EMDR Therapy
Process trauma and find relief from distressing memories
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps your brain process traumatic memories in a new way. When trauma occurs, memories can get "stuck" and continue to cause distress long after the event has passed. EMDR is often combined with individual therapy for comprehensive care.
During EMDR, your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) while you briefly focus on the traumatic memory. This helps your brain reprocess the memory so it no longer triggers the same intense emotional response.
- Evidence-Based - Extensively researched and proven effective for trauma
- Efficient - Often produces results faster than traditional talk therapy
- Gentle Approach - You don't have to share every detail of your trauma
- Lasting Relief - Reprocessed memories stay reprocessed
Is EMDR Right For You?
EMDR can help if you're experiencing any of these challenges
Intrusive memories or flashbacks from a traumatic experience
Nightmares or sleep disturbances related to past events
Anxiety or panic attacks triggered by reminders of trauma
Avoidance of places, people, or situations connected to painful memories
Negative beliefs about yourself stemming from past experiences
Feeling stuck despite trying other forms of therapy
Meet Your Therapists
Our EMDR-trained therapists are certified in this specialized approach and have helped many clients find relief from trauma.
Insurance & Payment
We work with two major insurance providers to make therapy accessible. We handle all the paperwork so you can focus on your healing.
How Insurance Works With Us
Submit Your Insurance Card
Provide us with a photo or copy of your insurance card when you book your appointment.
We Verify Your Benefits
Our team contacts your insurance company to verify your mental health benefits and coverage details.
We Handle the Paperwork
We submit all necessary claims and documentation directly to your insurance provider on your behalf.
You Pay Your Copay
Simply pay your copay or deductible amount at the time of service - we take care of the rest.
What to Expect
History and Preparation
Your first sessions focus on understanding your history and building coping skills. Your therapist will explain the EMDR process and ensure you feel ready before processing begins.
Identifying Target Memories
Together, you'll identify the memories, beliefs, and body sensations connected to your distress. This creates a roadmap for the reprocessing work.
Reprocessing Sessions
During reprocessing, you'll briefly focus on the target memory while following your therapist's hand movements or other bilateral stimulation. The memory gradually loses its emotional charge.
Integration and Closure
After reprocessing, you'll notice the memory no longer triggers the same distress. Many clients experience significant relief within 6-12 sessions, though this varies by individual.
Ready to Process Your Trauma?
Take the first step toward healing from painful memories. Schedule a free consultation to learn if EMDR is right for you.
EMDR Therapy FAQs
What does EMDR stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a structured therapy approach developed in the late 1980s that helps the brain process traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR works by activating both sides of the brain through bilateral stimulation while you briefly focus on a traumatic memory. This appears to help the brain reprocess the memory similarly to what happens during REM sleep, allowing it to be stored in a less distressing way.
Is EMDR only for PTSD?
While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, research shows it's effective for many conditions including anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and performance anxiety. It can help with any issue rooted in distressing life experiences.
How long does EMDR treatment take?
This varies significantly based on the complexity of your trauma. Some people experience relief from a single traumatic event in 6-8 sessions, while complex or developmental trauma may require longer treatment. Your therapist will discuss expectations during your initial assessment.
Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to describe your trauma in detail. You'll need to briefly bring the memory to mind, but you can process it without sharing every detail with your therapist.
Is EMDR safe?
Yes, EMDR is considered safe and is endorsed by the World Health Organization, American Psychological Association, and Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for trauma. Some people experience temporary increases in distress during processing, which your therapist will help you manage.
Can EMDR be done virtually?
Yes, EMDR can be effectively delivered through telehealth. Virtual EMDR uses different forms of bilateral stimulation that work well over video, such as following movements on screen or using audio tones. Many clients find virtual EMDR just as effective as in-person sessions at our Mesa office.
How do I know if my therapist is trained in EMDR?
Our EMDR therapists have completed specialized training in this approach. During your consultation, we'll match you with a therapist who has the appropriate training and experience for your specific needs.
Can EMDR help with emotion regulation?
Yes, EMDR can help with emotional dysregulation, especially when it stems from past trauma. For building ongoing emotion regulation skills, we also offer DBT groups that teach mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation techniques that complement EMDR work.