Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based approach that helps people work through distressing or overwhelming experiences that continue to affect them in the present. Sometimes, even when we know an experience is in the past, we may still feel its effects through strong emotions, upsetting memories, body sensations, or reactions that seem difficult to control. EMDR uses focused attention and bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating taps, to support the brain’s processing of distressing experiences. The goal is to help memories feel less overwhelming and allow you to relate to the past with greater ease.

Attachment-focused EMDR brings this approach together with an understanding of how early relationships shape our sense of safety, self-worth, and connection with others. Rather than focusing only on specific distressing memories, we may also explore experiences in which important emotional needs went unmet, you felt alone or misunderstood, or you learned to protect yourself in relationships. This work can help address the deeper emotional wounds that influence how you see yourself and connect with others today.

Therapy moves at a pace that takes your needs, readiness, and sense of safety into account. We work collaboratively to help you process difficult experiences without feeling that you have to face everything at once.

Psychodynamic Parts Work

Sometimes, we experience an inner conflict: one part of us wants connection, while another is afraid of being hurt. We may find ourselves feeling anxious, shutting down, pushing people away, or being especially hard on ourselves—even when we consciously want something different. Parts work helps us understand these different sides of ourselves and why they respond the way they do.

Many of these responses develop as we navigate childhood experiences, relationships, and situations where we had to find ways to feel safe, loved, or accepted. Even when these responses no longer serve us, they may continue to show up because they developed to protect us or meet important needs. Rather than judging or trying to get rid of these parts, we approach them with curiosity and compassion, exploring what they may be carrying and what they need.

In our work together, parts work may help you:

• Understand yourself more deeply and make sense of conflicting feelings or reactions.

• Recognize protective patterns that developed in response to painful or overwhelming experiences.

• Build a more compassionate relationship with yourself, including the parts that feel afraid, angry, ashamed, or disconnected.

• Work through old emotional wounds and develop new ways of responding to yourself and others.

• Feel more connected and grounded in your present life and relationships.

The goal isn’t to eliminate parts of who you are. It’s to help you understand yourself more fully, respond to your needs with greater care, and feel less stuck in patterns shaped by the past.