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EMDR Therapy in Phoenix

EMDR Therapy

Are you struggling with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and beginning to feel hopeless and alone? If so, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a treatment designed especially for those suffering from life-altering symptoms of PTSD. If you are finding yourself, or a loved one, hindered by their PTSD symptoms, EMDR Therapy may be beneficial to you.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a form of treatment specifically tailored for individuals who suffer from symptoms of PTSD. Individuals that are diagnosed with PTSD are subject to experiencing psychological distress (sometimes in severe and intense forms). Individuals in PTSD counseling can benefit from EMDR therapy, as well as people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, depression, or phobias.

The approach used in EMDR therapy focuses on the individual’s ability to heal from past traumatic experiences, as well as assist the individual with skills to cope with their symptoms after therapy is completed.

How Effective is EMDR Therapy?

According to EMDR Institute, Inc.approximately 70% of EMDR participants reached a positive outcome within three active treatment sessions, whereas 29% of the individuals in the prolonged exposure condition did not experience a positive outcome. The dropout rate for EMDR is fewer than other types of treatments.

The results and success stories from EMDR therapy are quite promising, and they could be just what you need to conquer your own battles with PTSD.

EMDR Treatment for Trauma and PTSD

EMDR Therapy should be considered by anyone struggling with PTSD symptoms. If you are suffering from symptoms of PTSD, and it is affecting your marriage, your career, or your life altogether, contact Biltmore Psychology and Counseling today by calling (480) 999-7070. EMDR Therapy can improve your quality of life and keep the past where it belongs: behind you.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

Understanding how EMDR therapy works is essential for anyone who may be considering experiencing it for themselves. The EMDR International Association explains what you should expect if you were to attend EMDR therapy.

8 Phases of EMDR Therapy Treatment

Phase 1:

The first phase is often a few sessions, and it requires an overview of your personal history, as well as a treatment plan that would suit your needs.

Phase 2:

The second phase is when you will begin to build a trusting relationship with your therapist, which is essential for moving forward in therapy. As you disclose traumas and memories from your past, your therapist will prepare you to handle future PTSD symptoms by teaching you appropriate skills for coping.

Phase 3:

The third phase is known as assessment. At this stage, you will be prompted to address specific aspects of the trauma or traumas you have experienced. This could be done through exposure to images or memories of a past event. When you are minimally exposed to the traumatic events over time, it allows you to reprocess the way you think, feel, and observe the trauma you experienced in the past.

Phase 4:

The fourth phase is desensitization. This phase focuses on how you respond to the memory of a specific trauma, and what you associate with your traumatic experience. It allows the therapist to identify what your current triggers are in relation to the trauma, and how you respond physically to the memory or discussion of the trauma (shaking, sweating, fidgeting, etc.). In order to desensitize you, the therapist will find ways to redirect your eye movements during these periods of distress, which helps you and your therapist to find a resolution to coping with your traumatic experiences.

Phase 5:

Phase five is known as installation. This is the point in treatment where you can differentiate between your past and your future. It allows you to reprocess the trauma, and eliminate negative beliefs you currently experience as a result of a past traumatic event. For example, if you were in a car accident as a result of the driver being intoxicated, you will learn that in future driving situations, you can be in control and avoid being driven by a driver under the influence.

Phase 6:

The sixth phase is a body scan. The therapist will revisit your main source of trauma with you and analyze your physical response to the exposure. The therapist will try to identify if you show signs of body tension, trembling, discomfort, and several other reactions. If so, you and your therapist will go through the assessment phase (phase three) again in order to further allow you to reprocess the trauma.

Phase 7:

The seventh phase is closure. This is where you and your therapist will establish what you can expect after therapy. You will review coping skills, progress, and goals with one another, as well as utilize the techniques you learned to help you through everyday life.

Phase 8:

The eighth phase is the reevaluation stage. At this point, you will meet with your therapist at a future time to discuss how you’ve integrated skills from treatment into your daily life. The therapist will revisit and reassess your ability to manage trauma-related stress and ensure that you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle psychologically.

Although EMDR can take a lot of work, the progress that you can make over time, and the goals you achieve can give you a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and quality of life.

If you have been struggling with PTSD symptoms for a while, you may be thinking that a treatment that can help you achieve a sense of comfort and stability is too good to be true. Luckily, it’s been shown to help many individuals to overcome past traumas.

We’re here for you.

Our counselors apply professional expertise and understanding to provide the best holistic counseling services in Phoenix, AZ. A 10-min consultation can help you determine whether our services would be the right fit for you.

Call us today for a free phone consultation.

Biltmore lobby chairs

We’re here for you.

Our counselors apply professional expertise and understanding to provide the best holistic counseling services in Phoenix, AZ. A 10-min consultation can help you determine whether our services would be the right fit for you.

Call us today for a free phone consultation.

Meet Our Team

Dr Melissa Estavillo

Dr Melissa Estavillo

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology M.A. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology B.S. Psychology, Grand Canyon University

Audret Sessions

Dr Audrey Sessions

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology M.A. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology M.S. Mental Health Counseling, Walden University

Dr Linda DeBiase photo.

Dr. Linda DeBiase

Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Lake Forest College, B.A. Psychology California School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology

Nicole Elliott, LPC

M.C. Counseling, Arizona State University B.A. English (Literature), Arizona State University

Elizabeth Felix, LPC

M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse, Ottawa University B.A. Psychology, Ottawa University

Heather Wheeler, LCSW

Masters in Social Work, Arizona State University B.A. Psychology, Arizona State University

Laura Reed, LPC

M.S. Professional Counseling, Grand Canyon University B.S. Psychology, Grand Canyon University

Join our Team
Dr Melissa Estavillo

Dr Melissa Estavillo

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology M.A. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology B.S. Psychology, Grand Canyon University

Audret Sessions

Dr Audrey Sessions

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology M.A. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology M.S. Mental Health Counseling, Walden University<

Dr Linda DeBiase photo.

Dr Linda DeBiase

Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Lake Forest College, B.A. Psychology California School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology

Nicole Elliott, LPC

M.C. Counseling, Arizona State University B.A. English (Literature), Arizona State University

Elizabeth Felix, LPC

M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse, Ottawa University B.A. Psychology, Ottawa University<

Heather Wheeler, LCSW

Masters in Social Work, Arizona State University B.A. Psychology, Arizona State University

Laura Reed, LPC

M.S. Professional Counseling, Grand Canyon University B.S. Psychology, Grand Canyon University

Our Location in Phoenix, AZ