EMDR Therapist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Hi, my name is Sarah Bryski-Hamrick, and I’m an online EMDR Therapist serving Pittsburgh, PA.
(Note that I serve Pennsylvania & Florida via online therapy.)
You may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and ready to move on. I understand, and I’m here to help.
I help people who suffer from lasting effects of trauma and are ready to take back their lives.
If you’re ready to start feeling better, schedule a complimentary consultation with me today.
My approach to EMDR therapy.
Trauma Therapy.
Trauma is tough. Not only does it come with life altering symptoms like nightmares, anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks, hyperarousal, depression, etc., but our culture puts a time limit on healing. If you’re experiencing symptoms of trauma, it is likely that someone has said to you, “You should be over this by now“. Or you have thought to yourself, “I should be over this by now.“
The truth is, trauma does not have a time line. When something traumatic happens to us, our body and brain are put into states of hyperarousal, keeping us “prepared“ for the next traumatic thing.
This means that without therapeutic intervention, your body and brain continue to relive the traumatic incident, leaving you suffering with the symptoms. It feels like it just happened. Every day. The notion that you “should be over it by now“ is harmful, unkind, and wrong. Again, trauma does not have a time line.
Why EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy was developed in the late ‘80s to treat trauma, and it has become a world renowned, science backed form of treatment. It does this by addressing stressors we experience in our daily life and connecting them with painful childhood memories, while using bilateral stimulation to accelerate the brain’s processing. Learn more here.
When you begin EMDR therapy, you’ll be surprised by what comes up. You may experience judgment for what your brain and body have held on to.
Remember, everything has a root. In EMDR therapy, we are finding this root, healing it, and fostering growth again.
EMDR Therapy FAQs.
Can EMDR therapy be done virtually?
Yes! EMDR therapy can absolutely be done virtually. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many EMDR therapy institutions have actually released updated methods for virtual use.
Who needs EMDR therapy?
Anyone who feels “stuck“ with feelings. If you have every said, “I should be over this by now,“ or “That was years ago, why does this still bother me?“ then EMDR therapy is for you. You do not need a PTSD diagnosis to benefit from EMDR therapy.
Are EMDR memories real?
Yes, but it’s complicated. Your memories were stored the way you experienced them. So, if you were yelled at a lot by your first grade teacher, you may imagine them as a towering, scary figure, because you were just a kid. EMDR therapy helps make these terrifying memories less terrifying by seeing them through your current point of view.
Is EMDR therapy scientifically proven?
Yes, EMDR therapy is an evidence based practice, meaning it uses evidence from research.
Who does EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy sessions are facilitated by a licensed clinician who is trained in EMDR therapy, like myself!
Will EMDR therapy help me remember repressed memories?
While some memories related to trauma can be resurfaced, there is no guarantee that repressed memories can be fully restored.
Will EMDR therapy cure PTSD?
While no treatment can fully cure PTSD at this time, research shows that EMDR therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD.
How much does it cost?
I offer 90 minute EMDR therapy sessions for $300.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not accept insurance, services are cash pay only. But I highly value my clients’ time and hard earned money, so I do assist in the reimbursement process by providing superbills. Learn more about navigating out-of-network reimbursement and the benefits of seeing a cash pay therapist here.
What if I’m not a resident of Pennsylvania?
I am licensed to provide counseling in the state of Pennsylvania. For residents outside of PA and abroad, I provide similar services under the label of “coaching“. Learn more here!
What is your cancellation policy?
Just as I value my clients’ time and hard earned money, I also value my own. The time we schedule together is sacred, and if you are cancelling your session with insufficient notice, you are taking time away from another client who potentially needs it. Because of this, I have a strict 48 hour cancellation policy. This means that any sessions cancelled within the 48 hour window, including “no-show“ sessions, will be charged the full rate of service.
Get help from an EMDR therapist.
Through EMDR therapy, you will be able to look at the pain you’ve suffered from trauma with love and compassion instead of judgment. This will lead to healing, and strength to face challenges ahead.
