be effective. You can share as much or as little as you are comfortable with and you will still experience results.
How do I know if I’m ready for EMDR therapy?
We can assess this together, but at the very least you’ll need a safe place to go home to after sessions and some healthy coping strategies in place. If you’re not there yet, no worries. We can help you build that foundation first.
How is EMDR different from traditional talk therapy?
While talk therapy focuses on insight and coping, EMDR reprocesses past experiences at a deeper level, shifting emotional reactions and beliefs that talking alone may not address.
