EMDR Therapy in Flagstaff

Understanding the Process and Benefits

Do you feel stuck in negative beliefs that hold you back from living fully?

Do you struggle with painful traumatic memories and past experiences?  

Or often feel overwhelmed by anxiety and depression, and I find it hard to cope with feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or shame?

At Bright Potential Counseling, we offer EMDR therapy as a powerful tool for healing trauma. Reframe your perceptions so you can move toward a more fulfilling future.

If you’re curious about how EMDR works and who can benefit, you’re in the right place.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, also sometimes referred to EMDR eye movement therapy or eye movement treatment. It is a type of therapy that helps people heal from trauma.

Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is now a top treatment for trauma and emotional pain.

EMDR mixes traditional talk therapy with special techniques. One key technique involves bilateral stimulation, often using eye movements.

This process helps clients access and reprocess their traumatic memories. As a result, they can feel less emotional pain and develop healthier ways to cope.

The EMDR Process

EMDR has eight clear phases. Each phase is important for healing:

  • We gather details about your past. Together, we find specific traumatic memories to work on.

  • We explain how the process works and teach you coping skills. This helps you feel safe and supported.

  • We identify the memories to focus on and look at negative beliefs tied to them. This helps us customize your therapy.

  • Using bilateral stimulation, like eye movements, you’ll process the chosen memories. This reduces their emotional intensity.

  • We work on building new, positive beliefs to replace the negative ones. This strengthens your self-image.

  • You’ll identify any physical tension related to the memories. This ensures all feelings are processed.

  • At the end of each session, we help you feel balanced again. You can share your feelings and insights.

  • In later sessions, we check your progress. We decide if more memories need to be addressed or if any distress remains.

How Does EMDR Work?

The main idea of EMDR is that unresolved trauma can cause distress. When these memories are not processed, they can lead to anxiety, depression, and other emotional problems.

In EMDR treatment, clients recall painful memories while using bilateral stimulation, usually through rapid eye movements. This helps the brain process these memories. As a result, clients can heal and change for the better.

Types of Bilateral Stimulation

Bilateral stimulation is a key component of EMDR. While eye movements are the most common form, there are several techniques used:

  • Bilateral Eye Movements: The classic method, where clients follow the therapist’s fingers or a light with their eyes.

  • Hand Buzzers: Devices that deliver alternating vibrations to each hand.

  • Light Bar: A tool that uses lights moving back and forth for tracking.

  • Auditory Processing: Headphones deliver alternating sounds to each ear.

  • Bilateral Tapping: Clients tap on their knees or shoulders alternately.

Your EMDR trained therapist will work with you to find the form of bilateral stimulation that feels most comfortable.

EMDR Uses

EMDR is effective for a variety of issues, including:

  • PTSD: One of the primary uses of EMDR is for post-traumatic stress disorder.

  • Anxiety and Depression: Many clients find relief from anxiety and depressive symptoms.

  • Grief and Loss: It helps individuals process feelings of grief.

  • Phobias: EMDR can reduce the intensity of phobias and fears.

  • Performance Anxiety: Athletes and performers often benefit from EMDR to enhance their performance.

  • Low Self-Esteem: EMDR assists in overcoming negative self-beliefs.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR therapy is suitable for individuals of all ages dealing with trauma or emotional distress. Whether you’ve experienced “Big T” traumas, or “Little T” traumas, EMDR can help.

“Big T” Traumas

These are major life events that have a profound impact. They often involve threats to life or serious injury, such as:

  • Natural disasters

  • Violent assaults

  • Serious accidents

  • War or combat exposure

“Little T” Traumas

These include everyday experiences that may seem minor but can accumulate and create emotional distress. Examples include:

  • Bullying during childhood

  • Emotional neglect

  • Family conflicts

  • Loss of a pet

Some people think it is only for folks who have experienced “Big T” traumas.   

However, EMDR can be very effective for “Little T” traumas as well.  So many of us have had these experiences and it is important to take time to reprocess them too.

Both types of trauma can lead to significant psychological challenges. EMDR trauma treatment is effective for both.

Creating Positive Beliefs

EMDR treatment focuses on specific traumatic memories. It helps you reprocess the emotions and thoughts linked to those experiences.

In sessions, you will recall memories while using bilateral stimulation, like eye movements. This process helps activate the brain's natural healing abilities, reducing the emotional pain of those memories.

As you work through your experiences, you will often discover that your negative beliefs associated with these memories begin to change.

By addressing both the traumatic memories and these beliefs, EMDR helps you change how they see yourself. This promotes healthier self-views and empowers you to move forward with strength and self-acceptance.

Common Negative Beliefs Addressed with EMDR

EMDR therapy effectively targets and reframes various negative beliefs that can stem from traumatic experiences. Here are some of the most common beliefs addressed during treatment:

Common Negative Beliefs

  • I am worthless.

    • This belief often arises from experiences of neglect, bullying, or criticism. Through treatment clients recognize their inherent value and foster self-acceptance.

  • I am unlovable.

    • Many individuals internalize feelings of rejection or abandonment. EMDR works to replace this belief with a sense of deserving love and connection.

  • I am powerless.

    • Traumatic events can lead to feelings of helplessness. EMDR therapy helps you regain a sense of control and agency over your life.

  • I am to blame.

    • Survivors of trauma may believe they are at fault for what happened. Treatment aids in reframing these beliefs, emphasizing that you are not responsible for your trauma.

  • I am a failure.

    • Past experiences, particularly those involving criticism or unrealistic expectations, can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Our work together fosters a more positive self-image and encourages self-compassion.

  • I cannot trust others.

    • Trust issues often stem from betrayal or abuse. EMDR treatment helps clients explore and gradually rebuild their ability to trust in relationships.

  • I am always in danger.

    • Hyper-vigilance can develop after trauma, leading to a constant state of fear. Treatment works to reduce this anxiety and promote a sense of safety.

  • I don’t deserve to be happy.

    • This belief can arise from a history of trauma or personal struggles. EMDR encourages clients to embrace the idea that they are worthy of joy and fulfillment.

Interesting Facts About EMDR

Rapid Results: Many clients experience significant relief in just a few sessions. EMDR can be a time-efficient therapeutic option.

  • Non-Invasive: Unlike some traditional therapies, EMDR does not require extensive verbal recounting of traumatic events. This makes it more comfortable for many clients.

  • Holistic Approach: EMDR addresses psychological, physical, and emotional aspects of trauma, promoting overall healing.

  • Research Supported: Numerous studies validate EMDR's effectiveness for trauma and PTSD. It’s recognized by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

EMDR Online

With the rise of teletherapy, EMDR therapy is now accessible online.

Online EMDR allows clients to receive treatment from the comfort of their homes. You can engage in effective therapy while maintaining your privacy and convenience.

We do provide EMDR therapy in person in Flagstaff, but if you are located in other parts of Arizona or prefer the ease of online therapy, we can accommodate.

FAQ’s

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy helps people process traumatic experiences. It uses guided eye movements to reduce the emotional impact of distressing memories and promote healing.

  • Results with EMDR therapy can vary, but many people notice improvements within a few sessions. Some may feel significant relief after just one session, while deeper healing takes time.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. However, we can use various forms of bilateral stimulation (auditory, buzzers, tapping, etc.) in the EMDR process.

  • EMDR treats trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and phobias. It’s effective for anyone struggling with distressing memories or emotional pain.

    1. Learn about EMDR beforehand. During their first session, clients often say, “Am I doing this right?” EMDR can seem like a strange experience at first, so the more knowledge you have, the more you can trust the process and allow EMDR to do its work. Let your clinician know about any questions that you have.

    2. Work with your therapist to practice grounding techniques

    3. Plan ahead for your session. EMDR is a form of exposure therapy and can be triggering, so it's best to clear your schedule, lighten your workload, or book your session for the end of the day.

    4. Let your support system know you have an EMDR session that day, so they can be prepared and emotionally available if you need them.

  • Yes, the results are the same for in-person and telehealth sessions. Many people feel more comfortable doing EMDR therapy from the familiarity of their own homes, or are located outside of Flagstaff. We are able to provide EMDR for clients throughout Arizona!

  • Complete our online contact form and we will promptly be in touch with available times for a free consult. You can also call us at 828-335-5322.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

EMDR therapy is a powerful way to heal from trauma.

Whether you are facing big traumas or everyday stress, EMDR can help you recover.

If you're ready to learn more about EMDR therapy in Flagstaff, contact us today. Our EMDR trained therapists are here to support you. Let’s take the first step together!