Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based form of therapy that has helped people around the world find freedom from the weight of their past. What sets EMDR apart is that it goes beyond simply talking about your experiences—it works directly with how your brain stores and processes memories. By addressing the root of distress rather than just the symptoms, EMDR opens the door to deep healing and lasting transformation, offering not just relief, but the chance to truly reclaim your life.
EMDR is helpful in treating…
Trauma Disorders (Acute Stress, PTSD, Adjustment)
Historical, Generational, and Racial Trauma
Obsessive-compulsive Disorders
Anxiety/Depressive Disorders
Panic Disorders and Phobias
EMDR therapy offers a gentle and supportive way to heal from the negative beliefs and painful memories that may have been shaping your life for years. Often, these experiences become “stuck” in the nervous system, making it hard to move forward, even when you want to. Through guided eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps your brain reprocess these memories in a safe and healing way. Rather than erasing your past, EMDR takes away the heavy emotional charge, so the memories no longer feel overwhelming or define who you are.
This process allows you to let go of the weight you’ve been carrying, gain a new perspective on yourself and your story, and create space for healthier, more empowering beliefs. Many people find that EMDR not only brings relief, but also fosters deep and lasting change—helping them feel more at peace, more resilient, and more connected to themselves and others.
Healing That Lasts: The Power of EMDR Therapy
At Phoenix Therapeutics, PLLC, we see EMDR as a gentle, collaborative process where your healing unfolds at your pace. You are at the center of the work, while your therapist offers compassionate support and clinical guidance along the way. We honor your voice in shaping treatment, ensuring your needs and comfort are always valued. With deep attunement and care, we strive to create a space where you can feel supported, seen, and empowered throughout your healing journey.
EMDR as a Collaborative Treatment
To learn more about EMDR, please visit:
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR
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While every client’s journey is unique, EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach. This process begins with gathering a full history, preparing you for treatment, and identifying the key memories or experiences to focus on. From there, you’ll work with your clinician to process past, present, and future concerns while continually checking in on progress.
A core part of EMDR involves “dual stimulation” (such as eye movements, taps, or tones) while you focus on specific memories or thoughts. After each set, you’ll share your experience briefly with your clinician. Sessions end with grounding techniques to ensure you leave feeling steady, in control, and empowered.
Over time, EMDR helps reduce the distress connected to difficult memories or situations, allowing healthier and more adaptive responses to take their place.
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As with any form of psychotherapy, there may be a temporary increase in distress. For example, distressing and unresolved memories may emerge; some clients may experience reactions during a treatment session that neither they nor the administrating clinician may have anticipated, including a high level of emotion or physical sensation; subsequent to the treatment session, the processing of incidents/material may continue, and other dreams, memories, feelings, etc., may emerge.
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EMDR therapy helps reduce the emotional impact of distressing memories and experiences. It can decrease anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and flashbacks while improving emotional regulation and coping skills. Many clients find they respond to current challenges with greater confidence and resilience. Over time, EMDR can help create healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and reacting, making it easier to move forward without being held back by past trauma.
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Yes! EMDR can be effectively conducted through secure telehealth platforms. Many clients find online sessions convenient and just as impactful as in-person therapy. Therapists guide you through the EMDR process remotely, including the use of dual stimulation techniques, while ensuring your safety, comfort, and support throughout each session.
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EMDR therapy is often covered by health insurance, but coverage can vary depending on your plan and provider. Many therapists bill EMDR under standard mental health or psychotherapy codes. It’s best to check with your insurance company to confirm coverage, co-pays, and session limits before beginning treatment.