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Najwa Zebian
These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.
Beyond Talk: EMDR for Deeper Healing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma therapy originally developed in 1989 to help veterans process distressing memories. For years, it was considered weird or even pseudo-science, but now it’s one of the most well-researched therapies available for PTSD and complex trauma.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works with your brain’s natural healing processes. It helps you revisit painful memories without becoming overwhelmed, allowing your brain to “unstick” from trauma so you can move forward with more clarity and peace.
EMDR therapy is a different type of therapy—you really have to experience it to understand it.
During a session, we focus on a specific memory and notice all the thoughts, emotions, and body sensations that come up. Using bilateral stimulation—like eye movements, gentle taps, or tones—other memories or feelings might surface.
Think of EMDR as physical therapy for your brain—sometimes surprising, sometimes intense, but always aimed at helping you feel lighter, safer, and more in control of your life.
My Approach to EMDR
EMDR therapy is my bread and butter. It’s not just a technique I pull in when it fits—it’s the foundation of my work as a psychotherapist. I’ve seen the power of EMDR both as a therapist and personally. What drew me to this work—and what keeps me grounded in it—is the deep belief that our brains have the capacity to heal, adapt, and grow.
I’m trained in Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR (S.A.F.E.) and often integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) for a gentle, parts-based approach. I prioritize safety, collaboration, and choice at every stage, ensuring you feel supported and informed throughout the process.
EMDR FAQs
Is EMDR Therapy Evidence-Based? Yes! EMDR is supported by over 30 years of research and is recognized as an effective treatment by: -U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Defense -American Psychological Association -World Health Organization How Long Are EMDR Sessions? Most clients start with 60-minute sessions, especially if using insurance. 90-minute sessions are also available and often recommended for deeper reprocessing work, particularly with complex trauma or dissociation. Is EMDR a Quick Fix? EMDR isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some clients notice relief in just a few sessions, but deeper healing—especially for relational trauma, CPTSD, or early life experiences—usually takes time, consistency, and a strong therapeutic relationship. Think of it as a process, not a shortcut. Will I Lose Control During EMDR? Nope! EMDR is not hypnosis. You stay fully awake, aware, and in control throughout each session. My role is to guide you safely, while always respecting your pace and boundaries. Why Is EMDR So Effective? The truth is, researchers are still figuring out exactly why EMDR works. What we do know is that bilateral stimulation—through eye movements, gentle taps, or tones—helps the brain process stuck memories more adaptively. This often reduces emotional distress and supports a greater sense of calm, resilience, and self-trust. Think of it as your brain’s natural processing system getting a little help—sometimes surprising, sometimes intense, but always aimed at helping you feel lighter, safer, and more in control of your life. What Might I Feel Like After an EMDR Session? After an EMDR session, it’s completely normal to notice a range of responses—emotionally, mentally, and even physically. EMDR can stir up thoughts, feelings, body sensations, or even memories you weren’t expecting. Think of it a bit like a workout for your brain—sometimes intense, often surprising, but always part of the process of your brain reorganizing and making sense of past experiences. Some common things you might notice after a session include: Feeling tired or mentally drained Emotions or thoughts connected to the memory we worked on Other memories surfacing A sense of energy or deep reflection Vivid or unusual dreams Everyone’s experience is different, and all of these responses are part of your system doing important healing work. These reactions are normal and usually temporary. Over time, they signal that your nervous system is processing and integrating memories, helping you feel lighter, safer, and more in control.