At Creative Resilience Mental Health Counseling, we believe in therapy that fosters true, lasting change. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), developed by Francine Shapiro, is a powerful approach that helps the brain process and release emotional pain. It’s not about forgetting—it’s about freeing yourself from the weight of past experiences.
Whether you’re navigating PTSD or carrying the burden of difficult memories, EMDR helps reshape how those experiences are stored, easing their impact. At Creative Resilience, we take an integrative approach, supporting mind, body, and emotional well-being throughout the healing process. Many clients find themselves feeling lighter, sleeping better, and experiencing more ease in daily life—without being pulled back by old triggers. Healing is possible, and your brain already knows how to do it—we’re here to help.
EMDR FAQ
WHAT IS EMDR THERAPY?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured psychological treatment developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It was initially designed to address trauma-related disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), by helping individuals process distressing memories that contribute to emotional distress. Unlike traditional talk therapies that focus heavily on verbal exploration of experiences, EMDR incorporates bilateral stimulation—typically through guided eye movements, though taps or auditory tones can also be used—to facilitate the brain’s natural healing processes. The therapy is grounded in the idea that traumatic memories can become "stuck" in the brain, leading to persistent symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, or hypervigilance. EMDR aims to "unstick" these memories, allowing them to be reprocessed and integrated into a healthier narrative.
THE EIGHT PHASES OF EMDR
EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase process, including gathering personal history, preparation, assessing targeted memories, desensitization, strengthening positive beliefs, body awareness, closure, and follow-up evaluation. While it is most commonly used for PTSD, its applications have broadened to address anxiety, depression, phobias, and even chronic pain when linked to unresolved trauma. Recognized by leading organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization, EMDR is considered an effective, evidence-based approach. What makes it distinctive is that clients are not required to verbally relive traumatic events in detail, making it particularly accessible for those who struggle with traditional talk therapy. The aim is not to erase the past but to lessen its emotional intensity, allowing individuals to recall difficult experiences without feeling overwhelmed. Sessions typically run between 60 to 120 minutes, integrating cognitive, emotional, and somatic techniques to promote lasting healing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
HOW DOES EMDR THERAPY WORK? EMDR therapy harnesses the brain’s innate ability to process and heal from distressing experiences, a mechanism that trauma can disrupt. It relies on bilateral stimulation, often guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues, to help the brain reprocess difficult memories. This approach is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that unresolved trauma remains fragmented in the brain, keeping emotions intense and unprocessed. During EMDR, clients engage with a specific memory—focusing on its imagery, emotions, and bodily sensations—while simultaneously undergoing bilateral stimulation, which is thought to enhance communication between key brain regions like the amygdala (emotion center), hippocampus (memory processing), and prefrontal cortex (rational thinking). As the therapy progresses, the memory loses its emotional charge, allowing for more adaptive perspectives to emerge, such as shifting from "I’m powerless" to "I overcame this." EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol, beginning with identifying key memories and preparing coping strategies, then guiding clients through desensitization, positive belief reinforcement, and post-processing evaluations. While the exact neurological mechanisms are still being explored, EMDR provides a structured, evidence-based pathway to healing, helping individuals integrate difficult experiences without being overwhelmed by them.
HOW MANY SESSIONS OF EMDR ARE USUALLY NEEDED? The length of EMDR therapy varies from person to person, depending on individual needs and goals. Some people may only require a few sessions to process a single-event trauma, while those working through more complex, long-term experiences—such as attachment-related trauma—often need a longer course of treatment. One of the most remarkable aspects of EMDR is its efficiency; many clients notice significant relief as they progress through each session. The therapy is designed to help reprocess distressing memories in a way that feels natural and effective, allowing people to move forward without being weighed down by past experiences.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR EMDR THERAPY? Wondering if EMDR is right for you? EMDR is a powerful therapy for individuals carrying emotional pain—whether from a single event or years of unresolved distress. At Creative Resilience Mental Health Counseling, we help individuals reprocess trauma without needing extensive verbal storytelling, making healing more accessible. While EMDR is widely known for treating PTSD, it’s also highly effective for anxiety, phobias, and lingering emotional wounds. This approach meets you where you are—whether you prefer talking or a quieter process—guiding your brain to naturally ease the weight of past experiences. If you’re ready to take that step, we’re here to support you.
WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE OF EMDR THERAPY? EMDR has a well-established track record, particularly for trauma recovery. Research shows that individuals dealing with single-event trauma, such as an accident or a difficult breakup, often experience significant relief within 3-10 sessions, with success rates around 80-90%. For those working through long-term, complex trauma, improvement is seen in about 70% of cases, though therapy may take longer. Studies from organizations like the EMDR International Association support EMDR’s effectiveness, placing it alongside widely recognized therapies like CBT. It’s also highly beneficial for anxiety and phobias—particularly when tied to a specific memory—with success rates ranging from 70-85%. Healing looks different for everyone, whether it’s reduced emotional distress, fewer intrusive thoughts, or simply feeling more grounded. While EMDR isn’t an instant fix, its structured approach helps create lasting changes when all eight phases are followed. It’s not magic, but the relief and clarity it brings can feel close.
HOW DO YOU FEEL IMMEDIATELY AFTER EMDR THERAPY? Leaving an EMDR session can feel like a deep emotional release—many clients describe a sense of lightness, clarity, and relief. Some notice their breathing feels easier, while others experience a wave of exhaustion, like their mind has been working hard behind the scenes. Since EMDR helps the nervous system process stored trauma, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions—some may bubble up briefly before settling. You might also feel physical shifts, such as tension easing or a tingling sensation. To support this healing, we always end sessions with grounding techniques, ensuring you leave feeling steady. Your brain continues processing in the hours after, so it’s important to be gentle with yourself for the next day or two.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD EMDR BE DONE? The length and structure of EMDR therapy vary depending on individual needs and goals. Many clients begin with weekly sessions lasting between 1 to 2 hours, often completing a specific target within that time frame. In some cases, a traditional talk therapy session may be recommended between EMDR phases to provide additional processing and support before moving on to the next target. For those seeking a more concentrated approach, EMDR Intensives are available in half-day or full-day formats, offering extended time for deep therapeutic work. The best approach depends on the client’s unique needs and readiness for processing.
WHAT IS THE FIRST SESSION OF EMDR LIKE? The first EMDR session is focused on building a foundation rather than diving directly into trauma work. It typically begins with history-taking and preparation, where the therapist helps identify stuck memories and establish treatment goals. Once a client has pinpointed the experiences they want to process, the therapist guides them through structured questions to deepen their connection with the memory—this marks the start of processing phases 3-7. One key step involves recognizing the negative belief tied to the trauma, as distressing experiences often shape self-perceptions. When the client is fully engaged with the memory, bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements using a light bar—begins. The stimulation runs for around 60 seconds, after which the therapist pauses to ask, "What did you notice?" The client may describe sensations, emotions, or thoughts that emerge, and the process repeats in cycles until distress diminishes, ideally reaching a zero on their self-rated trauma scale. Once emotional distress has significantly decreased, the final installation and body scan phases ensure integration and reinforce healing.
CAN EMDR BE DONE VIRTUALLY? Yes! We offer EMDR therapy through a secure virtual platform that makes remote sessions accessible and effective. All you need is headphones and a private space to engage fully in the process. Our therapists are licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, so virtual sessions are available to clients located in those states.
IS EMDR LIKE HYPNOSIS? No, EMDR does not put you into a trance—you remain fully conscious and in control throughout the process. While EMDR and hypnosis may seem similar in the way they facilitate deep shifts, they function quite differently. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, works by guiding the brain to reprocess difficult memories using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements following a light bar. Rather than altering your state of consciousness, it helps you engage with past experiences in a structured, grounded way, allowing for healing without losing awareness.
DO YOU TALK DURING EMDR? Yes, EMDR involves talking, but it differs from traditional therapy in that conversation is structured and intentional, following its eight-phase approach. Early sessions focus on history-taking and preparation, where clients discuss their background, identify key memories, and develop coping strategies. Once the processing phases (3-7) begin, verbal exchange shifts to brief, guided responses. During the assessment phase, clients identify distressing images, negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations tied to the memory. In desensitization, talking is minimal—clients focus on bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements) and provide short updates on any thoughts, images, or emotions that arise. It’s not a silent process, but rather a series of check-ins rather than deep discussion. Later phases include installation, where positive beliefs replace distressing ones, and the body scan, where lingering sensations are acknowledged aloud. The final closure phase often involves more conversation to ensure emotional stability before concluding the session.
Begin Your Healing Journey with EMDR Therapy
At Creative Resilience Mental Health Counseling, we believe true healing goes beyond simply managing symptoms—it’s about uncovering the deeper roots of emotional pain and breaking free from unhelpful patterns. If past trauma, distressing thoughts, or emotional barriers are holding you back, EMDR therapy provides a powerful approach to relief and resilience. Our team is committed to guiding you through this process with care, expertise, and compassion, helping you reclaim a greater sense of peace and personal empowerment.
Here’s how to take the first step:
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Schedule your first EMDR therapy session.
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Discover how EMDR can support your healing journey.
