Heal from trauma, PTSD, and painful memories with evidence-based EMDR therapy. Experience lasting relief without having to relive every detail of your past.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain heal from traumatic experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR has helped millions of people worldwide find relief from trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to talk in detail about the traumatic event or complete homework between sessions. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — to help your brain naturally process and integrate difficult memories, reducing their emotional charge.
Think of it like this: When you cut your hand, your body knows how to heal the wound. But if something keeps irritating the cut, it can't heal properly. EMDR removes the block that's keeping your brain from healing, allowing natural recovery to occur.
EMDR is effective for a wide range of issues, not just "big T" trauma.
Combat trauma, accidents, assaults, natural disasters, childhood abuse, and other traumatic experiences.
Generalized anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and performance anxiety rooted in past experiences.
Depression connected to past events, loss, or negative beliefs about yourself formed through difficult experiences.
Complicated grief, unresolved loss, and difficulty moving forward after the death of a loved one.
Neglect, bullying, attachment issues, and "small t" traumas that still affect you today.
Deep-seated beliefs like "I'm not good enough" or "I'm unlovable" formed through past experiences.
The 8-phase approach to healing
We'll discuss your history and identify specific memories to target in treatment.
Learn coping skills and relaxation techniques to ensure you feel safe and grounded.
Identify the specific memory, negative beliefs, emotions, and body sensations connected to it.
Process the memory using bilateral stimulation while the emotional intensity decreases.
Strengthen positive beliefs about yourself to replace the old negative ones.
Check for any remaining tension or discomfort in your body related to the memory.
Return to a calm state at the end of each session using relaxation techniques.
Review progress and determine next steps at the beginning of each new session.
Yes. EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment by the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Over 30 positive controlled outcome studies support its effectiveness for trauma and PTSD.
It varies. Some people experience significant relief in 6-12 sessions, while complex trauma may require longer treatment. Many people notice improvement faster than with traditional talk therapy alone.
No. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to describe your trauma in detail. You can process memories without verbalizing every aspect of what happened.
Yes. EMDR is covered by most insurance plans as a form of psychotherapy. We accept SelectHealth, United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, EMI Health, Tricare, and PEHP.
Yes. EMDR can be effectively delivered through secure video sessions. This makes treatment accessible if you can't come to our Sandy office in person.
You don't have to keep carrying the weight of your past. EMDR therapy can help you find relief and move forward with your life.
Call (801) 597-9558 Request Appointment