EMDR

WHAT IS EMDR?

  • EMDR stands for Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Here, we use dual attention bilateral stimulation (or BLS) to help address the physiological storage of a traumatic memory.

HOW IS EMDR DONE?

  • Bilateral stimulation is done through eye movements, tactile taps, and auditory tones. We collaborate with you to use a light bar, our hand (waiving back and forth), your hands (tapping alternating shoulders), headphones (eliciting auditory noises), and/or tappers (providing physical sensation in your hands).

WHY DO EMDR?

  • EMDR therapy is used to address adverse life experiences that contribute to problems in daily living. You do not have to discuss distressing events in detail in order to heal. EMDR therapy gives attention to the various components of memory such as images, beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations so that you can reprocess negative events and experience a decrease in the related feelings and reactions. 

FSWC offers EMDR Virtually, and in person in Durham and Wilmington, NC.

Frequently Asked Questions

EMDR can be used on its own or in addition to standard talk therapy.  EMDR is a specialized therapeutic technique requiring a trained clinician. You can attend our services in conjunction with your already established therapy, or you can see one of our trained therapist who can integrate both EMDR and other modalities into a longer term and more customized therapeutic experience. 

Yes! However, insurance limits the duration of your sessions to 55-60 minutes, so we have some limitations to adhere to (EMDR sessions typically last between 60-90 minutes; self pay clients can request 90 minute EMDR sessions).

Please visit our FEES page to review our self pay rates. These rates are prorated accordingly for 90 minute sessions. Please pre-plan longer sessions with your therapist, as our typical therapy hour is 55-minutes. 

Yes and No. EMDR is considered medically necessary for PTSD and is designed to treat the body’s holding of traumatic experiences; however it is also shown to have meaningful impacts for anxiety, depression, and OCD which are sometimes the way our trauma response shows up.

EMDR consists of 8 distinct phases. After our initial assessment, we can discuss where to start and will customize therapy to whatever pace you need. 

EMDR is used to treat children and adults of all ages. FSWC sees children ages 5yo+.

Schedule your New Client Appointment (Intake) HERE! Please select Emily, Sarah D, Sarah W, or Ariel who are all trained EMDR therapists.