EMDR Review - I Felt Empowered to Go at the Pace That Felt Right and Safe for Me
- Justine
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 15
Every now and then, I receive feedback from a client that stops me in my tracks. It’s not just the kind words that move me, but the beautiful way they articulate the very heart of the therapeutic journey—the parts that are so important, yet often hard to describe.
I was recently sent a review that did just that, and with their permission, I wanted to share it. It touches on some of the most crucial elements of my work, especially when using EMDR with clients who are neurodivergent or have experienced complex trauma.
"Over the last few years, my journey within therapy has been patiently and kindly held with Justine. She has a wonderful skill in using multi-modal therapy practices, and flexibly applies different approaches depending on what is needed in each session and throughout the sessions.Something that has transformed my experience within therapy is Justine's approach to adapting the process of EMDR to feel safe (given autism and complex trauma). Justine made sure to develop embodied trust between us, that we developed a range of tools to help navigate the EMDR process, and remained present outside of sessions if any support was required. I felt empowered to go at the pace that felt right and safe for me.I feel incredibly grateful to have had Justine as a collaborator in navigating life-changing insights and the changes themselves over the course of time."
Why "Safe" is the Most Important Word in Therapy
This client’s words highlight something I believe with my whole heart: healing cannot happen without safety. This is especially true for neurodiverse individuals and those with complex trauma, whose nervous systems are often highly attuned to threat.
Many people worry that a powerful therapy like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) will be too intense or overwhelming. It’s a valid concern. That's why my approach isn't about rigidly following a protocol; it's about building a foundation of deep, embodied trust first.
Adapting EMDR for Neurodiversity and Complex Trauma
As the review mentions, we adapt the process. But what does that actually mean?
We Go Slow: Before we even begin to process a difficult memory, we spend time building resources. This means developing a toolkit of grounding techniques and calming strategies so that you know, without a doubt, that you can manage any big feelings that come up. You are always in control.
We Build "Embodied Trust": This isn't just about you trusting me; it's about you learning to trust your own body again. For many with trauma or sensory sensitivities, the body can feel like an unsafe place. We work together to help your nervous system feel safe in the present moment.
We Are Flexible: Therapy shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all model. My approach is multi-modal, meaning I draw from different therapeutic practices to suit what you need on any given day. If we plan to do EMDR but you arrive feeling overwhelmed, we adapt. The therapy must fit the person, not the other way around.
A Journey of Collaboration
I love that the client used the word "collaborator." That is exactly what therapy should be. It is not something that is done to you; it is a journey we walk together. My role is to hold the map and the torch, but you are always the one who sets the pace.
Feeling empowered to say "stop," "slow down," or "I'm not ready for that yet" is not a sign of failure; it is a sign that the therapy is working. It means you are feeling safe enough to honour your own needs.
You Deserve to Feel Safe in Your Healing Journey
If you have felt that other types of therapy have been too rigid, too fast, or have not fully understood your unique way of experiencing the world, I want you to know that there is another way. Healing is possible, and it can happen in a way that feels patient, kind, and completely safe for you.
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