EMDR THERAPY IN PLYMOUTH, MICHIGAN
Process the Past.
Release What’s Stuck.
Move Forward.
If you have been through something traumatic, your brain may not have had the chance to fully process it at the time. When something feels overwhelming or unsafe, the brain shifts into survival mode. In that moment, normal processing can pause.
EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps the brain restart its natural healing process. It is commonly used for PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and distressing life experiences.
When trauma happens, parts of the brain that help with thinking, language, and emotional regulation can temporarily shut down. Because of this, the experience may not be stored as a normal memory. Instead, images, sounds, emotions, and body sensations can remain stuck in the nervous system. Later on, these unprocessed memories can show up as flashbacks, emotional distress, panic, hypervigilance, nightmares, or feeling constantly on edge, even when you are safe.
EMDR therapy helps the brain begin processing those experiences now. As processing happens, the emotional charge connected to the memory often decreases. The body responds less. The memory starts to feel farther away. Many people describe it as feeling like something that happened in the past, instead of something that is still happening.
EMDR does not require you to relive trauma in detail. Therapy moves at a pace that feels safe and supportive. The focus is on helping your nervous system find stability while healing takes place.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
How EMDR Therapy Works
If you’re wondering how EMDR therapy works, you’re not alone. Many people are curious before they begin.
When trauma happens, the brain can get overwhelmed. Instead of processing the experience fully, parts of it stay stuck. This is why past events can still feel close, even years later.
EMDR therapy helps the brain process those stuck memories.
It uses bilateral stimulation, which gently activates both sides of the brain. At Think Feel Talk Therapy, this is often done using small handheld devices called tappers.
You hold one tapper in each hand
They gently vibrate, switching from side to side
The stimulation may pause and restart during the session
You stay awake and in control the entire time. You are not forced to relive your trauma or share details you are not ready for.
As the brain begins processing, many people notice change. Memories feel less intense. Emotions soften. The body feels calmer. Over time, what once felt overwhelming starts to feel like something that belongs in the past.
This is why EMDR is widely used for trauma therapy, PTSD treatment, and nervous system regulation.
My EMDR Approach
Somatic-Based EMDR
My approach to EMDR is somatic-based. This means we work with the body and nervous system, not just memories or thoughts.
Trauma doesn’t only live in the mind. It often lives in the body. You may notice this as tight shoulders, a heavy chest, shallow breathing, numbness, or a constant feeling of being on edge, even when life feels calm on the outside. Somatic-based EMDR gently brings awareness to these body sensations while processing trauma.
There is no forcing. No rushing. We move at a pace your body can handle.
What this looks like in sessions
We notice what your body is feeling in the moment
We stay grounded and present
We pause when needed
We follow your nervous system, not a rigid script
You remain aware and in control the entire time.
As your nervous system begins to feel safer, the brain can process experiences that were once overwhelming. Emotions often soften. The body begins to relax. Memories lose their intensity and start to feel more distant. Over time, this approach helps you feel more connected to yourself. More steady. More at ease in your body.
Healing happens not just in your thoughts, but throughout your whole system.
What EMDR Therapy Can Help With
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PTSD or trauma symptoms
Flashbacks, nightmares, or moments where it feels like the past suddenly rushes back. Even when you know you’re safe, your body or mind may react as if the trauma is happening again.
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Anxiety linked to past experiences
Ongoing worry, fear, or uneasiness that doesn’t seem to have a clear cause. You may feel on edge, alert, or tense most of the time without fully knowing why.
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Strong emotional reactions or triggers
Small situations can lead to big emotional responses. You may feel overwhelmed, upset, or reactive in ways that don’t always make sense to you afterward.
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Feeling numb, disconnected, or shut down
Instead of feeling too much, you may feel very little. Life can start to feel distant, like you’re moving through your days on autopilot rather than fully present.
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Body-based stress or tension
Trauma often shows up physically. This can look like tight muscles, restlessness, shallow breathing, or sudden physical reactions when you feel stressed or triggered.
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Distressing memories that won’t let go
Memories from the past may keep coming back, even if they happened long ago. EMDR helps the brain process these experiences so they no longer hold the same emotional weight.
Experience The Restorative Power Of Somatic EMDR Therapy
Alex is trained in advanced EMDR methods, and I have developed my own unique process for helping clients process and resolve their traumas. I use a combination of EMDR and clinical hypnosis in almost every session, as both of these approaches empower clients to access the subconscious regions of the mind. I’ve witnessed EMDR’s remarkable ability to help clients achieve deeper healing, and I want the same for you.
If you’re interested in pursuing EMDR therapy with me, email me, text me at 734-536-2444, or use the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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EMDR therapy is commonly used to help with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. It is especially helpful when past experiences still affect how you feel, react, or cope in daily life.
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EMDR works by helping the brain process memories that were left unprocessed during trauma. It uses gentle back-and-forth stimulation to support the brain’s natural healing process, reducing emotional distress over time.
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No. You are not required to relive trauma in detail. EMDR therapy moves at your pace, and you stay present and in control. The focus is on safety and support, not forcing painful memories.
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Yes. EMDR is considered a safe and evidence-based therapy when provided by a trained clinician. Sessions are guided carefully, and your therapist helps you stay grounded throughout the process.
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This depends on the person and their experiences. Some people notice changes within a few sessions, while others need more time. Healing is not rushed, and progress happens step by step.
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Yes. Many people seek EMDR therapy for anxiety linked to past experiences, even if they don’t identify with PTSD. EMDR can help when anxiety feels rooted in earlier events.
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EMDR therapy often feels calm and focused. Some emotions may come up, but many people also notice a sense of relief or clarity. Over time, memories tend to feel less intense and less overwhelming.
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Yes. EMDR does not rely only on talking. It works with how the brain and nervous system process experiences, which can be helpful if talking feels hard or overwhelming.
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Yes. EMDR therapy is available in Plymouth, Michigan for individuals struggling with trauma, PTSD, and anxiety linked to past experiences. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming. If you are searching for an EMDR therapist near you, working with a trained, trauma-informed clinician can help you feel safer, calmer, and more grounded over time.
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Sometimes it feels like no matter how much you talk about it, the trauma still lingers. EMDR therapy helps your brain let go of those stuck memories so they don’t keep replaying. It’s not about erasing the past. It’s about finally feeling safe in the present.