EMDR

Working through fears, trauma and anxiety can feel intimidating. The idea of facing painful thoughts and feelings often seems overwhelming, like something we’d rather avoid altogether. Many people describe feeling “stuck,” unable to see the possibility of a different future. Anxiety, fears and trauma doesn’t just live in our thoughts, it can be stored in our bodies, emotions, and beliefs. It can impact our health, relationships, work, and the way we see ourselves. At Berger Counseling Services, our goal is to make the process of healing feel less overwhelming, and to remind you that you don’t have to go through it alone.

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One way to begin processing is through EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a fancy way of saying that we’re asking the brain to change and grow without being overwhelmed by the past, our fears or worries. EMDR works by engaging both sides of the brain through techniques such as eye movements, tapping, brushing, or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This allows the brain to reprocess difficult experiences from the outside, without being flooded by the overwhelming thoughts and feelings on the inside.

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It may sound scary, but EMDR is structured to keep you safe. Before we ever “do the work,”  you’ll first learn coping tools and grounding techniques so you feel prepared and supported. Over time, this process helps you so the thoughts and feelings no longer hold the same power. For example, a loud noise might have once caused panic or flashbacks, but through EMDR, your brain learns to process it in a calmer, more balanced way.

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Many people also carry heavy beliefs about themselves, such as “I’ll always be a failure,” “I am unworthy of love and respect,” or “I am powerless to change.” EMDR helps shift these negative beliefs into healthier, more empowering ones. Instead of feeling stuck, clients often leave with a sense of strength, resilience, and hope.

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At Berger Counseling Services, we know how hard it can be to take the first step toward healing. We are trained in providing EMDR as part of our trauma-focused care, and we integrate it with approaches such as play therapy and sandtray therapy when helpful. Whether you are a child, teen, or adult, EMDR can offer a gentle but powerful path toward healing.

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Valery Hidalgo is currently accepting new children, tweens, teens and adults for in person or virtual EMDR services.