At Handel Behavioral Health, we understand that healing from trauma and emotional distress requires compassionate and evidence-based care.
Many of our therapists are trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, a proven therapeutic method for helping individuals process traumatic memories and find sustaining relief. EMDR therapy can help individuals overcome trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, substance use disorder, and other emotional challenges.
We are committed to helping you overcome the challenges you are facing, so that you may live a more authentic and fulfilled life.
Our EMDR trained therapists are here to work with you both online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, West Springfield, Wilbraham, Natick, and Franklin. Contact us today at (413) 343-4357 to schedule an appointment.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a specialized, evidence-based treatment that helps the brain process and store distressing or traumatic memories in a healthier way.
EMDR was originally developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Stress Disorder. Today, EMDR therapy is also used to support individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, substance use disorders, addiction, and chronic pain.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
At its core, EMDR is designed to help resolve unprocessed traumatic memories that are “stuck” in the brain. These unresolved memories can continue to trigger emotional and physical distress months and even years following the original event.
By using structured techniques involving bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, EMDR therapy helps individuals safely revisit traumatic memories and reprocess them. As a result, this reduces the emotional intensity of the traumatic memory and allows the individual to experience long-term healing.
How Does EMDR Therapy Differ From Talk Therapy?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR therapy does not require clients to verbally process the details of a traumatic experience.
Instead, clients are guided to focus on the memory while the therapist uses bilateral stimulation techniques—such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues—to help the brain reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional impact.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is highly effective for those who have experienced trauma, but its benefits extend beyond post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At Handel Behavioral Health, our EMDR certified therapists work with clients of all backgrounds who are experiencing a wide range of emotional and mental challenges.
You may benefit from EMDR therapy if you are experiencing:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Chronic illness and medical issues
- Depression
- Dissociative disorders
- Eating disorders
- Grief and loss
- Sexual assault
- Sleep disturbances
- Substance use disorder and addiction
- Violence and abuse
- PTSD and other stress-related issues
- Personality disorders
- Performance anxiety
- Pain
What Does an EMDR Therapy Session Involve?
EMDR Therapy involves an eight-phase treatment method. The phases are broken up into history taking, client preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and evaluating the progress of treatment.
The eight-phase treatment method involves:
- History taking: The client and therapist work together to get a full history for the client and identify a particular memory to target, as well as current triggers and future goals.
- Client preparation: The therapist prepares the client for treatment by explaining what treatment will involve, and how treatment will help the client safely process their memories.
- Assessment: The therapist asks the client to identify and assess the memory on a cognitive, affective, behavioral, and physiological level. Rapid Eye Movement, or REM action, helps the client re-process their traumatic memory.
- Desensitization: The client is asked to focus on the memory and hold it in mind while using their eyes to track the therapist’s hands as they move back and forth across the client’s field of vision. The client then reports whatever new thoughts have emerged. The process continues until the memory is no longer distressing to the client.
- Installation: Installation strengthens the preferred positive cognition.
- Body scan: Clients are asked to observe their physical response while thinking about the traumatic event and the positive cognition, and identify any leftover distress.
- Closure: Closure is used to end the session. If the memory was not fully processed in the session, the therapist will offer the client specific instructions and techniques.
- Re-evaluation: The therapist evaluates the client’s current psychological state and what affect the treatment has had. Additional memories might be targeted or continued focus on the previous memory might be necessary.
An EMDR session will typically last between 60-90 minutes, depending on the length of treatment and the amount of trauma the patient has endured.
Start Working with a Certified EMDR Therapist in Massachusetts Today:
At Handel Behavioral Health, our therapists trained in EMDR therapy are here to support you through your emotional healing. You will find a safe and supportive space to begin your healing and recovery journey.
If you’re ready to start working with an EMDR therapist online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, West Springfield, Wilbraham, Natick, and Franklin, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 to schedule an appointment.
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