EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy in Monroeville, Irwin & the Greater Pittsburgh Area
Some memories don't fade — they keep pulling you back. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps your brain reprocess painful memories so the past stops running the present. Guided by our EMDRIA-certified clinicians.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain do what it couldn't finish on its own: fully process a painful or overwhelming memory. When something traumatic happens, the memory can get stored in a raw, unresolved form, so it keeps resurfacing with the same intensity as the day it happened. EMDR helps your brain reprocess that memory so it loses its grip and the past stops running the present.
During a session, your clinician guides you through brief sets of bilateral stimulation — usually guided eye movements, sometimes gentle taps or tones — while you briefly hold a target memory in mind. You don't have to relive the event in detail or narrate everything that happened. Over time, the memory becomes less charged, the beliefs attached to it begin to shift, and your nervous system settles. Many clients describe the memory as finally feeling like it's in the past rather than happening now.
In person at our Monroeville and Irwin locations, and virtually across Pennsylvania where clinically appropriate. Call or text (412) 899-1402.
Who It's For
- Clients living with PTSD or complex trauma
- People carrying distressing or intrusive memories
- Anxiety, panic, and trauma-related stress responses
- Survivors of abuse, accidents, loss, or interpersonal violence
- Anyone who feels the past keeps interrupting the present
The Eight Phases
- History-taking and treatment planning
- Preparation — building safety, trust, and grounding skills
- Assessment of the target memory and associated beliefs
- Desensitization through bilateral stimulation
- Installation of healthier, adaptive beliefs
- Body scan, closure, and re-evaluation over time
What a Session Looks Like
- A paced, structured process led by your clinician
- Brief sets of guided eye movements, taps, or tones
- No requirement to relive or narrate every detail
- Grounding and stabilization before any processing begins
- Can be combined with other care when clinically appropriate
Your EMDRIA-Certified Clinician
EMDR at Mind Dojo is led by Elizabeth "Liz" Vasinko, MA LPC EMDRIA-C — a clinician certified by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). EMDRIA certification reflects advanced training, supervised experience, and ongoing commitment to delivering EMDR the way it's meant to be practiced. You're in experienced hands from your first session.
EMDR often works hand in hand with broader trauma care. If you're navigating PTSD or the lasting effects of a traumatic experience, explore our Trauma & PTSD Treatment — your clinician can help you decide what combination of care fits you best.
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger or may cause harm, call 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Your Path Forward
Consultation & History
We start by understanding your history, current symptoms, and goals — and identifying the memories and beliefs that EMDR will target.
Preparation
Before any reprocessing, your clinician helps you build grounding and stabilization skills so you can engage with difficult material safely and at your own pace.
Reprocessing
Using guided bilateral stimulation, your clinician walks you through structured sets that allow your brain to reprocess the target memory and the beliefs tied to it.
Integration
As the memory loses its charge, we reinforce healthier beliefs, check that your body feels settled, and integrate the work into lasting change.
Take the First Step
Whether you're ready to begin or just exploring your options — we're here to help.
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