EMDR Therapy
for Black Women
You do not have to relive your trauma to heal from it.
At Black Girls Mental Health Collective, we offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy designed specifically for Black women who carry the weight of trauma, grief, and systemic stress. Our culturally grounded approach honors your lived experience while helping you reclaim peace in your mind and body.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps your brain reprocess distressing memories so they stop hijacking your emotions, body, and day-to-day life. Recognized by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, EMDR is one of the most effective treatments for trauma, PTSD, and anxiety.
During EMDR, your therapist guides you through gentle, structured phases using bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or tones. This allows your brain to safely reprocess difficult memories so they lose their emotional charge. You stay in control of the pace, and you do not have to retell every detail of what happened.
At Black Girls Mental Health Collective, EMDR is delivered by Black women clinicians who understand the intersections of race, gender, family, and faith. Healing happens in a space where you feel seen, believed, and safe.
Why EMDR Resonates with Black Women
Reclaiming Body Safety After Racial, Medical, and Birth Trauma
EMDR helps restore a sense of body safety after experiences of racial trauma, medical neglect, or obstetric violence. It allows your body to finally exhale.
When Talk Therapy Was Not Enough
EMDR works with the nervous system, not just words. It helps reprocess painful memories without retraumatizing talk.
Your therapist can integrate faith-based techniques, mindfulness, or rituals that honor your values and cultural background.
Postpartum Healing and Birth Triggers
EMDR soothes medical trauma, birth distress, and postpartum anxiety—helping rebuild trust in your body and bond with your baby.
Why EMDR Is Especially Powerful for Black Women
Research shows that EMDR is effective across racial and cultural groups, but its value for Black women is particularly profound.
EMDR addresses racial trauma
and the chronic stress caused
by discrimination, microaggressions,
and systemic inequities.
Because it works through body sensations as well as thoughts, EMDR supports nervous system regulation and reduces the hypervigilance many Black women live with daily.
Its nonverbal nature makes it safer for clients who have experienced invalidation or tone policing in traditional talk therapy.
The 8 Phases of
EMDR HEALING
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Together, we explore your goals and identify key memories, body sensations, or beliefs to target.
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You will learn grounding skills and calming strategies to help you feel stable and resourced.
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We select one memory or theme to work on and identify the beliefs or feelings tied to it.
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Using bilateral stimulation, your brain reprocesses the distressing memory until the emotional intensity begins to decrease.
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We strengthen new, empowering beliefs such as "I am safe now" or "I survived."
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You check in with your body to notice any residual tension and practice releasing it.
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Each session ends with grounding and containment techniques so you leave feeling steady.
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In later sessions, we reflect on progress and identify any remaining triggers to address.
Healing does not happen all at once. Many clients begin noticing positive shifts in how they respond to stress, sleep quality, and mood within several sessions.
What EMDR Can Help With
Birth trauma & postpartum distress
Medical trauma or racialized healthcare
Childhood trauma or abuse
Anxiety, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts
Grief and loss
Fertility struggles and miscarriage
Depression, burnout, chronic stress
Perfectionism or difficulty resting
Workplace trauma, racial microaggressions
Insurance, Pricing & Accessibility
CALIFORNIA
GEORGIA
Therapy vouchers are available through our Accessible Therapy Program for Black birthing people who are pregnant or within one year postpartum. Sliding scale options are also available.
For details, visit our Insurance & FAQ page.
FAQs About EMDR Therapy
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No. You can heal without describing everything that happened. EMDR helps your brain process memories internally.
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Yes. EMDR is highly effective for postpartum and birth-related trauma, anxiety, and distress.
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Absolutely. We will identify priorities and move through them at your pace.
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Your therapist will pause, use grounding tools, and help you return to a sense of safety.
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Every journey is different. Many clients begin noticing change within six to twelve sessions.
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Yes. Online EMDR is available for clients in California and Georgia via secure video sessions.
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Yes. See the insurance section above or reach out to verify your coverage.
Is EMDR Right for you?
If distressing memories, anxiety, or physical reactions are interfering with your daily life, EMDR could be a powerful next step.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your goals and determine whether EMDR is a fit.
Take the Next Step
Not Ready Yet? Check out our blog post here.