What is EMDR Therapy?

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.
.

Do You Need EMDR Therapy in Orlando?

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 Orlando therapists can help determine if this therapy is the right fit for your specific needs.

.

Conditions EMDR Therapy Can Treat

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.

PTSD

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.

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.

Anxiety

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.

Eating Disorders

EMDR can help you process and heal from past traumatic experiences and 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.

Why Choose Restored Purpose Counseling for EMDR Therapy in Orlando?

Meet our team of Orlando therapists

It's important to find a clinician you connect with. At Restored Purpose Counseling, our therapists have diverse backgrounds, training, and skill sets so you can find the right fit for your unique needs. Read about each of our anxiety therapists below. For even more information about our team, please visit our "Meet the Therapists" page.

How Does EMDR Work?

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy

Can EMDR be integrated with other types of therapy?

Can I do EMDR therapy virtually?

Bailey is a licensed therapist who uses an inclusive, Health At Every Size framework to help people recover from eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, co-occurring disorders, and more. She is also part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Bailey Sheetz, MA, LMHC

Begin EMDR Therapy in Orlando, FL

Ready to get started? Our team of therapists in Orlando is here to support you. Together, we can get to the root of your symptoms and unlearn the patterns that hold you back. Reach out today to start the process. We look forward to hearing from you!
To schedule an appointment, please share your primary concerns, the services you're interested in, and any preferred providers. Our experienced administrative team will reach out to you within 24 business hours. If you would prefer a call or text, you can reach us at 407-594-7511.

Patt is a licensed mental health therapist.  Her mission is to support individuals, especially teens and young adults, with mood disorders, eating disorders, anxiety, and trauma-related challenges. She utilizes a tailored blend of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed and a strength-based approach.

Patt Somasri,
M. ED., LMHC

Caroline Hughes, 
MA, RMFTI

Caroline is a trauma informed provisionally licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is dedicated to helping individuals improve their relationship with eating and their physical well-being.
She works with those suffering from mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, and mood disorders as well as PTSD. She sees individuals, couples, families, and groups. 

Fay Gershman, MA, RMHCI

Fay is a provisionally licensed mental health therapist.  She is dedicated to helping adolescents and adults gain a greater awareness of their relationship with food and  working with those struggling with LGBTQIA+ identity, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, and relationship issues. 

Jaclyn is a Licensed Therapist specializing in trauma and trained in EMDR therapy. She is passionate about helping individuals who are healing from trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, and perfectionism. She incorporates evidence based theories such as CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, IFS, and somatic therapies. 

Jaclyn Pfingsten, MSW, LCSW

Bri is a Licensed therapist whose approach integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. Her mission is to empower clients to see beyond their current struggles and discover the hope and possibilities waiting on the other side. Bri is trained in DBT, CBT, and Psychoanalytic theories.

Brianna Fedynich, MSW, LCSW

Elizabeth is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist. Elizabeth excels in helping clients deconstruct harmful body image messaging and build a solid foundation towards self-acceptance. She is trained in EMDR, ACT, and DBT. She is eager to support clients experiencing symptoms of
an eating disorder, body image concerns, and low self-esteem.

Elizabeth Lomas, M. ED., LMHC