What Is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from distressing life experiences and traumatic memories. Originally developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) as an effective treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While EMDR is best known for treating trauma, it is also used to address a wide range of mental health concerns by helping the brain reprocess experiences that continue to affect thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviors.

At Achieving Changes Counseling Services, EMDR is provided within a compassionate, trauma-informed therapeutic relationship. Treatment is individualized, paced according to your readiness, and designed to help you heal without requiring you to repeatedly relive painful experiences.

How Does EMDR Work?

When overwhelming or traumatic experiences occur, the brain may not fully process the event. Instead, memories can become “stuck,” causing the emotions, beliefs, physical sensations, and reactions associated with those experiences to continue affecting daily life long after the event has passed.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, alternating tactile stimulation, or alternating auditory tones, to help the brain resume its natural information processing system. As memories are processed, they often become less emotionally distressing and are integrated in a healthier, more adaptive way.

The goal is not to erase memories, but to reduce their emotional intensity so they no longer feel as though they are happening in the present.

EMDR Is Not a Quick Fix

Although EMDR has gained attention for its effectiveness, it is often misunderstood as a treatment that simply involves moving your eyes back and forth to “erase” traumatic memories. In reality, EMDR is a comprehensive psychotherapy approach that unfolds over time and is built upon a strong therapeutic relationship.

Healing begins long before bilateral stimulation (BLS) is introduced. One of the most important predictors of successful EMDR treatment is developing trust, emotional safety, and a collaborative relationship with your therapist. For many individuals, especially those with complex trauma, childhood adversity, attachment wounds, or dissociative symptoms, this preparation is an essential part of the healing process—not a delay in treatment.

EMDR is occurring throughout all eight phases of therapy, not only during the reprocessing sessions that involve bilateral stimulation. Every phase serves a specific purpose, including assessment, treatment planning, preparation, skill building, processing, installation of healthier beliefs, body awareness, closure, and ongoing reevaluation.

Because every person’s experiences and nervous system are unique, treatment progresses at an individualized pace. Some clients may move into memory reprocessing relatively quickly, while others benefit from spending additional time building coping skills, emotional regulation, and internal resources before beginning trauma processing.

Our philosophy is simple: we do not rush healing. We believe lasting change occurs when clients feel emotionally safe, adequately prepared, and supported throughout every phase of treatment. While EMDR can produce meaningful change, our goal is not simply to reduce symptoms quickly, it is to help you achieve sustainable healing that continues long after therapy has ended.

Conditions EMDR May Help Treat

EMDR has been shown to be effective for a variety of concerns, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Complex trauma and childhood trauma
• Anxiety disorders
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Attachment wounds
• Medical trauma
• First responder and military trauma
• Sexual assault and abuse
• Domestic violence
• Phobias
• Performance anxiety
• Chronic stress
• Negative self-beliefs and low self-esteem

Many individuals also find EMDR helpful for addressing experiences that may not be considered “big T” trauma but continue to influence their lives, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Who Is an Appropriate Candidate?

Many people can benefit from EMDR, particularly those who:

• Continue to feel affected by past experiences.
• Experience intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks.
• Avoid reminders of difficult events.
• Feel emotionally “stuck.”
• Experience anxiety or emotional reactions that seem disproportionate to current situations.
• Recognize recurring patterns in relationships or behavior they would like to change.
• Are motivated to engage in the therapeutic process.

Every client receives a comprehensive assessment to determine whether EMDR is appropriate and whether additional preparation is recommended before beginning trauma processing.

When EMDR May Not Be Appropriate

EMDR may need to be delayed or modified when individuals are experiencing:

• Active psychosis
• Severe dissociation that has not yet been stabilized
• Significant suicidal or homicidal risk requiring a higher level of care
• Active substance use that interferes with treatment
• Uncontrolled emotional instability
• Medical or neurological conditions that require additional consultation

In many cases, stabilization and skill-building allow EMDR to become an appropriate treatment later in therapy.

Our EMDR Process

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation of your history, current concerns, strengths, coping abilities, and treatment goals.

Together, we determine whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment and develop an individualized treatment plan.

2. Preparation and Stabilization

Preparation is one of the most important parts of successful EMDR therapy.

While some clients are ready to begin processing relatively quickly, many benefit from spending several sessions building emotional regulation skills and developing internal resources before beginning trauma reprocessing.

Preparation may include:

• Learning grounding techniques
• Developing relaxation strategies
• Strengthening emotional regulation skills
• Building internal coping resources
• Identifying supportive relationships
• Creating a sense of emotional safety
• Understanding how EMDR works and what to expect

Our goal is to ensure you feel prepared, not rushed.

3. Reprocessing Distressing Memories

During EMDR reprocessing sessions, you and your therapist identify memories, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations connected to the concerns you want to address.

Using bilateral stimulation, your brain naturally begins processing these experiences while your therapist carefully guides the session, monitors your emotional state, and helps you remain grounded throughout the process.

Many clients notice that distress gradually decreases while healthier perspectives begin to emerge.

You remain in control throughout treatment and may pause or slow the process whenever needed.

4. Integration and Future Growth

Healing extends beyond processing difficult memories.

As treatment progresses, therapy focuses on:

• Strengthening positive beliefs
• Increasing emotional resilience
• Improving relationships
• Building confidence
• Reducing avoidance
• Practicing healthier coping strategies
• Preparing for future situations with greater confidence

The goal is not simply to reduce distress, it is to help you move forward with greater freedom, flexibility, and resilience.

The Eight Phases of EMDR

EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase treatment model:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning
2. Preparation
3. Assessment
4. Desensitization
5. Installation of Positive Beliefs
6. Body Scan
7. Closure
8. Reevaluation

Although these phases occur in a specific order, treatment is individualized, and clients often move back and forth between phases as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to talk about every detail of my trauma?

Not necessarily. While your therapist needs enough information to guide treatment safely, EMDR does not require you to repeatedly tell your story in detail. Many people appreciate that healing can occur without extensive verbal retelling.

Will EMDR erase my memories?

No. EMDR does not erase memories. Instead, it helps reduce the emotional distress associated with them so they become part of your life story rather than continuing to feel like they are happening in the present.

Is EMDR hypnosis?

No. You remain awake, aware, and in control throughout the entire session.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your goals, history, and the complexity of your experiences. Some individuals experience meaningful improvement after addressing a single traumatic event, while others with complex trauma benefit from longer-term treatment.

Is EMDR only for PTSD?

No. Although EMDR is widely recognized for treating PTSD, it is also used to help individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, attachment wounds, phobias, chronic stress, and many other concerns.

Why Choose EMDR at Achieving Changes Counseling Services?

Healing from trauma is about more than reducing symptoms, it is about reclaiming your life.

Our therapists provide EMDR within a safe, compassionate, and collaborative environment, recognizing that every person’s healing journey is unique. Treatment is paced according to your readiness, grounded in evidence-based practice, and tailored to your individual needs and goals.

We believe healing occurs through a strong therapeutic relationship, thoughtful preparation, and careful attention to both emotional and physical experiences throughout the process. Whether you are working through a single traumatic event or the effects of long-standing complex trauma, we are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.

If you are interested in learning whether EMDR is right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we can determine whether this approach aligns with your goals and begin building a path toward healing, resilience, and lasting change.

You can also visit the EMDR Institute, Inc. for more information.