How Crystal Works

EMDR Therapy for Trauma

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It is a structured way of working with painful memories so they lose some of their hold on the present.

How Crystal Works

EMDR in Plain Language

Some experiences get stored in a way that still feels raw years later. A sound, a smell or a tone of voice can bring the old fear back as if it were happening now. EMDR works with those memories while your attention is also on a simple back-and-forth rhythm, such as following movement with your eyes or alternating taps. Many people find the memory becomes less charged over time and easier to think about.

You do not have to describe every detail of what happened for EMDR to be used.

What It Is Often Used For

Trauma and PTSD
Memories that still feel vivid and upsetting
Beliefs formed by hard experiences, such as "I am not safe" or "It was my fault"
Anxiety tied to specific past events

Safety Comes First

EMDR is not something that starts in the first session. Trauma-informed care means building safety, trust and coping skills before any memory work begins, and you stay in control of the pace. EMDR can be done by secure telehealth with some adjustments, and the two of you decide together whether it fits.

How Crystal Uses EMDR

Crystal's training includes EMDR and trauma-informed therapy. Trauma work may draw from EMDR, along with somatic, IFS and other approaches, based on your needs. Crystal does not apply one method to everyone. Sessions may draw from this approach when it fits your goals, alongside others in her training.

What the Phases Involve

History and planning: understanding what you want to work on and what feels manageable
Preparation: building calming and grounding skills first
Processing: focusing on a memory while following a back-and-forth rhythm
Closing and checking in: making sure you leave each session steady

Questions People Ask About EMDR

Is it hypnosis? No. You stay awake, aware and in control the whole time, and you can stop at any point. Does it erase memories? No. The memory stays, though it may feel less raw over time. Is it right for me? That depends on your history, your goals and how ready you feel, which is why the decision to use EMDR is made together, after safety and trust are in place.