EMDR questions · Washington & Oregon
What does online EMDR feel like?
Online EMDR is a conversation with a therapist, with time for preparation and, when you’re ready, guided work with memories. You stay awake and involved. There isn’t one feeling you’re supposed to have, and you can ask to pause.
Will we work on a memory right away?
Not necessarily. We start with your history, what’s happening now and what you want help with. You don’t have to arrive ready to tell everything. Before processing memories, we work on ways to manage distress and discuss whether online care is a good fit.
Preparation is part of the therapy—not a hurdle to rush through. With complex trauma or dissociation, we may need more time to build a foundation and understand what helps you stay present.
What happens during processing?
When you’re ready, your therapist helps you bring attention to a chosen memory and notice thoughts, emotions or body sensations. This is paired with guided bilateral stimulation: alternating attention from one side to the other, such as eye movements or taps. We agree on an approach that works with your online setup.
You might notice sadness, tension, shifting thoughts, new associations or very little at first. Some moments can feel emotionally intense. None of those experiences means you’re doing it wrong, and relief is not guaranteed in a single session.
We check in throughout and adjust the pace. EMDR is not hypnosis, and it doesn’t erase your memories. You can speak up, stop the stimulation or ask for a break.
How do we make online sessions manageable?
Before starting, we discuss a private space, a reliable connection, your physical location during sessions and what to do if the call drops. We also talk about how to ask for a pause and what support you may need afterward.
We make time to close the session and help you return attention to the present. You may feel tired or notice feelings afterward; tell me about anything difficult rather than assuming you need to push through it alone. Online EMDR isn’t right for everyone. We’ll discuss another level or setting of care if needed.
A little clarity
Questions you might have
Do I have to share every detail?
No. You don’t need to give a detailed retelling of every experience. We do need enough context to understand your needs and plan care safely. You can tell me when sharing feels like too much.
What if I feel overwhelmed or disconnected?
Tell me as soon as you notice it. We can pause, use grounding and reconsider the pace or approach. Feeling overwhelmed is not a reason to force yourself to continue processing.
How soon will I feel better?
There is no fixed timeline. Your history, readiness and current circumstances matter. We’ll review what is and isn’t helping without promising a particular result or number of sessions.
Talk it through with Aunastasia
I’m Aunastasia Zsidiewicz, LICSW, an EMDRIA Certified Therapist. My practice offers online care across Washington and Oregon. A consultation is a chance to ask about your situation—not a commitment to begin EMDR.
The first session is $350; ongoing sessions are $300 per hour. Online care is available across Washington & Oregon State for ages 7 and older. We’ll talk through fit and any questions before you decide to begin.
Explore online EMDR therapy, EMDR for teens in Washington or my background.
Further reading: EMDRIA-hosted guidance on preparation for online EMDR (PDF). This page is general information, not an individual treatment recommendation.
You can ask questions before you begin.
A free consultation is a chance to meet, ask questions, and see whether working together feels right.
$350 first session · $300/hour · Online in Washington & Oregon State · Ages 7+
More about getting started