EMDR Therapy: What It Is, How It Works & What to Expect

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.

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

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.

What 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

Frequently asked questions

Is EMDR therapy effective?

Yes. EMDR is recognised as an effective treatment for PTSD by the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and controlled studies support its use for trauma-related symptoms.

Do I have to talk about the trauma in detail?

No. EMDR works with the memory as you hold it in mind, not with a full retelling. You can process a memory without describing every detail to the therapist.

How long does EMDR take?

It depends on the number and complexity of the memories. A single-incident trauma can resolve in a handful of processing sessions; complex or repeated trauma takes longer. The first sessions are history and preparation.

What is a 90-minute EMDR intensive?

A longer block that gives enough time to open a memory, work through it and close the session with you settled. Agile Counseling offers 90-minute intensives in Sandy; the fee is given by phone.

Is EMDR available by telehealth?

Yes, EMDR can be done by secure video using on-screen bilateral stimulation. Some clients prefer to start in person and move to telehealth once they are comfortable with the process.

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. Candice also offers a 90-minute EMDR intensive block. The fee is not listed online. Call to ask about the price.

Location: 45 W 9000 S, Suite 1, Sandy, UT 84070
Phone: (801) 597-9558