At Foundations Counseling, we believe in empowering our clients to overcome the challenges they face and build the lives they deserve. One therapeutic modality we offer is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR is a highly effective psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

The core premise of EMDR is that many psychological difficulties result from distressing experiences that have not been properly processed by the brain. These unprocessed memories can become “stuck” and continue to cause emotional distress. EMDR uses rapid eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess these memories, allowing them to be stored more adaptively.

Conditions EMDR Can Treat

The World Health Organization recognizes EMDR as an effective treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, EMDR’s benefits extend far beyond PTSD. This therapy can also be beneficial for a wide range of issues, including:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Phobias
• Chronic pain
• Low self-esteem
• Performance anxiety
• Grief and loss

The Science Behind EMDR Therapy

Research has consistently demonstrated EMDR’s effectiveness. Studies show that after 6-8 sessions, the majority of clients experience significant relief from PTSD symptoms. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense have placed EMDR in their highest category of effectiveness for treating PTSD, alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This recognition speaks to the strong evidence supporting EMDR as a treatment approach.

“I love showing clients brain scans from before and after EMDR. It’s a powerful way to show that trauma isn’t just about emotional pain—it actually changes the brain. Through healing, we can help the brain rewire itself, leading to real, positive change,” adds Amber Huntzinger, LSW, MSW, who offers EMDR therapy at Foundations Counseling.

What makes EMDR so powerful is that it doesn’t require clients to go into extensive details about their traumas. Instead, the therapy focuses on accessing the memories and processing them in a way that alleviates the emotional distress associated with them. This can be a massive relief for those who have struggled to talk about their painful experiences.

“EMDR provides practical coping tools. I often use the container method to help clients manage overwhelming thoughts and emotions, and it’s incredible to see how these techniques create a sense of control and safety,” shares John Cinnamon, LPC, NCC, who also offers EMDR therapy at Foundations Counseling.

Start Your Healing Journey with EMDR at Foundations Counseling

If you’re ready to take the first step towards healing and transformation, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Foundations Counseling to learn more about how EMDR therapy can help. With compassionate support and evidence-based treatment, we’re confident that you can overcome your challenges and reclaim your sense of well-being.

Please call our office at 513-785-4895 to learn more about EMDR and how one of our counselors can help lead you through this therapy process.