Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Anchor Counseling Centers is proud to offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy — a proven, research-backed approach to help people heal from trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. EMDR works by gently guiding the brain to reprocess painful experiences, reducing their emotional impact and helping you move forward with greater peace and resilience.
Our trained EMDR therapists create a safe, supportive environment where you can work at your own pace and begin to find relief. Whether you’re struggling with past trauma, anxiety, or ongoing stress, EMDR can be a powerful step toward healing and growth.
Our trained EMDR therapists create a safe, supportive environment where you can work at your own pace and begin to find relief. Whether you’re struggling with past trauma, anxiety, or ongoing stress, EMDR can be a powerful step toward healing and growth.
Kate Sprague,
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Hanna Murchake,
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Jessie Lewis Bettendorf,
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Michaelanne Helms,
LGPC, LGPAT
Art Therapist
Cumberland Location
According to the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA), EMDR can be thought of as a “physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.”
How Does it Work?
The short answer is, “They don’t know!” Francine Shapiro discovered that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts while walking through a park in 1987. The effect was studied scientifically, and Dr. Shapiro reported success in a 1989 scientific journal. It is currently an evidenced-based treatment found to be effective by numerous organizations including the World Health Organization, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the American Psychiatric Association, and more. By activating the left and right brain in rapid succession in a way that imitates REM sleep, EMDR therapy has a direct positive impact on the way the brain processes information. This can decrease visual, auditory, olfactory (smell) flashbacks, as well as associated feelings. You will remember the memory, but it is less distressing.
What Can I Expect in EMDR Treatment?
The first couple of sessions are meant to allow the therapist and client to get to know each other and determine if the therapeutic relationship and EMDR are a good fit. The therapist will conduct an intake session to gather information. There may be “resourcing,” which means adding healthy coping skills to assist the client in and outside of session. During an EMDR session the therapist will assist the client to bring up a memory and, using eye movement or other “dual attention stimulation of the brain” will help the client decrease the physical and emotional arousal surrounding the memory and increase positive beliefs about self, such as, “I did the best I could.” EMDR sessions can move very quickly and some clients only need 1-2 to get to a desired outcome of decreasing activation. However, it is important to remember that everyone is unique, and so while some memories may not take long to process others may take more time. Your therapist will work with you as session time comes to a close to make sure you are prepared to resume your day in the best way possible.
How Does it Work?
The short answer is, “They don’t know!” Francine Shapiro discovered that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts while walking through a park in 1987. The effect was studied scientifically, and Dr. Shapiro reported success in a 1989 scientific journal. It is currently an evidenced-based treatment found to be effective by numerous organizations including the World Health Organization, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the American Psychiatric Association, and more. By activating the left and right brain in rapid succession in a way that imitates REM sleep, EMDR therapy has a direct positive impact on the way the brain processes information. This can decrease visual, auditory, olfactory (smell) flashbacks, as well as associated feelings. You will remember the memory, but it is less distressing.
What Can I Expect in EMDR Treatment?
The first couple of sessions are meant to allow the therapist and client to get to know each other and determine if the therapeutic relationship and EMDR are a good fit. The therapist will conduct an intake session to gather information. There may be “resourcing,” which means adding healthy coping skills to assist the client in and outside of session. During an EMDR session the therapist will assist the client to bring up a memory and, using eye movement or other “dual attention stimulation of the brain” will help the client decrease the physical and emotional arousal surrounding the memory and increase positive beliefs about self, such as, “I did the best I could.” EMDR sessions can move very quickly and some clients only need 1-2 to get to a desired outcome of decreasing activation. However, it is important to remember that everyone is unique, and so while some memories may not take long to process others may take more time. Your therapist will work with you as session time comes to a close to make sure you are prepared to resume your day in the best way possible.
Please click through the pamphlets below for more information on EMDR.
| Pamphlet #1 |
| Pamphlet #2 |
| Pamphlet #3 |
| Pamphlet #4 |
