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EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

If you’ve been through something overwhelming—trauma, a distressing event, chronic stress, or anxiety—you may notice that your mind “knows” you’re safe, but your body still reacts as if the danger is happening now. EMDR therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help the brain and nervous system process stuck memories so they feel less triggering over time.

What EMDR helps with

EMDR is best-known for trauma and PTSD, and it’s also commonly used when experiences are “stored” in a way that continues to drive symptoms such as:

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  • Trauma-related distress (single-incident or complex trauma)

  • PTSD symptoms (intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, nightmares)

  • Anxiety and panic linked to past events

  • Persistent shame, negative self-beliefs, or emotional reactivity connected to earlier experiences

(Clinical appropriateness depends on your history, current stability, and treatment goals—your therapist will help determine fit.)

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How EMDR works 

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EMDR helps you revisit specific memories in a safe, structured way while using bilateral stimulation (often guided eye movements; sometimes taps or tones). The goal is not to erase what happened, but to help the memory become “fully processed” so it no longer triggers the same intensity in the present.

Many clinical guidelines recognize EMDR as a recommended or evidence-supported treatment option for PTSD.

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The EMDR process: What to expect in sessions

 

​While every treatment plan is individualized, EMDR is commonly delivered in phases:

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1) History and treatment planning

Your therapist learns what brings you in, your symptoms, and your goals—then identifies target memories and current triggers.

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2) Preparation and stabilization

You’ll build coping skills (grounding, resourcing, nervous-system regulation) so you can stay within a tolerable range during processing.

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3) Assessment

Together, you identify:

  • A specific memory to target

  • The negative belief connected to it (example: “I’m not safe”)

  • A preferred belief (example: “I’m safe now”)

  • Emotions and body sensations linked to the memory

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4) Desensitization and reprocessing

You briefly focus on the memory while following bilateral stimulation. The therapist guides short sets, checking what comes up, and helping the brain move toward resolution.

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5) Installation and body scan

You strengthen the preferred belief and check for lingering distress in the body.

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6) Closure and reevaluation

Sessions end with stabilization. In later sessions, you review progress and decide next targets.

Important note to include (optional but recommended): EMDR does not require detailed retelling of every aspect of the trauma for it to be effective; your therapist will guide pacing and safety.

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EMDR at 360 Therapy: Work with Sheera Davis, LCSW

Sheera Davis, LCSW provides EMDR therapy for adults and offers telehealth sessions in Florida and in-person or telehealth sessions in

Arizona.

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FAQ 

How long does EMDR take?

Some clients notice changes in a few sessions; others need a longer course depending on the number of targets, complexity, and current stressors. Treatment length is individualized.

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Is EMDR only for PTSD?

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It’s best-studied for PTSD and trauma symptoms, and it may be helpful for related anxiety patterns when specific memories or triggers are involved (your therapist will assess fit).

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Is EMDR available via telehealth?

Yes—360 Therapy offers telehealth services in Florida and Arizona, and EMDR-informed therapy may be provided remotely when clinically appropriate.

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