What is EMDR Therapy and How Can It Help Heal Trauma? (with an EMDR Therapist Florida)

Trauma can have a huge impact on our lives, and sometimes it feels like it just won’t go away, no matter how hard we try. That’s where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy comes in. At Olson Counseling Services, I specialize in EMDR Intensive therapy, helping moms heal from trauma and reclaim their lives. But what exactly is EMDR, and how does it work? Let’s break it down!

What is EMDR and How Does It Work?

EMDR therapy was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro as a way to help people process and heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. It’s a little different from traditional talk therapy because it uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) while recalling a traumatic memory. This helps the brain “reprocess” the memory, making it less painful and easier to manage.

The brain naturally knows how to heal, but sometimes trauma gets in the way of that process. EMDR works by essentially resetting how your brain deals with those stuck memories. In fact, studies have shown that EMDR can reduce symptoms of PTSD faster than traditional therapy.

According to a 2014 study, people who went through EMDR saw big improvements in their PTSD symptoms in a shorter time than with regular talk therapy. That’s pretty amazing!

Who Can Benefit from EMDR ?

EMDR isn’t just for people with major trauma. It’s a great option for anyone dealing with unresolved trauma, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. Here’s who it might help:

• PTSD sufferers: Veterans, survivors of abuse, or people who’ve been through accidents or disasters.

• Those with anxiety or panic attacks: Many people report feeling less anxious after just a few EMDR sessions.

• People struggling with depression: EMDR can help lighten the emotional burden that often comes with depression.

• Adults dealing with childhood trauma: EMDR is a powerful tool for processing deep emotional wounds from childhood neglect or trauma.

If you’re feeling stuck, EMDR can be a game-changer in helping you heal and move forward.

What to Expect in an EMDR Therapist Florida Session

An EMDR session is structured in eight phases, but don’t worry, your therapist will walk you through everything. Here’s what to expect:

1. History & Treatment Planning: You and your therapist will talk through your experiences and make a plan to tackle the most troubling memories.

2. Preparation: You’ll learn some relaxation techniques to make sure you feel safe and supported throughout.

3. Assessment: You’ll identify specific emotions or negative beliefs tied to your trauma.

4. Desensitization: This is where the bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) comes in while you focus on the memory.

5. Installation: You’ll replace negative beliefs with more positive, empowering ones.

6. Body Scan: You’ll check in with your body to see if any tension or distress remains.

7. Closure: At the end of each session, you’ll do grounding exercises to help you leave feeling calm.

8. Reevaluation: Your therapist will review how things are going and tweak the plan if needed.

Most people start to feel relief after just a few sessions, but it varies. And if you’re looking for a faster route to healing, EMDR intensives—where sessions are done over a few days—might be the perfect fit.

If you're ready to give EMDR therapy a try, Olson Counseling Services is here to help! As an EMDR therapist Florida, I offer EMDR Intensive therapy via Telehealth for moms in Iowa, Delaware, Florida, and Wisconsin. Schedule a free consult to learn more.