From Distracted Like Martha to Present Like Mary—With EMDR Therapy
Introduction: When Doing for Jesus Keeps You From Being With Him
In Luke 10:38–42, you meet two sisters—Martha and Mary. Mary chooses to sit peacefully at Jesus’ feet, while Martha becomes overwhelmed with all the preparations. Frustrated, she asks, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?” Jesus gently replies, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.”
Maybe you know that feeling. You’re doing so much for God, yet feel far from Him. Internally, you carry pressure, anxiety, and a mind that never seems to quiet down. Often, that’s not just personality—it’s a sign of unresolved trauma or chronic stress stored deep in your brain and body. EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help you shift from this distracted state to a peaceful, grounded presence—just like Mary. Find out more about EMDR here.
Martha’s Distraction: A Picture of a Triggered Nervous System
Jesus didn’t correct Martha for serving; He addressed her anxious, burdened heart. Sound familiar? If you often feel tense, critical, or emotionally overwhelmed, it might be because your nervous system is stuck in survival mode. Past trauma or emotional wounds can make it hard for you to relax, trust, or stay present with God—or even with yourself.
EMDR therapy helps you identify those unresolved moments that are still driving your reactions today. When your inner world is constantly on edge, no amount of spiritual discipline will feel like enough. If you’ve found yourself searching for “EMDR trauma therapy near me” or “EMDR counseling near me,” maybe what you really need is relief and restoration at a deeper level.
EMDR Therapy and the Path Toward Presence
The heart of EMDR therapy lies in something called dual attention. It’s about gently holding space for the present while you reprocess past pain—without becoming overwhelmed. This therapeutic process helps your brain rewire itself, bringing emotional clarity and healing.
This kind of peaceful awareness is exactly what Mary demonstrates as she sits at Jesus’ feet. EMDR eye movement therapy can guide you into that same calm, grounded presence—where you’re no longer ruled by past chaos or trauma, but free to respond with stillness and faith. It’s a way to live out the invitation of Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
From Overwhelm to Peace: The Role of Intensive EMDR Counseling
Maybe you’ve tried weekly counseling but felt like it barely scratched the surface. That’s why intensive EMDR therapy—longer sessions of 3 to 5 hours—can lead to deeper, more transformative healing. These sessions give you time to unpack multiple layers of emotion and invite the Holy Spirit into those hidden places.
If you’re exploring options like “EMDR for anxiety” or “EMDR for depression,” intensives might be your next step. This isn’t just about coping—it’s about healing. In this kind of Christian counseling environment, breakthroughs are possible. You don’t have to live stuck in patterns of burnout or striving. You can move into a life of freedom and presence—just like Mary modeled.
What EMDR Therapy Can Help You With
EMDR treatment meets you where you are. Whether you’re an adult carrying years of pain, or you’re seeking EMDR for teens in your life, this trauma-informed approach gently guides the brain to heal. Emotional eating, panic attacks, relational conflict, perfectionism—these can all be symptoms of unhealed trauma. EMDR therapy addresses them at the root.
Yes, there are EMDR self-therapy apps, but they can’t replace the safety and spiritual depth of working with a trained Christian therapist. Inviting the Holy Spirit into your healing process isn’t just optional—it’s transformative. Ninety-five percent of the people who walk into my office walk out feeling perfectly peaceful about whatever it is that we worked on together. You can experience this too.
Choosing What Is Better
Jesus told Martha that Mary had “chosen what is better.” Today, you have that same choice. Will you stay stuck in anxiety, overcommitment, and emotional exhaustion? Or will you accept His invitation to peace?
EMDR therapy offers a Christ-centered path back to presence. You can finally lay down the emotional burdens you’ve carried for so long. You can live from a place of peace—emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.
If you’re ready to stop striving and start healing, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our EMDR trained therapists are here to walk with you toward lasting wholeness through intensive Christian counseling. You don’t have to do this alone.
Conclusion: From Distracted to Deeply Present
You were made for more than just surviving. Like Mary, you were created for deep, undistracted communion with Jesus. EMDR therapy helps you return to that space. From Martha’s overwhelmed striving to Mary’s peaceful presence—your journey starts now.
Let today be the day you choose what is better.
FAQs
1. What is Christian EMDR therapy?
Christian EMDR combines the clinical effectiveness of EMDR with a faith-based approach, inviting the Holy Spirit into your healing process.
2. How do I know if I need trauma therapy?
If you often feel anxious, reactive, or emotionally stuck, there may be unresolved trauma influencing your nervous system. EMDR can help you process and heal.
3. Can EMDR therapy help with anxiety and depression?
Yes, EMDR is evidence-based for treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more—especially when linked to past emotional wounds.
4. Is intensive EMDR better than weekly therapy?
Intensives can accelerate healing by giving you uninterrupted time to go deeper. Many find them more effective than traditional weekly sessions.
5. How do I start Christian EMDR therapy?
Reach out through our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you explore if EMDR therapy is right for you.