EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-backed method that helps the brain reprocess trauma in a way that reduces its emotional intensity.
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Somatic therapy works gently with the body’s stored responses to stress and threat. Things like tension, breath patterns, or posture.
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Together, Somatic EMDR creates a holistic path that supports both emotional insight and physical release, especially when talking alone isn’t enough.
Trauma lives in the body as much as in memory and healing does, too.
EMDR for the mind, and somatic therapy for the body.
This integration uses gentle bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or sound) alongside body-based practices such as breathwork, micro-movements, and nervous system awareness. Together, they create space for trauma to shift on both emotional and physical levels, offering relief where talk therapy alone may not.
With Somatic EMDR, you may find it easier to…
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Release traumatic memories from patterns of tension and shutdown
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Feel less overwhelmed by big emotions
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Regulate your nervous system with more ease
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Experience relief from symptoms like panic, pain, hypervigilance, or dissociation​
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This approach is especially supportive for complex trauma, developmental trauma, medical trauma, and for anyone who’s felt ‘stuck’ in talk therapy alone.
Sarah
This is your invitation to begin healing what the body remembers.
My therapist
What Happens in Session? Your Somatic EMDR Map
Processing sessions are usually 75–90 minutes, giving plenty of time to activate, process, and return to calm. Shorter 50-minute sessions are also available for preparation, integration, and check-ins.
Our program follows a gentle eight-phase flow, designed to support both safety and depth of healing:
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​History & Safety – We start by exploring your story, including medical, relational, and body-based history, at a pace that feels right for you.
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Preparation – Together we practice grounding, boundaries, and simple nervous system tools to build a foundation of safety.
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Assessment – We identify what to focus on and notice the body’s signals that will guide the work.
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Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation (like tapping or sound) alongside body awareness, we begin gently releasing the charge of trauma.
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Installation – We strengthen new, adaptive beliefs while anchoring positive sensations in the body.
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Body Scan – We check for and release any leftover tension through breath, movement, or mindful awareness.
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Closure – Each session ends with a return to calm, integration, and grounding so you leave feeling settled.
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Re-evaluation – At the start of each new session, we reflect on what’s shifted and what feels ready to come next.​
Trauma by the Numbers
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Nearly 70% of adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.
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LGBTQIA+ folks are more than twice as likely to develop PTSD.
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Complex trauma is often misdiagnosed or dismissed, especially for queer, neurodivergent or non-monogamous people.
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Somatic and EMDR therapies are among the most effective supports for complex and developmental trauma.
Therapy Options and Pricing
Therapy is an investment in your healing. If you’re ready to start your healing journey, you can set up your free consultation with me now to see if we are a good fit.
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4+ sessions are generally recommended
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We’ll begin by building safety and trust in the process
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Develop nervous system capacity so your body can stay grounded
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Practice body-based resources like breath, movement, and boundary sensing
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Move into trauma processing only when you feel supported and ready
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Designed for clients craving deeper breakthroughs or feeling stuck in survival mode
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Longer sessions allow the full arc of trauma healing to unfold from activation to regulation
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Space to move, notice, and fully integrate what emerges
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A nervous system reset, wrapped in clinical care
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Time to go beyond what’s possible in weekly therapy
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Held with attunement, pacing, and tools to support your safety throughout
I provide superbills (receipts) for clients with out-of-network insurance coverage, and many people receive significant reimbursement this way. You don’t have to navigate it alone; my staff will walk you through each step and offer support along the way. I also keep a limited number of sliding scale spots for those who can’t pay the full session rate. If working together feels right but cost is a barrier, please reach out to info@courageousyou.us to ask about current availability. We’ll do our best to make care accessible.