How Do You Know If You’re Ready for EMDR?

The truth?

You don’t have to feel 100% ready to start EMDR therapy. You just have to be curious.

Many people come to therapy unsure if they’re “ready” to face what’s happened — and that makes sense. Trauma teaches us to brace, to avoid, to stay small. So even the idea of healing can feel… big.

Here’s what I tell my clients:

You Might Be Ready for EMDR If…

• You’ve done talk therapy but still feel stuck in patterns or symptoms.

• You notice that certain memories, images, or body sensations keep resurfacing.

• You want to heal, but you’re scared to revisit the past.

• You feel both nervous and hopeful when you read about EMDR.

If that’s you — you’re not broken or behind. You’re exactly where so many others have been before healing started.

We Move at Your Nervous System’s Pace - The Pace of Trust

EMDR isn’t about diving into trauma right away. We start slow, building safety, grounding skills, and trust before touching anything painful.

You’ll never be rushed or pushed.

And sometimes, what people need isn’t full EMDR reprocessing yet — it’s nervous system support, stabilization, or working with dissociation gently.

That’s all valid, and all part of the process.

You Don’t Have to Be Ready — Just Willing

The “readiness” we look for isn’t about having everything processed or being totally fearless. It’s about this:

Can we build safety together — enough to begin?

If you’re curious, open, and looking for a trauma therapist who will go at your pace, you might be ready.

Have questions?

Let’s talk about where you are and what kind of support would feel right.

Click here to reach out. You don’t have to do this alone.