EMDR therapy facilitates the processing of traumatic memories and the reduction or elimination of associated problematic symptoms. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing stimulates both hemispheres of the brain through eye movements and various forms of bilateral stimulation, while the individual concentrates on a traumatic memory.

Altering intrusive feelings

EMDR is primarily aimed at altering the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors that emerge as a consequence of trauma. This process facilitates the brain's natural healing mechanism, along with the thoughts, memories, beliefs, and experiences that define an individual's identity.

Intrusive thoughts are common from experiences of grief, anxiety, depression, and other difficult emotions.

Life is complicated, and seeking treatment from counseling is an emotional choice that many clients make to process healing.

Desensitization and reprocessing EMDR therapy is incredibly beneficial for treating trauma. Individuals who experience traumatic events often will experience physical sensations. These body sensations come from the nervous system being interconnected with the mind.

Presenting concerns

EMDR therapy will support clients through emotional abuse history, low self esteem, relationship issues, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. By fighting these treatable conditions, you can find your true self and experience recovery from old wounds.

EMDR therapy is unique to traditional talk therapy. Individual therapy normally utilizes a once weekly approach. EMDR therapy utilizes twice weekly sessions- where sessions occur at least 24 hours separated.

A cost based analysis would show that EMDR therapy can still be less expensive and shorter than traditional counseling, due to its limited frequency and targeted approach for clients.

Out of network reimbursement

Yet, EMDR therapy is covered by insurance the same way individual therapy is! Therapy in Denver often utilizes an out of network insurance reimbursement policy, which Birch Psychology offers. Learn more here.

Trauma counseling can involve a variety of therapeutic techniques. EMDR is not a fit for everyone, and there are ways of initial knowing.

The complexity of neurodivergence

If you are neurodivergent, an alternative trauma therapy may be recommended instead. If you struggle with autism, ADHD, or some personality disorders- EMDR may not be successful due to the processing of emotional symptoms unique to these conditions.

Repeat EMDR

If you have completed EMDR therapy successfully before, it can be successful in healing a new trauma, or readdressing a previous trauma when you are feeling stuck or once again reliving disturbing memories. Yet sometimes, EMDR may not work for specific events even in the same person.

Your therapist will create a treatment plan with specific techniques they will utilize with you. Dependent on their level of success, the therapist may try other forms of trauma therapy as needed.

EMDR Intensives are longer sessions designed to make trauma memory processing work better. An EMDR therapist will conduct trauma therapy through longer intense sessions across several days. This fast-tracked form of counseling is trauma informed, emotionally focused therapy that can halt negative beliefs and kickstart the healing process.

Faster Treatment

This form of trauma counseling requires advanced training, but can help you feel less upset about scary events or tough life experiences faster, while also teaching you how to handle your nervous system going haywire.