Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

What is EMDR therapy?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR for short), is an effective and evidence-based therapeutic treatment. EMDR is used to treat PTSD, acute stress responses, anxiety, phobias, low self-esteem, developmental trauma, impacts of emotional and verbal abuse, bullying, and pretty much any distressing life experience. For more information on what can be considered a traumatic event, check out the Trauma Therapy and PTSD Treatment page.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR uses bilateral eye movements. These are created by focusing the eyes with back and forth eye movements led by either a light, a wand, or a therapist’s hand. This bilateral movement is paired with thoughts of upsetting memories. Your therapist will guide you through bilateral eye movements while focusing your attention on aspects of traumatic thoughts or memories.

Before EMDR therapy, negative thoughts, beliefs, or memories are stored in the emotional part of the brain. EMDR’s goal is to move these negative experiences to the logical side of your brain, decreasing the emotional impact they have on you.

Digital image of a brain before EMDR and after EMDR. This image depicts how helpful meeting with an EMDR therapist for EMDR therapy in Asheville, NC could be for those with trauma or PTSD. | 28745 | 28786

The EMDR therapy process desensitizes you to traumatic memories and the negative beliefs associated with them. When this occurs, it greatly reduces the distress associated with the memory. So, EMDR allows you to heal from the experience that caused trauma as well as deal with current life stressors in a way that feels healthier and happier for you.

If you want even more information about the science and research behind EMDR, check out www.emdria.org.

Can EMDR Therapy help me?

According to EMDRIA (the EMDR International Association), EMDR can be effective for individuals who have experienced or who are experiencing:

Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

Chronic illness and medical issues
Depression and bipolar disorders
Grief and loss
Performance anxiety
Personality disorders
PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
Sexual assault
Sleep disturbance
Violence and abuse

EMDR Therapy Can help you heal

Image of a woman sitting near the beach and looking at the water. This image illustrates how peaceful one may feel after working through EMDR therapy with an EMDR therapist in Asheville, NC. 28732 | 28704

At our Asheville, NC-based counseling practice, EMDR is also used to help with a multitude of struggles. These include perfectionism, “parent guilt,” low self-esteem, negative body image, pervasive feelings of unworthiness, stressful childhood experiences like divorce, bullying, moving frequently, parental neglect, etc., and trouble setting boundaries with others.

EMDR can also be effective in helping you connect with how your body experiences past and current stressors. This allows you to notice how your body is responding when you are sad, angry, stressed, etc., so that you can use solid calming skills to get your mood and your day back on track!

At Chandler Nobles Counseling, EMDR is used regularly with a large percentage of clients for a wide array of stressors and problems, including, but definitely not limited to the presenting issues listed above! After EMDR therapy, clients have reported feeling more confident, more in control of their emotions, better able to handle stressful situations, increased self-esteem, and so many more changes.

EMDR Therapy in Asheville, NC and Virtual EMDR Therapy in North Carolina

Image of a woman holding her arms up and smiling at the sky. This image represents the freedom many people feel after working with an EMDR therapist to treat trauma symptoms in EMDR therapy in Asheville, NC. 28803 | 28804

If you are ready to heal from past traumas, let go of old hurts, believe positive thoughts about yourself, and feel confident and capable of managing your emotions and behaviors in stressful situations, EMDR therapy may just be for you. Schedule an appointment today to find out if EMDR at our practice located in Asheville, NC may be a good fit for you! EMDR therapy can be administered in person or online in North Carolina.

Other Services at Chandler Nobles Counseling

EMDR therapy is a highly effective treatment option offered at our Asheville-based therapy practice. Additionally, you can meet with a therapist here for compassion fatigue treatment, therapy for women, and anxiety and depression treatment. Reach out if you have any further questions about our services!

Chandler Nobles Counseling
(828) 214-5185
Local to Asheville, NC. Providing online therapy in North Carolina.