Let’s figure out how your brain likes to heal (with a little science and a lot of honesty). Stop trying to make your brain be somethings it’s not! When you understand your patterns you can treat it the way it wants to feel copasetic and calm.
Instructions: Choose the answer that feels most like you. At the end, we’ll tell you what kind of EMDR client you might be.
1. When you think about that “one memory”…
A) I avoid it like it’s radioactive.
B) It pops up when I’m trying to sleep or parent or function. Cool.
C) I’ve talked about it in therapy, but I still feel stuck.
D) I have 17 memories. Want a spreadsheet?
2. When someone says “trauma,” you think:
A) Ugh, that word feels too big for what I’ve been through.
B) Mine isn’t bad enough, right?
C) Complex trauma is basically my middle name.
D) I know my nervous system is fried—I’ve read 3 books about it.
3. Your coping style is:
A) Distraction + Denial™
B) Overthinking it into oblivion
C) Cry-laughing and dark humor
D) Hyper-independence and Google research at 2 a.m.
4. When you hear “bilateral stimulation,” you feel:
A) Confused. Is that a dance move?
B) Intrigued but skeptical
C) Honestly, I’ll try anything at this point
D) Excited. I love a good brain-based hack
5. Therapy is most helpful when:
A) Someone helps me make sense of what happened
B) I feel safe enough to say the thing I’ve never said
C) I get actual tools, not just “how does that make you feel?”
D) I understand the why behind my reactions—don’t just give me vibes, give me neuroscience
🔍 Your EMDR Client Type:
Mostly A’s – The Cautious Starter
You’re not sure if your experiences “count” as trauma, but something isn’t sitting right. EMDR can help you safely explore those layers—no pressure, no rush.
Mostly B’s – The Silent Sufferer
You’ve been quietly carrying a lot, and it’s taking a toll. EMDR helps break the cycle of overthinking and teaches your brain it’s safe to relax. Finally.
Mostly C’s – The Been-There, Talked-That
You’ve done therapy before, but words alone haven’t moved the needle. EMDR gives you a new way to actually shift the emotional charge and feel real relief.
Mostly D’s – The Cerebral Processor
You’re smart, self-aware, and maybe a little exhausted from trying to out-think your trauma. EMDR engages your whole brain—logic, body, and memory—to help you finally heal on a deeper level.
So EMDR is for everyone, well yes and no
EMDR can be incredibly effective, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people don’t respond well to it—at least not the standard version. But before you decide EMDR isn’t for you, it’s important to know that tailoring the process to fit your brain and your style can make a big difference.
Some therapists jump into EMDR quickly, which can work well for folks dealing with a single traumatic event or those who’ve done EMDR before and are ready to dive in. No fluff, just straight to the work. That can be a great fit for some.
But if you’re someone with complex trauma, multiple layers of stress, or tough past therapy experiences, you may need a slower, more supportive path. That often means blending EMDR with cognitive strategies, calming tools, and communication skills to help your system stay regulated and engaged.
In my practice, I often weave EMDR into a bigger framework. Whether you’re an A or B type who wants to keep the training wheels on for a bit, or a C or D type who needs a more phased or flexible approach, we’ll build a plan that fits you.
There’s no single “right way” to do EMDR. We’ll talk through the options, go at your pace, and make sure you understand the why behind every step.
Want to explore what EMDR would look like for your brain?
👉 Contact me or book a free consultation today
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