EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful and effective form of therapy for those who have experienced trauma. EMDR was developed, in part, to address underlying trauma, and so the focus of Progress Counseling's EMDR services is on re-processing and healing from trauma. That said, EMDR can also be effective for clients who are wanting to work towards healing in other areas, sometimes unrelated to trauma or adjacent to their trauma experience (e.g. addiction, anxiety, depression). "Trauma" can be defined as an experience that overwhelms a person's ability to cope and leads to feelings of helplessness and fear. EMDR is designed to help people process and heal from these traumatic experiences by addressing the underlying beliefs, emotions, and memories that may be contributing to ongoing distress.

EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be effective for a wide range of trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other emotional and psychological distress. EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic memories can become "stuck" in the brain, leading to ongoing emotional and psychological symptoms. By accessing and processing these memories through eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR can help individuals reprocess the traumatic experience and reduce the intensity of their emotional and physiological responses to it.

One of the key benefits of EMDR therapy is its ability to quickly and effectively reduce symptoms related to trauma. Unlike some other forms of therapy that can take months or even years to see results, many people report feeling significant improvements after just a few sessions of EMDR. Additionally, EMDR has been shown to be effective for individuals who have not responded well to other forms of therapy or medication.

EMDR therapy typically involves a series of 60-90 minute sessions with a trained therapist. During these sessions, the therapist will work with the individual to identify and process the traumatic memories that are contributing to their symptoms. This may involve focusing on specific images, emotions, or beliefs associated with the trauma while engaging in eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation.

While the idea of engaging in eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation may seem unusual or uncomfortable to some, many people find it to be a helpful and calming experience. In fact, some individuals report feeling more relaxed and centered after an EMDR session than they did before.

If you are considering EMDR therapy for yourself or a loved one, it is important to find a qualified and experienced therapist who is trained in this specific form of therapy. Progress Counseling has several EMDR therapists, all of whom are pre-license (and under the supervision of a licensed professional) or are fully licensed mental health professionals who have completed specialized training and certification in EMDR. Our clinicians will be able to provide a clear explanation of the therapy process and what to expect during sessions as they get to know your history, goals for therapy, and develop a sense of safety and connection with you in the therapy relationship.

EMDR therapy can be a highly effective form of treatment for those who have experienced trauma. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms related to trauma, consider exploring this evidence-based therapy option. With the help of a qualified therapist and the power of EMDR, it is possible to find healing and recovery from even the most difficult experiences.