online across FL

EMDR & AUTISM

Specialized, trauma-informed therapy, & EMDR For Autism

You’ve tried everything to feel better, but nothing’s really worked.

Despite trying therapy in the past,

You’re still struggling with Trauma:

Family & Home Life Trauma

  • Being forced into unfamiliar routines or major life changes without adequate preparation

  • Experiencing meltdowns that are met with punishment instead of support

  • Family members not believing or validating their sensory experiences

  • Feeling like a burden due to the way their needs are framed by caregivers or professionals

  • Emotional neglect because they express distress differently than neurotypical family members

Employment & Adult Life Trauma

  • Workplace discrimination or being passed over for promotions due to differences in communication or social skills

  • Struggling with workplace sensory overload (e.g., bright office lights, unpredictable social interactions)

  • Job loss due to misunderstood autistic traits, such as direct communication being perceived as rude

  • Struggles with independent living due to executive functioning challenges and lack of support

Systemic & Societal Trauma

  • Police or authority encounters where differences in communication are misinterpreted as defiance

  • Experiencing ableism or discrimination in healthcare, education, or employment

  • Having their autism dismissed because they don’t fit stereotypical portrayals of autism

  • Being denied autonomy over personal choices, such as relationships, living situations, or medical decisions

Sensory-Related Trauma

  • Overwhelming sensory experiences (e.g., loud noises, bright lights, strong smells) leading to shutdowns or meltdowns

  • Forced exposure to distressing sensory stimuli (e.g., being required to tolerate uncomfortable clothing, foods, or sounds)

  • Medical or dental procedures without sensory accommodations, causing extreme distress

  • Being physically restrained or held down during meltdowns, medical treatments, or school interventions

Social & Relational Trauma

  • Masking or camouflaging for extended periods, leading to burnout and identity confusion

  • Bullying, exclusion, or social rejection by peers, teachers, or family members

  • Being misunderstood or dismissed when expressing emotions or distress

  • Sudden loss of a special interest or routine due to external changes (e.g., a favorite show ending, a place closing)

  • Feeling “othered” or alienated in social settings, even when no direct bullying occurs.

School & Educational Trauma

  • Being forced into group activities without adequate support or accommodations

  • Experiencing punishment for autistic traits, such as stimming, avoiding eye contact, or needing breaks

  • Being placed in restrictive or segregated classrooms instead of being accommodated in inclusive settings

  • Sensory overload in school settings (e.g., fire drills, crowded hallways, fluorescent lights)

  • Misdiagnosis or lack of recognition of autism, leading to inappropriate interventions

Medical & Therapeutic Trauma

  • Negative experiences with therapy, especially if past approaches emphasized compliance over autonomy (e.g., ABA practices that discourage stimming)

  • Medical professionals dismissing sensory pain or discomfort, assuming it’s exaggerated or imaginary

  • Being denied communication tools (e.g., forced to speak instead of using AAC or alternative methods)

  • Misdiagnosis of co-occurring conditions, leading to incorrect or harmful treatments

EMDR IS EFFective for those diagnosed with Autism…

 Trauma affects autistic individuals uniquely, often exacerbating sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and anxiety, which can lead to difficulties in emotional regulation and social interactions. The impact may be intensified by cognitive rigidity, repetitive coping behaviors, and a lack of understanding or support, making trauma recovery more complex and individualized.

brainspotting

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“You are not your trauma. You are not your past. You have the ability to heal and rewrite your story.”.

Francine Shapiro, Founder OF EMDR

who it’s for

EMDR is for you if…

  1. Individuals with PTSD or Trauma History – Those who have experienced single-event trauma (e.g., accidents, assaults) or complex trauma (e.g., childhood abuse, neglect).

  2. People Struggling with Anxiety & Panic Disorders – EMDR can help reprocess past experiences that contribute to persistent anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias.

  3. Individuals with Depression & Low Self-Esteem – Those whose negative self-beliefs stem from past experiences may benefit from EMDR’s reprocessing of core memories.

  4. Autistic Individuals with Trauma or Sensory-Related Distress – EMDR can be adapted to support autistic individuals who have experienced bullying, masking-related stress, or sensory trauma.

  5. Survivors of Emotional, Physical, or Sexual Abuse – EMDR helps process the impact of abuse without requiring individuals to talk about their trauma in detail.

  6. First Responders & Healthcare Workers – Those exposed to chronic stress, vicarious trauma, or life-threatening situations may find relief through EMDR.

  7. Individuals Experiencing Grief & Loss – EMDR can help process complicated grief and the emotional distress tied to loss.

  8. Those with Performance Anxiety or Stress-Related Issues – EMDR can assist in overcoming fears related to public speaking, test-taking, or professional challenges.

who it’s not for

EMDr is not for you if…

  1. People in Crisis or Acute Emotional Distress – Those in immediate danger (e.g., suicidal, in active domestic violence situations) need crisis intervention and safety planning before EMDR.

  2. Individuals with Uncontrolled Seizure Disorders – Since bilateral stimulation affects neural processing, those with uncontrolled epilepsy should consult a medical professional before starting EMDR.

  3. Severely Dissociated Individuals Without Grounding Skills – Those with high levels of dissociation (e.g., Dissociative Identity Disorder without stability) may need preparatory work before engaging in trauma processing.

  4. People Unable to Tolerate Any Emotional Distress – Since EMDR involves revisiting distressing memories, those who cannot regulate emotions or self-soothe may need foundational therapy first.

  5. Individuals Under the Influence of Substances – Active addiction can interfere with memory processing, requiring stabilization and addiction treatment before EMDR.

Please know this:

Healing is possible.

    • Q: What is EMDR therapy?
      A: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process and heal from trauma and distressing experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain reprocess painful memories so they lose their emotional intensity.

      Q: How does EMDR work?
      A: EMDR works by activating the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate traumatic memories. Through bilateral stimulation, the brain reorganizes how distressing experiences are stored, allowing for a more adaptive and less distressing emotional response.

      Q: Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
      A: EMDR is effective for individuals experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, chronic stress, and other trauma-related symptoms. It can also benefit individuals with autism who struggle with emotional regulation and sensory processing challenges related to trauma.

      Q: Is EMDR only for PTSD?
      A: No, while EMDR is widely recognized for treating PTSD, it is also used for anxiety, depression, complex trauma, phobias, panic attacks, low self-esteem, and even performance-related stress.

    • Q: What happens in an EMDR session?
      A: EMDR sessions typically follow an eight-phase process that includes history-taking, preparation (resourcing), identifying target memories, reprocessing distressing experiences with bilateral stimulation, and integrating positive beliefs. Clients may experience shifts in emotions, sensations, and insights as the brain processes trauma.

      Q: Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail for EMDR to work?
      A: No, unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require clients to go into extensive detail about their trauma. The focus is on how the memory is stored in the brain and working through the emotional response rather than discussing the event at length.

      Q: What is bilateral stimulation, and why is it important?
      A: Bilateral stimulation refers to rhythmic left-right movements, such as guided eye movements, alternating taps, or sounds. It helps activate both hemispheres of the brain, allowing distressing memories to be reprocessed and integrated more adaptively.

      Q: Is EMDR therapy safe?
      A: Yes, EMDR is considered safe and effective when conducted by a trained therapist. However, because it involves processing trauma, it can bring up strong emotions. Proper preparation and resourcing techniques help ensure a safe experience.

      Q: How will I know if EMDR is working for me?
      A: You may notice a reduction in distress when thinking about past experiences, changes in negative beliefs, improved emotional regulation, and a greater sense of resilience. Healing is gradual, but clients often report positive shifts in their daily lives.

  • Q: Can EMDR be used for children and teens?
    A: Yes, EMDR is effective for children and teens and can be adapted using playful, age-appropriate techniques, such as storytelling, art, and tapping instead of eye movements.

    Q: Is EMDR effective for complex trauma?
    A: Yes, but complex trauma may require a longer, more gradual approach to ensure that the nervous system remains regulated and the client feels safe throughout the process.

    Q: Can EMDR be done online/virtually?
    A: Yes, EMDR can be adapted for virtual sessions using guided bilateral stimulation techniques such as tapping or auditory cues. However, it’s important to ensure you have a safe and private space for processing.

    Q: Is EMDR covered by insurance?
    A: It depends on your insurance provider and plan. Some cover EMDR under mental health services, while others may not. Checking with your provider or therapist can clarify coverage options.

    Q: What should I do after an EMDR session to take care of myself?
    A: After a session, engage in self-care activities like deep breathing, journaling, or resting. Since processing continues between sessions, it’s important to be gentle with yourself and allow emotions to settle naturally.

    These common questions and answers provide a clearer understanding of EMDR and what to expect from the therapy process. Let me know if you’d like more details on any topic.

frequently asked questions