EMDR Therapy

Feeling Stuck? EMDR Could Be the Missing Piece to Healing

If you've been feeling stuck despite making progress in therapy or doing meaningful self-work, you’re not alone. Many people find that certain memories, intrusive thoughts, or past experiences still have a hold on them—even after they’ve tried other approaches. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy may be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for.

What is EMDR?

Struggling with painful memories? EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that can help you heal and move forward. It helps people process and recover from traumatic experiences by reducing distressing emotions like anger, shame, and guilt, as well as unhelpful beliefs and intrusive memories. EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, sounds, or tapping—to activate both sides of the brain. This process helps your brain reprocess distressing memories, making them feel less overwhelming and reducing their emotional weight. Many clients report experiencing reduction in symptoms within just a few sessions. Upon completion of EMDR therapy, many clients no longer meet clinical criteria for PTSD.

How Does EMDR Work?

During EMDR therapy, your therapist will guide you to recall a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This process helps your brain rewire the memory, reducing its emotional intensity and impact on your nervous system. Bilateral stimulation also helps integrate new, healthier perspectives, making the memory feel less distressing. Over time, clients often experience significant relief, allowing them to move forward without being overwhelmed by the past. EMDR works by addressing the root cause of emotional distress, helping to release the hold it has on your life.

Who Can Benefit From EMDR?

  • Attachment Wounds

  • Perfectionism 

  • Panic Attacks

  • Chronic Stress

  • Life Transitions

  • And more…

  • Trauma Survivors

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Phobias

  • Unresolved Grief

  • Self-Worth Issues

EMDR therapy has been found to be helpful for a wide range of people. If you’re struggling with any of the following, EMDR may offer relief: 

The Phases of EMDR

  • In the initial phase, you and your therapist will explore your past experiences, current challenges, and goals for EMDR. This helps identify specific memories to target during processing and allows your therapist to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

  • The preparation phase involves learning about EMDR and what to expect throughout the process, as well as developing effective coping strategies and resourcing techniques. These tools will be helpful for managing any emotional distress that may arise between sessions.

  • Once you’re ready to begin processing past memories, each processing session will start with the assessment phase. During this phase, you’ll select a specific memory to target and identify its key components: the image, negative belief, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the memory. You’ll also choose a positive belief you’d like to adopt, which will become part of the reprocessing work in a later phase. This phase establishes a baseline for you and your therapist to track your progress.

  • This phase involves processing the target memory using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds. As you focus on the memory, the bilateral stimulation helps your brain reprocess the experience, resulting in a reduction in its emotional charge. This phase continues until the distress associated with the memory lessens.

  • The goal of the installation phase is to strengthen the positive belief identified in earlier stages, helping you build greater resilience and shift your perspective.

  • In this phase, you’ll be guided to observe any residual physical tension or discomfort related to the targeted memory. EMDR helps release any lingering somatic reactions, ensuring your mind and body are fully processed and at ease.

  • Closure occurs at the end of each session to ensure you leave feeling stable and grounded. If processing isn’t complete by the session’s end, we’ll use techniques to help restore your emotional balance.

  • At the beginning of each session, we’ll revisit previously processed memories to assess your progress. This phase helps determine any additional work needed and tracks your overall healing journey.

What to Expect in EMDR Sessions

Phases 1 and 2 typically take place over multiple sessions and can last as long as needed. These sessions often feel more like traditional talk therapy, as they focus on discussing your history, building coping skills, and preparing for EMDR. Bilateral stimulation is not used during this stage.

Once you’re ready to move onto processing past memories, sessions will involve phases 3-6. During phase 3, your therapist will ask you a few questions to activate the target memory. This usually takes no more than a few minutes. Phases 4-6 involve repeated intervals of processing using bilateral stimulation (e.g. eye movements, tapping, sounds), with each set lasting between 15-60 seconds. Between sets, your therapist will check-in by asking what you noticed. Your therapist will continue to guide you through the process, helping you navigate any challenges that arise in reprocessing.

Every session ends with phase 7, which includes wrapping up and grounding exercise or other coping strategies to help you feel regulated before ending session. Each new session will begin with phase 8, during which your therapist will review any progress you’ve noticed between sessions and identify areas that may need further work.

Why Choose EMDR Therapy at Rosemark Counseling?

At Rosemark Counseling, EMDR therapy is more than just a technique—it’s a personalized, supportive process designed to help you heal at your own pace. As a licensed therapist with over five years of experience working with clients facing trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress, I understand how important it is to feel safe and supported in therapy.

I have completed EMDR training and have seen firsthand how transformative this approach can be. EMDR allows clients to process difficult experiences in a way that reduces emotional distress and fosters lasting change. I am highly attuned to each client’s experience and actively seek feedback to ensure the pacing feels right for you. Whether you need to slow down and focus on resourcing or you’re ready to move into deeper processing, I tailor the approach to meet your individual needs.

Healing is not a one-size-fits-all journey, and my goal is to provide a space where you feel empowered and in control of your progress. If you’re considering EMDR, I would be honored to guide you through the process with care and a commitment to your well-being.

Is EMDR Right For You? Take the Next Step

Ready to explore if EMDR is right for you? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today and take the first step toward feeling lighter, more grounded, and in control of your life.

A free consultation is a no-pressure opportunity to explore whether EMDR is right for you. During this 15 minute conversation, we’ll discuss your concerns, goals for therapy, and any questions you have about the EMDR process. I’ll also share my approach and what working together would look like, so you can decide if it feels like the right fit. There’s no obligation—just a space to explore your options and take the first step toward healing.

Ready to get started? Schedule your free consultation today!

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