Best Resources for Understanding EMDR Therapy
A clinician-curated collection for high-achieving women exploring EMDR as a pathway through trauma, perfectionism, and the relational wounds that haven’t responded to talk therapy alone.
EMDR is one of the most misunderstood — and most effective — trauma treatments currently available. It is not hypnosis, it is not magic, and it is not only for combat veterans or survivors of catastrophic events.
Annie Wright, LMFT has extensive experience with EMDR in the treatment of relational trauma, complex PTSD, and the attachment wounds of high-achieving women. These are the resources she recommends for understanding what EMDR is, how it works, and whether it might be right for you.
Annie Wright, LMFT’s Clinical Guides
Free, long-form resources from 15+ years of clinical practice
EMDR THERAPY FOR HIGH-ACHIEVING WOMEN: WHAT TO EXPECT
A thorough, demystifying guide to EMDR — what happens in a session, how trauma reprocessing actually works, and what recovery looks like.
BRAINSPOTTING: AN ALTERNATIVE TO EMDR FOR TRAUMA
For women who haven’t responded fully to EMDR — exploring brainspotting as a somatic, bilateral alternative with similar mechanisms.
INTENSIVE TRAUMA THERAPY: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
When weekly therapy isn’t enough — understanding intensive therapy formats, including EMDR intensives, for accelerated trauma processing.
“EMDR doesn’t make you forget what happened. It changes your relationship to it — so the memory is no longer running your nervous system from the inside.”
— Annie Wright, LMFT
Recommended Books
Clinically vetted, organized by where you are in your healing
GETTING PAST YOUR PAST — FRANCINE SHAPIRO, PHD
The definitive client-facing book from the developer of EMDR. Explains the model clearly and includes practical exercises.
EMDR THERAPY AND SOMATIC PSYCHOLOGY — ARIELLE SCHWARTZ & BARB MAIBERGER
An integrative guide to combining EMDR with body-based approaches — particularly relevant for complex trauma and attachment work.
THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE — BESSEL VAN DER KOLK, MD
Includes significant coverage of EMDR research and how it fits into the broader landscape of trauma treatment. Essential context for understanding why EMDR works.
TAPPING IN — LAUREL PARNELL, PHD
Introduces EMDR-based resource installation techniques that clients can use between sessions to build internal support figures — accessible and practical.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Take the free quiz to identify your exact relational pattern — and get a personalized resource list, reflection prompts, and next steps delivered straight to your inbox.
Clinically Vetted Websites & Tools
Directories, research, and support
EMDR INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION (EMDRIA)
The professional home of EMDR therapy in the US. Therapist directory, research summaries, and information on finding certified EMDR practitioners.
FRANCINE SHAPIRO’S EMDR INSTITUTE
The original EMDR Institute — research, training resources, and an overview of the evidence base for EMDR across a range of conditions.
PSYCHOLOGY TODAY — FILTER BY EMDR
Search specifically for EMDR-trained therapists in your area. Look for EMDRIA Certified Therapists for the highest level of training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does EMDR actually feel like?
Most clients describe EMDR processing as a gradual shift in how a memory or belief feels — from charged and vivid to more distant and neutral. Many report feeling physically lighter after sessions. It can be emotionally intense in the moment but is generally well-tolerated.
Is EMDR only for single-event trauma?
No — EMDR is well-established for complex trauma, childhood relational wounds, attachment injuries, negative core beliefs, phobias, and chronic shame. It is not only for combat or catastrophic events.
How long does EMDR take?
Highly variable. Single-incident trauma may resolve in as few as 3-6 EMDR sessions. Complex relational trauma often requires a longer preparation phase and more sessions. Intensive formats can accelerate this.
Does Annie Wright, LMFT offer EMDR?
Annie Wright, LMFT incorporates EMDR and other evidence-based modalities into her trauma-focused work with high-achieving women. Contact her via the connect page to discuss your specific needs.
How do I work with Annie Wright, LMFT?
Annie Wright, LMFT offers 1:1 therapy for high-achieving women with relational trauma backgrounds, as well as executive coaching for women navigating relational dynamics in leadership and life. You can learn more about therapy with Annie, explore executive coaching, or connect directly here.
Ways to Work with Annie Wright, LMFT
1:1 THERAPY
Deep relational trauma work in a private practice setting. Limited availability for high-achieving women ready to do the foundational work.
EXECUTIVE COACHING
For high-achieving women navigating relational dynamics in leadership, partnership, and life.
- Brainspotting: An Alternative to EMDR for Trauma
- Intergenerational Trauma Therapy for Women in California
- Intensive Trauma Therapy: Is It Right for You?
- How Long Does Trauma Therapy Actually Take?
- EMDR for BPD Trauma: Rewiring the Nervous System After Abuse
- EMDR Therapy: A Trauma Therapist’s Complete Guide to How It Works and What to Expect
Annie Wright, LMFT
Annie Wright, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 15+ years of clinical experience specializing in relational trauma, attachment wounds, and the psychology of high-achieving women. She is the founder of Evergreen Counseling and the author of a forthcoming W.W. Norton book. Book a complimentary consultation call to connect with Annie here.
