Memories that still hit hard
Something happened months or years ago, but certain memories, images, dreams, or reminders can still bring the feelings right back.
EMDR therapy for trauma and anxiety
EMDR Therapy in Fort Myers
The past may be over, but its effects can still show up in the way you think, feel, and respond. EMDR can help reduce the emotional pull of painful memories and triggers so the past has less influence on your present.
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ • 30+ years of counseling experience • Fort Myers
How EMDR can help
When the past still affects how you feel today
You may understand exactly why you react the way you do and still not be able to stop the reaction. A conflict, a certain tone of voice, a place, a memory—or sometimes nothing obvious at all—can suddenly bring back anxiety, fear, shame, or that familiar feeling of being on edge.
You may even find yourself thinking, “I know this is in the past. Why does it still affect me this much?” EMDR can help you process experiences that still carry an emotional charge so they have less influence over how you feel and respond today.
When EMDR may help
EMDR may be helpful when you know the past is over—but it doesn’t always feel that way
Anxiety that seems connected to the past
You may feel panicky, on guard, avoid certain situations, or notice your anxiety spike when something reminds you of an earlier experience.
Beliefs you can’t seem to shake
Part of you knows “I’m safe now,” “It wasn’t my fault,” or “I’m not powerless anymore”—but another part of you still doesn’t quite believe it.
Reactions that feel bigger than the moment
A tone of voice, conflict, place, smell, situation, or reminder can set off a strong emotional or physical reaction before you’ve had time to think.
The past showing up in your life now
Earlier experiences may still affect who you trust, how close you let people get, how you sleep, your mood, or how safe and settled you feel.
You understand it—but still feel stuck
You’ve made sense of what happened. You may even have talked about it before. But knowing why you react this way hasn’t necessarily changed the reaction.
Is EMDR right for you?
You don’t have to know if EMDR is right for you
You may be wondering whether what happened was “bad enough” to need EMDR, whether your anxiety really has anything to do with the past, or whether talking about it again will actually change anything. You don’t have to figure that out before reaching out.
We’ll look at what you’re experiencing, what you want to change, and whether EMDR, CBT, or another approach makes the most sense for you.
EMDR at Epp Counseling
EMDR therapy backed by experience, certification, and a focus on lasting change
EMDR is one of the primary approaches I use with adults whose past experiences are still affecting their lives today. I’m Rachele Epp, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ with more than 30 years of counseling experience and a focus on trauma and anxiety.
My goal is not simply to help you cope with triggers, but to get to the root of what is keeping those reactions going. By addressing the experiences and beliefs underneath them, we can work toward lasting change so you feel steadier, respond differently, and move forward with greater confidence.
I provide EMDR therapy in my Fort Myers office for adults from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Sanibel, and communities throughout Southwest Florida, with online counseling available throughout Florida when appropriate.
Client experience
What change can look like with EMDR
I saw Rachele because she specializes in EMDR and I can’t sing her praises enough. I saw SO much change and progress in areas I didn’t think were even possible. I felt seen and heard.Former Client
How EMDR works
EMDR can change the way painful memories affect you today
EMDR doesn’t erase what happened or require you to relive every detail. It helps you process memories and experiences that still carry a strong emotional charge, so they can begin to feel more like something that happened in the past rather than something that still has the same hold on you today.
During EMDR, you’ll briefly focus on a memory, image, belief, feeling, or physical sensation while using bilateral stimulation. In my sessions, this is usually done with small handheld tappers that alternate a gentle vibration between your hands. As processing continues, the memory may feel less vivid or upsetting, and the emotional and physical reactions connected to it may become less intense. You still remember what happened, but it may no longer affect you in the same way.
EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based treatment for PTSD and is recommended in major clinical treatment guidelines, including those from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.
The EMDR process
What you can expect during EMDR therapy
1
Preparation
Before we begin processing difficult experiences, we’ll make sure you have ways to manage strong emotions and feel prepared for the work ahead.
2
Processing
You’ll briefly focus on the memory, feeling, and belief we’re working on while using bilateral stimulation. Then you’ll simply notice what comes up—thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, images, or other memories—without needing to force or analyze anything.
3
Belief shift
As you process past experiences, negative beliefs can begin to shift toward perspectives that feel more accurate and helpful.
4
Integration
Over time, triggers may become less intense, physical reactions can settle, and past experiences can have less influence on how you feel and respond today.
What EMDR addresses
When something from the past keeps getting in the way of the life you want now
Trauma & PTSD
Painful or overwhelming experiences can continue to affect how you feel, think, and respond long after they are over. EMDR can help reduce their emotional intensity and the power they hold over your life.
Trauma therapy →Anxiety linked to past events
Anxiety, panic, fears, phobias, or avoidance can sometimes be connected to earlier experiences. EMDR can help you process those experiences so they have less influence on how you respond today.
Anxiety counseling →Christian integration by request
If your Christian faith is important to you, biblical principles and Scripture can be thoughtfully integrated into EMDR therapy in a way that respects your goals and preferences.
Christian counseling →EMDR education
Helpful introductions to EMDR therapy
Is EMDR effective?
Understanding the EMDR process
Professional endorsement
Trusted for experienced EMDR therapy
Rachele Epp has proven herself time and again to be a competent and ethical counselor. She demonstrates proficiency in practicing EMDR and is an effective clinician for her clients.Bethaney Hoffacker, LMHC-QS
Frequently asked questions
Questions about EMDR therapy
How do I know whether I need EMDR or another type of therapy?
You don’t need to decide that before contacting me. We’ll talk about what you’re experiencing, what seems to be keeping it going, and what you’d like to change. From there, I can help you determine whether EMDR, CBT, or another approach may be the best fit for your needs and goals.
Is EMDR effective?
Yes. EMDR is a well-researched therapy for trauma, PTSD, and the lasting effects of painful experiences. For many people, it can reduce the intensity of difficult memories and triggers so the past has less influence on how they feel and respond in daily life.
Will I have to relive everything in detail?
No. You do not have to describe every detail of a painful or traumatic experience for EMDR to be effective. You remain in control of what you share, and we will move at a pace that feels manageable for you.
How long does EMDR take?
It varies. Some concerns can be addressed relatively quickly, while more complex or long-standing experiences may take longer. We will consider your history, goals, and progress to determine what makes sense for you.
Is EMDR safe?
Yes. EMDR includes preparation before you begin processing distressing experiences. We will make sure you have ways to manage difficult emotions and will move at a pace that feels manageable for you throughout the process.
Can EMDR be combined with other therapies?
Yes. EMDR can be combined with other approaches based on your needs and goals. For example, I may incorporate CBT to help you address current thought or behavior patterns and develop practical skills for everyday life.
Can EMDR be used in Christian counseling?
Yes. If you want faith to be part of counseling, EMDR can be integrated with your Christian beliefs and biblical values while still following established EMDR protocols and professional standards.
Do you offer EMDR therapy in person in Fort Myers?
Yes. I provide in-person EMDR therapy for adults at my Fort Myers office and work with clients from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Sanibel, and other Southwest Florida communities. Online counseling is also available to adults throughout Florida when appropriate.
Start EMDR therapy
Your past does not have to define how you feel today
You may have tried talk therapy and gained a better understanding of why you react the way you do, but understanding doesn’t always change the reaction. EMDR can help reduce the emotional intensity connected to the past so you can feel calmer, more in control, and better able to move forward. Take the next step and see whether EMDR may be a good fit for you.