EMDR Therapy in Miami Beach
You see the pattern clearly. You still feel stuck.
EMDR reaches what words alone can't.
EMDR therapy helps your brain finish what talk therapy started. Licensed, EMDR-trained therapists in Miami Beach. In-person and virtual.
Understanding EMDR
What EMDR Actually Does
Think of a wound that never fully closed. You covered it, worked around it, maybe even forgot about it for stretches. But every time something bumps against it, a tone of voice, a certain silence, a feeling of being dismissed, the pain is right there again, as fresh as the day it happened.
That's what unprocessed memory does. It stays raw. Your brain filed it away without fully digesting it, so it keeps replaying in your nervous system as if it's still happening now.
EMDR helps your brain finally close that wound. Using bilateral stimulation, eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones, it activates your brain's natural ability to process and integrate experiences. The memory doesn't disappear. But it stops running the show.
You can think about what happened without your chest tightening. You can be in situations that used to trigger you and actually stay present. That's the shift.
Areas of Focus
EMDR Can Help With
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Trauma & PTSD
Single-event trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD symptoms that keep you stuck in survival mode.
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Anxiety
Persistent worry, panic, and the feeling that something bad is about to happen, even when it's not.
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Relationship Patterns
Repeating the same dynamics, choosing unavailable partners, or shutting down when things get close.
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Attachment Wounds
Early experiences that shaped how you connect, trust, and feel safe in relationships.
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Phobias
Intense fears that feel irrational but won't let go, often rooted in a past experience your brain hasn't resolved.
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Negative Self-Beliefs
"I'm not good enough." "I'm too much." "Something is wrong with me." EMDR targets the root of these beliefs.
The Process
What a Session Looks Like
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. Here's what the process looks like at Soulstice Miami:
History & Treatment Planning
We get to know what brought you here, your history, and what feels stuck. Together we identify the experiences that are driving your current struggles and create a treatment plan tailored to you.
Preparation & Resourcing
Before any processing begins, we build a foundation. You'll learn grounding and stabilization techniques so your nervous system has tools to stay regulated. This phase isn't rushed, safety comes first.
Assessment & Target Activation
We identify the specific memory or experience to process, along with the image, negative belief, emotions, and body sensations connected to it. This is where we pinpoint what your nervous system is holding onto.
Desensitization
Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones), your brain begins reprocessing the stuck material. The emotional charge connected to the memory decreases. You stay awake, aware, and in control throughout.
Installation
Once the distress has decreased, we strengthen a positive belief to replace the old one. Where you once felt "I'm not safe" or "I'm not enough," we help install something that feels true and grounded, like "I'm okay" or "I can handle this."
Body Scan
Trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. After processing, we scan for any remaining tension, tightness, or discomfort. If something comes up, we process it. The goal is for the memory to feel neutral in your body, not just your thoughts.
Closure & Grounding
Every session ends with grounding. We don't just open things up and send you on your way. We make sure you leave feeling regulated, stable, and present. You'll have tools to use between sessions if anything comes up.
Reevaluation
At the start of each new session, we check in on what shifted, what came up between sessions, and whether the target needs more processing. This phase ensures nothing gets left unfinished and guides what we work on next.
What We Hear
What Clients Often Tell Us After EMDR
That they sleep better, without the 2 a.m. replay of things they can't change.
That they stopped replaying the same memory, it's still there, but it doesn't hijack their day anymore.
That they feel lighter without knowing exactly why, like something they were carrying finally set down.
That a situation that used to make them shut down or spiral now just... doesn't.
That they respond differently in relationships, less reactive, more present.
That the negative self-talk got quieter, not because they forced it, but because something shifted underneath.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked About EMDR
What does EMDR stand for and how does it work?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It uses guided bilateral stimulation, like eye movements or tapping, to help your brain process memories that are stuck. When a memory is properly processed, it loses its emotional charge and stops driving your reactions in the present.
Is EMDR only for PTSD or severe trauma?
No. While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, it's effective for a wide range of issues including anxiety, phobias, relationship patterns, attachment wounds, grief, and performance anxiety. You don't need a formal trauma diagnosis to benefit from EMDR.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
It varies depending on the complexity of what you're working through. Some people experience significant shifts in 6-12 sessions. Others with more complex histories may benefit from longer-term work. We'll check in regularly and adjust as we go.
Does EMDR work virtually or does it have to be in person?
EMDR can be done both in-person and virtually. We use specialized techniques for online sessions that are just as effective, including visual and auditory bilateral stimulation tools designed for telehealth.
Will I have to relive my trauma during EMDR?
No. EMDR doesn't require you to talk through every detail of what happened. You'll hold the memory in mind briefly while bilateral stimulation helps your brain do the processing. Many clients describe it as watching something from a distance rather than being back in it.
How much does EMDR therapy cost at Soulstice Miami?
Sessions are $300 with Hayden Feinberg, MS, LMHC, and $250 with Jessica Frankel, LCSW. Both therapists are EMDR trained. We are a private pay practice and can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
You Don't Have to Keep Living Around It
EMDR therapy at Soulstice Miami. Licensed, EMDR-trained therapists in Miami Beach. In-person and virtual sessions available throughout Florida.
Schedule a Free Consultation(786) 353-5761 · 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139