Is EMDR Therapy the Right Choice for Your Trauma? Addressing Common Concerns for Philadelphia Residents
If you’ve been feeling anxious, on edge, emotionally numb, or overwhelmed by memories from your past, you’re not alone. Trauma can show up in all kinds of ways — through flashbacks, trouble sleeping, difficulty trusting others, or a sense that something just isn’t right. Trauma symptoms can impact your relationships, work, and how you feel in your own body.
If you're seeking trauma therapy in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, or through virtual therapy in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you may have heard about EMDR therapy and wondered: Could this help me feel better?
In this post, we’ll explain what EMDR is, answer common questions, and help you explore whether it might be a good fit for your healing journey.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a highly researched, evidence-based approach to trauma therapy that helps people heal from painful or overwhelming experiences. The idea behind EMDR is that trauma memories can get "stuck" in the nervous system — almost like files on a computer that didn’t save properly. These stuck memories can continue to trigger emotional, physical, or behavioral responses long after the event is over.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to talk through every detail of what happened. Instead, it uses a process called bilateral stimulation — often in the form of eye movements, tapping, or gentle auditory cues — to help your brain reprocess those stuck memories.
This allows your nervous system to recognize: this is over, I am safe now. The memory doesn’t go away, but the emotional charge and intensity soften.
A helpful way to think about it: imagine your brain is like a traffic system. When trauma happens, it’s as if a major intersection gets blocked off — emotions, thoughts, and sensations start piling up with nowhere to go. EMDR helps clear that blockage so things can move again. You can think more clearly, feel more grounded, and respond to the present moment rather than reliving the past.
At our offices in Philadelphia and Bryn Mawr, and through virtual EMDR sessions across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we use EMDR to help clients heal from a wide range of experiences, including:
Childhood emotional neglect
Sexual or physical abuse
Medical trauma
Grief and complicated loss
Relationship trauma or betrayal
PTSD and anxiety linked to past events
You don’t need to go through this alone. EMDR offers a structured, empowering way to help your mind and body process what’s been too much to carry on your own.
“Is EMDR Right for Me?” Common Questions from Philadelphia-Area Clients
1. Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Not necessarily. One of the most common misconceptions about EMDR is that you’ll need to retell every detail of a painful memory. In fact, EMDR can often be effective even when you describe the memory in broad terms. Your therapist guides you through the process at a pace that feels safe, without requiring full disclosure of every moment.
2. What does bilateral stimulation mean?
Bilateral stimulation refers to any kind of rhythmic left-right movement. In EMDR, this is usually done through guided eye movements, tapping on your hands or knees, or listening to alternating tones in headphones. It’s believed to activate both sides of the brain to help reprocess stuck memories.
3. What if I feel overwhelmed or dissociate during the session?
This is a valid concern, especially for clients with complex trauma or dissociation. At our practice in Bryn Mawr and Philadelphia, we focus on resourcing and preparation first — building your coping tools, inner supports, and somatic awareness before diving into trauma reprocessing. If you’re working virtually, we take additional steps to ensure safety and grounding.
4. Can EMDR be done virtually?
Yes! Virtual EMDR therapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person sessions when facilitated by a trained and attuned therapist. We use secure video platforms and creative techniques for bilateral stimulation (like butterfly tapping or onscreen visuals) so you can access healing from the comfort of your home — whether you're in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, or anywhere in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
5. How long does it take to see results?
Everyone’s healing journey is different. Some clients notice relief within a few sessions, while others with more complex trauma may need longer-term work. We’ll collaborate with you to develop a tailored plan that balances your goals, history, and nervous system readiness.
6. Will I feel worse before I feel better?
It’s possible that uncomfortable emotions may come up — after all, we’re working with experiences that were overwhelming in the past. But you're not doing it alone. Your therapist will help you build coping tools, stay grounded, and titrate the process so it doesn’t feel too intense.
7. Is EMDR safe?
Yes — when practiced by a trained EMDR therapist, it is considered very safe and effective. That said, safety and consent are key parts of the process. You’ll never be pushed to go into anything you're not ready for, and we’ll prepare together before diving into trauma work.
8. What if I don’t remember what happened to me?
You can still benefit from EMDR. The therapy can work with emotions, body sensations, or vague memories. You don’t need a complete narrative — just a starting point. Many clients with gaps in memory due to trauma or dissociation still experience significant healing.
9. Is EMDR just a trend, or does it really work?
EMDR is supported by decades of research and is recommended by organizations like the World Health Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs for PTSD. It’s not a trend — it’s a structured, evidence-based approach that helps the brain do what it naturally wants to do: heal.
10. What if I’m not ready?
That’s completely okay. EMDR starts with building trust, safety, and emotional tools. We’ll never jump into trauma work until you feel grounded and supported. You get to set the pace, and your healing unfolds in a way that feels right for you.
Who Might Benefit Most from EMDR?
EMDR therapy is especially helpful for individuals who feel like they’ve done all the right things—talked about their trauma, tried different coping tools, maybe even worked with a therapist before—but are still haunted by past experiences. If this sounds familiar, EMDR might be the next step in your healing journey.
You might benefit most from EMDR therapy if you:
Feel “stuck” in patterns or emotions related to the past, like shame, fear, or sadness that doesn’t match what’s happening in your present life
Experience flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or physical symptoms (like tension, nausea, or racing heart) that seem tied to traumatic or stressful events
Have tried talk therapy and gained insight but want a method that helps your body and nervous system fully process what happened
Want a trauma therapy method that integrates mind, body, and memory—offering healing not just through words, but through somatic and neural processing
Are ready to build trust with a trauma-informed clinician who understands that healing takes time, safety, and a structured yet flexible approach
EMDR can be effective for a wide range of trauma types—including emotional neglect, childhood abuse, accidents, medical trauma, grief, and relational wounds. Many of our clients come in feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or afraid they’ll never feel “normal” again. Through EMDR, they often find relief they didn’t think was possible.
EMDR Therapy in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, and Online
At Spilove Psychotherapy, our EMDR-trained clinicians are passionate about helping people safely reconnect with their strength, resilience, and sense of self. Whether you're just beginning to explore trauma therapy or are feeling ready to dive into deeper healing, we offer EMDR therapy in-person at our warm, welcoming offices in Philadelphia and Bryn Mawr, PA, as well as virtually across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
We understand that deciding to begin EMDR therapy is a big step. You may still have questions. You might wonder, “Will this actually work for me?” or “What if it brings up more than I can handle?” That’s why we take a personalized, trauma-informed approach to ensure your treatment feels safe, paced, and supportive from start to finish. Our therapists also integrate other modalities — such as parts work, somatic therapy, and DBT — to meet your unique needs and goals.
Healing doesn’t have to mean reliving everything all over again.
EMDR offers a way to gently process what’s been stuck, so you can finally move forward with more freedom, clarity, and connection.
If you’re looking for trauma therapy in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, or through online EMDR therapy in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, we invite you to reach out. Let’s talk about whether EMDR is the right fit for your healing journey.
Ready to Explore If EMDR Is Right for You?
If you're wondering whether EMDR therapy is the right fit for your trauma recovery journey, we’d love to talk. We offer free 15-minute consultations to help you understand your options and connect with a therapist who aligns with your needs.
📍 In-person sessions available in Philadelphia and Bryn Mawr, PA
💻 Virtual EMDR therapy available across PA and NJ
Other Therapy Services We Offer in Bryn Mawr and Philadelphia
Our experienced therapists offer a range of mental health services to support your well-being. Our offerings include Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, and specialized treatment for eating disorders. We also provide couples therapy, EMDR therapy, and trauma intensives.
Additionally, we offer DBT skills groups for those looking to build emotional regulation strategies.
For those seeking guidance outside of traditional therapy, we provide in-person life coaching in Pennsylvania and virtual coaching services nationwide.
About the Author
Julia Castagna, M.S., LPC, is a seasoned trauma therapist licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She earned her Master of Science in Counseling from Villanova University and currently serves as the Assistant Clinical Director at Spilove Psychotherapy. Julia specializes in addressing complex trauma, including generational trauma, through a variety of therapeutic approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness. More recently, ketamine-assisted therapy.
With a profound understanding of the dynamics of trauma, Julia is adept at fostering resilience, identifying emotional triggers, and building personalized coping strategies for her clients. Her approach is compassionate and client-centered, focusing on creating a safe space where individuals can explore their emotions and begin their journey towards healing.
Besides her clinical expertise, Julia's role as Assistant Clinical Director allows her to influence therapeutic practices and innovations within her team, ensuring that the care provided is both effective and empathetic. If you are ready to reclaim joy and fulfillment in your life, connect with Julia for virtual sessions available across Pennsylvania and New Jersey!
