Frequently Asked Questions
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EMDR Basics
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from trauma and emotional distress. It uses bilateral stimulation — guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating tones — to help the brain reprocess and release stuck memories.
EMDR is widely used for PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, phobias, grief, and chronic negative self-beliefs. It also helps with distressing memories that don't meet the formal threshold for PTSD.
Traditional talk therapy and CBT work by changing thoughts and behaviors through conversation. EMDR works at the level of how memories are stored — you don't have to retell the story in detail. Many clients reach relief in fewer sessions than with talk-only approaches.
(1) History-taking, (2) Preparation and resourcing, (3) Assessment of the target memory, (4) Desensitization (active reprocessing), (5) Installation of a positive belief, (6) Body scan, (7) Closure, (8) Reevaluation. Phases 1–2 build the foundation, 3–6 process the memory, and 7–8 ensure stability between sessions.
Yes. EMDR is endorsed by the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a first-line treatment for PTSD. It should always be done with a trained EMDR therapist.
Some clients notice vivid dreams, heightened emotion, fatigue, or new memories surfacing in the days after a session. This is a normal sign that the brain is continuing to process. We build closure and grounding skills before any reprocessing begins.
EMDR may not be appropriate during active psychosis, severe untreated dissociative disorders without prior stabilization, active substance dependence requiring detox, or an acute crisis without baseline coping skills. We screen carefully during the consultation.
No. You stay fully awake and in control throughout the session. EMDR is structured, and you can pause at any time.
No. EMDR doesn't require a detailed retelling. You only need to identify the memory and notice what comes up — most of the work happens internally.
Most clients describe thoughts, body sensations, and emotions shifting as the bilateral stimulation runs. Some images become less vivid; some fade. It often feels like watching a memory through a different lens.
Virtual & Telehealth Sessions
Yes. Virtual EMDR is supported by peer-reviewed research and is the only format we offer. We use clinician-grade bilateral stimulation tools (visual, audio, or self-tapping) that adapt cleanly to telehealth.
A laptop or desktop with a webcam works best. You'll need a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space. We use HIPAA-compliant video — no app downloads required.
We have a protocol: if we disconnect during reprocessing, we pause, return to a calm baseline, and resume only after we're reconnected and grounded. We never end a session in the middle of an active memory.
Many clients use headphones, a closed-door room, or even a parked car. We talk through your setup in the consultation so you have a space that feels private and safe.
Phase 2 (Preparation) builds your resourcing — grounding tools, safe-place imagery, and somatic skills — before any reprocessing. Each session opens with a baseline check and closes with closure work to make sure you leave regulated.
No. Sessions are not recorded. Your privacy is protected by HIPAA-compliant video and standard documentation practices.
Massachusetts Coverage
Yes. As a Massachusetts-licensed therapist (LICSW), Sherly works with clients statewide via secure telehealth — Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell, Lawrence, the Cape, the Berkshires, and everywhere in between.
Yes. State licensing law requires you to be located in Massachusetts at the time of each session.
For trips of a week or more, we typically pause sessions and pick back up on your return. We'll talk through travel logistics during the consultation.
Insurance, Pricing & Payment
We're currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna / Evernorth — and MassHealth (Medicaid). Additional Massachusetts plans are credentialing — see our insurance page for the live list.
Standard self-pay sessions are $165 for a 55-minute session. We also offer a 6-session healing package at $940 (5% discount). See pricing for details.
Yes. If your plan offers out-of-network mental-health benefits, we provide monthly superbills you can submit for partial reimbursement.
Yes. We accept HSA and FSA payment methods.
We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no-shows are billed at the standard session rate.
Getting Started
It's a brief video call to share what you're hoping to work on, ask questions, and decide together if EMDR Unlocked is the right fit. There's no obligation.
The first 1–2 sessions cover history, goals, and resourcing. We don't begin reprocessing until you have grounding skills in place and we've agreed on the targets together.
EMDR works well for trauma, anxiety, painful memories, and stuck patterns of self-belief. The consultation is the simplest way to find out — we'll talk through your goals and history honestly.
Most new clients have a consultation within a week of reaching out. Once we agree to work together, we schedule your first full session at a time that fits your calendar.
Bilingual & Culturally Informed Care
Yes. Sherly is fully bilingual (English/Spanish) and provides EMDR in either language. Many clients prefer working in the language of the original memory.
EMDR can be effective in either language, but trauma is often more accessible in the language it was encoded in. We discuss language choice during intake.
Yes — culturally informed care is central to the practice. We hold space for the specific intersections of family dynamics, immigration experience, and intergenerational trauma that show up in our communities.
About Sherly
Sherly Millan is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts, EMDR-trained, and IFS-trained (Internal Family Systems). She is a member of EMDRIA (the EMDR International Association) and is listed in the Psychology Today and TherapyDen directories. Learn more about Sherly.
👋 Meet Sherly Millan, LICSW
Sherly is a bilingual trauma therapist licensed in Massachusetts (LICSW), EMDR-trained, and IFS-trained. She's a member of EMDRIA and is listed in Psychology Today and TherapyDen. We're in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna / Evernorth, with additional Massachusetts plans credentialing.
Learn More About Sherly
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