Therapy Services
EMDR Therapy
in Austin, TX
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel as raw or overwhelming. We offer EMDR in person in South Austin, TX and virtually across Texas.
What is EMDR?
Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is one of the most widely researched trauma therapies available. It is recommended for PTSD by organizations including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
When something overwhelming happens, the brain doesn't always get the chance to fully process it. The memory can stay "stuck," carrying the same images, emotions, body sensations, and beliefs it held at the time. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, alternating taps, or tones, to help the brain revisit these memories and process them in a new way.
How EMDR Supports Healing
EMDR works through memory reconsolidation. As a memory is reprocessed, its emotional charge tends to soften, and the nervous system becomes less reactive to reminders of what happened. The memory remains, but it no longer feels like it's happening now.
EMDR also helps shift the beliefs that formed around a traumatic experience. A belief like "I'm not safe" or "It was my fault" can give way to something truer, such as "It's over now" or "I did the best I could." Sessions follow a structured, phased approach that begins with building resources and safety before any memory work begins.
“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.
Who Offers EMDR at Moving Parts?
Ilyse Kennedy, LPC-S, LMFT-S, PMH-C, SEP, is an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Clinician and integrates EMDR with Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Brainspotting.
Noelle Prax, LPC is trained in EMDR.
Alex Morgan, LPC-Associate supervised by Ilyse Kennedy, LPC-S, LMFT-S, SEP is trained in EMDR.
Please note, EMDR is an intensive trauma healing modality. For ethical reasons, we require weekly sessions during EMDR processing.
Ready to learn whether EMDR is a good fit for you? Contact us to schedule a consultation.
