About EMDR

What Is EMDR Therapy?

If you’re exploring trauma‑informed therapy, you may have come across EMDR. Short for Eye‑Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR is a powerful, evidence‑based approach many people find deeply healing. But what exactly is it — and how does it work?

Growth.

Clarity.

Support.
Compassion.

— and How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy helps individuals process and reframe traumatic memories so they no longer cause intense emotional distress. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones — to activate both hemispheres of the brain. This process supports the brain’s natural healing abilities, helping you rewire painful memories and beliefs into more adaptive understandings.

Most clients report feeling a noticeable shift after just a few sessions.

Interested in EMDR Intensives?

How EMDR Can Help

EMDR can reduce the emotional charge of traumatic or overwhelming experiences and the beliefs that formed around them (e.g., “I’m not safe,” “It was my fault,” "I'm unworthy", “I’m powerless”). Most clients report more calm, better sleep, fewer triggers, and a stronger sense of self after EMDR.

Unlike some therapies that require extensive talking, EMDR works by engaging the brain’s natural ability to heal without needing to retell the full trauma story. Many clients find EMDR offers relief more quickly than traditional approaches. EMDR can help you find deeper, lasting healing from past negative experiences that have caused you to be unhappy, anxious, overly emotional or cause you to not want to feel.

EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective for a wide range of issues, including:

PTSD and trauma
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression
Grief and loss
Phobias
Chronic stress and burnout
Low self-esteem
Disturbing memories or nightmares
Dissociation (with stabilization)
Some pain and performance issues
Any issue that's symptom is an irrational self-evaluation

EMDR: Not Just For Trauma

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most extensively researched trauma therapies in the world. Over 30 clinical trials and multiple meta-analyses have confirmed its effectiveness. It is recognized as an evidence-based treatment for trauma by leading organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. EMDR consistently demonstrates positive outcomes in reducing emotional distress, even in cases where other therapies have been ineffective. Many clients report that EMDR is life-changing—helping them move beyond survival mode and into a fuller, more present life.

EMDR is grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) theory, which explains how emotionally significant past experiences or memories can become neurologically "stuck" in the brain. When these experiences are negative, they may trigger responses in the present that affect relationships, self-perception, behaviors, and interactions with the environment. These responses occur because the brain reacts as if the original event is still happening, even when it is not. EMDR helps update the brain’s processing system with more adaptive and accurate information, allowing individuals to respond in the present without being overwhelmed by unresolved emotional reactions from the past.

More About EMDR

Backed by over 30 years of research
No Reason To Re-tell Your Story
Endorsed by APA, VA/DoD, WHO
Can be effective in as few as 6–12 sessions depending
Adaptable for children, teens, and adults
Used in over 100 countries
Doesn’t require talking in detail about the trauma
Offered both in-person and via secure telehealth
Can address both single-event and complex, long-term trauma
Works well alongside other therapies (CBT, DBT, talk therapy)
Often reduces physiological symptoms like sleep disturbance, muscle tension, and hypervigilance
Enhances emotional resilience and self-understanding
Helps interrupt recurring thought loops and body-based trauma responses
Safe, structured, and customizable to each client’s pace
Can be done as an intensive experience - reducing the amount of time in therapy overall
Can be done in any setting you are receiving services

Be sure to check out the full FAQs section near the bottom of this page

More on the AIP:

In EMDR, the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model proposes that distressing symptoms—and the negative self-views that fuel low confidence, under-performance, and poor self-esteem—arise from maladaptively stored memories; when those memories are reprocessed, the associated beliefs and feelings update in a more adaptive direction. PubMed

In plain terms for clients: a typical EMDR session involves briefly focusing on a troubling memory while your therapist guides back-and-forth eye movements, sounds, or gentle taps; you remain in control the whole time, and many people notice relief across a structured series of visits—see these short explainers:

APA overview: https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/emdr-therapy-ptsd Evidence consistent with these self-related shifts includes a randomized trial showing EMDR significantly improved self-esteem in adults (on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) to a similar degree as CBT, alongside broader reviews of AIP/EMDR outcomes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24626074/

EMDR Options

EMDR can be done in different formats according to your needs, financial ability and location.
Each option is tailored to your needs, goals, and schedule, so you and your therapist can decide together which format is the best fit.

Weekly Sessions – Start with weekly meetings for a few weeks, then move to every other week until treatment is complete.
Half-Day Intensives – Spend about half a day in focused EMDR work, then return in a few weeks for your next session.
Full-Day Intensives – Commit a full day at a time to go deeper. Most people schedule these 4–6 weeks apart.
Three-Day Intensives – Work intensively across three full days in a row for deeper processing and momentum. This works sometimes for those who are coming in from out of town.

Efficacy of EMDR

Real Results

A 2018 meta-analysis found EMDR as effective as prolonged exposure for PTSD.
The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense both list EMDR as a first-line treatment for trauma.
The World Health Organization recommends EMDR for children and adults experiencing PTSD.
Brain imaging studies show changes in brain activation after EMDR, indicating real neurobiological impact.
Many clients report relief from nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional overwhelm in fewer sessions than expected.

What Clients Say:

"After years of struggling with my trauma, EMDR helped me find peace."
"I didn’t believe it at first, but EMDR gave me back my life."
"It’s like my brain finally caught up with the fact that I’m safe."

What to Expect in a Session

We follow an eight-phase model. You set the pace.

Intake & Assessment: We explore your history and current symptoms.
Preparation: Learn grounding tools and build emotional safety.
Targeting: Identify specific memories, beliefs, or sensations to process.
Desensitization: Use bilateral stimulation while focusing on the memory. This can include eye movements, hand or knee tapping or auditory stimulation (bilateral sounds).
Installation: Strengthen new, positive beliefs about yourself.
Body Scan: Ensure physical sensations are neutralized.
Closure: Wrap up the session with regulation and reflection.
Re-Evaluation: Check progress and next steps in following sessions.

What to Expect After a Session

It's normal to feel a mix of sensations following EMDR — many clients describe feeling lighter, clearer, or emotionally tired.

You might experience new insights or dreams as your brain continues processing beneath the surface. This is your nervous system doing its job.

We always recommend gentle, supportive self-care after your session: hydrate well, good nutrition, spend time with loved ones, Laugh, rest when possible, spend quiet time in nature, journal your thoughts, or simply take a calming walk.

Remember, emotions are a normal part of everyday life. When you feel emotional after a session, think of it as a 'letting go' of old material that is no longer helpful. This process allows room for the new updated self view and a more balanced emotional life.

If anything ever feels overwhelming or confusing between sessions, we encourage you to bring it to your next appointment — EMDR is collaborative, and we tailor the pace and approach to fit your unique needs.

Local & Telehealth Appointments Available

Whether you're located in central Iowa or prefer virtual online support, our EMDR therapists are here to help. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions across Iowa and in-person care at our local offices and satellite locations.

Reach Out

Meet Our EMDR Therapists

Kenya Rocha MS, LMHC, NCC

EMDR Trainer

She/Her/Hers

Katrina Hart MS, LMHC

EMDR Certified

She/Her/Hers

Erin Carter MS, LMHC

EMDR Trained

She/Her/Hers

Kristen Peterson LISW

EMDR Trained

Shawn Wellendorf LISW

EMDR Trained

She/Her/Hers

Sarita Roby LISW

EMDR Trained

She/Her/Hers

Hayley Benson LISW

EMDR Trained

She/Her/Hers

Michaela Gibson LMHC-P

EMDR Trained

John Roarick LISW

EMDR Trained

Rebecca Hunt LMHCp

EMDR Trained

She/Her/Hers

About Us

EMDR FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured therapy that helps you process and heal from traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation.

How does EMDR therapy work?

It activates your brain’s natural healing process through guided eye movements or tapping, allowing distressing memories to be reprocessed in a more adaptive way.

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Do you offer EMDR Intensive Sessions?

Yes, we do offer EMDR intensive Sessions - These sessions are good for those who are traveling, who want to do some deeper work in a shorter amount of time. Go to our EMDR Intensive Page Here

Is EMDR therapy safe?

Yes. EMDR is a well-studied, evidence-based therapy with low risk and high effectiveness.

How long does EMDR therapy take?

It varies, but standard EMDR is typically weekly 60–90-minute sessions over several weeks to a few months, depending on your goals, history, and stability needs. Many clients feel relief within 6–12 sessions. Complex trauma may require more. We also offer EMDR intensives (longer, condensed sessions) when appropriate.

What happens in an EMDR session?

Sessions follow a structured eight-phase protocol, including memory targeting, bilateral stimulation, and positive belief installation.

Does EMDR require talking about trauma in detail?

No. Many clients appreciate that EMDR doesn’t require full retelling of traumatic events.

Can EMDR therapy be done online via telehealth?

Absolutely. We offer EMDR through secure telehealth platforms as well as in-person.

Is EMDR better than traditional talk therapy?

It depends on your goals. Many find EMDR offers quicker relief, especially for trauma-related symptoms.

Who is not a good candidate for EMDR?

Those with unmanaged psychosis or active substance abuse may need stabilization first. Every case is evaluated individually.

Is EMDR therapy evidence-based?

Yes. EMDR is endorsed by the APA, WHO, VA/DoD, and many clinical studies support its use.

Can kids or teens benefit from EMDR?

Yes. EMDR is effective for children and adolescents and can be adapted to age-appropriate methods.

Can I do EMDR while taking medications?

Yes. There are few reasons why a client would not continue medication while doing EMDR.

Will I feel worse before I feel better?

Every therapy has an element of emotional work, EMDR is not different. There are 8 phases of EMDR and each phase is important. It helps you prepare for reviewing emotional content before processing. Emotions are temporary in general and pass. Each time you engage in EMDR processing phase, your targeted incidents become less emotionally charged, reducing emotional reactions in your daily life. Your therapist will guide you to ensure each session end in a calm, regulated state.

How much does EMDR cost?

Rates vary. EMDR sessions are typically billed as psychotherapy and are covered by most plans when seeing an in-network clinician. MOSAIC accepts most insurance and offer sliding scale options. We provide a Good Faith Estimate for transparency.
Contact us to learn more.

Is EMDR hypnosis?

EMDR is not hypnosis. Hypnosis is a completely different type of therapy. If you choose, and your therapist is trained in hypnosis, you can request it be integrated into your therapy.

How will EMDR help me?

EMDR is personalized. We connect your goals (sleep, relationships, confidence, triggers, work performance) to specific memories and present-day cues. The aim is relief that lasts—so you can live more fully in the present.