EMDR Therapy in Brooklyn

Effective Treatment for Trauma and PTSD

At Brooklyn Center for Mindfulness and Psychotherapy, we offer EMDR therapy as a powerful, evidence-based treatment for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and more.

Whether you’re struggling with the effects of a past traumatic event, ongoing distress, or long-standing patterns rooted in painful experiences, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help you find lasting relief.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro that helps individuals process and heal from emotional distress caused by disturbing life experiences.

EMDR is unique in that it does not require talking in detail about the trauma or completing homework between sessions. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they are no longer emotionally disruptive.

How Does EMDR Work?

Trauma and overwhelming experiences can disrupt how the brain processes and stores information. Instead of being integrated into your narrative memory, these experiences can get “stuck,” triggering emotional and physiological responses long after the danger has passed.

EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess these memories, allowing them to be stored in a more adaptive and less distressing way. Through bilateral stimulation and a carefully structured protocol, EMDR facilitates the natural healing process of the brain.

Clients often report that after EMDR, previously distressing memories feel more distant and less emotionally charged—even though they still remember the events. This shift allows for greater emotional freedom, resilience, and self-awareness.

Conditions EMDR Can Treat

EMDR therapy is best known for its effectiveness in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but research and clinical practice show it can also be effective for:

Childhood trauma and abuse
Complex PTSD
Anxiety and panic disorders
Grief and loss
Depression related to trauma
Medical trauma
Sexual assault or abuse
Car accidents and natural disasters
Phobias and performance anxiety
Attachment wounds and relational trauma
Emotional neglect
Bullying and school trauma

Our licensed trauma therapists in Brooklyn specialize in working with complex trauma and can integrate EMDR with other evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, DBT, and mindfulness-based therapy to meet your unique needs.

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase protocol:

History and Treatment Planning Your therapist will learn about your history, symptoms, and goals to determine whether EMDR is appropriate for you. Together, you’ll identify target memories for processing.
Preparation You’ll build emotional regulation skills and develop inner resources (such as safe place imagery) to ensure you feel grounded and supported throughout the process.
Assessment Your therapist will guide you in identifying the target memory, associated beliefs, emotions, and body sensations.
Desensitization Bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones) is used while you focus on the memory, helping your brain begin to reprocess and resolve it.
Installation Positive beliefs (e.g., “I am safe now”) are strengthened to replace old negative beliefs tied to the trauma.
Body Scan You’ll check for any lingering physical tension or discomfort related to the memory.
Closure Each session ends with grounding and support to ensure you leave feeling stable.
Re-evaluation At the start of each new session, you and your therapist will assess progress and determine next steps.

Is EMDR Right for Me?

Many people considering EMDR have tried talk therapy and are still struggling with unresolved emotional pain. If you’ve found that traditional therapy hasn’t fully addressed the root of your symptoms, or if you’re feeling stuck in repeated patterns of distress, EMDR may be an ideal next step.

You don’t need to be diagnosed with PTSD to benefit. Many of our clients have experienced “little t” traumas—events that may not seem dramatic but have had a lasting emotional impact, such as parental criticism, feeling rejected, or growing up in an emotionally unavailable household.

EMDR for Complex Trauma and C-PTSD

At our Brooklyn psychotherapy center, we are highly experienced in working with complex trauma (C-PTSD), which often involves chronic, relational, or developmental trauma. For clients with a history of childhood abuse, neglect, or attachment wounds, EMDR can offer a transformative path toward healing. We approach EMDR gently and collaboratively, always moving at your pace.

We also offer EMDR therapy for adults who experienced childhood trauma, even if the memories are fragmented or unclear. EMDR does not require you to vividly recall every detail; it works with the material that naturally arises.

Trauma-Informed, Compassionate Care

Our therapists are fully trained in EMDR therapy and bring a deep trauma-informed lens to every session. We prioritize your emotional safety, consent, and readiness at every stage of treatment. We’re here to help you feel empowered—not retraumatized.

At Brooklyn Center for Mindfulness and Psychotherapy, we combine clinical expertise with genuine care. We know how hard it is to carry unhealed wounds, and we honor the courage it takes to begin this work.

Online EMDR Therapy in New York

We offer virtual EMDR therapy across New York State, including Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and beyond. Our HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform allows you to receive high-quality EMDR sessions from the comfort of your home.

Remote EMDR therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions and is ideal for clients who may find travel challenging or feel safer working from their own space.

Why Choose Us for EMDR Therapy in Brooklyn?

Trauma-informed and compassionate care
EMDR-certified and experienced therapists
Expertise in complex trauma, relational trauma, and childhood PTSD
Integrative approach combining EMDR with mindfulness, ACT, and CBT
LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive environment
Flexible virtual therapy options throughout New York State

We are a team of experienced, licensed psychotherapists dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma and live more fulfilling, empowered lives. Whether you’re seeking EMDR for PTSD, anxiety, or emotional blocks, we’re here to support you.

Get Started with EMDR Therapy in Brooklyn

If you’re ready to begin healing from trauma, we invite you to schedule a consultation. We’ll match you with an experienced EMDR therapist who is a good fit for your needs. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and help you take the next step.