EMDR Therapy in Massachusetts: What It Is, How It Works, and Who It Helps
Quick take (for skimmers)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps your brain safely reprocess past experiences so they feel in the past, reducing distress in the present. Sessions are structured, paced, and collaborative. You stay in control the entire time.
Good fit for: trauma (single-incident or complex), anxiety, grief, panic, phobias, and the “stuck” patterns that won’t budge with talk therapy alone.
Get started: Book a brief consult to see if EMDR is right for you.
What is EMDR, in plain English?
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that supports your nervous system in digesting overwhelming experiences. Rather than retelling every detail, we use bilateral stimulation (eye movements, gentle alternating taps, or audio tones) while you briefly notice what’s coming up, images, sensations, thoughts, feelings. This helps the brain reconnect the memory with accurate, present-day information (“I am safe now,” “I have choices”), so the old reaction no longer runs the show.
You don’t lose control or relive trauma. We go slowly, use grounding resources, and pause as needed.
How EMDR sessions work (the 8 phases, simplified)
History & Planning — We clarify your goals, symptoms, and strengths. We map targets (memories, triggers, beliefs, body sensations).
Preparation — You learn nervous-system tools: calm/safe place imagery, orienting, paced breath, self-tapping. We practice until they feel reliable.
Assessment — We choose a starting point and define: image, negative belief (“I’m not safe”), desired belief (“I survived/I’m safe now”), body sensations, and a starting distress rating.
Desensitization — Short sets of bilateral stimulation while you notice what arises; I check in and titrate the pace. Distress typically decreases over sets.
Installation — We strengthen the positive, accurate belief connected to the memory.
Body Scan — We notice any remaining tension and clear it with additional sets.
Closure — We re-ground, review skills, and ensure you leave the session steady.
Reevaluation — Next session, we check how it held between sessions and plan next steps.
You can stop, slow down, or shift targets at any time. Consent and pacing are built into the process.
What EMDR can help with
Many clients in Massachusetts seek EMDR for:
Trauma/PTSD: accidents, medical events, assaults, disasters
Complex/Relational trauma: chaotic caregiving, neglect, repeated emotional injuries
Anxiety & panic: fear loops, somatic anxiety, anticipatory dread
Grief & loss: stuck places around endings and transitions
Phobias: flying, driving, medical procedures, etc.
Performance blocks: public speaking, creative freeze, test anxiety
Body-based distress: startle responses, hypervigilance, numbness/overwhelm
If you’re thinking, “Talk therapy helped me understand it, but my body still reacts,” EMDR may be a good next step.
What a first EMDR session with me is like
We set the frame: intention for the day, consent, and safety plan.
We resource first: breath, feet-on-floor, orienting, and your calm/safe place.
We choose a target together: no surprises, no pushing.
Short sets of eye movements/taps/tones with frequent check-ins.
We close gently: re-grounding, next-day aftercare (hydration, light movement, cozy meal, journal prompt), and portal follow-up if needed.
Telehealth notes: headphones help, quiet space is ideal, and you’ll want water/tissues and a small grounding object nearby.
How long does EMDR take?
It varies. Some single-incident traumas can shift in 3–6 sessions once we’ve prepared; more complex histories take longer. We’ll talk about goals, frequency, and a plan that fits your life.
Is EMDR safe for me?
We’ll screen for current stressors, medications, sleep, medical considerations, and support systems. If EMDR isn’t the best fit right now, we can strengthen stabilization skills first or consider other approaches. Your well-being guides the timing.
EMDR vs. traditional talk therapy
Talk therapy helps you reflect and gain insight.
EMDR adds a structured, body-brain process to rewire how the memory is stored.
Many clients benefit from both: insight + nervous-system change.
What you won’t have to do
You don’t have to recount every detail.
You don’t have to power through distress.
You don’t have to meet a rigid timeline.
We move at the right pace for you.
Getting started
I work with adult clients located in Massachusetts. We’ll begin with a brief consult to answer questions and outline a plan.
Next step: Book a consultation via the link in the header or contact page.
Gentle aftercare ideas following EMDR
Hydrate; have a warm, grounding meal
Light movement or fresh air
Low-stim evening if possible
Jot quick notes: mood shifts, dreams, triggers that felt easier
Use your anchors (breath, orienting, self-tapping)
Reach out via the client portal if anything feels confusing between sessions.
FAQs
Is EMDR evidence-based?
Yes. EMDR is recognized by organizations such as the WHO and APA for treating trauma-related symptoms. (Individual results vary.)
Will I cry or feel worse?
You may feel emotional during or after sessions, this is part of your system processing. We prepare thoroughly and close each session so you leave grounded.
Do I have to move my eyes?
No. We can use gentle self-tapping or alternating tones if eye movements aren’t comfortable.
Can EMDR help if I don’t remember everything?
Yes. We can work with sensations, images, and beliefs tied to the felt sense, even without a full narrative.
Is telehealth EMDR effective?
Many clients find telehealth EMDR effective with the right setup (headphones, stable internet, privacy). We’ll review best practices together.
About Therapy with Kat Montague, LICSW
I help adults move beyond survival mode using trauma-informed therapy and EMDR. My approach is warm, collaborative, and paced to your nervous system. Sessions are in person in Plymouth MA or held via secure telehealth for clients across Massachusetts. I will be returning to in person sessions within the next month or so. Stay tuned for an annoucement.
Crisis resources (Massachusetts/U.S.)
If you’re in immediate crisis, please don’t use this website or email.
Call or text 988, visit 988lifeline.org, or dial 911.
MA Behavioral Health Help Line: 833-773-2445.
Work with Me:
If you’re in Massachusetts and wondering whether EMDR or trauma-informed therapy could help, I’d be honored to talk with you. I work with adults who are ready to move beyond survival mode into lives that feel calmer and more grounded.