Common Questions About EMDR Therapy in Florida & Tennessee

  • You can join from your comfy chair or favorite spot in Florida, Tennessee, or South Carolina.

    If you’re traveling for work or vacation outside of these states, we’ll reschedule for when you’re back.

  • I want to hear your story (not just the "symptoms" on a form), but what it was actually like for you growing up.

    We’ll spend time getting to know each other and practice ways to help you feel grounded and steady right now so that when we do start the EMDR and Parts Work, you feel ready for it.

    We’ll also use chakra work, oracle card readings, and meditation (if that’s your vibe) in a way that actually makes sense for your life.

  • Yes. Research shows online EMDR therapy is just as effective as in-person treatment. For clients across Florida—especially those in Miami, Brickell, Coral Gables, Wynwood, or other areas with demanding schedules—virtual therapy offers crucial flexibility. You can heal in the comfort of your own space, which many clients find actually enhances their sense of safety during processing.

  • Many people worry that a screen might create distance, but telehealth for trauma can be incredibly effective, especially for EMDR.

    In fact, many of my clients find that being in their own "safe space"—with their own blankets, fav beverage, pets, or crystals actually helps them open up more deeply than they would in a clinical office

    To get the most out of our sessions, you’ll just need a reliable internet connection and a private space where you won't be interrupted.

  • You’re probably wondering about insurance. I use a platform called Thrizer. It helps you use your "Out-of-Network" benefits automatically so you can get reimbursed without the insurance headache.

    Depending on your plan, you can get reimbursed 60-80% per session.

    Thrizer lets you use your OON benefits every week (once your deductible is met) so that you can focus less on the cost of therapy.

    We’ll check your benefits before getting started so you know exactly what to expect.

    Want to learn more before we chat?

    Click here to read Your Complete Guide to How to use Out-of-Network Benefits for EMDR

    You can also use an HSA/FSA card for reimbursement.

  • Out-of-network benefits are benefits of your insurance plan that you already pay for monthly if you have a PPO or POS plan.

    Most major insurance companies like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United, Cigna, and more offer OON benefits.

    Using your benefits means that you can see a therapist who is not directly in your insurance network, but still get reimbursed.

    With Thrizer, you just pay a “co-pay” similar to how you would in-network. You can use your reimbursement every session once your deductible is met.

    Thrizer also lets you opt to receive your reimbursement via direct deposit.

    You can read more about using your OON benefits here.

  • If you have out-of-network benefits, I'll gladly handle billing and submit claims for you to your insurance. This will be super easy, and I'll do everything I can to take this off your plate.

    I’ll gladly check your benefits during our intro call so you know exactly what to expect to pay per session and answer any of your questions.

    If you want to check them before our call, you can check your benefits with the instant benefits calculator above the FAQ, or click here

  • Healing is a big investment in yourself, and I want to be up-front about what that looks like.

    My rates are $225 per hour, and we can book either 60-minute or 90-minute sessions depending on what feels right for the work we’re doing that day.

  • Many clients notice shifts within 3-6 sessions of EMDR reprocessing—less anxiety, easier boundaries, more confidence. For complex relational trauma (like growing up with emotionally immature parents or chronic people-pleasing patterns), expect 6-12 months or longer for deeper healing. EMDR often works faster than traditional talk therapy because we're reprocessing trauma at its source rather than just talking about it week after week.

  • Absolutely. EMDR is highly effective for anxious attachment and people-pleasing patterns because these aren't character flaws—they're trauma responses your nervous system developed to stay safe in unpredictable or emotionally unavailable relationships. EMDR helps reprocess the original experiences that taught you "love is conditional" or "my needs are a burden," allowing your nervous system to finally update those beliefs. When combined with chakra work and somatic practices, healing goes even deeper.

  • Due to the depth of our work and for clinical effectiveness, clients are asked to commit to weekly 60-minute sessions.

    As symptoms improve, we can discuss reducing session frequency. If either of us feels you'd benefit from longer sessions, intensive sessions may be recommended.

  • Traditional EMDR focuses primarily on reprocessing memories and negative beliefs at a cognitive level. Spiritually-integrated EMDR expands that framework to include your energy system (chakras), somatic awareness, Reiki healing, and meditation practices. This approach recognizes that trauma affects your whole self—mind, body, energy, and spirit—and addresses all these dimensions together. If you're drawn to yoga, meditation, energy work, or holistic healing, this approach meets you where you are.

  • No. EMDR is highly effective for "little-t" trauma—chronic emotional neglect, growing up walking on eggshells, having emotionally immature parents, learning your feelings were inconvenient or too much. If your childhood experiences are still affecting how you show up in relationships today, that's trauma. And it's absolutely treatable with EMDR therapy.

  • You're always in control. We'll spend our initial sessions building grounding techniques and resources specifically for this. You can pause, slow down, or stop at any point. EMDR doesn't require you to describe traumatic events in detail—you can hold memories privately while we do bilateral stimulation. And because we're working virtually, you're in your own safe space where you have immediate access to whatever comfort you need.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.

  • Look for EMDR therapists who specifically name anxious attachment, people-pleasing, and adult children of emotionally immature parents in their specialties. Many EMDR therapists work broadly with trauma, but fewer specialize in the relational trauma patterns that create anxious attachment and chronic self-abandonment. If spirituality is important to you, seek therapists who integrate energy work, Reiki, or somatic practices alongside EMDR—this holistic approach can deepen healing for clients who value mind-body-spirit connection.

  • Yes. People-pleasing isn't a personality trait you're stuck with—it's a survival strategy your nervous system developed when disappointing others felt dangerous. EMDR targets the specific memories and experiences that taught you to abandon your own needs, helping your brain reprocess them so setting boundaries stops feeling like a threat. Combined with work on your solar plexus (personal power) and throat chakra (voice and expression), you can reclaim your right to take up space and speak your truth.

  • As a therapist who works with people-pleasers and adult children of EIP, I know how hard it can be to "disappoint" someone. But in this space, you don't have to worry about my feelings.

    The "click" between therapist and client is the biggest predictor of success. If at any point it feels like we aren't the perfect match, I welcome that conversation. I’ll happily refer you to trusted colleagues because my ultimate goal is for you to get the specific support you deserve.

Want to learn more? Click below to read our specialty pages and FAQ

Want to see if we’d vibe?

Explore my Instagram @holistictherapywithsabrina

I love to share my insights and invite you to follow along, but keep in mind that Instagram is not a replacement for therapeutic support.

What to Expect When You Reach Out

Online EMDR across Florida & Tennessee for people-pleasing, anxious attachment, and adult children of emotionally immature parents. Sabrina Cruz, LCSW

Taking that first step toward healing can feel vulnerable—especially when you're used to being the strong one for everyone else. I want to make this process feel as safe and clear as possible for you.

  • Start with a free 15-minute phone consultation: This is a gentle way for us to connect and see if my approach resonates with you. You can share what's bringing you to therapy and ask any questions about working together.

  • If it feels aligned, we'll schedule your first session: We'll create a safe container to explore what's been happening in your life and what kind of support you're seeking. I'll also explain how we might blend EMDR, somatic work, and spiritual practices based on what calls to you.

  • Begin your healing journey: Together we'll create a personalized path that honors both your human struggles and your spiritual nature. Some sessions might focus on trauma processing, others on building self-compassion, and some might include card readings or breathwork—whatever your whole self needs.

Want to learn more first? Check out my FAQ page for answers about my approach, what sessions look like, and my unique style of support.

Therapy won't make you stop being sensitive. But it can help you see your sensitivity as your superpower.

 It can help you trust your own feelings instead of needing constant reassurance. Speak your truth without your voice quivering and your stomach twisting in knots. Stop apologizing for having needs, and build deep compassion for the inner parts of you that learned to fear them so deeply. And finally start caring for yourself the same way you've always cared for others—with wisdom about what you truly need to feel secure and the confidence to bring that to life.

 Ready to take the next step?

Book your free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit for your healing journey. Virtual EMDR and holistic trauma therapy for adults across Florida and Tennessee.