Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful approach primarily used to treat PTSD, trauma, and its associated symptoms. EMDR Therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has gained recognition for its effectiveness in helping individuals process and heal from traumatic memories.

EMDR therapy offers hope for those struggling with flashbacks, nightmares, and disturbing images. It can provide substantial relief by addressing the root causes of these symptoms and helping you build resilience. Many individuals experience a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of these distressing experiences. This paves the way for healing and a brighter future.

EMDR Therapy at The Phoenix Center - Trauma Relief

EMDR utilizes a 3 Pronged Approach, focusing on the past, present and future. Integrating all three prongs offers a comprehensive path to healing for trauma survivors. Not only do we go back and address the past traumatic memories, but we also explore present-day triggers, and finally create a vision for how we want to be in trauma recovery in the future.

What to Expect with EMDR Therapy

EMDR is often known for providing faster relief than traditional talk therapy, however, it’s important to understand that the timeline can vary from person to person.

Below you’ll find an overview of the 8 Phases of EMDR for one traumatic memory.

  1. History Taking and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers information about the client’s history and identifies target memories for processing. This phase also includes assessing the client’s readiness for EMDR.
  2. Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process, establishes trust, and ensures the client has the necessary coping strategies to manage distress during the therapy. This phase involves EMDR Resourcing and development of a safe place or other coping skills to manage difficult emotions.
  3. Assessment: This phase involves identifying specific aspects of the traumatic memory, including the visual image, negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations associated with it.
  4. Desensitization: The core of EMDR, this phase uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) to help the client reprocess the traumatic memory, reducing its emotional charge.
  5. Installation: Positive beliefs are strengthened in this phase, replacing the negative beliefs originally associated with the traumatic memory.
  6. Body Scan: The therapist guides the client to focus on any residual physical tension related to the trauma, helping to release it.
  7. Closure: The therapist ensures that the client leaves the session feeling stable and provides strategies for self-care between sessions.
  8. Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist assesses the client’s progress and determines if further processing is needed.

EMDR Therapy is amazingly effective for reducing the disturbance of traumatic memories. For many clients, EMDR processing works rapidly and can significantly reduce (or completely reduce) the disturbance attached to a memory. For survivors of complex trauma who have numerous memories of trauma, EMDR can still be very effective but is likely to take longer due to the number of memories.

Our staff is composed entirely of therapists who specialize in trauma therapy. Our team has devoted their careers to learning, practicing, and teaching trauma therapy. Every therapist and graduate student on our team is trained in EMDR.

Schedule Intake Call for EMDR Therapy

Phoenix Center EMDR Trained Therapists