How can EMDR therapy in Colorado help me with anxiety, depression, stress, parenting, relationships and trauma? Find out more below:
Q: What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
A: EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps the brain reprocess disturbing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming. Through guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation, EMDR allows your nervous system to release stored trauma and build resilience. EMDR can also help us rehearse new ways of responding to upcoming events such as parenting, addressing a conflict, sporting events, or public speaking or even feeling more at ease on an airplane.
Q: How do I know if EMDR therapy in Colorado is right for me?
A: EMDR can be helpful if you have experienced trauma, have PTSD, anxiety, or distressing memories that feel “stuck.” We can also use EMDR around patterns you have noticed in relationships. If you’ve found yourself wanting to parent differently or respond differently in an argument with a loved one or feel more confident in social settings, reduce substance use, or feel more motivated, EMDR can help with that. If you’re in Colorado and looking for a therapist to help you reach your goals, EMDR may be a powerful option to support your healing.
Q: What happens in an EMDR therapy session?
A: Depending on which phase of EMDR you are in, you may be talking about the past, reflecting on goals for the future, exploring the roots of patterns you may notice in your life, and often touching on past memories. If we are resourcing we may be imagining peaceful or calm scenery or people and experiences that are soothing and comforting. Other times I might be guiding you through focusing on a memory while using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds). you may explore past experiences that cause distress, current triggers, and fears about the future. Your therapist guides you with bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to reduce distress and help your brain connect the memory to present-day safety. Sessions often include grounding tools, checking distress levels, and closing practices so you leave feeling supported. Over time, this process reduces emotional intensity and helps your brain store the memory in a healthier way.
Q. What are the phases of EMDR?
A: EMDR therapy follows 8 gentle phases:
- History taking-During history taking we might get a sense of what has been impacting you and where the roots of that distress come from.
- Preparation + resourcing-Preparation and resourcing is often done by building tools to give comfort, guidance and calm during the therapy process.
- Identifying target memories, sensations, patterns, and beliefs-Finding memories to target is how we might determine where we begin and where we go next. EMDR works even if you don’t have specific memories to work with. We can use the way your body feels, beliefs you might hold, patterns you notice, and even a recent event that feels unsettling.
- Setting positive beliefs-Our positive beliefs are our anchor and lighthouse and help us know where we are headed.
- Processing with bilateral stimulation- Processing is how we connect different pathways in your brain to reduce distress and orient to present day safety and can be done in a number of creative ways. Along the way we check to see how you are feeling.
- Checking distress levels-At the end of the session we have a process to soothe and find closure within that session.
- Closing + grounding-we will use some of the resources we created in phase 2 and bring in comfort and wisdom from our processing from the day.
- Re-evaluation and check in- The next session we will check in and continue processing until the memory or target feels neutral.                                             Healing is structured, supportive, and always led by your pace.
This may sound like a lot, but many of the phases take place within one session and it’s not always linear.
Q: How many EMDR sessions do I need?
A: The number of sessions varies depending on your history and goals. Some people feel relief after just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term EMDR therapy as part of their healing process. The eight phases of EMDR are navigated with consideration for felt safety and consent from all of you. If a part of you is hesitant we may spend time listening to the concerns before moving forward once all of you is on board.
Q: Does EMDR therapy work for PTSD and anxiety and more?
A: Yes. Research shows EMDR is highly effective for PTSD and can also reduce symptoms of anxiety, panic, and stress. Many clients in Colorado seek EMDR therapy to address both past trauma and current challenges.
Q: How do I find an EMDR therapist in Colorado?
A: Call or email me for a free consult so we can discuss how EMDR therapy might be helpful. If we aren’t a fit I can help you find someone who is.
