EMDR Therapy in West Palm Beach, FL

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a groundbreaking type of counseling to treat PTSD from traumatic events and other mental health conditions. EMDR is a scientifically backed journey to healing proven to help clients overcome the intense symptoms of past trauma and instill genuine positive thoughts.

This powerful form of therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro after her remarkable discovery of the stress-reducing effects of eye movement. By 1989, Shapiro crafted an eight-phase protocol for harnessing the transformative effects of bilateral stimulation to alleviate the weight of distressing memories.

Today, the protocol has gained recognition by esteemed institutions such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective strategy for treating trauma and PTSD.

How Does It Work?

EMDR therapy works to reduce the emotional distress of traumatic memories using Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) such as eye movement, gentle tapping, or soothing audio to the brain’s innate ability to process information and desensitize intense emotion.

The Eight Phases of EMDR

The EMDR journey consists of eight structured phases, including:

• History taking and planning: In this first step, you will partner with your therapist in identifying your current symptoms and setting clear goals for your therapeutic voyage.
• Preparation: Your counselor will ensure you gain a comprehensive understanding and are comfortable with the process of this therapy and that you have the tools to navigate the healing process with confidence.
• Assessments: This is where your therapist guides you to identify specific memories that will be the focus of your transformative work.
• Desensitization: Engage in BLS (eye movements, tapping, and auditory tones) to facilitate the processing and integration of the traumatic memory.
• Installation: Decreasing emotional distress is a pivotal first part of trauma healing, true healing is much more. This phase is about installing adaptive thoughts, beliefs, and self-perceptions to further cultivate a positive sense of self.
• Body scan: Your therapist will guide you in identifying any physical sensations of residual tension in your body, which you will release using BLS.
• Closure: You will reflect on your biggest takeaways and plan for maintaining emotional post-session self-care.
• Reevaluation: In the following session, you have the opportunity to discuss any new thoughts or feelings and process further memories to ensure ongoing healing.

This effective evidence-based protocol provides a structured and effective path for healing from trauma and PTSD. It helps individuals manage distressing memories and develop positive self-perceptions to reclaim control over their emotional well-being. It’s a transformational approach for those seeking lasting recovery from intense emotional experiences.

What to Expect From EMDR Therapy?

Before your journey begins, the first step for our therapists is to ensure you’re fully informed and comfortable. We welcome all your inquiries and provide clear insights into what your therapeutic process will entail.

Here are some things you can expect from EMDR therapy at the Trauma Therapy Center:

• Your therapist will guide you through creating an internal resource called a “calm place”. You will be guided through this process to identify or create a place where you feel calm. You can use this tool throughout your therapy and your life.
• Together, with your counselor’s guidance and collaboration, you will identify the sequence of memories for desensitization and reprocessing. This will preferably be one with a low Subjective Unit of Distress (SUD) score or one earlier in your life. This will help you get familiar with the process without experiencing too much discomfort.
• You will choose a specific BLS technique with your therapist’s guidance based on your preference and suitability. You may notice images, feelings, or body sensations, which your therapist will ask you to report periodically.
• Throughout the session, your therapist will check in with you to see how you are doing throughout this process.
• This therapeutic process will be repeated for various traumatic memories until they no longer cause emotional distress, allowing you to hold the memory without the burden of pain.

The objective of EMDR therapy is not to erase the memory of the traumatic event but to reach a state where you can recall it without experiencing distress, even when reminders surface in your everyday life. The counselors at the Trauma Therapy Center are trained and experienced in EMDR therapy. It is of the utmost importance to us that you feel safe and supported throughout your entire journey.

What Is EMDR Therapy Used For?

Discover the extensive benefits of eye movement desensitization for trauma, and so much more. This type of therapy is not just a lifeline for those who have endured traumatic events. It can be a powerful tool used for a variety of mental health conditions, as well as mapping out future challenges to approach them with the ease and grace you desire.

“In my professional experience, my clients have shown a reduction in PTSD symptoms, feeling a sense of calm and ease after this approach. As a therapist, I pride myself on creating a supportive and safe space that fosters relaxation and trust.”

This treatment approach involves a collaborative partnership between a therapist and the individual. Your therapist will invite you to share the specific needs and circumstances you wish to address during your therapeutic journey. 

EMDR has remarkable healing potential for individuals navigating a variety of conditions, including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression or depressive symptoms
• Grief and loss
• Specific phobias
• Chronic pain
• Eating disorders
• Relationship issues
• Dissociative disorders
• Obsessive compulsive disorders
• Sexual abuse
• Substance use disorders

EMDR isn’t just a treatment, it’s an experience that can unlock a lot of benefits. This therapy goes beyond trauma and offers its transformative impact for navigating life’s challenges with resilience. You can have the tools to approach past and future adversity with strength and grace.

Contraindications for EMDR

EMDR may not be suitable for everyone. Your therapist may want to conduct a further comprehensive assessment if you have conditions that may impact your ability to tolerate emotional distress, such as certain psychotic disorders, history of seizures, or severe dissociative disorders before proceeding with this form of therapy.

Research and Client Experience

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that “EMDR therapy significantly reduces the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a wide range of trauma victims” (Van der Kolk et al., 2007).

Research from PloS One shows that “EMDR is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and subjective distress in PTSD patients” (Chen et al., 2014).

Clients of Liz Chelak, MSW, CCTSI, CRPS have shared that they feel a profound sense of calm after just one session. After two sessions, one client shared she experienced a valuable shift in perspective regarding a traumatic memory. She explained this cognitive and emotional realignment has helped her let go of long-held resentments and begin experiencing more positive feelings about herself and others.

What Is EMDR Therapy for Anxiety Disorders?

EMDR therapy is a versatile treatment that can also address anxiety. Our approach to EMDR for anxiety at the Trauma Therapy Center in West Palm Beach involves:

• Our expert therapists assisting you in identifying specific triggers that cause anxiety symptoms
• Utilizing BLS of your choice with therapist’s guidance to ensure your comfort and safety while discussing thoughts, feelings, and sensations surrounding the anxiety
• Ongoing check-ins from your therapist regarding your thoughts and physical sensations to ensure you are comfortable
• Continuing these steps until the anxiety no longer holds power in your life

The Trauma Therapy Center counselors have a deep understanding of trauma and its effects. We are wholeheartedly dedicated to helping our clients heal from past trauma and anxiety through the help of the most effective and scientifically backed interventions.

How Long Does EMDR Therapy Last?

Therapy is a personalized process tailored to your unique story and needs. Everyone’s journey is individual and we understand that every client’s experience is distinct.

The duration of therapy depends on the individuals’ depth and breadth of your traumatic events. According to the research, 81% of patients needed less than 10 EMDR sessions for stability (Proudluck et al., 2020). Another study showed a 77% remission rate in PTSD veterans after 12 EMDR sessions (Carlson et al., 1998).

Your healing is a collaborative effort and you will work alongside your therapist to determine the total number of sessions. Together, you will forge a plan that respects your circumstances and therapy goals. Our therapists are dedicated to walking with you at a pace that feels right, providing support and expertise every step of the way.

How Much Does EMDR Therapy Cost?

Investing in therapy is a step towards reclaiming your life and rewriting the effects trauma has on your life.

The cost of EMDR therapy depends on:

• The years of the therapist’s experience
• The location of the practice
• The therapist’s qualifications, education, and certifications

We understand that your healing journey is deeply personal, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our EMDR sessions, lasting one hour and conducted in person, are carefully designed to offer you a meaningful and effective experience at $250 each. We typically suggest a series of at least three sessions to truly embrace the healing process.

If coming in person isn’t possible, we want to ensure you can still receive the care you need. You can join us for sessions virtually, as long as you have access to a large-screen computer for the best online experience. Your well-being is our utmost priority, and we strive to provide a therapy space that’s both healing and empowering, wherever you are.

Learn more about how much does therapy cost at our center in West Palm Beach.

Is EMDR therapy covered by insurance?

At The Trauma Therapy Center, we prioritize your healing journey and strive to make the administrative process as smooth as possible. While we do not directly submit claims to insurance companies, we are fully committed to supporting your path to reimbursement. We provide a detailed superbill upon request — a comprehensive document you can submit to your insurance provider to facilitate the reimbursement process.

We understand navigating insurance claims can be daunting, and that’s why our team is here to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork to claim the benefits you’re entitled to. Let us help you focus on what truly matters — your recovery and well-being. If you have any questions about using a superbill for insurance reimbursement, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to assist every step of the way.

Does Medicaid Cover EMDR Therapy?

Medicaid generally provides coverage for counseling sessions across numerous states. For information tailored to your state, we encourage you to reach out directly to your local Medicaid office for confirmation.

While we at the Trauma Therapy Center do not submit claims to Medicaid on your behalf, we are more than willing to furnish you with all the required documentation to ensure you can claim reimbursement from Medicaid for your therapy sessions.

How to Get EMDR Therapy?

Selecting the right therapist is a crucial step on your path to wellness. Your ideal match in a therapist hinges on what personally matters to you. Whether it’s connecting with someone who exudes warmth and empathy, or perhaps you seek a therapist who shares a similar age, gender, or cultural background—these preferences play a vital role in your comfort and therapy’s success.

We encourage you to contemplate the attributes that are most significant to you in a therapeutic relationship. Understanding your unique needs helps ensure you find a therapist who can provide the personalized care and genuine connection essential for your healing journey.

You can find a trusted therapist by:

• Consult with your primary care doctor to get a professional referral.
• Dive into online research, exploring reviews to gauge the experiences of others.
• Contact your insurance provider to see if they can recommend a therapist covered under your plan.

When narrowing down your search for a therapist consider the following:

• Make sure your therapist is trained by a reputable and EMDRIA-approved program, such as EMDR Connect.
• Engage in a conversation with your therapist about their therapeutic approach to see if it aligns with your needs.
• Review the therapist’s qualifications to feel confident in their expertise.

All therapists at the Trauma Therapy Center are not just highly trained and experienced, we believe in empowering our clients to make their own decisions and pace sessions to your needs.

Can I Do EMDR Therapy on Myself?

EMDR therapy is a specialized and powerful treatment method, which is not recommended to do on yourself. EMDR therapists must be trained and experienced, holding a master’s degree, fulfilling years of clinical internships, and completing rigorous training courses.

Doing this form of therapy on yourself can be hazardous due to the potential risk of retraumatization due to a lack of professional support. The guidance of a trained therapist is crucial to navigating the complexities of trauma safely and effectively.

At the Trauma Therapy Center, our therapists are equipped with the expertise and compassionate approach necessary to support you through eye movement desensitization.

EMDR therapy stands as a formidable and proven approach for overcoming trauma and a range of psychological disorders. With the help of our skilled counselor, you can embark on a transformative journey toward healing, empowering you to lead your most fulfilling life.

At the Trauma Therapy Center in West Palm Beach, we are dedicated to your well-being and are ready to support you every step of the way. Book your appointment now and take a decisive step towards reclaiming your well-being.