What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR produces remarkable results that can feel almost magical—painful feelings that once seemed permanent suddenly begin to fade.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based, neuroscience-informed therapy that reduces distressing symptoms from difficult or traumatic life experiences.
When we face challenging events without adequate resources to process them, these experiences can become trauma—overwhelming events that negatively impact our nervous system and worldview. Left untreated, these unprocessed experiences create symptoms like anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and relationship difficulties.
EMDR helps resolve these painful experiences so you can finally feel at peace.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, alternating sounds, or physical sensations) combined with specific protocols to:
- Desensitize traumatic memories by reducing their emotional intensity.
- Reprocess trauma, helping your brain integrate these memories in a healthier way.
- Store these memories like other long-term memories, making them less intrusive.
Simply put, EMDR helps your brain and body do what they naturally want to do: move toward healing.
Need more information? Watch this explanatory video from EMDR International Association.
What issues can EMDR treat? Can it help me?
EMDR effectively treats a wide range of issues, including:
- Anxiety: General anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety.
- Depression: Sadness, hopelessness, and other depressive symptoms.
- Stress & Burnout: Daily life stressors and professional burnout.
- Self-Esteem: Imposter syndrome and confidence issues.
- Relationships: Conflict resolution and communication problems.
- Fears & Phobias: Specific fears of objects or situations.
- Grief & Loss: Emotional pain from losing loved ones.
- Sleep Issues: Insomnia and nightmares.
- Trauma: From childhood experiences to recent events.
EMDR isn’t just for resolving pain—it’s also powerful for performance improvement in areas like public speaking, sports, and professional activities.
If you’re wondering if EMDR could help with your specific concerns, book a complimentary concierge matching call with our intake director.
EMDR works wonders for a variety of clinical issues.
Click through each page to see how EMDR and Evergreen Counseling can take you from pain to peace.
- Anxiety
- Attachment Trauma
- Betrayal Trauma
- Birth Trauma
- Burnout
- Childhood Trauma
- Complex Trauma
- C-PTSD
- Codependency
- Depression
- Developmental Trauma
- Eating Disorders
- Emotional Abuse
- First Gen Trauma
- First Responder Trauma
- Gaslighting
- Grief and Mourning
- Intergenerational Trauma
- Medical Trauma
- Menopause
- Military/Combat Trauma
- Narcissistic Abuse
- Neurodivergence
- OCD
- People Pleasing
- Pre- and Post-Natal Trauma
- PTSD
- Racial Trauma
- Relational Trauma
- Relationship Strain
- Religious & Spiritual Trauma
- Sexual Trauma
- Vicarious Trauma
- And more...
Still have questions about starting EMDR with us? We have answers.
Absolutely! While we do offer some in-person EMDR sessions, many of our specially trained clinicians provide EMDR via secure telehealth. This approach maintains all the effectiveness of traditional EMDR while offering additional comfort and convenience.
You can see both providers simultaneously as long as your other therapist isn't treating you with EMDR. This "adjunctive EMDR work" can help you move through "stuck" places in your clinical work.
On average, EMDR involves 12-14 sessions, but this varies based on the complexity of your issues and how you respond to therapy. Single traumatic events may require fewer sessions, while complex trauma might need more time.
Yes! Research confirms that EMDR conducted via telehealth is equally effective as in-person therapy. The essential elements—bilateral stimulation and a strong therapeutic relationship—remain intact through virtual sessions. Telehealth EMDR offers unique advantages: therapy in your comfortable home environment, uninterrupted treatment despite life's unpredictability, and flexible scheduling without travel time. Our team provides comprehensive technical support to ensure a smooth experience.
Yes. EMDR has been extensively researched and is recommended by organizations like the American Psychological Association and World Health Organization for treating trauma and PTSD.
No. One benefit of EMDR is that it helps process traumatic memories without extensive discussion, making it easier for those who find it difficult to talk about their experiences.
EMDR consists of eight phases: History Taking, Preparation, Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, Body Scan, Closure, and Reevaluation—each designed to ensure safe and effective treatment.
You might feel tired or emotionally drained, but many clients also experience relief and reduced distress. Self-care after sessions is important.
What if I’m Not Ready?
Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.
We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.
Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.
Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward
- Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
- Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
- Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.
