Let's Talk EMDR

In this episode, we explore the powerful integration of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and sand tray-based therapy as transformative approaches for individuals healing from complex trauma and dissociation. Join us, and our guest, EMDRIA Certified Therapist,™ Consultant™ and Trainer,™ Ana Gomez, MC, LPC, as we dive into how these modalities support trauma resolution, enhance emotional regulation, and foster deeper self-integration from children through adults.

We will discuss how EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories, while sand tray therapy offers a symbolic, sensory-rich space for expression when words fall short. We will share clinical insights, real-world examples (anonymized), and how these therapies can be especially supportive for those with dissociative symptoms, including parts work and inner child healing.

Whether you are a mental health professional, trauma survivor, or simply curious about somatic and expressive therapies, this episode sheds light on gentle, effective pathways to healing the deeply wounded self. Tune in for a grounded, compassionate conversation on healing from the inside out.

Resources

• Ana M. Gomez's website
• The Agate Institute for free resources for EMDR clinicians 
• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA Glossary 

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org. 

We dive into the transformative potential of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy for children struggling with attachment trauma. Joined by EMDRIA Certified Therapist, Trainer and Consultant, Debra B. Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP, we explore how early disruptions in attachment—such as neglect, abuse, or loss—can shape a child's emotional and behavioral world, and how EMDR offers a path toward healing.

Listeners will learn:

• What attachment trauma looks like in children
• How EMDR is adapted for young clients
• Real-life case examples of EMDR in action
• Tips for parents, caregivers, and clinicians supporting children with trauma histories

Whether you're a mental health professional, educator, or caregiver, this episode offers deep insight into one of the most effective, neuroscience-backed therapies available today for helping children reprocess trauma and build secure, healthy relationships.

Resources

• Debra Wesselmann's website for free e-books
• EMDRIA Children's Toolkit (log in req)
• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA Glossary 

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org. 

We dive deep into the misconceptions surrounding EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Can EMDR be safely used during pregnancy? Will it re-traumatize new moms? Is it only for PTSD? Our expert guest — an EMDRIA Certified Therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, Bethany Warren, LCSW, MPH-C, — helps separate fact from fiction. We explore how EMDR can be a powerful, compassionate tool for healing birth trauma, perinatal anxiety, pregnancy loss, and more. Whether you are a new parent, expecting, or a clinician, this episode offers clarity, science, and real-world insights into the role EMDR can play in supporting emotional wellness during one of life’s most transformative times.

Resources

• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA Glossary 
• EMDR International Association. (2023, December 14). EMDR Therapy, Birth Trauma and Pregnancy Loss. Let's Talk EMDR Podcast. 
• EMDRIA Online Communities (member login required)
• Swetlitz, I. (2016, April 4). Some medical students still think black patients feel less pain than whites. STAT. 
• Vargas, T. (2022, April 2). Perspective | Women are sharing their “medical gaslighting” stories. Now what?. Washington Post. 

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

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Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org. 

In this powerful episode, we explore how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is being used to heal the wounds of generational trauma. Our guest, an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, Susan Weissbach, LCSW, breaks down how traumatic patterns can be passed down through families—and how EMDR helps disrupt that cycle. We discuss the science behind EMDR, what a session actually looks like, and how individuals are finding relief from deeply rooted pain that didn’t start with them. Whether you're familiar with trauma work or just beginning your healing journey, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical tools for breaking free from inherited emotional burdens.

Topics Covered:

• What is generational trauma?
• How EMDR works in the brain and body
• Real stories of healing across generations
• The importance of somatic and memory-based therapies
• Steps to begin EMDR therapy

Tune in to discover how you can heal not only for yourself—but for the generations that come after you.

Resources

• Friedman, S. W. (2024). Klara’s Truth.
• Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Third Edition. Guilford Publications.
• ‌Silva, R. C., Dattilo, V., Perusi, G., Mazzelli, M., Maffioletti, E., Bazzanella, R., Bortolomasi, M., Cattaneo, A., Gennarelli, M., & Minelli, A. (2023). Transcriptional Modulation of Stress-Related Genes in Association with Early Life Stress Exposure and Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Depression Patients. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 17(3), 119–138.
• Cortizo, R. (2020). Prenatal and Perinatal EMDR Therapy: Early Family Intervention. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, EMDR-D-19-00046 
• EMDR International Association. (2024, November 8). EMDR Toolbox: Theory and Treatment of Complex PTSD and Dissociation, 2nd Edition (Springer, 2018). EMDR International Association.
• Flash Technique by Phil Mansfield
• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA Glossary 

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

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Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org. 

In this powerful episode, we delve into how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can aid in processing invisible grief—the quiet, unspoken losses that often go unacknowledged by society. From the heartbreak of estrangement, infertility, death, and ambiguous goodbyes to the mourning of lost futures or identities, invisible grief can deeply affect our emotional well-being without clear closure.

Joined by EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant, Dr. Arielle Jordan, LPC, NCC, we unpack how this evidence-based therapy helps rewire the brain’s response to unresolved pain and bring healing where words alone often fall short. You will hear real-life insights, common misconceptions about EMDR, and why it's gaining traction as a powerful tool for addressing the grief that hides in plain sight.

Whether you are carrying silent sorrow or supporting someone who is, this episode offers understanding, hope, and a path forward.

Resources

• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Dr. Jordan's Racial Trauma Freebie
• Experiencing EMDR Therapy (including info on the 8 Phases), EMDR International Association
• EMDRIA™ Antiracism Resources
• EMDRIA™ Library 

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org. 

Anger is a powerful emotion, but when it feels uncontrollable or destructive, it can take a toll on your relationships, health, and peace of mind. In this episode, we explore how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, originally developed to treat trauma, is being used to help people understand and manage anger at its root. You will hear from EMDRIA Certified Therapist, Approved Consultant and Trainer, Holly Forman-Patel, LMFT, LPC, as we unpack how this therapy works, why it's effective for emotion regulation, and what to expect from an EMDR session. Whether you struggle with chronic anger or are curious about trauma-informed approaches to emotional healing, this episode offers insight and hope.

Resources

• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Forman-Patel, H. (2021). Anger Management Workbook for Teens. Rockridge Press.
• Forman-Patel, H. (2020). Anger Management Activities for Kids. Sourcebooks, Inc.
• Holly Forman Patel's YouTube Channel‌
• EMDRIA™ Library 

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org. 

This episode explores the complex relationship between women, societal expectations to "be nice," and how these dynamics show up in the EMDR therapy room. Whether you're a therapist or a client, we unpack how people-pleasing, boundary-setting, and emotional safety intersect during trauma processing. Along with EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Consultant, Katie Quinlan, CMCH, we will discuss how therapists can hold space for authenticity over politeness and support clients in unlearning the pressure to perform niceness, especially when healing from trauma rooted in those expectations.

Resources

• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Online EMDR Therapy Resources
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
• Go With That Magazine® (member login required to view complete articles)
• Guerra, K. (2024). Badass Bonita. Balance.
• EMDR International Association, Adaptive Information Processing, 2024
• EMDRIA™ Library 

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org. 

In this powerful episode, we explore the intersection of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, neurodiversity-affirming care, and perinatal mental health. Join us as we dive deep into how trauma-informed, affirming approaches can transform care for neurodivergent individuals navigating pregnancy, birth, and post-partum experiences. With our three guests, all of whom are neurodivergent, EMDR Certified Therapists and Consultants in Training Erin Wheeler and Skylar Ibarra, and EMDR Certified Therapist, Approved Consultant Jane Kosloff, we unpack:

• How EMDR can support trauma healing in the perinatal period
• The unique challenges and strengths neurodivergent people may face during pregnancy and parenthood
• What does it mean to offer truly affirming care that respects sensory needs, communication styles, and identity
• Practical insights for therapists, birth workers, and healthcare providers looking to support clients through a neurodivergent and trauma-informed lens.

Whether you're a clinician, a new parent, or someone passionate about inclusive mental health, this conversation provides a compassionate and enlightening exploration of the intersections between neuroscience, identity, and healing.

Resources

• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Online EMDR Therapy Resources
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
• The Journal of EMDR Practice & Research®
• EMDR Therapy and Neurodiversity, Go With That Magazine™, Volume 30, Issue 1, Q1/Winter 2025, EMDRIA (members only)
• Myth Busters: Myths Standing Between EMDR Practitioners and their Autistic and ADHD Clients | Part 1, Focal Point Blog, March 21, 2025, EMDR International Association 
• Myth Busters: Myths Standing Between EMDR Practitioners and their Autistic and ADHD Clients | Part 2, Focal Point Blog, April 18, 2025, EMDR International Association   
• Neurodiversity Affirming EMDR Group on Facebook (licensed professionals only)
• EMDRIA™ Online Perinatal Community and Neurodiversity Community (members only)
• Thomas Zimmerman 
• Understanding the Neurodiversity-Affirming Philosophy of Care Course, Touchstone Institute, with this episode's guests, on demand  
• EMDRIA™ Library 

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org. 

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the intersection of social media, thorny topics, and the practice of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. Social media can amplify sensitive issues, creating emotional triggers that can seep into the therapeutic space. How do EMDR therapists approach these thorny topics—sensitive, triggering, or uncomfortable subjects—while maintaining a safe and supportive environment?

With EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ and Approved Consultant™ Rotem Brayer, we explore the challenges that EMDR therapists face when dealing with topics that are often shaped or influenced by online discourse, such as identity, cancel culture, political divides, and trauma responses. How do therapists navigate these conversations when social media discussions have left deep emotional marks on clients?

Join us as we unpack the ethical considerations, techniques, and strategies used in the EMDR therapy room to address these complex issues while protecting the therapeutic relationship. Featuring expert insights, real-life examples, and thoughtful discussion, this episode offers valuable takeaways for clinicians and those navigating their healing journeys.

Please tune in for a deep dive into how we can maintain empathy, safety, and healing in the age of digital influence.

Resources

• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA™ Practice Resources
• EMDRIA Foundation
• EMDR Learning Community (Clinicians Only)
• Brayer, R. (2023). The Art and Science of EMDR: Helping Clinicians Bridge the Path from Protocol to Practice
• Dent, A. (2025). Using Spirituality in EMDR Therapy. Taylor & Francis.
• Newport, Cal. (2020). Digital minimalism: on living better with less technology. Penguin Business.
• Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing.
• Netflix (2020). Social Dilemma [Documentary Social Dilemma].
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay

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Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org. 

We explore the intersection of culture and trauma healing through the lens of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Our guest expert, EMDR Certified Therapist, Trainer and Consultant, Jessica Crunkleton, LMFT, LCPC, LPC, LMHC, CADAC II, shares insights into how EMDR, a powerful therapeutic approach, can be adapted to be culturally sensitive, ensuring that clients from diverse backgrounds feel seen, understood, and respected throughout their healing journey.

We delve into the importance of cultural awareness in trauma therapy, addressing how different cultural beliefs, values, and experiences influence the healing process. From understanding cultural nuances to integrating cultural competence into EMDR practices, this conversation provides valuable tools for clinicians and educators.

Whether you are a mental health professional looking to enhance your practice or someone curious about how therapy can better align with your cultural identity, this episode offers meaningful perspectives on fostering inclusivity and healing in trauma therapy. Please tune in to learn how culturally sensitive EMDR therapy can empower individuals to overcome trauma in ways that honor their unique cultural stories. 

Resources

• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Online EMDR Therapy Resources
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
• The Journal of EMDR Practice & Research®
• Antiracism Resources, EMDRIA 2020
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA™ Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist® Directory lists more than 17,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• EMDRIA Foundation

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.