EMDR Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ
Reconnect with Your Joy today: Treating Adults, Teens, & Kids
EMDR for Trauma, PTSD, and Anxiety
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment that helps individuals process and heal from trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, PTSD, and distressing memories. EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements back and forth) to help the brain reprocess painful experiences so they no longer trigger overwhelming emotional or physical responses. We offer EMDR in 2 ways:
Traditional weekly sessions lasting 53 minutes
EMDR Intensive (3 or 6 hours - Read More HERE)
At BrainBody Wellness Counseling, our trained EMDR therapists provide a safe, supportive space for you to explore and release unresolved memories. EMDR is non-invasive, research-backed, and proven to reduce symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, phobias, and negative self-beliefs. Many clients find that EMDR creates faster and deeper results compared to traditional talk therapy alone.
Whether you are seeking EMDR therapy in Scottsdale, AZ or prefer the convenience of telehealth EMDR sessions anywhere in Arizona, our compassionate team is here to help you experience relief, resilience, and long-term healing.
The EMDR Counseling Process
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First, your therapist and you will determine if EMDR therapy is a good fit for you. You will work with your therapist to develop a target sequence plan, which is built around a specific activating memory.
You will then work with your therapist to identify the belief that is associated with the image (for example, this might be "I am not good enough" or "I cannot trust anyone")
The next step is to identify a reprocessed belief that is typically intrinsic in nature (meaning you have the control - for example, "I am not good enough" might become "I am worthy being me.")
You will use bilateral stimulation (BLS) while focusing on the negative event, belief, and experience of the emotion in your body. The trauma does not need to be openly discussed with your therapist if you would prefer.
Continue reading for a more detailed description of each of the 8 phases of EMDR.
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1. History Taking and Treatment Planning
In this initial phase, the EMDR therapist conducts a comprehensive assessment of trauma, anxiety, PTSD, or other emotional challenges. A personalized treatment plan is developed to target the specific memories and symptoms causing distress. -
2. Preparation
During preparation, the therapist teaches coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and self-soothing skills to ensure clients feel safe and supported throughout EMDR therapy sessions. -
3. Assessment
In the assessment phase, the therapist identifies target memories, emotions, and negative beliefs associated with traumatic or stressful events. Clients rate the intensity of their distress to track progress. -
4. Desensitization
This phase involves bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues) while clients focus on distressing memories. EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic experiences and reduce emotional intensity. -
5. Installation
The installation phase strengthens positive beliefs and adaptive thoughts to replace negative beliefs linked to traumatic memories, promoting healthier emotional responses. -
6. Body Scan
Clients focus on physical sensations associated with memories, allowing the therapist to identify residual tension or stress. EMDR helps release lingering bodily responses to trauma. -
7. Closure
Closure ensures that clients return to a calm and stable state at the end of each session. Therapists provide grounding techniques and coping strategies to manage emotions between sessions. -
8. Reevaluation
Each new EMDR session begins with reevaluation of progress. The therapist assesses symptom reduction and emotional shifts, adjusting the treatment plan as needed for continued healing and resilience.
Schedule Your Free Treatment Consult
What Counselor to Choose? Below are our therapists who provide EMDR. You can fill out our match form so we can help you select! Contact us with any questions or if you do not see an appointment available with the counselor of your choosing.
Meghan Kershinar, LAC:
Adults, Teens, Kids 6+
Aetna, BCBS, Private Pay
EMDR
Jessica Cronk, LAC:
Adults, Teens, Kids 6+
Aetna, BCBS, Private Pay
EMDR
Lisa Johnson, LPC:
Adults, Teens, Children 6+
Aetna, BCBS, UHC, Private Pay
EMDR
Ali Iverson, Schilling, Psyl
About EMDR Counseling in Scottsdale, AZ
We are able to offer EMDR therapy at our office in Scottsdale, Arizona in addition to anywhere in the State of Arizona online via a HIPAA compliant platform.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a technique that has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of concerns including:
Trauma
PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
During an EMDR therapy session, our highly skilled and trained therapists will work with you to identify and target the specific memories, emotions, and beliefs that are causing you distress. Together, we'll use various techniques to help you process and reframe these experiences, allowing you to move forward with greater peace and resilience.
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has been extensively studied for trauma and PTSD. Treatment length and individual outcomes vary depending on a person's history, symptoms, treatment goals, and other factors.
We offer EMDR in 2 ways:
Traditional weekly sessions (typically 6-30 sessions lasting 53 minutes each)
EMDR Intensives (3-6 hours continuous process)
We are able to treat children, teens, and adults using EMDR therapy. Our EMDR therapists are able to accept private pay, BCBS, and Aetna insurance.
Schedule a free 10-minute treatment consultation today with one of our EMDR counselors:
Ages 6+, Teens, Adults (BCBS, Aetna, & Private Pay): Lisa Johnson, LPC, Jessica Cronk, LAC, Meghan Kershinar, LAC, Ali Iverson (Schilling), Psy.D.
Don't let trauma continue to hold you back from living your best life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards healing.
EMDR Therapy FAQs
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based treatment that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to promote healing and lasting relief from distress.
What conditions can EMDR help with?
EMDR is commonly used to treat trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, chronic stress, grief, OCD, and negative self-beliefs. Many clients also benefit from EMDR when addressing relationship challenges or performance-related anxiety.
How does EMDR therapy work?
During EMDR sessions, a therapist guides you through recalling distressing experiences while engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones). This process helps the brain reprocess unresolved memories, allowing them to be stored in a healthier, less distressing way.
Is EMDR therapy effective?
Yes. EMDR therapy is backed by extensive research and is recognized by organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
Is EMDR therapy safe and non-invasive?
Absolutely. EMDR does not involve medication or invasive procedures. It is a safe, natural, and non-invasive therapy that works with your brain’s natural healing process to provide relief from symptoms.
Do you offer EMDR therapy online?
Yes. At BrainBody Wellness Counseling, we provide EMDR therapy in Scottsdale, AZ as well as secure telehealth EMDR sessions anywhere in Arizona, so you can access treatment from the comfort of your home.
What ages do you treat?
What ages do you treat? We treat adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up. Make sure to schedule with a provider who sees the age you are looking for as some of our providers see adults only and some see across the lifespan.
How do I get started with EMDR therapy?
Getting started is simple. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or book an appointment online. Our trained EMDR therapists will help you determine if EMDR is the right fit for your healing journey.
"For all of us, unprocessed memories are generally the basis of negative responses, attitudes and behaviors. Processed memories, on the other hand, are the basis of adaptive positive responses, attitudes and behaviors."
- Dr. Francine Shapiro, Founder of EMDR
Steps to Get Started:
Complete the New Client Inquiry Form. We will help match you with the counselor that is the best fit. Once matched, we will set up a free 10-minute phone call to make sure the provider selected is right for you. Already know who you want to schedule with? Contact us to request a free treatment consultation phone call with your preferred clinician.
Schedule an Intake and Start Sessions. If you and the Clinician decide during the free treatment consultation the fit is right, you will schedule an intake session. During your intake, your selected clinician will ask you a range of questions about what you are looking to get out of counseling and about your background. You will create a treatment plan with your clinician and will start working on your treatment plan in the follow up appointment.
Find Clarity Peace and Resilience. As you or your child work with your clinician, therapy can help build greater clarity, resilience, and a sense of peace. Together, you can explore the “problem” from a new perspective and develop more effective ways to move forward.