Psychotherapy Services in Utah

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EMDR Therapy

Eight of our nine providers at GSLW are trained in EMDR and use it on a regular basis in their treatment sessions.


EMDR can be utilized for a host of presenting complaints. It was originally developed as a treatment protocol for trauma and PTSD, but in our experience (and validated by research), EMDR can help with a variety of complaints such as depression, eating disorders, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, panic, triggers, personality disorders, substance use issues, etc.

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro. EMDR is a unique and powerful treatment approach that has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and addiction.

EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, and that this can lead to ongoing emotional and psychological distress. Through a process of guided eye movements, the therapist helps the client process and reframe traumatic memories, allowing them to become less distressing and more manageable.

How Does EMDR Work?

At Great Salt Lake Wellness, your highly trained therapist will conduct a thorough intake and treatment plan with you. Once you identify the target you will be working on in EMDR, your therapist will guide you through the EMDR treatment which uses the body’s natural healing processes to promote recovery. EMDR accomplishes this through a process of pairing the upsetting memories with bilateral brain stimulation. Guided eye movements, left/right tapping, or holding buzzers in your hand are examples of the types of bilateral brain stimulation we use, that can all accomplish the same outcome of alternatingly stimulating the left and then right sides of your brain. Over time, the traumatic memory becomes less distressing, and you are able to move forward with your life without being held back by the effects of the trauma.

FAQ

EMDR is often used in combination with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment approach. By combining EMDR with other forms of therapy, clients can learn coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms and work towards their goals.
One of the key benefits of EMDR is that it is a relatively short-term treatment approach. While the number of sessions required will vary depending on the individual and their specific needs, many clients are able to make significant progress in just a few sessions. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who are experiencing severe distress or who are unable to engage in longer-term therapy.

Another benefit of EMDR is that it is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment approach. Unlike some other forms of therapy, EMDR does not rely on medication or invasive procedures. Instead, it uses the body’s natural healing processes to promote healing and recovery.
While EMDR was originally developed as a treatment for PTSD, it has since been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues. For example, EMDR has been used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and addiction. It has also been used to help individuals who have experienced grief and loss, relationship issues, and other types of trauma.

EMDR has been extensively researched and has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs have all recognized EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD.
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