Break the cycle of trauma and work through emotional distress with evidence-based EMDR therapy at Harper Clinic.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy initially designed for the treatment of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also support recovery from other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, by reprocessing past experiences that contribute to mental health problems and reducing their emotional intensity.
EMDR uses guided eye movements and bilateral stimulation of the brain to help process traumatic memories and emotional distress.
Patients attend EMDR sessions one to two times a week, and most report relief of symptoms after 6-8 sessions.
EMDR is a structured treatment provided in 8 phases. During an EMDR therapy session, patients move through each phase with the guidance of a trauma-trained and licensed EMDR therapist.
The therapist gathers information and psychological history, identifies target memories with the patient, builds strong rapport, and develops a personalized treatment plan together with the patient.
The therapist educates and prepares the patient on what to expect during treatment. During this phase, the patient learns positive coping skills to manage any emotional distress during the session. The patient also sets goals for treatment and asks questions or addresses any concerns.
This is the first part of the reprocessing phase. The therapist uses bilateral stimulation of the brain through quick guided eye movements, tapping, and auditory stimulation. This allows the brain to enter a state that makes it easier to process deep trauma and distress, and the patient will slowly be desensitized to the discomfort of the memory. This phase is repeated until the Subjective Unit Disturbance (which measures their levels of distress) reaches 1 or 0.
During this phase the positive belief or memory the patient identified during the assessment phase is installed to replace the negative traumatic memory. Bilateral stimulation is continued in this phase, focusing on integrating and strengthening the positive beliefs.
After installation of the positive beliefs, the patient completes a full body scan to check for any sensations, physical reactions, or distress in the body. This is an important part of fully processing the trauma and calming the nervous system.
After the session ends, patients spend a few minutes calming their thoughts and processing the experience. Therapists guide them back to a normal state and into the present moment.
This occurs at the end and/or beginning of each new session. The therapist and patient review previous results, discuss how the patient is currently feeling, and ensure that treatment goals still align with the patient’s needs.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is recognized by the World Health Organization as a first-line treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma.
EMDR helps individuals challenge negative thoughts or beliefs that contribute to their anxiety. Through desensitization and reprocessing, patients gradually reduce the emotional intensity and stress of previous negative memories or experiences.
Harper Clinic follows the principles of trauma-informed care, focusing on empowerment, collaboration, safety, and building resilience in each individual we work with. We encourage our patients to have a voice throughout their treatment process and regain control of their lives.
EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all approach and is personalized to fit each patient’s unique needs, history, and current state of mental health. Our trained EMDR therapists understand that each patient’s story is different, and no two healing journeys are the same.
Our easy consultation process helps patients schedule their first EMDR therapy session and find the relief they need.
Contact Harper Clinic by text, phone call, or directly book a consult with us.
Schedule your first consultation with one of our medically trained clinicians to help you design a treatment plan tailored to your specific health needs. During your first assessment we will verify insurance, learn your medical history, and set goals for treatment.
If you meet the criteria for EMDR, we will schedule your first session.
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy primarily used to treat trauma, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. It follows a structured 8-phase process using bilateral brain stimulation to replace negative memories with positive ones and process emotional distress.
The timeline for EMDR to work is different for everyone. Patients typically see an improvement in symptoms after 6 to 8 sessions, but some report relief after just a few.
Yes. EMDR is an evidence-based mental health therapy and is recognized by the American Psychological Association as an effective treatment for trauma.
Individuals in active substance abuse, experiencing psychosis, or who cannot handle the stress that may emerge during sessions are often not suitable candidates for EMDR. During your first consultation, one of our licensed mental health professionals will help you decide whether EMDR is the right fit for your mental health needs.
A typical EMDR session lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The amount of sessions one requires depends on the individual, such as the severity of their mental health disorder and if they have social support.
