EMDR Therapy Services

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful therapeutic method that helps people heal from the symptoms and emotional pain of trauma. By using specific eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, those suffering from trauma can begin reprogramming the parts of the brain in which trauma is stored. At Charlotte Counseling Associates, we have several trained EMDR specialists who can help provide relief from the negative impacts of trauma and put you on a path to wholeness and recovery. 

a picture of a man in therapy

Who Can Benefit from EDMR?

EMDR is especially helpful for those suffering from PTSD or trauma. Trauma can occur in many ways, such as a severe car accident, sexual or physical assault, death of a loved one, natural disaster, or other major life events. It is also possible to suffer from PTSD or trauma from repeated, smaller wounds or dysfunctional environments, especially in childhood.

Below are some signs of PTSD and trauma:

Seeking approval from others Intrusive thoughts

Seeking approval from others Nightmares

Seeking approval from others Flashbacks

Seeking approval from others Feelings of detachment

Seeking approval from others Physical reactivity after exposure to traumatic reminders

Seeking approval from others Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response

Seeking approval from others Avoidant behavior related to the trauma

Seeking approval from others Memory problems related to the trauma

Seeking approval from others Distorted blame of oneself or others

Seeking approval from others Emotional distress after exposure to traumatic reminders

Seeking approval from others Loss of interest in activities

Seeking approval from others Risky or destructive behavior

How EMDR Works

EMDR is a science-backed, research-proven method for helping people recover from trauma. Eye movements or other bilateral stimulation are used to help access the parts of the brain in which trauma is stored. The clinician guides the client in holding a target memory or event in mind while asking the client to track the therapist’s hand back and forth. These eye movements simulate the Rapid Eye Movement we experience while sleeping, which allows the target memories to be processed and reprogrammed.

EMDR differs from traditional talk therapy, which works primarily with the prefrontal cortex. The methods used in EMDR access the limbic system and brainstem, which store our deeper traumas. EMDR is an extremely effective tool for working with trauma and does not require talking in detail about the distressing events. This simple yet effective method has yielded powerful results for many trauma sufferers, and our EMDR practitioners look forward to guiding you.

The Benefits of EMDR

Through EMDR therapy, trauma sufferers can greatly reduce the intensity of negative feelings that occur as a result of trauma. Through EMDR, individuals can make more rapid progress with their healing and are not required to do additional homework outside of the sessions. This method has been shown to make a powerful, positive difference in the lives of those suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and other challenges.

EMDR can provide relief for trauma sufferers by removing the blocks to healing and allowing the brain’s healing system to naturally move toward mental health. Trauma sufferers often feel trapped in a perpetual “reliving” of their trauma, which continues reopening their psychological wounds.  By working with our trained EMDR specialists, you can begin your healing journey and release the hold that trauma has had on your life.

Want to work with one of our highly experienced EMDR Therapists? Learn more about them here.

Healing the wounds of sexual betrayal.

MS. BRITTANY COULSTING

LCMHCA, APTT, NCC, EMDR Trained Therapist

The Power of Empathy Class

ROBERT MCGUIRE

LCMHC, CSAT, CPTT, EMDR/EFT Trained Therapist

EMDR Facts

Seeking approval from others

EMDR is recognized as an effective form of treatment for trauma and other disturbing experiences by the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Defense.

Seeking approval from others

Some studies have shown that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have PTSD after only three 90-minute EMDR sessions.

Seeking approval from others

One study found that 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma victims were no longer diagnosed with PTSD after only six 50-minute EMDR sessions

Want to learn more about EMDR? Check out this article:

Begin Your Healing Journey through EMDR

You don’t have to deal with your trauma alone. Charlotte Counseling Associates’ licensed EMDR specialists are here to help. In addition to EMDR trauma therapy, we are also trained in another research-based and helpful therapy called Brainspotting. To learn more about Brainspotting, click here.