EMDR Therapy in Canal Fulton, Ohio: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing Trauma and Finding Relief
EMDR Therapy in Canal Fulton, Ohio: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing Trauma and Finding Relief
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to help integrate difficult memories and store life events in an adaptive way, reducing present-day distress. As an EMDR therapist serving Canal Fulton and the greater Stark County area, I've seen this evidence-based treatment help countless clients heal from trauma, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions.
How Memories Get Stuck
Most life events link appropriately in our memory networks. However, some events get stuck and then become triggering in present day. They may become stuck due to a fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response, or because of other past traumatic events. EMDR helps these stuck memories become integrated so they no longer cause distress in your daily life.
The EMDR approach I use in my Canal Fulton practice is informed by somatics (body-based awareness) and attachment theory (relationship patterns), and integrates parts work through Internal Family Systems (IFS). This comprehensive approach addresses not just your thoughts, but how trauma lives in your body and affects your relationships.
How EMDR Works: A Personal, Body-Based Approach
EMDR is a structured therapeutic process that works with your body's natural ability to heal. Rather than focusing on clinical phases, here's what you can expect when working with me:
We start by understanding your story. Together, we'll explore your history and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific experiences and goals. This isn't about checking boxes—it's about truly understanding what brought you to therapy.
We build your toolkit. Before diving into memory reprocessing, we practice and strengthen your coping skills. You'll learn techniques to manage distress and feel grounded, ensuring you have resources available before, during, and after our work together.
We identify what needs healing. We'll pinpoint the specific memories or events that are causing present-day distress. You're in control of how much detail you share—EMDR works effectively without requiring you to talk extensively about painful experiences.
We reprocess the stuck memories. This is where the bilateral stimulation comes in—using eye movements, tapping, or audio tones. As we work through these memories, the emotional charge begins to disappear. Your brain does the healing; I'm here to guide and support the process.
We strengthen your healing. We make sure positive beliefs about yourself take root and that your body feels settled and clear. We imagine and plan for the future you desire and prepare for any potential blocks.
We check in and adjust. Healing isn't linear, and we'll continually assess your progress and adjust our approach as needed.
Throughout this process, we work together to allow your body to create the healing it's designed to do. You choose how much detail you share about the events—EMDR works without requiring extensive talk therapy and utilizes your body's natural wisdom and intuition.
My Personal Journey with EMDR: From "Beyond Repair" to Thriving
Starting EMDR as a Newlywed
Over ten years ago, I walked into my first therapy session and shared why I was seeking help. My therapist immediately recommended EMDR therapy, saying I was "ready to go." At the time, I was in grad school and familiar with EMDR primarily in the context of international trauma work with survivors of tragic circumstances. A part of me thought my struggles must be serious, while another part questioned whether I deserved such focused attention and treatment.
The work felt different—uncomfortable yet exciting—and most importantly, it felt like it was helping. I worked with this therapist weekly for quite some time, then transitioned to as-needed sessions, including several times after becoming a mom.
A Therapist Following Her Intuition
One session stands out vividly in my memory. During the EMDR protocol, my therapist asked what I was noticing. After I shared, she paused and asked, "What are you feeling?" This simple question led to an emotional breakthrough. She later explained, "I just felt like I needed to ask that."
This moment exemplified a therapist following their intuition, gazing inward and outward simultaneously, reflecting with intention, and staying attuned to the client. It's something I strive for in my own work as a therapist in Canal Fulton.
Exploring Internal Family Systems
Last spring, I engaged in weekly IFS therapy for almost four months because I wanted to learn the modality through personal experience. IFS helped me practice making space to listen to my internal world, name different parts of myself, and build relationships with them. I completed many hours of training in the model and now incorporate it into my professional work. (I should note: I went through so many tissues during those sessions that I probably should have brought my own or paid my therapist extra!)
EMDR Round Two: The Year That Changed Everything
When I moved to a new state, I decided to engage in EMDR again. I was debating whether to pursue EMDR certification professionally and thought being a client again would provide direction. I found an incredibly skilled therapist who specialized in EMDR and parts work, but more importantly, she was deeply attuned to me and willing to go wherever I needed—no matter the topic, emotion, thought, or fear. She was right there, ready for it all. She helped me feel safe in my body and safe with her, which was what I needed more than anything.
When I Felt Beyond Repair
To be completely transparent, before starting EMDR with this therapist, there were times I felt beyond repair—yes, even as a therapist myself. My emotions sometimes felt too overwhelming and overpowering, and I couldn't see a way out. At the time, I didn't understand that I had Complex PTSD (CPTSD), the depth of my childhood trauma, or how pervasively it left me with the sense of "I can't."
Weekly EMDR for Just Over a Year
I met with my EMDR therapist every week for just over a year, and I can confidently say that the whole "beyond repair" feeling is long gone. I am different. I relate to my emotions differently. I feel more comfortable in my own skin.
I used to experience anxiety and dread before every social situation. Now our social calendar is quite full, and the sense of "having to prove myself" is just a whisper. Instead, I stay attuned to myself and genuinely engage with the people around me. I feel more aligned in seeing myself as the capable adult I am, rather than feeling like a child with limited resources.
I now see my therapist as needed when life shifts and things get hard again, but that year of foundational EMDR work has been pivotal for me, both personally and professionally.
EMDR Wasn't the Only Tool
I want to clarify that EMDR wasn't the only support I added during this healing journey. My combined supports included starting medication, engaging in couples therapy, and regularly investing time in friendships and community relationships that matter to me. All of these together shifted me in ways I once thought impossible.
How EMDR Therapy Helps
EMDR therapy in Canal Fulton, Ohio offers powerful benefits for those struggling with trauma, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions:
General Healing Benefits
Get to the root of your overwhelm - Address the underlying causes rather than just managing symptoms
Work with the cause of your triggers - Understand and heal what's driving your reactions
Find ways to help your stress and anxiety - Develop effective coping strategies that actually work
Feel empowered in your ability to heal - Recognize your own capacity for change and growth
Integrate trauma - Process difficult experiences so they no longer control your present
See your cycle breaking in action - Watch patterns shift in real-time as you heal
Process trauma and find relief - Experience tangible reduction in symptoms and distress
Embody your adult self and ability - Connect with your current resources and strengths
For Moms in Stark County: Address Mom Guilt and Parenting Struggles
Peace out to perfectionism and people pleasing
Work on "I'm not good enough" beliefs
Manage triggers while parenting
Experience structured and targeted sessions, making it easier for busy moms to see results
Gain long-lasting relief by addressing root issues, not just managing symptoms
Benefit from an approach that works without requiring extensive talk therapy and utilizes your body's intuition
EMDR for Specific Issues in Northeast Ohio
EMDR for Childhood Trauma
When childhood trauma is present in parenting, unresolved feelings can make it difficult to fully enjoy the present moment. Whether it's due to past abuse or neglect from caregivers or other difficult childhood experiences, our unresolved trauma can pop up and impact daily life as a mom. EMDR helps you process these experiences so you can parent from a place of healing rather than hurt.
Learn more about EMDR for childhood trauma
EMDR for Spiritual Trauma
Transitioning into motherhood can be rocky for many mothers in Ohio, and even more so when there is a history of spiritual trauma. Countless questions arise about how to parent differently, with healthy and helpful narratives about your child's goodness, and also figuring out where you land spiritually. Anxiety, depression, and overwhelm can accompany moms on their journeys of deconstruction or spiritual trauma recovery.
Reclaiming Your Spirituality on Your Terms:
Find a way through the pain, confusion, and loss
Gain a sense of what aligns with you authentically
Increase your ability to say no and set boundaries
Healing Guilt, Shame, and Fear from Faith-Based Upbringings:
Find relief from triggering past beliefs
Change your blame and shame patterns
Experience your own goodness
Navigating Spiritual Beliefs as a Parent:
Release the pressure and perfectionism
Create a deep connection with your child
Make space for your child's path
Explore spiritual trauma recovery with EMDR
EMDR for Sexual Desire / Purity Culture
Many moms I work with in Canal Fulton and throughout Stark County grew up in rigid, religious environments and are healing from purity culture. They find themselves in a negative relationship with their body and sexual desire, and feel like there's something wrong with them because of it. They are exploring their own sexuality while navigating how to equip their kids with healthy sexuality education in a way that is different from their own childhood. They want to find their sexual spark again and increase their openness to the sexual part of themselves.
Feel Sexually Alive:
Engage with sexuality on your terms
Recover from rigid, shame-based teachings
Focus on your path and release expectations
Body Image and Sensuality:
Prioritize your desire and pleasure
Heal from purity culture's messages
Create a connection with your body
Intimacy After Kids:
Increase your sexual desire
Use consent, voice, and agency
Find a way to be mom and sexual
Discover how EMDR can help with sexual desire and purity culture recovery
How EMDR Works
Provides long-lasting relief by addressing the root issues, not just managing symptoms
Works without requiring you to talk extensively about painful details
Utilizes your body's natural intuition and healing capacity
Offers structured and targeted sessions that fit busy schedules
Creates faster progress through intensive processing
EMDR Therapy Options in Canal Fulton, Ohio
Weekly EMDR Sessions
Attend weekly EMDR sessions in Canal Fulton to work through your healing journey. We'll focus on:
History taking and understanding your story
Building your coping skills and resources
Reprocessing difficult memories
Connecting you with your body
Equipping you for changes you want to make in your life
Therapy sessions are $150
3-Hour EMDR Intensives
EMDR intensives allow you to dive deeper and progress more quickly than traditional weekly therapy. We meet for an extended period to focus on one main goal, which is ideal if a weekly therapy schedule is difficult to maintain due to travel, work, or childcare demands. These can also be used alongside your work with another therapist to address stuck areas. Intensives can be scheduled monthly and/or as needed, and multiple 3-hour intensives can be scheduled over 1-3 days.
1 Hour Preparation Session + 3 Hour Intensive is $500
Learn more about EMDR Intensives
Is an EMDR Intensive Right for You?
An EMDR intensive in Canal Fulton is a great option if you:
💃🏻 Are ready to boost your healing by diving deep
🛋️ Have scheduling barriers due to work, childcare, or other commitments
⏰ Need extended time to process one of your memories
🗓️ Can't add another weekly commitment to your schedule
🤯 Want to accomplish months of therapy work in one concentrated session
🤷🏻♀️ Feel stuck in weekly therapy and need a different approach
The EMDR Intensive Process
Step One: Free Consultation Call
We'll connect for a 15-minute consultation call so I can hear about what you'd like to work on and you can ask any questions. We'll both use this time to confirm we're a great fit. If we decide to proceed, you'll receive resources to complete and use to prepare for your intensive.
Step Two: Preparation Session (1 Hour - $125)
We'll meet for one hour to identify your goal for the intensive and decide which target memories or events we'll reprocess. We'll focus on your coping skills and practice them together to ensure you have resources before, during, and after the intensive.
Step Three: The Intensive (3 Hours - $375)
We'll process your target memories and events, taking breaks as needed. We'll use your coping skills and practice grounding techniques throughout. You can choose from eye movements, audio tones, and/or tapping as your bilateral stimulation method.
Total Cost: $675 (Multiple intensives can be booked over 1-3 days)
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy in Canal Fulton
What is EMDR therapy used for? EMDR therapy is used to treat trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, spiritual trauma, purity culture recovery, and many other mental health concerns. It's particularly effective for processing stuck memories that continue to cause distress in present day.
Does EMDR really work? Yes, EMDR is an evidence-based therapy recognized by organizations like the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization. Many clients experience significant relief from symptoms that have persisted for years.
How many EMDR sessions will I need? This varies by individual and the complexity of what you're working through. Some clients see improvement in a few sessions, while others benefit from weekly therapy for several months or periodic intensives.
Is EMDR covered by insurance in Ohio? EMDR is often covered by insurance when provided by a licensed therapist, though coverage varies by plan. I recommend checking with your insurance provider about your specific benefits.
Can EMDR help with childhood trauma? Absolutely. EMDR is highly effective for processing childhood trauma, including abuse, neglect, and adverse childhood experiences that continue to impact your life today.
What should I expect during an EMDR session? You'll work with bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones) while processing targeted memories. You remain in control and can pause at any time. Many clients report feeling lighter and more at peace after sessions.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail? No. One of the benefits of EMDR is that it doesn't require you to discuss traumatic events in extensive detail. Your brain does the processing work while I guide you through the protocol.
Is EMDR safe? Yes, EMDR is a safe, well-researched therapy. We build coping skills before memory reprocessing begins, and you're in control throughout the process.
Serving Canal Fulton, Stark County, and Northeast Ohio
As an EMDR therapist in Canal Fulton, I'm conveniently located to serve clients throughout Stark County and the surrounding Northeast Ohio communities, including Massillon, North Canton, Canton, Akron, and beyond. Whether you're looking for weekly EMDR therapy or prefer the intensive format, I'm here to support your healing journey.
Important Note About EMDR
EMDR is not for everyone and does not help everyone. I share my experience to illustrate what's possible, but everyone's healing journey is unique. It's important to find the right therapeutic approach and the right therapist for your specific needs.
If You Feel Beyond Repair
If you feel beyond repair, I 100% get it. I've been there, and I want you to know: you don't have to stay there. Healing is possible, even when it doesn't feel like it. ❤️
Ready to Start EMDR Therapy in Canal Fulton, Ohio?
Take the first step toward healing from childhood trauma, spiritual trauma, mom guilt, or purity culture. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation call today to learn how EMDR therapy can help you find relief and reclaim your life.
Offering weekly EMDR therapy and EMDR intensives in Canal Fulton, serving Stark County and Northeast Ohio.