Start EMDR Therapy
Your journey towards healing is guided by compassion and care.
If you've experienced trauma or distressing events that still affect your day-to-day life, you're not alone — and healing is possible.
We will connect you with a therapist who can guide you towards understanding, release, and renewal. Therapy is available on weekdays, evenings and weekends. Virtual or in-person is available depending on location.
Content on this page has been clinically reviewed by Dr. Monica Hinton, Registered Clinical Social Worker, ACSW, BCCSW, OCSWSSW, NSCSW.
What is EMDR therapy?
Sometimes painful or distressing experiences don't get fully processed, and can keep showing up as patterns of distress, anxiety, avoidance, or emotional reactivity. EMDR therapy gives your brain a way to work through this in a safe, supportive setting.
If you want to learn more, see our guide to EMDR therapy.
What happens during EMDR therapy?
EMDR is a structured approach that follows a specific sequence, moving from preparation through processing to integration, always with pace tailored to you. This is what the process typically looks like:
Preparing with understanding
Your first sessions will prepare you for therapy and support you to uncover the tools you might already have, and explore what you can add to your toolbox.
Reprocess painful memories safely
With your therapist's guidance, you'll revisit experiences in a secure, supportive environment.
Engage your brain’s natural healing process
Through gentle bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, sounds, or taps), you will work towards reprocessing difficult memories.
Reduce emotional intensity
Over time, distressing memories lose their vividness and emotional charge, creating space for calm and balance.
Build relief and resolution
As your brain integrates new, positive information, you may notice a greater sense of clarity, peace, and self-trust.
Heal at your own pace
EMDR sessions are grounded in safety, compassion, and collaboration. You're always in control of the process.
Is EMDR right for you?
Guided and Structured Reprocessing
Uses gentle, guided techniques, such as eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, to help your brain reprocess memories and restore balance.
Mind–Body Release
Structured practice that focuses on helping your mind and body release the lingering effects of past experiences.
Open Exploration
Open conversations with your therapist explore your thoughts, emotions, feelings and patterns.
Building Self-Awareness
Helps you gain better insight, build coping tools, and strengthen your sense of self over time through discussion and reflection.
How Layla supports you
How Layla makes it easier
Complete our brief intake form and connect with a care coordinator who will support with finding the best therapist match for you.
Therapy through Layla may be eligible for reimbursement under your health or workplace benefits plan. Please explore our FAQs if you have questions.
Take the first step
Once you submit, book a matching call with a Layla care coordinator.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is a large research base supporting EMDR therapy's effectiveness. The World Health Organization recognized EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD in 2013. It is also included in treatment guidelines alongside trauma-focused CBT. There is growing research in its use for other conditions like anxiety.
No, this is one of the biggest differences between EMDR and traditional talk therapy. EMDR doesn't require you to describe events in detail out loud. The therapist usually asks you to briefly identify the memory, feelings, or words associated with your trauma, and will then guide you in reprocessing this experience. EMDR therapy is paced to what feels manageable for you.
Yes, EMDR can be done virtually, and Layla offers EMDR therapy sessions online, in-person, or through a hybrid format depending on your location and preference. Keep in mind that availability for in-person sessions depends on your specific location. You can discuss your specific situation with your care coordinator during your matching call to help find a therapist who may be a good fit for you.
EMDR is one of many types of evidence based therapy and may be best suited for anyone ready to address their “stuck” memories and/or experiences. It is suitable for adults, teens, children and couples.