EMDR Therapy
Your Brain Already Knows How to Heal. EMDR Helps It Finish.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps your nervous system process traumatic memories without requiring you to relive every detail.
When the Memory Won't Let Go
You know it's in the past. Logically, you understand that. But your body hasn't gotten the message. A sound, a smell, a situation, and suddenly you're right back there. Heart racing, muscles tight, brain screaming danger.
That's not a weakness. It's your nervous system doing exactly what it was designed to do: protect you. The problem is that the traumatic memory got stored in a way that keeps triggering the alarm, even when the threat is long gone.
EMDR helps your brain reprocess that memory so the alarm stops firing. Not by erasing what happened, but by allowing your natural healing process to complete what got interrupted by trauma.
How EMDR Works
The Science Behind EMDR
When something traumatic happens, your brain's normal information-processing system gets overwhelmed. The memory gets stored with all the original emotions, body sensations, and beliefs intact, as if the event is still happening.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements) while you briefly focus on the disturbing memory. Researchers are still studying exactly how it works; one leading explanation is that the eye movements tax working memory, which makes the memory less vivid and upsetting. The process helps your brain:
What Happens During EMDR Processing
- Separate the memory from the emotional and physical distress
- Replace negative beliefs about yourself ("I'm not safe," "It was my fault") with adaptive ones
- Reduce or eliminate the body's stress response to the memory
- Allow you to recall the event without being emotionally overwhelmed
The 8-Phase Protocol
EMDR isn't just eye movements. It's a structured 8-phase protocol developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro:
- History taking: understanding your story and identifying target memories
- Preparation: building coping skills and explaining the process
- Assessment: identifying the specific image, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations connected to the memory
- Desensitization: bilateral stimulation while processing the memory
- Installation: strengthening the positive belief you want to hold
- Body scan: checking for any remaining physical tension
- Closure: returning to a calm state before leaving the session
- Reevaluation: checking progress at the start of the next session
Wondering if EMDR is right for you? Contact Us →
What EMDR Treats
Conditions That Respond Well to EMDR
PTSD & Complex Trauma
Single-event trauma, childhood abuse, sexual assault, combat trauma, domestic violence, accidents. EMDR is recommended for PTSD by WHO and VA/DoD guidelines, and the APA conditionally recommends it.
Anxiety & Panic
Generalized anxiety, panic attacks, health anxiety. EMDR addresses the root memories and experiences that drive anxiety patterns.
Phobias
Fear of flying, needles, dogs, driving, medical procedures. EMDR is also used for specific phobias, though research there is more limited than for PTSD.
Grief & Loss
When grief feels "stuck" and you can't move forward or stop replaying the loss. EMDR helps process the painful aspects without erasing the love.
Disturbing Memories
Memories that keep intruding, like flashbacks, nightmares, or emotional flooding when triggered. EMDR reduces the intensity so the memory loses its power.
Birth Trauma
Traumatic birth experiences, emergency C-sections, NICU stays, birth complications. EMDR helps mothers process birth trauma and reduce its impact on bonding and daily life.
Our EMDR Therapists
Trained EMDR Therapists at Lotus Rose
Several of our therapists are trained in EMDR, each bringing different specialties:
Joy Bouchard, LCSW
EMDR for developmental trauma, postpartum issues, and grief. Practice owner with extensive trauma training.
Read full bio →Megan Judd, CMHC
EMDR for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and faith transitions. Works with adults.
Read full bio →Brynnlee Brunt, ACMHC
EMDR for anxiety, postpartum, infertility, and relationship issues. Telehealth only.
Read full bio →Related Services
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Common Questions
EMDR Therapy FAQs
What does EMDR therapy feel like?
During EMDR, your therapist guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements following their hand or a light bar) while you briefly focus on a distressing memory. You don't have to describe the memory in detail. Most clients describe feeling a shift as the memory becomes less emotionally charged over the course of the session. Some feel tired afterward, similar to a good workout.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
It depends on the complexity of what you're processing. Single-event traumas (a car accident, one disturbing experience) may resolve in 3-6 sessions. Complex or developmental trauma (childhood abuse, multiple traumatic events) typically takes longer, often 12-20+ sessions. Your therapist will give you a realistic estimate after your initial assessment.
Is EMDR therapy safe?
Yes. EMDR is recommended for PTSD by the World Health Organization and the VA/DoD clinical practice guideline, and the American Psychological Association conditionally recommends it. It has over 30 years of clinical research supporting its safety and effectiveness. Some clients experience temporary increases in distress between sessions as memories are being processed, which your therapist will prepare you for.
What can EMDR therapy treat?
EMDR was developed for PTSD, which is where its research support is strongest. It's also used for anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, grief, childhood trauma, sexual assault, accident trauma, disturbing memories, performance anxiety, and some chronic pain conditions, where research is more limited. It works by helping your brain's natural healing process complete what got stuck.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail during EMDR?
No. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to describe your traumatic experience in detail. You'll briefly identify the memory and the emotions and body sensations connected to it, but the processing happens internally during bilateral stimulation. Many clients find this less overwhelming than approaches that require detailed retelling.
Take the First Step
Ready to Start Healing?
Reach out and let us know what you're looking for. We'll get back to you within one business day and make sure you're connected with the right therapist.
Serving Orem, Provo, Lehi, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Lindon & surrounding Utah County. In-person and telehealth sessions available.