Overcome Trauma with EMDR Therapy in the Dallas, TX Area

An Evidence-Based Way to Approach Past Traumas & More

When we’re faced with traumatic or disturbing events, our brain chemistry changes. Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol take over, interrupting the way that our brains normally process and store information. As you’re left to piece together the fragments of what you’ve witnessed or experienced, the brain doesn’t always know how to separate threats from non-threats, which can lead to life-changing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. But we have the power to reprocess those memories to make them less painful—a method called EMDR.

Our Approach to EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is most often recommended for addressing traumas of various types—from chronic and complex trauma to more acute or single-instance traumas, such as car accidents. It can also help in situations of addictive or compulsive behaviors, performance anxiety challenges, and dissociation when processing traumas. In other words, EMDR can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals and concerns.

During EMDR therapy, clients focus on a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (BLS). BLS can be done in a variety of ways, such as moving the eyes back and forth, tapping the hands or feet, or listening to alternating tones in each ear. As the client focuses on the traumatic memory and engages in BLS, the memory may become less vivid and disturbing. Ultimately, they may also develop new insights into the memory and its meaning.

Schedule an Appointment

EMDR can help a wide range of people with various concerns, including:

First responders, veterans, or other high-stress careers with trauma exposure
Victims of or witnesses to abuse, emotional neglect, crime, accidents, war, or natural disasters
Addictions and/or compulsions, like substance use, skin-picking, pornography viewing, etc.
Chronic pain
Dissociation

Our EMDR Therapists

Lea Ann Crawford

Licensed Professional
Counselor

Read Bio

Annalisa Blackham

Licensed Clinical
Social Worker

Read Bio

Your EMDR Therapy Questions Answered

What Are the 8 Stages of EMDR?

EMDR is a gradual process that takes place over multiple sessions. There are roughly 8 stages of EMDR, though they are not linear, and progress may not look quite so straightforward for everyone. You may spend multiple sessions in one stage, for example, or revisit a stage. Broadly speaking, we categorize the stages into:

History taking and treatment planning: Working together to identify your goals for treatment and develop a treatment plan.
Preparation: We teach you about EMDR and how to use the BLS techniques.
Assessment: We identify the specific traumatic memory or event that will be targeted in the EMDR session.
Desensitization: You will focus on the traumatic memory while engaging in BLS. This is the core phase of EMDR therapy.
Installation: You will focus on a positive belief that you want to associate with the traumatic memory.
Body scan: You will scan your body for any disturbing sensations or emotions that may be related to the traumatic memory.
Closure: We will evaluate your progress and develop a coping plan for any residual distress.
Reevaluation: You and your therapist review your progress and determine if further EMDR sessions are needed.

Can You Do EMDR On Yourself?

EMDR is a process that works best when a specially trained therapist is there to guide you. While some people have attempted to self-treat at home for minor issues, traumas are best handled in a safe environment with your therapist. We recommend working with our team to ensure the best possible results and get the most out of your healing journey.

Is EMDR Therapy Covered by Insurance?

In some cases, yes, EMDR therapy may be covered by your insurance policy. If you are not sure how to check your policy, our team is happy to help you find out if you are covered. We are In-Network for a number of major insurance providers and know how to inquire about coverage. We’ll simply ask you to share your insurance with us securely after you request an appointment with us.

Can You Do EMDR Virtually?

At this time, we do not offer EMDR therapy via telehealth. However, EMDR may be offered as part of other services for which telehealth is available, such as individual adult therapy and individual teen therapy. To learn more about our online therapy services, please visit our Telehealth page or contact us online!

Overcome Trauma with EMDR Therapy in the Dallas, TX Area

Our Approach to EMDR Therapy

EMDR can help a wide range of people with various concerns, including:

Our EMDR Therapists

Your EMDR Therapy Questions Answered

Request an EMDR Therapy Appointment Today

Send a Message