EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, research-backed psychotherapy developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. EMDR is designed to help the brain process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences that feel “stuck.”

When something overwhelming happens, your brain’s natural ability to process the experience can get interrupted. Instead of being stored as a normal memory, the experience can remain unprocessed — carrying the original emotions, body sensations, and beliefs with it.

That’s why certain memories can still feel raw, triggering, or emotionally intense — even years later.

EMDR helps your brain finish processing what got stuck.

EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (usually guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating tones) while you briefly focus on a specific memory or distressing experience.

This process:

• Activates the brain’s natural healing system

• Reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic memories

• Helps reprocess negative beliefs (like “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault”)

• Installs more adaptive, grounded beliefs (like “I survived” or “I’m safe now”)

You do not have to talk in detail about every aspect of your trauma for EMDR to work. The process is structured, paced carefully, and guided by a trained therapist to ensure emotional safety and stabilization.

Many clients describe EMDR as feeling like their brain is “filing away” a memory properly for the first time.

EMDR is best known for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it is effective for much more than that.

EMDR for Single-Incident Trauma

EMDR is highly effective for singular traumatic events, such as:

• Car accidents

• Medical trauma

• Assault

• Witnessing violence

• Natural disasters

• Sudden loss

When trauma stems from one specific event, EMDR can often significantly reduce symptoms in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy.

Our team includes a clinician who specializes in Complex PTSD (CPTSD) treatment.

What’s the Difference Between PTSD and CPTSD?

PTSD typically develops after a single traumatic event or short-term trauma. Symptoms may include:

• Flashbacks

• Nightmares

• Avoidance

• Hypervigilance

• Startle response

Complex PTSD (CPTSD) develops after chronic, repeated, or relational trauma, often occurring in childhood or over long periods of time. Examples include:

• Emotional neglect

• Ongoing abuse

• Domestic violence

• Growing up with emotionally immature or unsafe caregivers

In addition to classic PTSD symptoms, CPTSD often includes:

• Persistent shame or self-blame

• Difficulty trusting others

• Emotional dysregulation

• Deep feelings of worthlessness

• Relationship and attachment struggles

While PTSD is often tied to “what happened,” CPTSD deeply impacts how you see yourself and others.

EMDR can be especially helpful in CPTSD treatment because it:

• Targets early attachment wounds

• Reprocesses core negative beliefs

• Reduces emotional reactivity

• Supports nervous system regulation

For complex trauma, EMDR is typically integrated thoughtfully with stabilization work, attachment-focused therapy, and nervous system support.

Research supports EMDR therapy for:

• Anxiety disorders

• Panic attacks

• Phobias

• Performance anxiety

• Grief and complicated loss

• Depression connected to unresolved trauma

• Attachment trauma

• Childhood trauma

Because trauma is often stored in the body, EMDR can also reduce physical symptoms connected to chronic stress.

Yes — when provided by a properly trained and trauma-informed clinician.

At Flourish Counseling & Wellness:

• We prioritize stabilization before trauma processing

• Sessions move at a pace that feels manageable

• You are always in control of the process

• EMDR is adapted for complex trauma when appropriate

You will never be forced to revisit memories before you feel ready.

EMDR typically includes:

1. History and treatment planning

2. Stabilization and coping skill development

3. Identifying target memories

4. Bilateral reprocessing

5. Installing positive beliefs

6. Ongoing integration

Some clients experience noticeable relief quickly. Others — particularly those with Complex PTSD — benefit from longer-term, layered work.

Both are normal.

If you’re looking for:

• EMDR therapy in Fort Collins

• Complex PTSD treatment in Northern Colorado

• Trauma-informed therapy

• Attachment-focused trauma care

Our team at Flourish Counseling & Wellness provides compassionate, affirming, evidence-based care. We are LGBTQIA+ affirming and deeply committed to trauma-informed practice.

Healing from trauma is possible. Your nervous system can learn safety again. And painful memories do not have to control your present.

If you’re curious whether EMDR therapy is right for you — whether you’re healing from a single traumatic event or navigating the effects of Complex PTSD — we’re here to help.

Reach out to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward trauma healing.