EMDR THERAPY
IN NYC

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a powerful, evidence-based treatment approach that helps individuals heal from traumatic experiences and manage related mental health concerns. Developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. in 1987, EMDR therapy incorporates elements from various treatment modalities to effectively address the negative impact of traumatic events on a person’s life. By reprocessing traumatic memories, EMDR therapy enables individuals to transform their experiences, reducing the distress associated with them and promoting a more fulfilling life.

EMDR therapy works by connecting the intellectual and emotional processing areas of the brain, allowing individuals to reprocess traumatic memories and integrate them into their narrative in a new, less distressing way. During an EMDR therapy session, the individual attends to a disturbing memory or trigger while focusing on bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, hand taps, or tones. This process helps the brain reconsolidate the traumatic memory, reducing its negative impact and promoting healing. By strengthening positive thoughts and beliefs, EMDR therapy empowers individuals to overcome the lingering effects of traumatic experiences and regain control over their lives.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR trauma therapy is a structured approach that helps individuals process and desensitize distressing memories associated with trauma. EMDR is an 8 phase treatment modality and includes much more than just eye movements. The 8 phases of EMDR treatment include:

1. History taking and treatment planning – This involves your therapist getting to know you through sharing your history, with an emphasis on traumatic events you’d like to work through.

2. Preparation – Your therapist will share what the process of EMDR looks like and answer any questions you may have. They’ll also share grounding and coping skills that you can turn to if you’re feeling overwhelmed during a session.

3. Assessment – During this phase you’ll identify the events, thoughts, feelings, beliefs that you’d like to target for reprocessing with your therapist.

4. Desensitization – This is the phrase that people usually think of when they hear EMDR. During this time, your therapist will use bilateral stimulation techniques (either auditory, visual, or tactile stimulations that involve both sides of the body).

5. Installation – During this phase, you’ll learn how to create and associate new positive, core beliefs that will replace traumatic memories.

6. Body scan – You’ll be prompted to scan your body and share the sensation you’re experiencing, while keeping in mind your traumatic event and positive belief.

7. Closure –  Once the reprocessing has taken place, your therapist will help ensure that you’re feeling grounded and calm to help you return to the present moment. You may be asked to share about your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to the traumatic event, as well as how you’re feeling in your body.

8. Reevaluation – At the start of each new session, your therapist will revisit your thoughts, feelings, beliefs about the event as well as your distress level to assess how progress is going. Together, you may identify and address additional traumatic memories to reprocess in subsequent sessions.

When most people think of EMDR, they’re often picturing Phase 4—the Desensitization phase. However, before reaching that stage, there’s often essential work to be done in Phase 2, where you and your therapist focus on building resources and developing skills to ensure you feel grounded and ready for the process ahead.

In Phase 4, your therapist will guide you through sets of dual awareness stimulation, such as eye movements, auditory tones, or tapping. After each set, you’ll share any thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations that arise. This process helps to reprocess traumatic memories by transforming how they are stored and integrated in your brain, paving the way for healing and lasting change.

How can EMDR help me?

EMDR Therapy offers a path to freedom from the thoughts and emotions that weigh you down.

Research shows that EMDR therapy is highly effective in reducing the overwhelming symptoms of trauma and PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks. It helps you release the grip of past events that have kept you feeling stuck, transforming feelings of powerlessness into resilience as your brain learns to calm and soothe itself.

EMDR therapy can provide breakthroughs in the healing process for individuals experiencing persistent trauma symptoms, especially for those who have not found relief through traditional therapy.

Trauma can disrupt the vital connections between your brain, body, and emotions, leaving you feeling unbalanced and disconnected. EMDR therapy works to restore these connections, allowing your brain to process traumatic memories in a healthier, less distressing way. Over time, when you think of a past traumatic event, you’ll feel more grounded and centered, equipped with new strategies to manage your emotions and regain control.

Issues Treated with EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy is a versatile treatment approach that can effectively address a wide range of mental health concerns, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Phobias
• Addictions
• Childhood trauma
• Traumatic memories
• Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
• Grief and loss
• Eating disorders
• Panic disorders

By targeting the root causes of these conditions, EMDR therapy can help individuals alleviate symptoms, reduce distress, and improve their overall quality of life.

EMDR also helps with anxiety and depression

EMDR is one of the only PTSD treatments approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsWorld Health Organization. While originally developed as a treatment for PTSD and trauma, research on different uses of EMDR has shown it is highly effective in treating trauma and related mental health conditions. It is an effective treatment for:

• • Anxiety
  • Panic disorders
  • Depression
  • Grief and loss
  • Eating disorders
  • Addiction and Substance Abuse 
  • Constant sadness
  • Fear
  • Feelings of insecurity and self-esteem issues
  • Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)

emdr isn’t ideal if you are:

• Having active thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
• Going through a crisis or a emergency situation which requires immediate support (i.e. relapse or active withdrawal from substance use that requires medical intervention)
• Dealing with high levels of dissociation including derealization or depersonalization. 
• Facing symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling, or smelling things that other people can’t) or delusions (unusual beliefs that aren’t shared by those around you).

If you’re experiencing any of the scenarios above, it doesn’t mean EMDR isn’t right for you—it may simply not be the best option at this moment. One of our trained NYC therapists can help you explore your therapy goals and identify the most effective short-term and long-term treatments tailored to your needs.

For instance, once you’re feeling more grounded and out of crisis mode, your therapist can focus on building resources and skills to prepare you for EMDR, making it a safe and effective tool for your healing journey. Specialized expertise in trauma treatment is crucial for effective EMDR therapy, as it ensures that therapists can address the complexities of trauma-related disorders with personalized and nuanced approaches.

Finding a Qualified EMDR Therapist in NYC

Finding the right EMDR therapist in NYC can be a challenging task, but there are several factors to consider when making your decision. Look for a therapist who:

• Has extensive training and experience in EMDR therapy
• Is licensed and certified in their field
• Has a good understanding of trauma and its impact on mental health
• Creates a safe and supportive therapeutic environment
• Is a good fit for your personal needs and preferences

By taking the time to research and find a qualified EMDR therapist, you can ensure that you receive the best possible care and support on your healing journey.

Cost of EMDR Therapy in NYC

The cost of EMDR therapy in NYC can vary depending on several factors, including the therapist’s experience, location, and insurance coverage. On average, EMDR therapy sessions can range from $200 to $450 per session, with some therapists offering package deals or sliding scale fees. While EMDR therapy may seem on the higher side, it is a highly effective treatment approach that can provide long-term benefits and improve overall mental health. As an out-of-network practice, we’re dedicated to helping you get reimbursed by your insurance company. Many insurance providers will reimburse EMDR therapy if your plan offers out-of-network benefits. Be sure to discuss your financial concerns with your therapist and explore available options to make EMDR therapy more accessible.

Other types of therapy to help you heal from trauma

ACCELERATED RESOLUTION THERAPY (ART)

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a short-term therapeutic approach similar to EMDR. It’s designed to help people find relief from traumatic memories, stress, anxiety, phobias, and depression through positive imagery and releasing uncomfortable body sensations.

A unique aspect of ART is that you don’t need to discuss the specifics of the traumatic event with your therapist. You may find that you experience relief in a short amount of time, as it’s designed to be delivered in one to five 60 minute sessions. Click here to learn how it works.