EMDR Therapy: What It Is, How It Works & What to Expect
Everything you need to know about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy — from the science behind it to finding a qualified therapist in Utah.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987. It was originally designed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but has since proven effective for a wide range of mental health conditions.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to talk in detail about a traumatic event or complete homework assignments. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer cause distress.
The World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs all recommend EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
How Does EMDR Work?
When you experience a traumatic event, your brain sometimes fails to process the memory properly. The memory gets "stuck," along with the emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs associated with it. That's why a trauma survivor might intellectually know they're safe but still feel panic, fear, or shame.
EMDR helps your brain's natural healing process resume. During sessions, your therapist guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) while you focus on the traumatic memory. This activates both hemispheres of your brain, allowing the memory to be reprocessed and stored properly.
The 8 Phases of EMDR
History Taking
Your therapist learns your background and identifies target memories
Preparation
Learn coping techniques and what to expect during processing
Assessment
Identify specific memories, beliefs, and physical sensations to target
Desensitization
Process the memory with bilateral stimulation until distress decreases
Installation
Strengthen positive beliefs to replace the negative ones
Body Scan
Check for any remaining physical tension connected to the memory
Closure
Return to a calm state, discuss what to expect between sessions
Reevaluation
Review progress and determine next targets for processing
What Does EMDR Treat?
While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, research has shown it's effective for many conditions:
- PTSD and Complex Trauma — combat trauma, sexual assault, childhood abuse, accidents
- Anxiety Disorders — generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder
- Phobias — specific fears that limit your daily life
- Grief and Loss — complicated grief, sudden loss
- Depression — especially when connected to past experiences
- Childhood Trauma — neglect, abuse, attachment wounds
- Performance Anxiety — test anxiety, public speaking, sports performance
- Disturbing Memories — any memory that still triggers emotional distress
How Many Sessions Does EMDR Take?
This varies significantly based on your situation:
- Single-incident trauma (car accident, assault): Often resolves in 3-6 sessions
- Multiple traumas: Typically 8-12 sessions
- Complex/childhood trauma: 12+ sessions, sometimes longer
Research shows that 84-90% of single-trauma victims no longer meet the criteria for PTSD after just three 90-minute EMDR sessions.
EMDR vs. Traditional Talk Therapy
Both approaches are valid, but they work differently:
- Speed: EMDR often produces results faster than traditional talk therapy for trauma. What might take months in CBT can sometimes resolve in weeks with EMDR.
- Less talking required: You don't need to describe the trauma in detail. This makes EMDR especially helpful for people who find it difficult to talk about their experiences.
- Different mechanism: Talk therapy changes thoughts through conscious effort. EMDR changes how the brain stores memories, which can shift thoughts and feelings automatically.
- Complementary: Many therapists, including Candice Gonzalez at Agile Counseling, combine EMDR with CBT and other approaches for comprehensive treatment.
Ready to Try EMDR Therapy?
Candice Gonzalez, LCSW has 22+ years of experience and specialized EMDR training. Sessions available in Sandy, UT or via telehealth.
Schedule a ConsultationWhat to Look for in an EMDR Therapist
Not all therapists are trained in EMDR. When choosing an EMDR therapist, look for:
- Proper training: Completed an EMDRIA-approved training program (minimum 50 hours)
- Licensed: Must be a licensed mental health professional (LCSW, LMFT, LPC, psychologist)
- Experience: Ask how many EMDR cases they've treated and their success rate
- Comfort level: You should feel safe and comfortable with your therapist — the therapeutic relationship matters
- Comprehensive approach: The best EMDR therapists combine it with other modalities as needed
EMDR Therapy in Sandy, Utah
If you're looking for EMDR therapy in the Salt Lake Valley, Agile Counseling in Sandy, Utah offers specialized EMDR treatment from Candice Gonzalez, LCSW. With over 22 years of clinical experience, Candice combines EMDR with CBT, DBT, and other evidence-based approaches to create comprehensive treatment plans.
Agile Counseling accepts SelectHealth, United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, EMI Health, Tricare, and PEHP. Both in-person and telehealth sessions are available for clients throughout Utah.
Location: 45 W 9000 S, Suite 1, Sandy, UT 84070
Phone: (801) 597-9558
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday 9am-3pm