Trauma can leave lasting emotional, psychological, and physical effects. EMDR therapy is a proven treatment designed to help reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories and support long-term healing.
At Braden Counseling Center, EMDR therapy is offered by trained clinicians in a safe, supportive environment.
How EMDR Therapy Helps
At Braden Counseling Center, EMDR therapy is used to treat a number of disorders, particularly those associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Rather than requiring prolonged exposure to the traumatic event or assigning homework, EMDR therapy focuses directly on the memory itself. By changing how the memory is stored, EMDR can alter the emotions, thoughts, and physical responses connected to the trauma.
When successful, problematic symptoms are reduced or eliminated, allowing individuals to move forward with greater emotional stability.
Typical Use of EMDR Therapy for PTSD and Anxiety
At Braden Counseling Center, we understand that managing medication effectively plays a crEMDR therapy follows a structured, eight-phase treatment process that includes:
- History taking
- Client preparation
- Assessment of the traumatic memory
- Multiple phases to process the target memory to adaptive resolution
- Evaluation of treatment results
The initial processing of a specific traumatic memory often takes one to three sessions, though additional sessions are usually needed to complete the full treatment process.
Sometimes referred to as rapid eye movement therapy, EMDR does not require extended focus on the trauma itself and does not challenge beliefs directly. Instead, it aims to reduce the impact of the memory by physically changing how it is stored in the brain.
Phases of EMDR Therapy
Assessment and Treatment Planning
The process begins with a comprehensive history and assessment. Your therapist works with you to identify treatment targets, including past memories, current triggers, and treatment goals.
Preparation
Your therapist explains the EMDR process and introduces stress-reduction techniques and imagery exercises that can be used during and between sessions. A key goal at this stage is helping clients maintain emotional balance throughout treatment.
Memory Activation and Processing
The targeted memory is activated by identifying:
- The vivid visual image associated with the memory
- A negative belief about yourself
- Related emotions and body sensations
The Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) and Validity of Cognition (VOC) scales are used to measure emotional and cognitive changes during sessions.
Clients are also asked to identify a positive belief to replace the negative belief.
Desensitization and Installation
Clients focus on the memory while following procedures that reduce distress. Once the memory becomes less disturbing, the installation phase strengthens the positive belief and reduces lingering negative thoughts.
Body Scan
During the body scan phase, clients observe physical sensations while thinking about the memory and positive belief. If residual distress is present, additional processing is completed.
Closing and Re-Evaluating EMDR Sessions
Each EMDR session concludes with an assessment to determine whether the targeted memory has been fully processed. If further work is needed, the therapist provides specific techniques to support emotional safety between sessions.
At the next appointment, the therapist evaluates whether progress has been maintained and whether new memories or triggers have emerged. The process is repeated as needed until the traumatic memory no longer causes distress.
Does EMDR Therapy Cure PTSD?
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), EMDR therapy is effective for treating symptoms of PTSD, both acute and chronic. The APA notes that EMDR is particularly beneficial for individuals who have difficulty talking about their traumatic experiences.
The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense strongly recommend EMDR therapy in their joint clinical practice guidelines for both military and non-military populations. Studies have shown EMDR to be as effective as other established psychological treatments for PTSD.
While additional research continues on long-term outcomes, EMDR is widely recognized as an evidence-based trauma treatment.
Our Commitment to Trauma-Informed Care
At Braden Counseling Center, EMDR therapy is delivered with compassion, professionalism, and respect. We recognize that trauma affects each person differently and tailor treatment to your individual needs and readiness.
Our goal is to help you process trauma safely, reduce symptoms, and regain a sense of control and stability.
Find EMDR Services Near You
If you are searching for EMDR, Braden Counseling Center is here to help.
Our specialists provide tailored plans for individuals. We ensure that you receive the right guidance, monitoring, and support to improve your health and stability.
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