The Mindful Path: Integrating EMDR with Mindfulness Practices
Understanding the Healing Synergy
EMDR and mindfulness are two powerful therapeutic approaches that, when combined, create a comprehensive framework for trauma healing and emotional regulation. Here's what you need to know about this effective combination:
EMDR and Mindfulness: A Quick Overview
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A structured therapy using bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories Mindfulness: The practice of present-moment awareness without judgment Key Benefits of Combining Them: Improved emotional regulation during trauma processing Increased window of tolerance for difficult emotions More rapid integration of healing insights Stronger grounding during and between sessions Better long-term maintenance of therapeutic gains
If you've experienced trauma or find yourself struggling with the lingering effects of distressing memories, this integrative approach might be the transformative option you've been seeking. The combination works because EMDR helps reprocess difficult memories while mindfulness provides the skills to stay present and regulated during that processing.
Both approaches share a fascinating connection: they tax working memory in similar ways, helping to reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of negative memories. When used together, they create a powerful synergy that can accelerate healing in ways neither can accomplish alone.
My name is Linda Kocieniewski, a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant with extensive experience integrating EMDR and mindfulness techniques to help clients heal from trauma and achieve their full potential in both my Midtown Manhattan office and through secure online sessions.
Why Pair These Two Powerhouses?
The combination of EMDR and mindfulness creates what many clients describe as a transformative synergy. When we incorporate mindfulness into EMDR therapy, we're essentially giving you two complementary tools that improve each other's effectiveness.
Mindfulness brings present-moment awareness to the therapy process. This awareness helps you notice thoughts, emotions, and body sensations without judgment—a crucial skill during trauma processing. Meanwhile, EMDR's bilateral stimulation facilitates the brain's natural healing processes, allowing traumatic memories to be processed and integrated in a way that reduces their emotional charge.
As one client shared after experiencing this combined approach: "I finally feel like I can be in my body without being overwhelmed by my past. The mindfulness skills help me stay grounded when memories surface, and the EMDR has taken the sting out of experiences that used to control my life."
Understanding EMDR Therapy
When I first finded EMDR therapy in my practice, I was amazed by its neat simplicity and profound impact. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, this approach began with her personal observation that distressing thoughts seemed to diminish when her eyes moved rapidly from side to side during a walk in the park. This chance findy led to one of our most powerful tools for healing trauma.
At its heart, EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model – a fancy way of saying our brains naturally want to heal, just like our bodies do when we get a cut or scrape. Think of trauma as a splinter that prevents this natural healing. EMDR helps remove that splinter through a thoughtful eight-phase approach:
History Taking: We'll explore your past experiences and identify what needs healing
Preparation: Building your emotional toolkit before diving into deeper work
Assessment: Pinpointing specific memories and understanding their components
Desensitization: Processing traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation
Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs to replace the negative ones
Body Scan: Checking for any lingering physical tension
Closure: Ensuring you feel grounded before leaving each session
Reevaluation: Tracking your progress and planning next steps
The bilateral stimulation – whether through guided eye movements, gentle taps, or alternating tones – seems to work similarly to what happens naturally during REM sleep. It's as if we're helping your brain finish processing experiences that got "stuck" during difficult times.
For a deeper dive into each phase of this remarkable therapy, you can visit my blog post that walks through the EMDR process step by step.
How EMDR Works in the Brain
The science behind EMDR and mindfulness reveals some fascinating insights about how healing happens. When we engage in bilateral stimulation while recalling a difficult memory, we're essentially giving your working memory two jobs at once. This "dual-attention" makes it harder for your brain to maintain the vivid, emotional quality of painful memories.
I often explain it to clients like this: imagine trying to hold onto intense emotions while simultaneously patting your head and rubbing your stomach. Something has to give – and thankfully, it's usually the emotional intensity of the memory!
More importantly, EMDR helps improve communication between your amygdala (the brain's emotional alarm system) and prefrontal cortex (your rational thinking center). When these parts work better together, overwhelming emotional responses to memories begin to calm down.
Brain imaging studies have shown remarkable changes after EMDR therapy, particularly in regions responsible for stress and emotional regulation. This showcases our brain's incredible neuroplasticity – its ability to form new neural pathways that support healing and growth.
Evidence Snapshot
I believe in evidence-based approaches, and EMDR and mindfulness have impressive research backing their effectiveness:
The scientific community has thoroughly validated EMDR through numerous rigorous studies. Multiple randomized controlled trials (the gold standard in research) consistently show EMDR's effectiveness for treating trauma and PTSD. The World Health Organization officially recognizes it as an effective trauma treatment, which speaks volumes about its credibility.
What surprises many of my clients is how quickly EMDR can work. For single-incident trauma, significant improvement often occurs in just 3-6 sessions. Research shows EMDR matches the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for trauma, but frequently works more efficiently.
For those struggling with both trauma and substance use issues, the research is particularly encouraging. In one notable study following individuals with both PTSD and substance use disorders who received standard EMDR therapy, three out of four participants no longer met the criteria for substance or alcohol dependence a full year later. This highlights how addressing underlying trauma can have far-reaching positive effects.
The beauty of combining EMDR and mindfulness is that we're working with your brain's natural healing abilities, just providing the right conditions for change to occur. In my Midtown Manhattan office or through secure online sessions throughout New York State, I've witnessed remarkable healing journeys as clients reclaim their lives from the effects of trauma.
Mindfulness 101: From Cushion to Clinic
Mindfulness isn't just a buzzword – it's an ancient practice with deep roots in Buddhist meditation that has found a comfortable home in modern therapy rooms. At its heart, mindfulness is simply about being present with whatever is happening right now, without trying to change it or judge it.
As Jon Kabat-Zinn (the father of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) so beautifully puts it, mindfulness is "paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally." It's like giving yourself permission to just be exactly where you are.
When I introduce mindfulness to my clients, I often start with the breath – that faithful companion that's been with us since birth and will stay until our final moments. Breath awareness becomes our anchor to the present moment. From there, we might explore a gentle body scan, moving attention through different parts of the body with curiosity rather than criticism. Some clients connect more deeply with mindful walking, feeling each step as it connects with the ground. Others find that loving-kindness meditation opens their hearts in unexpected ways, while mindful observation helps them notice the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Therapeutic Benefits
The beauty of mindfulness in therapy isn't just its ancient wisdom – it's that science keeps confirming what practitioners have known for centuries. When we practice mindfulness regularly, we develop improved emotion regulation – the ability to ride the waves of our feelings without drowning in them.
I've seen clients transform their relationship with stress through regular practice. That's because mindfulness activates our parasympathetic nervous system – our body's natural "rest and digest" mode. It's like finding the off switch for our stress response.
One client told me, "For the first time, I can actually notice my thoughts without believing every single one of them." This greater self-awareness is like turning on the lights in a room you've been stumbling around in the dark.
Mindfulness also works wonders for breaking the cycle of rumination – that mental hamster wheel of negative thoughts that can feel impossible to escape. And for those recovering from substance use, mindfulness offers powerful tools for relapse prevention by creating space between craving and response.
Research consistently shows that EMDR and mindfulness work particularly well for preventing depression relapse and easing anxiety symptoms. One meta-analysis found that mindfulness training outperforms standard treatments in reducing substance misuse frequency – not because it magically eliminates cravings, but because it changes our relationship to them.
Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness
When trauma enters the picture, mindfulness needs a thoughtful approach. What works beautifully for one person might trigger distress for someone carrying trauma. That's where trauma-sensitive mindfulness comes in – it's mindfulness with guardrails.
I always pay close attention to what trauma experts call the window of tolerance – that sweet spot where you're neither overwhelmed by emotion nor completely disconnected from it. Within this window, healing happens. Outside it, we're just reinforcing old patterns.
In our sessions, you'll always have options. Eyes open or closed? Focus on your breath or on the sound of traffic outside? Grounding techniques are woven throughout our practice, keeping one foot firmly planted in the present even as we gently explore difficult terrain.
Safety comes first – always. Sometimes that means using sensory anchors like holding a smooth stone or feeling your feet on the floor to maintain connection with the here and now.
As David Treleaven wisely notes in his book "Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness," this practice "is not one-size-fits-all, especially for trauma survivors." That's why in my Midtown office or during our online sessions, I customize mindfulness practices to fit your unique needs and comfort level. The mindfulness we practice together becomes as individual as you are.
When combined with EMDR and mindfulness, these trauma-sensitive approaches create a powerful foundation for healing – one present moment at a time.
EMDR and Mindfulness: Why the Synergy Works
When I combine EMDR and mindfulness in my therapy sessions, something truly remarkable happens. It's like watching two master artists collaborate—each brings their unique strengths, and together they create something neither could achieve alone.
Think of it as a beautiful dance between past and present. EMDR helps process difficult memories from your past, while mindfulness anchors you firmly in the present moment. This partnership creates a safe bridge between these two worlds.
What makes this combination so effective? The science is fascinating. Both approaches actually work on your brain in similar ways:
Working memory taxation is at the heart of this synergy. When you engage in eye movements during EMDR while simultaneously holding a memory in mind, your working memory becomes divided. Interestingly, mindfulness practices like focused breathing create a similar effect. Research published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry found that both techniques reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of negative memories.
Nervous system balancing happens naturally with both approaches. EMDR's bilateral stimulation helps calm your fight-or-flight response, while mindfulness practices activate your parasympathetic nervous system—your body's natural relaxation response. Together, they create a powerful regulatory effect that helps you stay within your window of tolerance.
Increased awareness is another shared benefit. Mindfulness sharpens your ability to notice and name what's happening inside you—thoughts, emotions, body sensations. This heightened awareness makes EMDR processing more efficient because you can better articulate your internal experience.
I've seen clients make breakthroughs in therapy once they start using these approaches together. As one client told me, "The mindfulness helps me stay present even when difficult memories come up, and the EMDR seems to take the emotional sting out of those memories much faster than I expected."
Aspect EMDR Mindfulness Combined Effect Focus Processing past memories Present-moment awareness Connects past to present Approach Structured protocol Flexible practice Structured yet adaptable Goal Memory reprocessing Awareness without judgment Comprehensive healing Mechanism Bilateral stimulation Attention training Dual working memory taxation Duration Time-limited treatment Ongoing practice Short-term treatment with long-term skills
There's also a fascinating philosophical connection between these approaches. EMDR's Adaptive Information Processing model views our minds as naturally healing—like how a cut on your finger will heal if kept clean and protected. Similarly, Buddhist psychology (which informs mindfulness practices) sees suffering not as a permanent state but as the result of how we process experiences. Both approaches trust in your innate capacity to heal.
Dr. Jamie Marich, a leading expert in this integrated approach, notes that "EMDR is inherently mindfulness-based" and that explicitly teaching mindfulness skills improves the EMDR process. Her work demonstrates how systematically combining these approaches creates a comprehensive healing framework.
In my Midtown Manhattan office and online sessions, I've witnessed how this combined approach often helps clients progress more quickly than with either approach alone. The mindfulness skills you learn become tools you can use throughout your life, while the EMDR processing helps resolve the past traumas that may have been holding you back.
Whether you're dealing with a single traumatic incident or complex childhood trauma, the EMDR and mindfulness combination offers a gentle yet powerful path toward healing—one that honors both your past experiences and your present-moment awareness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Integrating the Two Modalities
When I combine EMDR and mindfulness in my practice, I follow a thoughtful approach that honors the structure of traditional EMDR while enhancing each phase with mindfulness elements. This integration isn't just theoretical—I've seen how it creates a more powerful healing experience for my clients. Let me walk you through how this works in real sessions:
Phase 1: History Taking – Mindful Listening
Our work begins with getting to know your story, but not in the typical clinical interview style. Instead, I practice what I call mindful listening—creating a judgment-free space where you can share your experiences while I truly hear you.
During this phase, I'm helping you notice patterns in your life without getting lost in painful details. Many clients tell me this approach feels different from previous therapy experiences because we're not just collecting facts—we're building awareness of how past experiences shape your present life.
As Dr. Jamie Marich wisely notes, mindful history-taking helps avoid "badgering a client with narrative," which can sometimes retraumatize rather than heal. Our goal is gathering essential information while keeping you feeling safe and respected.
Phase 2: Preparation – Building the EMDR and mindfulness toolkit
Before diving into processing work, we'll develop resources that support your healing journey. This preparation phase is where mindfulness truly shines as a complement to EMDR.
You'll learn accessible mindfulness practices like gentle breath awareness and body scanning. We'll develop a "safe place" visualization that incorporates mindful attention to sensory details—what you see, hear, and feel in your place of comfort. These resources become more vivid and effective when approached with mindful awareness.
For clients new to mindfulness, I often start with simple practices like the three-minute breathing space, which helps you center quickly during stressful moments, or the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique that uses your senses to anchor you in the present. One client described these tools as "portable peace I can access anytime."
We'll create a personalized toolkit that works for your specific needs and preferences. The goal isn't becoming a meditation master but developing practical skills that support your EMDR work and everyday wellbeing.
Phase 3: Assessment – Noticing Without Judgment
During the assessment phase of EMDR, we identify specific components of memories to process. Mindfulness dramatically improves this work by helping you notice bodily sensations, emotions, and beliefs without harsh self-judgment.
When you can observe that knot in your stomach or recognize shame with compassion rather than criticism, the assessment phase becomes more precise and less overwhelming. We'll use the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) scale with mindful awareness, helping you track your distress levels with accuracy.
The non-judgmental quality of mindfulness is particularly valuable here. As one client put it, "For the first time, I could look at what happened without immediately blaming myself. That alone was life-changing."
Phase 4: Desensitization – Staying grounded with EMDR and mindfulness
This phase—the heart of EMDR processing—is where bilateral stimulation helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories. Mindfulness serves as your anchor during this potentially intense work.
During bilateral stimulation sets, we might incorporate mindfulness by counting breaths to maintain present-moment awareness or gently labeling sensations as they arise. The CONCA approach (Curious, Open, Non-judgmental, Creative, and Allowing) gives you a framework for relating to whatever emerges.
A client once beautifully described this integration: "The mindfulness skills were like having a life raft while I steerd the stormy waters of my memories. I could notice the waves without being swept away by them."
Mindfulness helps you recognize when you're approaching the edges of your window of tolerance, allowing us to adjust the pace and intensity of processing. This awareness makes EMDR both more effective and more comfortable.
Phase 5 & 6: Installation & Body Scan
In these phases, we strengthen positive beliefs and check for any remaining bodily tension. Mindfulness deepens this work by bringing full awareness to positive shifts as they happen.
When installing a new belief like "I am worthy" or "I am safe now," mindful attention helps integrate this cognitive shift with emotional and physical experience. Many clients report that positive beliefs feel more authentic and "embodied" when approached mindfully.
We might incorporate elements of loving-kindness meditation to strengthen positive self-regard, or conduct a thorough mindful body scan to identify and release any lingering tension. These practices help ensure that healing happens not just in your thoughts but throughout your entire being.
Phase 7: Closure – Everyday Mindfulness Habits
At the end of each session, we ensure you're grounded and stable before you leave. Mindfulness supports this closure through brief centering practices and container visualizations improved by detailed sensory awareness.
We'll also discuss how to integrate mindfulness into your daily life between sessions. This might include simple practices like taking three mindful breaths before checking email, practicing walking meditation during your commute through Midtown, or bringing awareness to the first few bites of each meal.
These everyday mindfulness habits serve as bridges between our sessions, helping maintain and extend the benefits of our EMDR work. They're designed to fit into your busy New York life without requiring extra time—just a shift in awareness during activities you're already doing.
Phase 8: Reevaluation – Tracking Progress Mindfully
In our ongoing work together, we'll regularly assess your progress and determine next steps. Mindfulness contributes to this phase by supporting honest self-assessment without judgment or criticism.
You'll learn to notice subtle changes in how you respond to triggers and track improvements in your ability to stay present during challenging situations. We'll celebrate progress with mindful appreciation, acknowledging how far you've come while remaining aware of areas that might benefit from additional attention.
This phase also involves developing a maintenance plan that often includes ongoing mindfulness practice. Many clients find that the mindfulness skills they develop during our work together become lifelong resources for wellbeing, long after our formal therapy concludes.
Through this integrated approach to EMDR and mindfulness, you'll not only process past traumas but also develop skills that improve your daily life. It's a comprehensive approach to healing that addresses both specific traumatic memories and the overall quality of your moment-to-moment experience.
Safety, Benefits, and Practical Tips
When integrating EMDR and mindfulness, I always put your safety first. Both approaches are generally well-tolerated, but there are important things we need to consider together:
Safety Considerations
I've found that while these powerful approaches work well for most people, they're not one-size-fits-all. Some clients may experience dissociation during mindfulness practices or EMDR sessions. If this happens, we'll notice it together and adjust our approach right away. I'm always watching for subtle signs that you might be disconnecting from the present moment.
Some mindfulness practices—especially those focusing on breath or internal body sensations—can sometimes trigger trauma responses. If you've experienced trauma related to breathing (like choking or suffocation) or bodily sensations, I'll offer alternatives that feel safer for you. Your boundaries are always respected in our work together.
Both EMDR and mindfulness work best when you're within what therapists call your "window of tolerance"—that sweet spot where you're neither overwhelmed by emotions nor disconnected from them. Throughout our sessions, I'm continuously checking in with you to make sure we're working at the right pace and intensity for your unique needs.
I also approach mindfulness practices with cultural humility. These techniques have roots in Buddhist traditions, and I respect that different cultural, spiritual, or religious backgrounds might call for thoughtful adaptations. We can always tailor our approach to honor your personal background and beliefs.
Benefits of Integration
The benefits of combining EMDR and mindfulness can be truly transformative:
When emotions run high during EMDR processing, mindfulness skills act like an emotional anchor, helping you stay present and regulated. Many of my clients tell me that the mindfulness skills they learn make EMDR work feel safer and more manageable.
I've seen how this combination often leads to faster progress than either approach alone. It's like having two powerful tools working in harmony—one helping you process difficult memories while the other helps you stay grounded in the present.
The integration promotes deeper self-awareness as you begin to recognize patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You'll likely find yourself saying, "I never noticed that before!" as new insights emerge.
While EMDR helps process specific memories, mindfulness gives you everyday skills for managing stress and emotional challenges long after our work together ends. It's the difference between healing old wounds and also learning how to prevent new ones.
For those recovering from substance use, this combination is particularly powerful. The EMDR addresses underlying trauma while mindfulness provides practical tools for managing cravings and triggers in daily life.
Research published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry suggests that both eye movements and mindful breathing tax working memory in similar ways. This might explain why the combination is so effective at reducing the emotional impact of difficult memories—they're working through complementary mechanisms to help your brain process information differently.
Practical Tips for Success
To get the most from our integrated EMDR and mindfulness work together, here are some helpful suggestions:
Start with small, manageable mindfulness practices—even just 1-2 minutes can be beneficial at first. Many clients find that beginning with shorter practices builds confidence and prevents feeling overwhelmed.
Try to practice regularly, even if briefly. Just 5 minutes of daily mindfulness can build the neural pathways that support your EMDR processing. Think of it like training a muscle—consistency matters more than duration.
Be patient with yourself as you learn these new skills. Both EMDR and mindfulness involve learning new ways of relating to your thoughts and feelings. Progress may be gradual but is often profound and lasting.
I encourage you to communicate openly about your experiences throughout our work together. If something feels too intense or not helpful, let me know—your feedback helps me tailor our approach specifically for you.
Between our sessions, try applying mindfulness to everyday moments. Notice when you're triggered and practice pausing to observe your reactions with kindness. This extends our work beyond the therapy hour and into your daily life.
We'll work together to customize your mindfulness practice to suit your specific needs and preferences. Some people prefer movement-based mindfulness like walking meditation, while others connect more with seated practices or brief pause moments throughout the day.
Throughout our work, I use trauma-informed language that promotes safety and agency. You won't hear me giving commands like "relax" or "clear your mind." Instead, I offer invitations and options that respect your autonomy and unique experience.
For more information about my trauma-informed approach, you can read my blog post on the essentials of trauma-informed therapy.
The integration of EMDR and mindfulness offers a powerful path to healing that honors both your past experiences and your present moment awareness. In my Midtown office or through secure online sessions, we'll work together to create an approach that feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR and mindfulness
What if mindfulness feels overwhelming during EMDR?
I hear this concern often, especially from clients who've experienced trauma. If you find mindfulness practices overwhelming, please know that this is completely normal and we have many ways to adapt our approach.
Rather than pushing through discomfort, we'll work together to find what feels right for you. We might focus on external anchors instead of internal sensations—like noticing the texture of a stone in your hand or the colors in the room. Sometimes starting with ultra-brief practices of just 30 seconds helps build comfort gradually.
One client once told me, "I was terrified of closing my eyes and focusing on my breath—it reminded me too much of times I couldn't breathe during panic attacks. When Linda suggested we try mindful walking instead, it was like a lightbulb moment. I could stay present while still feeling safe and in control."
Movement-based mindfulness can be particularly helpful if stillness feels threatening. We might incorporate gentle stretching or walking practices that keep you connected to your body in a supportive way. Sound or touch-based anchors often work well too—like focusing on ambient sounds or the sensation of your feet on the floor.
Mindfulness isn't about forcing relaxation or emptying your mind. It's simply noticing your experience with kindness, whatever that experience happens to be. We'll develop a personalized "menu" of practices together, so you always have options that feel accessible and safe.
Can I practice mindfulness between intensive EMDR sessions?
Absolutely—and I strongly encourage it! The time between EMDR and mindfulness sessions offers valuable opportunities to strengthen and integrate your healing work.
Between sessions, simple mindfulness practices can help you:
Preserve and build upon the progress you've made during EMDR
Steer any emotions that bubble up as your brain continues processing
Gradually expand your window of tolerance for future sessions
Apply new insights to everyday situations
Build confidence in your ability to stay present with difficult feelings
I'll provide you with specific practices custom to your unique situation and comfort level. These might include brief recorded meditations you can access on your phone, simple written reflection exercises, or daily micro-practices that take just a minute or two.
One client shared, "The five-minute morning mindfulness practice Linda taught me became my anchor between our intensive sessions. When memories or emotions would surface unexpectedly, having that daily routine gave me confidence that I could handle whatever came up without getting overwhelmed."
The beauty of integrating EMDR and mindfulness is that the skills you learn become portable tools you can use anywhere, anytime—not just in my office.
How soon will I notice results from combining EMDR and mindfulness?
While I wish I could give you an exact timeline, healing journeys are wonderfully unique. Several factors influence how quickly you might notice changes, including:
The nature and complexity of the experiences you're processing
Your previous experience with therapy or mindfulness practices
How frequently we meet and the format of our sessions
Your engagement with practices between our meetings
That said, many clients report feeling some benefit relatively quickly—often after just a few sessions. This typically comes in the form of having new tools to manage distress when it arises. For single-incident trauma, significant shifts sometimes occur within 3-6 sessions.
For more complex trauma or long-standing patterns, the process naturally takes longer, but still often progresses more rapidly than traditional talk therapy alone. The combination of EMDR and mindfulness tends to accelerate healing by addressing both the neural pathways of trauma and building practical skills for emotional regulation.
As one client beautifully put it: "The changes came in waves. First, I noticed I could take a breath when I felt triggered instead of immediately spiraling. That happened pretty quickly. The deeper healing—actually feeling differently about my past—took a few months, but when it happened, the relief was profound. For the first time, I felt like I was living in the present instead of constantly reacting to the past."
I invite you to reach out for a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific situation and what you might expect from our work together. Whether we meet in my Midtown Manhattan office or connect online, we'll create a personalized approach that honors your unique healing journey.
Conclusion
The journey of healing trauma isn't always straightforward, but the powerful combination of EMDR and mindfulness creates a unique pathway that can transform your relationship with difficult memories while building lasting resilience.
What makes this integrated approach so special is how it honors both your past experiences and your present needs. When we work together, you'll find that EMDR's structured processing of traumatic memories pairs beautifully with mindfulness practices that keep you grounded in the here and now. This isn't just about healing old wounds—it's about creating a life where you can be fully present and engaged.
I've seen how this personalized approach helps my clients break free from patterns that once seemed impossible to change. Your healing journey is uniquely yours—there's no cookie-cutter template we'll follow. Instead, I'll meet you exactly where you are, offering guidance that respects your pace, preferences, and personal goals.
From my peaceful Midtown Manhattan office or through secure online sessions available throughout New York State, I bring the full depth of my training as a Certified EMDR Therapist to each of our meetings. Whether you're dealing with a single traumatic event that's disrupted your life or navigating the complex effects of developmental trauma, the EMDR and mindfulness combination offers a path forward that feels both supportive and empowering.
For those who need a more concentrated healing experience, my EMDR Intensives provide an opportunity to make significant progress in a condensed timeframe. These focused sessions can be particularly helpful when you're ready to address specific issues that have been holding you back. You can learn more about EMDR Intensives on my website if you're curious whether this approach might be right for you.
Remember what Jon Kabat-Zinn wisely observed: "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." That's exactly what our work together offers—not a magical elimination of life's challenges, but something even more valuable: the skills to steer those challenges with greater ease, self-compassion, and resilience.
I invite you to reach out for a complimentary consultation to explore how EMDR and mindfulness might support your healing journey. Together, we can create a space where past pain loosens its grip, allowing you to move forward with greater freedom and a renewed sense of possibility.