EMDR Therapy in Arizona: A Powerful Path to Healing from Trauma
- Ali Iverson (Schilling), Psy.D.
- May 22, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 26
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the past—haunted by memories that won’t let go—there’s hope. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a groundbreaking approach that helps individuals heal from trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain. Backed by decades of research and clinical success, EMDR offers a faster, more direct path to recovery than many traditional therapies.
At BrainBody Wellness Counseling in Scottsdale, AZ, we specialize in holistic mental health support, offering EMDR as one of our most transformative treatment options. Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, depression, panic attacks, or unresolved trauma, EMDR could be the turning point in your healing journey.
What Is EMDR Therapy in Arizona and How Does It Work?
EMDR therapy is based on the idea that trauma and distressing life experiences can get “stuck” in the brain’s memory network. When this happens, reminders of those events—sometimes even subtle ones—can trigger intense emotional and physical responses, like anxiety, shame, or fear.
Developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help your brain reprocess those stuck memories. This process allows the emotional charge of traumatic memories to decrease so they can be stored in a more adaptive, healthy way.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR is a structured, eight-phase treatment that supports you every step of the way:
History Taking – You and your therapist explore your past and identify the experiences that may need healing.
Preparation – You learn grounding and relaxation tools to feel safe and supported during therapy.
Assessment – Together, you choose a specific memory or issue to focus on.
Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation, you process the memory while your brain starts to “unstick” it.
Installation – You reinforce a new, positive belief to replace the negative one that trauma created.
Body Scan – You check in with your body to release any lingering tension.
Closure – Each session ends with calming techniques to help you feel grounded.
Reevaluation – In the next session, you and your therapist check on your progress and address anything new that comes up.
Why Clients Choose EMDR Therapy in Arizona
People across Arizona are choosing EMDR therapy because it’s:
Fast-acting – Many clients feel relief in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy.
Non-invasive – You don’t have to retell every painful detail. EMDR works even with minimal verbal processing.
Empowering – You stay in control of your healing, discovering new strengths along the way.
Versatile – EMDR is effective for more than PTSD—it also supports healing from anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, and complex trauma.
Is EMDR Right for You?
You don’t have to keep living in survival mode. If past experiences are affecting your relationships, self-worth, or emotional stability, EMDR therapy could help you reclaim your sense of safety and wholeness.
At BrainBody Wellness Counseling, we believe in treating the whole person—mind, body, and nervous system. Our licensed EMDR therapists in Scottsdale, AZ are here to help you process the past so you can live more fully in the present.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
If you're curious about how EMDR therapy in Arizona can support your healing, we’re here to guide you. Whether you're dealing with long-standing trauma or recent emotional distress, our team provides personalized, compassionate care grounded in proven techniques.
Start your journey today with a free consultation.

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