EMDR therapy now available.
Virtual trauma treatment with Julnyca Cadet, LCSW-QS. Available in multiple states.
You've probably tried to "talk through" what happened. Maybe it helped some. Maybe it didn't. EMDR takes a different approach.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy works with how your brain naturally heals. When something distressing happens, your brain sometimes gets stuck — replaying the memory, triggering anxiety, keeping you on edge. EMDR helps your brain finish processing those experiences so they stop running the show.
How EMDR Works
During an EMDR session, you'll briefly focus on a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements. This activates your brain's natural processing system, similar to what happens during REM sleep.
Over time, the memory stays but the emotional intensity fades. You can recall what happened without the same level of distress, reactivity, or avoidance.
EMDR typically requires fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy for trauma processing. Most people begin noticing shifts within the first few sessions.
What EMDR Treats
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy recognized by the WHO and APA for trauma and PTSD. It is also used for anxiety, panic, phobias, complicated grief, performance blocks, and negative self-beliefs rooted in past experiences. Many clients seek EMDR when cognitive approaches helped partially but certain memories still feel physically activating.
EMDR does not require you to narrate every detail of painful events. Processing happens with bilateral stimulation—guided eye movements or tones—while your brain reconsolidates how the memory is stored. The goal is not to forget what happened, but to reduce the distress that hijacks your present.
What EMDR Can Help With
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol. Early phases focus on history, targets, and stabilization. Later phases use bilateral stimulation during processing sets. Your clinician paces the work so you stay within your window of tolerance—grounding skills are in place before intensive processing begins.
Phase 1 — History & Preparation
We'll identify the memories and experiences to target and make sure you have coping tools in place before we start processing.
Phase 2 — Processing
You'll hold a distressing memory in mind while following guided bilateral stimulation. You don't need to describe the memory in detail. The processing happens internally.
Phase 3 — Integration
We'll check in on what shifted, reinforce positive beliefs, and make sure you feel grounded before ending the session.
Virtual EMDR uses the same evidence-based protocol as in-office care. Bilateral stimulation is guided through on-screen visual cues or audio tones during secure video. Sessions are conducted through our HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform—the same convenient format as all New Steps Care services.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR may be a strong fit if you have identifiable distressing memories, trauma-related symptoms, or anxiety that feels stuck despite other therapy. Ideal candidates can tolerate brief activation with clinician support, attend sessions consistently, and practice grounding between appointments.
EMDR may not be appropriate during acute crisis without stabilization, active substance dependence without concurrent treatment, or certain neurological conditions—your clinician screens carefully in the consult and preparation phases. If EMDR is not the right match, we will discuss other evidence-based options on our Focus Areas page.
Why New Steps Care
EMDR is currently offered exclusively by Julnyca Cadet, LCSW-QS, our clinical director. The New Steps Care team also provides CBT, DBT, and other evidence-based therapies for clients who prefer non-EMDR approaches.
EMDR sessions are virtual, with evening availability for working professionals. See where care is offered.
Schedule EMDR therapy
Use our booking flow to request EMDR with Julnyca Cadet, LCSW-QS. New Steps Care provides teletherapy in multiple licensed states—confirm you can be seen virtually from your location during appointments.
EMDR sessions are booked directly with Julnyca. For non-EMDR therapy with our broader team, see Focus Areas.