EMDR Therapy in NYC
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps your brain and body reprocess traumatic or distressing experiences so they feel less overwhelming and more integrated.
At arc nyc therapy, we offer EMDR as part of a relational, depth-oriented, and somatic approach to healing.
When something overwhelms your ability to cope, the memory can get stuck in the nervous system — EMDR can help move those memories.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — such as eye movements, tones, or taps — while you briefly focus on aspects of certain memories, sensations, or beliefs.
Over time, your brain and body can
Process what happened more fully
Connect it to more supportive beliefs
Soften the emotional and physical intensity around triggers
You don’t have to describe every detail for EMDR to work. We move at a pace that honors your sense of safety and your nervous system.
What EMDR can help with
Trauma & complex PTSD
Childhood emotional neglect, emotional/physical/sexual abuse, chaotic or unsafe homes
Single-event trauma
Accidents, medical trauma, assaults, sudden loss
Relationship & attachment trauma
Emotionally unavailable caregivers, betrayal, infidelity, narcissistic abuse
Anxiety & panic
Feeling constantly on edge, hypervigilance, panic attacks
Shame & negative self-beliefs
“I’m not enough,” “I’m broken,” “It was my fault,” “I’m unlovable”
Borderline traits & emotional intensity
Big feelings, fear of abandonment, self-sabotaging in relationships
LGBTQIA+ and identity-related trauma
Rejection, bullying, family conflict, internalized shame
Neurodivergent experiences
Masking, chronic overwhelm, accumulated micro-traumas
EMDR at arc nyc therapy is something we do together —you’re not left alone with your memories.
Our work is
Relational — your relationship with your therapist matters. We check in often, adjust the pace, and don’t just “run a protocol.”
Somatic — we pay attention to what your body is doing: tension, numbness, breath, impulses. Your nervous system guides the process.
Trauma-informed and paced — we spend time on grounding and resources first so you’re not overwhelmed by the work.
A typical EMDR process includes
History & planning — understanding your story, symptoms, and what you want from therapy
Preparation — building grounding and stabilization tools
Reprocessing sessions — using bilateral stimulation to gently work through targeted memories and beliefs
Integration — noticing how triggers, emotions, and self-beliefs shift in daily life
We offer EMDR in-person near Union Square and online across New York State.
Common questions
Will EMDR erase my memories?
No. You’ll still remember what happened, but it often feels more distant, less charged, and less defining.
Is EMDR right for everyone?
Not always. Some people benefit more from stabilization, attachment work, and body-based regulation before or instead of EMDR. We’re honest with you about options and timing.
Do you offer EMDR online?
Yes. We offer EMDR online for clients located in New York State using secure, adapted methods for bilateral stimulation.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with an EMDR therapist at Arc NYC Therapy to talk about whether this approach might be right for you.