EMDR & Trauma Therapy in Olympia, WA
Healing From the Past. Finding Peace in the Present.
At Inner Peace Therapy, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed EMDR therapy for children, teens, and adults.
We recognize that trauma can affect people differently depending on their age, developmental stage, relationships, and life experiences. Our approach is individualized, helping clients process distressing experiences in ways that honor their unique needs.
Whether your child is struggling after a frightening experience, your teenager is navigating difficult memories, or you're an adult carrying the effects of past trauma, we're here to support your healing.
In-person EMDR therapy in Olympia, Washington, and secure online appointments throughout Washington State, when clinically appropriate.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help people process distressing memories and experiences.
When something overwhelming happens, the way we remember and respond to that experience can sometimes remain intensely distressing. Certain situations, sensations, or reminders may trigger emotional or physical reactions long after the original event has passed.
EMDR helps people revisit and process difficult memories in a structured, supportive therapeutic environment.
During EMDR, your therapist guides you through specific steps that may include bilateral stimulation, such as following movements with your eyes or alternating gentle taps.
Researchers are still studying exactly how EMDR works. What we do know is that EMDR is an established treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and can help reduce trauma-related distress.
The goal isn't to erase your memories. It's to help those experiences feel less overwhelming and less disruptive to your life today.
What Can EMDR Therapy Help With?
EMDR is particularly well-supported as a treatment for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms.
It may be helpful for people who have experienced:
Childhood trauma or difficult early experiences
Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
Accidents, injuries, or frightening events
Interpersonal violence or unsafe relationships
Distressing experiences involving rejection, discrimination, or bullying
Persistent trauma-related anxiety, fear, or negative beliefs about themselves
Intrusive memories, nightmares, or emotional triggers
Difficult experiences that continue to affect relationships or self-esteem
EMDR is sometimes used to address other concerns, but the strength of the research varies depending on the condition.
You don't have to have a PTSD diagnosis—or even know whether your experiences qualify as trauma—to begin a conversation about what you're going through.
Together, we can explore whether EMDR or another therapeutic approach may be appropriate for your needs.
EMDR Therapy for Children and Teens
Helping Young People Process Difficult Experiences
Children and teenagers don't always have the words to explain what they're feeling or why certain experiences continue to affect them.
Trauma and distressing events may show up as anxiety, irritability, emotional outbursts, withdrawal, difficulty sleeping, changes in behavior, or challenges at school and home.
At Inner Peace Therapy, we offer developmentally appropriate EMDR therapy to help children and teens process difficult experiences in a supportive, compassionate environment.
EMDR for Children
For younger children, EMDR can be adapted to their developmental needs and may incorporate elements of play, storytelling, drawing, and other creative approaches.
As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist®, Nicole Giron, LMHC, brings specialized training in understanding children's emotional experiences and using developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions.
We recognize that children communicate through more than words. Our approach honors their natural ways of expressing themselves while supporting emotional regulation and a sense of safety.
EMDR for Teens
Adolescence can be an especially challenging time to navigate distressing experiences, identity development, relationships, and emotional changes.
EMDR may be appropriate for teens experiencing trauma-related distress associated with bullying, rejection, frightening events, difficult relationships, or other overwhelming experiences.
Our approach is collaborative, LGBTQ+ affirming, and respectful of each teen's individuality, privacy, and developmental needs.
Supporting Caregivers Along the Way
When working with children and teens, we recognize the important role caregivers can play in supporting healing.
We collaborate with caregivers when clinically appropriate, while respecting each young person's privacy, autonomy, and therapeutic needs.
Our goal is to help young people feel supported, understood, and better equipped to navigate their experiences.
What Happens During an EMDR Session?
Starting trauma therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you're worried about having to revisit painful experiences.
At Inner Peace Therapy, we believe that feeling safe, supported, and prepared is an essential part of the therapeutic process.
EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase approach. Treatment is individualized, and we move at a pace that considers your needs, readiness, and emotional well-being.
1. Getting to Know You
We begin by understanding your experiences, current concerns, goals, and what you're hoping to gain from therapy.
We'll also explore whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment option for you.
2. Building Safety and Coping Skills
Before processing difficult memories, we focus on developing strategies to help you manage distress, feel grounded, and navigate challenging emotions.
Preparation may take more than one session, depending on your individual needs.
3. Processing Difficult Experiences
When you're ready, we'll identify a memory or experience to work on.
Your therapist will guide you through a structured process that may include eye movements or another form of bilateral stimulation while you briefly attend to aspects of the memory.
You remain awake, aware, and able to communicate throughout the session.
4. Strengthening New Perspectives
As treatment progresses, we work toward reducing the distress associated with difficult memories and strengthening more adaptive beliefs about yourself and your experiences.
5. Checking In and Moving Forward
We continually assess how you're responding to treatment and whether additional preparation, processing, or other therapeutic support is needed.
EMDR is collaborative. You can ask questions, request a pause, or discuss concerns at any point.
Is EMDR Therapy Right for Me?
EMDR can be an effective treatment for many people experiencing trauma-related distress, but it isn't the best fit for everyone or every situation.
You may want to explore EMDR if:
Past experiences continue to affect your daily life.
You notice strong emotional reactions to certain reminders or situations.
You struggle with trauma-related negative beliefs about yourself.
You experience intrusive memories, nightmares, or avoidance.
You feel ready to explore a structured, trauma-focused treatment approach.
You don't need to know whether EMDR is right for you before reaching out.
We'll work together to understand your goals, discuss treatment options, and determine an approach that feels appropriate for your circumstances.
EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of a traumatic experience aloud. However, some discussion of your history, symptoms, and treatment goals is still important.
Can EMDR Therapy Be Done Online?
Yes! EMDR can be provided through secure telehealth sessions when clinically appropriate.
At Inner Peace Therapy, we offer online EMDR therapy for eligible clients located throughout Washington State.
Virtual sessions follow the same general treatment framework as in-person EMDR, with adaptations for the online environment.
Depending on your needs and the technology available, bilateral stimulation may involve guided eye movements or other appropriate methods.
Before beginning online EMDR, we'll discuss privacy, technology, your therapy environment, and strategies for managing distress during and between sessions.
For some clients, in-person sessions may be a better fit. We'll help you explore which option is most appropriate for you.
Trauma-Informed, LGBTQ+ Affirming Care
We recognize that trauma doesn't happen in isolation.
Our experiences, relationships, identities, environments, and access to support can all influence how we respond to difficult events and how safe we feel seeking help.
Inner Peace Therapy is an LGBTQ+ affirming practice committed to providing compassionate, respectful care for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, family structures, and backgrounds.
We understand that experiences involving discrimination, rejection, marginalization, and a lack of acceptance can have meaningful effects on emotional well-being.
You deserve a therapeutic space where your identity is respected, your experiences are taken seriously, and your healing is supported without judgment.
Why Choose Inner Peace Therapy for EMDR?
At Inner Peace Therapy, we understand that healing is not one-size-fits-all.
Nicole Giron, LMHC, has completed EMDR Levels I and II training and brings experience working with trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation, and complex life experiences.
Our approach emphasizes:
Compassion and connection: Building a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel heard and respected.
Individualized treatment: Adapting therapy to your goals, history, and readiness.
Emotional safety: Prioritizing preparation, stabilization, and ongoing collaboration.
A whole-person perspective: Recognizing how your experiences, relationships, identity, and environment influence your well-being.
Integration of therapeutic approaches: Drawing from EMDR, CBT, DBT, and other trauma-informed strategies when appropriate.
We don't believe healing means forgetting what happened or pretending difficult experiences didn't matter.
Instead, we work toward helping you develop a different relationship with those experiences so they no longer have the same hold on your present.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy
Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Not necessarily. EMDR generally does not require a detailed verbal retelling of every traumatic event. However, your therapist will need enough information to assess your needs, develop a treatment plan, and guide the process safely.
Is EMDR the same as hypnosis?
No. EMDR is not hypnosis. During EMDR, you remain conscious, aware of your surroundings, and able to communicate with your therapist.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your history, treatment goals, current symptoms, and individual circumstances. Some people work on a specific experience, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment involving multiple concerns.
Can EMDR make me feel emotional?
Yes. Processing difficult memories can sometimes bring up strong emotions, physical sensations, or changes in how you feel between sessions. Preparation, coping strategies, and ongoing assessment are important parts of treatment.
Do you offer EMDR therapy online throughout Washington?
Yes. We offer secure telehealth appointments for clients located throughout Washington State when online EMDR is clinically appropriate.
Is EMDR appropriate for children and teenagers?
Yes. EMDR can be adapted for children and adolescents, and research supports its use for trauma-related symptoms in young people.
The process may look different depending on a child's age, developmental stage, and individual needs. For younger children, sessions may incorporate play, drawing, storytelling, or other developmentally appropriate activities.
Before beginning EMDR, we'll assess whether it is a suitable treatment and discuss what caregivers and young clients can expect.
Begin Your Healing Journey
You Don't Have to Carry Everything Alone.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you've been carrying difficult experiences for a long time.
At Inner Peace Therapy, we're here to offer a compassionate, supportive environment where you can explore your experiences, develop new ways of coping, and work toward meaningful change.
Whether you're interested in EMDR specifically or simply looking for support with trauma-related concerns, we're happy to help you explore your options.
Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and surrounding communities in person, with telehealth appointments available throughout Washington State.
Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Consultation
You deserve support, understanding and the opportunity to heal.