A More In-Depth Look at Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for healing emotional wounds in a non-invasive manner. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses primarily on verbal processing, EMDR targets the underlying neurological patterns of distress, allowing for faster and more profound healing. It is particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma or those who struggle with traditional therapeutic methods.
A Path to Healing and Emotional Wellness
At Balansera Therapy Group, we offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a highly effective, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences and emotional distress. EMDR is a structured, non-invasive approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy by targeting the underlying neurological patterns of distress. This allows for faster and often more profound healing, especially for those who have struggled to find relief through conventional therapeutic methods.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which relies primarily on verbal processing, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—often through guided eye movements—to help the brain reprocess painful memories in a safe and supported way. This approach empowers clients to release stuck emotional responses, reframe negative beliefs, and develop healthier, more adaptive perspectives.
At Balansera, our trained EMDR clinicians create a compassionate and structured environment where clients can process emotional wounds at their own pace. Through this innovative and deeply healing method, individuals are supported in restoring a sense of balance, resilience, and inner peace.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy follows a structured 8-phase approach designed to support your healing at a safe and manageable pace. It begins with getting to know you and building the resources you need to feel grounded and supported. From there, you will work with your therapist to identify target memories and the beliefs, emotions, and body sensations attached to them. Using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or sounds), your brain is guided through reprocessing the memory—reducing the emotional intensity and helping it feel more like something from the past, rather than something still happening now. The final phases focus on integration, closure, and checking in over time to ensure lasting change.
A Powerful Tool for Overcoming Trauma, Anxiety, Grief, and More
EMDR has been shown to be highly effective in treating a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of trauma or struggling with persistent emotional distress, EMDR can help facilitate profound healing. This therapy has proven to be beneficial for conditions such as:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
- Childhood trauma
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety
- Panic disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Dissociative disorders
- Grief and loss
- Addiction
- Eating disorders
- Multiple chemical sensitivity
If you’ve been struggling with any of these issues, EMDR provides a powerful and evidence-based approach to help you move forward and regain emotional balance.
The Benefits of EMDR
Integrative
EMDR integrates the mind, body, and spirit. EMDR focuses on the reorganization of brain band behavior, strengthens the ability to modulate emotions and release trauma from the body.
Healing
Present symptoms shift as memories that are maladaptively stored or "stuck in trauma time" begin connecting to adaptive information networks. EMDR restructures the memory uncoupling it from the emotions, sensations and physiological consequences formerly associated with it.
Accelerates
EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation alternating between right and left hemispheres of the brain motivating emotions, thoughts, sensations and memories to break free of negative patterns and amplifies positive insights.
Empowerment
EMDR strengthens positive internal belief systems opening you up to a wide variety of new positive experiences in life. EMDR therapy not only resolved traumatic memories but, also facilitates safety in healthy connections in relationships, healthy self perspective, motivates healthy actions and improves mood.
01
History-Taking and Treatment Planning
In this initial stage, the therapist collects information about the client’s background and life experiences. Together, they create a treatment plan, outlining specific targets for processing.
02
Preparation
The therapist builds rapport with the client, explains the EMDR process, and equips the client with tools to manage emotional reactions that may arise during therapy.
03
Assessment
During this phase, the therapist helps the client pinpoint specific traumatic memories, along with associated images, thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
04
Desensitization
The client concentrates on the chosen memory while performing bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues). This helps to reduce the emotional charge tied to the memory.
05
Installation
In this step, the therapist supports the client in adopting and reinforcing positive beliefs about themselves that are connected to the target memory, working to make these beliefs feel authentic and deeply held.
06
Body Scan
The client mentally scans their body to identify any lingering physical discomfort related to the memory. If any distress is noticed, bilateral stimulation is used to help release it.
07
Closure
The session concludes with a review of the progress made, ensuring the client leaves feeling grounded, safe, and ready for the next session.
08
Reevaluation
At the start of a new session, the therapist reviews the client’s progress, checks for any unresolved material, and determines what to address moving forward.
Healing IS possible.
