Iowa City Therapists: EMDR Therapy

EMDR THERAPY

EMDR Therapy in Iowa City: Heal From Trauma, PTSD, and Anxiety

You don’t have to carry this weight forever. Trauma leaves a mark, but it doesn’t have to define your future.

Evidence-based approach

In-person + telehealth

Accepting new clients

IS THIS YOU?

The Weight of Unprocessed Trauma

You cannot stop replaying it. Your body tenses when something reminds you of it. You feel frozen, or flooded with panic. It is as if your brain got stuck processing what happened, and no amount of talking about it seems to unstick it.

HOW IT WORKS

How EMDR helps your brain heal

The mechanism, in plain terms

Your brain is designed to heal, like your body is. EMDR activates that natural process so a painful memory shifts from "this defines me" to "this happened to me, and I survived it." You do not have to talk about every detail.

What a session feels like

We go slowly, and safety comes first. You stay in control of the pace. If you need to slow down or pause, we pause. This is your therapy.

THE RESEARCH

Recognized, evidence-based care

American Psychiatric Association

World Health Organization

VA / DoD Guidelines

ISSTD

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your first session, step by step

History

We talk about what brought you in, at a depth that feels safe.

Resourcing

Practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and steadier relationships.

Targeting

We choose where to begin, usually the most pressing thing.

Beginning

A gentle introduction so the process feels familiar.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions about EMDR

Will I have to relive the trauma?

No. You hold the memory lightly in your awareness while we stay within our present moment. Many people are surprised by how contained it feels. I guide the intensity.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies. For a single trauma, many people see meaningful change in a focused number of sessions. We assess and adjust together.

Can I do this via telehealth?

Yes. It can be done effectively online anywhere in Iowa and North Carolina

Ready to heal?

Reach out and tell me what has been difficult. We will create a plan that feels safe and workable for you.

Your information is confidential. This form is not a HIPAA-secure channel, so please share only enough for me to reach you. I typically respond within 1 business day.

If you need urgent help or are in crisis, this form is not the fastest way to reach support. Call or text 988 any time, or call 911 in an emergency.