Therapy Services
EMDR
At Moving Parts Psychotherapy, we offer EMDR therapy as a powerful, evidence-based approach to healing trauma and distressing life experiences. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps the brain and nervous system reprocess memories that feel stuck, overwhelming, or intrusive, so they no longer shape your present-day experience.
EMDR therapy can be especially helpful when you know something is over, but your body and emotions haven’t gotten the message yet. Our clinicians integrate EMDR within a relational, safety-focused framework, ensuring that the work feels supportive, collaborative, and moves at the pace that’s right for you.
“Changing the memories that form the way we see ourselves also changes the way we view others. Therefore, our relationships, job performance, what we are willing to do or are able to resist, all move in a positive direction.”
– Francine Shapiro
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR therapy has been shown to support healing from a wide range of concerns, including:
PTSD & complex trauma
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression
Self-harming behaviors
Complicated grief and loss
Phobias
Chronic stress
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Body image and body dysmorphia
Intrusive thoughts or distressing memories
Your therapist will work with you to determine whether EMDR is the right fit and how it can be integrated into your overall therapy goals.
How does EMDR work?
When trauma occurs, the nervous system shifts into survival mode. In these moments, memories often aren’t stored in a clear, organized way. Instead, they can remain fragmented – held as body sensations, emotions, images, or sensory experiences that surface unexpectedly and feel difficult to control.
This is why trauma can show up long after an event has passed, even when you logically understand you’re no longer in danger. The nervous system may still be responding as if the threat is ongoing.
EMDR therapy supports memory reconsolidation, helping the brain fully process these fragmented memories so they can move from a “stuck” state into long-term, adaptive storage. As this happens, distress decreases, triggers lose intensity, and your system gains more flexibility and ease.
Bilateral Stimulation & Trauma Processing
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds, to activate the brain’s natural processing system. These movements mirror the eye activity that occurs during REM sleep, when the brain integrates experiences from the day.
By intentionally accessing this process, EMDR allows distressing memories to be revisited in a way that feels contained and supported. Over time, the memory becomes less emotionally charged, body sensations soften, and negative beliefs about yourself often shift organically.
Our Approach To EMDR
At Moving Parts Psychotherapy, EMDR is never rushed or done in isolation. Because EMDR is an intensive trauma healing modality, our approach emphasizes nervous system safety, trust, and collaboration every step of the way.
Before beginning reprocessing, we focus on:
Establishing emotional and physiological safety
Building internal and external resources
Ensuring you feel grounded, supported, and informed
Healing happens best when you feel in control of the pace. EMDR therapy here is always guided by your needs, your goals, and your nervous system’s capacity.
Because EMDR is an intensive trauma modality, we require weekly sessions for EMDR processing and occasional 90-minute sessions, when clinically appropriate. These guidelines are in place to ensure ethical, effective, and well-supported trauma healing.
Healing starts here.
Starting EMDR therapy can feel hopeful and intimidating at the same time. That’s completely normal. You don’t need to be “ready for everything” to begin. Readiness is something we build together.
If you’re seeking EMDR therapy in Austin, TX and want an approach that honors your nervous system, your story, and your pace, please reach out to schedule a free consultation.
