Both EMDR and hypnosis help access parts of the brain and body where trauma, stress and limiting beliefs are stored. They don’t just treat symptoms - they reach the root. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, panic attacks or unresolved grief, these methods offer a fast and gentle path to healing.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people reprocess traumatic memories. It’s particularly known for treating PTSD, but it’s also effective for anxiety, phobias, grief, and even chronic shame or negative self-beliefs.
In an EMDR session, we identify a distressing memory and explore how it’s affecting you today. Then, using bilateral stimulation - typically guided eye movements, tapping or auditory tones – you are guided to process that memory in a safe and supported way. Over time, the emotional intensity decreases, and clients often report that the memory feels “far away” and no longer triggers them.
Yes, this works online, by using tools such as screen-based eye movement apps, tapping cues or simply having clients move their gaze from one object to another in their environment. The results are just as powerful virtually as they are in person.
What about hypnosis?
With Ericksonian hypnosis, also called conversational hypnotherapy, you are led into a trance in a natural way. In this state, the unconscious mind is more receptive to suggestions and open to change. Contrary to common belief, you don’t lose control or become unconscious. You’re simply more tuned in to your internal experience.
In this trance state, it’s possible to work on many issues such as changing your brain’s automatic reactions, esteem, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, eating disorders, cellular healing and psychosomatic illnesses.
Online hypnosis sessions are deeply effective. With headphones, a quiet room, and a strong therapeutic alliance, clients often find it easier to relax in their own familiar space, which actually enhances the process.
The difference between EMDR and hypnosis
While both techniques tap into the mind’s ability to heal and shift, they do so in different ways:
EMDR
- Based on reprocessing emotions attached to traumatic memories
- Uses bilateral stimulation
- Clients stay very present
- Highly structured protocol
- Strong evidence-based success for PTSD
Hypnosis
- Based on suggestions and imagery, while in a trance state
- Uses deep relaxation
- Clients enter a focused, altered state
- More flexible and creative
- Effective for all mental health issues
Getting help is the first step
Dealing with issues such as PTSD, grief, and anxiety on your own can mean that you are constantly dealing with life on hard mode. This can cause further fatigue and depression, and is a difficult spiral to break out of. Seeking help is always the first step, and even just reaching out can help you feel more positive and in control of your situation.
Alice Bertoldo’s therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing on a range of evidence-based and depth-oriented methods. Being trained in several clinical approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodrama, Jungian analysis, Ericksonian hypnosis and EMDR, allows her to meet each client where they are. Get in touch to discuss the right therapy for you.