Helping the brain process what still feels unresolved.

Certain memories, situations, sensations, or reminders can trigger anxiety, fear, shame, anger, or other reactions that feel difficult to control.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps the brain process distressing experiences so they no longer carry the same emotional intensity. Originally developed to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now used by trained clinicians to address a range of concerns connected to distressing or overwhelming experiences.

What Is EMDR?

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR is different from traditional talk therapy. While you will talk with your therapist, EMDR does not require you to repeatedly describe every detail of a difficult experience.

During EMDR, your therapist guides you through a structured process using bilateral stimulation, which may include eye movements, alternating sounds, or tapping.

The goal is not to erase a memory or convince yourself that something painful did not happen. Instead, EMDR helps the brain reprocess the experience so you can remember what happened without experiencing the same level of distress or feeling as though the past is happening in the present.

EMDR follows a structured eight-phase treatment model. Before processing begins, your therapist spends time understanding your history, developing resources, and preparing you for the work.

EMDR Is More Than Eye Movements

People sometimes hear about EMDR and assume the eye movements themselves are the treatment. Bilateral stimulation, whether through eye movements, alternating sounds, or tapping, is only one part of a much larger therapeutic process.

EMDR begins with understanding you: your history, current circumstances, coping resources, and readiness for trauma processing. Your therapist will determine what preparation is appropriate before beginning reprocessing work.

For some people, that preparation may include developing additional strategies for emotional regulation, grounding, and managing distress. There is no expectation that you begin processing difficult experiences before you are ready.

EMDR Training Matters

Every therapist at Coastal Wellness who provides EMDR has completed an EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Basic Training. Some members of our team have continued beyond this foundational training to earn advanced EMDRIA credentials.

1. EMDR Approved EMDR Therapist

   A therapist who has completed an EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Basic Training, including 20 hours of instruction, 20 hours of supervised practicum, and 10 hours of consultation.

2. EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

   An EMDR-trained therapist who has completed at least 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients, plus 20 additional hours of EMDR consultation and 12 hours of EMDR continuing education, along with other EMDRIA requirements.

3. EMDRIA Approved Consultant in Training™

   An EMDRIA Certified Therapist who is completing the additional consultation experience and requirements needed to become an EMDRIA Approved Consultant.

4. EMDRIA Approved Consultant™

   An experienced EMDRIA Certified Therapist who has completed advanced requirements to provide consultation to other EMDR therapists, including therapists working toward EMDRIA Certification.

These distinctions matter because EMDR is a comprehensive psychotherapy approach, not simply a technique or the use of bilateral stimulation.

EMDRIA Read about EMDR training and credentials from the EMDR International Association (opens in a new tab).

EMDR at Coastal Wellness

At Coastal Wellness, EMDR is one of several evidence-based approaches our therapists may use when working with trauma and related concerns. Treatment is individualized. For some people, EMDR may be the primary focus of therapy. For others, it may be integrated with other therapeutic approaches as part of a broader treatment plan.

Looking for a More Focused Approach? EMDR Intensives

Traditional EMDR is often provided within regular weekly therapy sessions. EMDR Intensives offer another option, providing longer blocks of time for preparation and trauma processing rather than stopping when a standard therapy session ends.

An intensive may be appropriate for someone who wants to focus on a particular experience or concern, has limited time for weekly therapy, or may benefit from having more uninterrupted time for EMDR work.

An intensive does not mean rushing trauma treatment. The amount of preparation and processing that is appropriate depends on the person, their history, the complexity of what they have experienced and their ability to remain within a manageable window of tolerance. For individuals with complex or longstanding trauma, meaningful EMDR work may require more time and ongoing treatment.

Coastal Wellness offers different intensive formats so treatment can be structured around the individual rather than assuming the same amount of time is appropriate for everyone.

Learn More About EMDR Intensives

Is EMDR Right for Me?

EMDR can be highly effective, but it is not automatically the right approach for every person or every situation. Your therapist will talk with you about what brings you to therapy, your history, your current needs and what you hope to accomplish. Together, you can determine whether EMDR, or another therapeutic approach, makes the most sense for you.

Interested in EMDR?

Not sure whether EMDR is the right fit for you? We can help answer your questions and connect you with a therapist whose experience and approach fit what you’re looking for.

Book a Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation

Prefer to contact us directly? Call (321) 757-4015 or Text (321) 286-7033.