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EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help people heal from the emotional distress and symptoms that can result from traumatic or highly stressful life experiences. EMDR is based on the understanding that unprocessed memories can become “stuck” in the nervous system, continuing to trigger distress in the present.

During EMDR therapy, a trained clinician guides the client in briefly recalling aspects of a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation — such as guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds. This process helps the brain reprocess the memory so that it becomes less emotionally intense and more adaptively integrated.

EMDR is commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as anxiety, depression, grief, and other trauma-related concerns.

Rather than requiring detailed verbal recounting of the trauma, EMDR focuses on helping the brain naturally process and resolve the impact of past experiences, allowing individuals to feel more grounded, resilient, and able to respond to present-day situations with greater flexibility.

EMDR Session Types

EMDR Standard Insurance Session: A 45–60 minute EMDR session is a standard psychotherapy appointment in which a trained clinician guides the client through phases of EMDR treatment, including preparation, identifying targets for reprocessing, and using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to help the brain process distressing memories. These sessions support gradual, structured trauma work while allowing time for grounding, integration, and ongoing treatment planning.

Extended EMDR Sessions: These longer-format sessions (ranging from 90 minutes up to 4 hours) provide the opportunity to process more complex material in depth. Extended time allows for deeper reprocessing, space for grounding, and integration, supporting meaningful breakthroughs that may not be possible in a standard appointment. Individuals who are looking for change over a shorter period of time, may benefit from this method versus the traditional 45 minute session.

Intensive EMDR Sessions: Intensive EMDR sessions are extended therapy sessions — often lasting several hours or conducted over consecutive days — designed to accelerate trauma processing and symptom relief. This format allows clients to engage more deeply in EMDR work with fewer interruptions, which can be especially helpful for complex trauma, time-sensitive treatment goals, or individuals who prefer a focused therapeutic approach.