Evidence-based trauma therapy to help you process difficult experiences, reduce distress, and move forward with greater clarity and calm.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy developed to help people heal from the emotional distress caused by traumatic or disturbing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on changing the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain — allowing you to process them without reliving the full weight of the experience.
EMDR is recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for PTSD and trauma.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, but research has expanded its use to a wide range of concerns:
Trauma & PTSD
Single-incident trauma, complex trauma, childhood abuse, accidents, and more.
Anxiety & panic
Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and phobias.
Depression
Feelings of hopelessness, low mood, and difficulty engaging with daily life.
Grief & loss
Processing the death of a loved one, relationship loss, or major life changes.
Performance & self-esteem
Negative beliefs about yourself that hold you back in work, relationships, or daily life.
Relationship trauma
Abuse, neglect, difficult attachment patterns, and interpersonal wounds.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach that guides you safely through processing traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation — typically eye movements, taps, or tones — to help the brain reprocess distressing experiences.
History & treatment planning
Your therapist learns about your experiences and identifies target memories for processing.
Preparation
You learn coping tools and relaxation techniques to help you feel safe during sessions.
Assessment
Together, you identify the specific memory, related emotions, body sensations, and negative beliefs.
Desensitization, installation & body scan
Bilateral stimulation is used to process the memory while replacing negative beliefs with positive ones.
Closure & reevaluation
Each session ends with grounding, and progress is reviewed at the start of each new session.
Frequently asked questions
Is EMDR right for me?
EMDR is highly effective for anyone experiencing trauma, but it can benefit a wide range of concerns. A consultation with a trained EMDR therapist in Columbus can help determine if it's the right fit for your situation.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people begin to notice significant shifts within 6–12 sessions. The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your history. Some single-incident traumas may resolve in fewer sessions.
Do I have to talk about everything in detail?
No. EMDR does not require you to describe traumatic events in depth, which many clients find to be a significant relief. You can process experiences without narrating them fully.
Is EMDR available via telehealth in Ohio?
Yes. Many EMDR therapists in Columbus offer telehealth sessions for Ohio residents, making it accessible from anywhere in the state.
Does insurance cover EMDR therapy?
EMDR is a licensed therapy modality, so it is often covered by insurance under standard mental health benefits. We recommend contacting your provider to confirm your coverage.