Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy method designed to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences and emotional distress. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on the brain’s natural healing processes. During an EMDR session, clients are guided through a series of eye movements while recalling distressing memories, which helps to reprocess these memories in a way that reduces their lingering effects. This therapy is particularly effective for treating conditions like eating disorders, PTSD, anxiety, trauma, and phobias.





EMDR therapy involves an eight-phase approach that includes history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Central to this process is the use of bilateral stimulation, which can be achieved through eye movements, taps, or auditory tones. This stimulation helps to activate the brain's information processing system, allowing clients to reprocess traumatic memories in a more adaptive way. By doing so, the emotional charge of these memories is diminished, and individuals can integrate these experiences into their lives without overwhelming distress.

What is EMDR?

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

How do I know if I need EMDR?

Determining if you need EMDR therapy often starts with understanding the impact of your experiences on your daily life. If you are struggling with persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or trauma-related symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, or emotional numbness, EMDR might be a beneficial option. This therapy is particularly effective for individuals who have not found relief through traditional talk therapies and are looking for a structured, evidence-based approach to healing.

You might also consider EMDR if you find yourself avoiding certain situations, places, or people that remind you of past traumas, or if you experience intense emotional reactions that seem disproportionate to current events. EMDR can help reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing you to move forward with greater resilience and peace of mind. Consulting with one of our therapists can help determine if this therapy is the right fit for your specific needs.

Here's a broad overview of some common disorders that may benefit from EMDR treatment. Keep in mind that you don't need a diagnosed disorder to start therapy. Your therapist will conduct an assessment to get a better idea of what symptoms you're struggling with.

EMDR can be beneficial to a person with PTSD by allowing them to reprocess and integrate traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment, which reduces the emotional distress and negative symptoms associated with the trauma.

PTSD

Phobias

EMDR can be used to facilitate the desensitization of fear-triggering stimuli, ultimately reducing the intensity of phobic responses leading to decreased fear and improved coping mechanisms.

Trauma

EMDR can enable those with trauma to reprocess disturbing memories and reduce their emotional impact, thereby alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and distressing thoughts.

EMDR can help a person with generalized anxiety disorder by reprocessing the underlying traumatic or distressing memories that contribute to their chronic anxiety, leading to a reduction in overall anxiety levels and improved emotional regulation.

GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

Eating Disorders

EMDR can help you process and heal from past traumatic experiences  & negative beliefs about yourself that may be driving your eating disorder. By addressing these root causes, EMDR can reduce the emotional pain linked to these memories and help you develop healthier ways of coping. This often leads to better self-esteem, a more positive body image, and overall emotional well-being, supporting your recovery journey.

Our approach to EMDR

At our practice, we are committed to delivering high-quality EMDR therapy customized to address each client's specific needs. Our therapists are thoroughly trained in EMDR, equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques. We foster a safe and supportive environment where clients can process their traumatic memories at a comfortable pace. Through a compassionate approach and dedication to continuous professional development, we aim to help our clients achieve lasting healing and enhanced well-being through EMDR therapy.

When we encounter overwhelming experiences that are either too intense and rapid or persist for an extended duration, our nervous system can become overloaded. This overload can cause these experiences to become 'stuck' in our minds and bodies, leading to a range of distressing psychological and physical symptoms. EMDR works to 'unstick' (reprocess) these experiences, enabling you to reconnect with your inherent ability to heal and move beyond your past.

At Restored Purpose Counseling, we utilize therapeutic approaches that harness the healing power of your nervous system, backed by extensive research and robust evidence. If this is your first time seeking therapy or if you have mixed feelings about starting, it's natural to feel uncertain. Fear of the unknown and reluctance to embrace hope are common, and we will explore these feelings together. Understanding our methods and the reasons behind them can help alleviate some of your concerns and give you a clearer understanding of what to expect.

FAQs about EMDR 

What happens during an EMDR session?

Can EMDR be used with other therapies?

Yes, EMDR can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or talk therapy, to enhance overall treatment outcomes.

Can EMDR be done online?

Yes, EMDR can be effectively conducted through teletherapy. Many therapists offer virtual EMDR sessions, which can be particularly beneficial for clients who cannot attend in person.

Our EMDR  trained therapists in Florida can help you find the
emotional freedom you've been looking for.