Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
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Traumatic experiences and distressing memories can leave a lasting impact on your mental health, often making it feel impossible to move forward. If you find yourself stuck in the past or overwhelmed by emotional triggers, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers a powerful, evidence-based path to healing.
At Taylor Counseling Group, our therapists are trained to provide EMDR therapy as a way to help you process difficult memories and reduce their emotional charge. By activating the brain’s natural healing processes, EMDR allows you to find relief from the symptoms of trauma without having to speak in detail about the event for hours on end. This specialized approach empowers you to:
- Process distressing memories in a safe, controlled environment.
- Reduce the intensity of emotional triggers and flashbacks.
- Break free from negative self-beliefs rooted in past experiences.
- Build resilience and long-term emotional stability.
Through the specialized lens of EMDR, we’ll be able to create a treatment plan to help resolve past trauma and improve your overall health and wellness.
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Stacey Gary, M.A., LPC
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Danielle Sanders, M.S., LPC
Dallas
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Sierra Richard, M.Ed., LPC
Dallas
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Shelby N. LaMothe, M.S., LPC
The Woodlands
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Stacy Moore, M.S., LPC
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Christina Martinez, M.S., LPC
Fort Worth
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Natalina Velez, MSW, LCSW
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Jessica Martin; M.S., LPC
The Woodlands
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Suzanne Fouad, M.A., LPC-Associate
Galleria
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Tanya Benoit, MSW, LMSW
Houston Memorial Park
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Sandra Jones,M.A.,LPC-S
San Antonio
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Ally Clemments, M.A., LPC
Dallas
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Emma Leach, Practicum Student
Dallas
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Rose Ann Hopwood, M.A., LPC
Galleria
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Brittany Sanchez, M.S., LPC-Associate
The Woodlands
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Alpana Lakshmi, MS, LMFT, LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Jennifer Sprague, M.S, LPC
Fort Worth
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Lindsey Goodman, LPC-Associate, M.Ed.
Galleria
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Matthew Spikes, M.Ed, LPC
Dallas
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Gabrielle White, M.A., LCSW
Waco
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Harry Carpio, M.S, LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Tichina Lynch, M.S., LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Lori Caperton, M.A., LPC
Dallas
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Ileana Villarreal, M.A., LMFT
San Antonio
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Nicole Garth, M.S., LPC-Associate
Dallas
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Kristen Martinez, MSW, LCSW
Fort Worth
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Megan Schaefer, M.S., LPC
San Antonio
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Jesse Gill, MSW, LCSW
Galleria
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Bria Harris, MA, LPC
Galleria
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Krista Weaver, MSW, LCSW, C-DBT
Fort Worth
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Ann Meripolski, MS, LPC, LCDC
Dallas
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Christina Knight, M.S. LPC
Coppell
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Emily Rogers, M.S., LPC
Fort Worth
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Megan Hawkins, M.A., LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Antoine Votaw, MA, LPC, LCDC
Dallas
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Michelle Rodgers, MS, LPC-S
Dallas
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Anita Cepeda, MA, LPC
Galleria
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Nicole Kremer, M.A., LPC
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Hailey-Lou Lowry, LPC-Associate, LCDC
The Woodlands
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Hannah Frederick, M.A, LPC
Dallas
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Kaila “Kai” Parker, Practicum Student
Dallas
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Ashley Davis, M.A., LPC
Dallas
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Holly Patterson, MA, LPC
Waco
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Kotia Whitaker, M.S. LMFT
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Vanessa Perkins, MA, LPC
Fort Worth
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Amy Hill, MS, LPC-S, LMFT-S
Coppell
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Colleen Farris, MS, LPC, LMHC
Coppell
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Stephanie Jutras, MSW, LCSW
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Joy Lawson, MA, LPC
Cedar Park
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Lori Shaw, MS, LPC-S
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Christopher Hinds, MRC, LPC
Dallas
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Understanding EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors through conversation, EMDR focuses directly on the memory itself to change how it is stored in the brain.
When a person experiences trauma, the brain’s natural processing system can become overwhelmed, causing the memory to get “stuck” in its original, raw form. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, taps, or tones, to help the brain reprocess these memories so they no longer cause significant emotional pain.
What Can EMDR Treat?
While originally developed to treat PTSD, EMDR is now widely used to address a variety of mental health challenges, including:
- Panic attacks and anxiety disorders
- Complicated grief
- Phobias and performance anxiety
- Chronic pain or illness
- Disturbing life experiences (divorce, accidents, or loss)
How EMDR Therapy Works
The goal of EMDR is to help you “digest” traumatic memories so they become part of your past rather than a constant presence in your present. During a session, your therapist will guide you through a series of bilateral stimulations while you focus briefly on a distressing memory.
As the brain processes the information, the emotional intensity of the memory begins to fade. Over time, the memory loses its “sting,” and the negative beliefs you held about yourself (such as “I am unsafe” or “It was my fault”) are replaced with more adaptive, positive thoughts (such as “I am safe now” or “I did the best I could”).
Our Approach to EMDR Therapy
At Taylor Counseling Group, we prioritize your safety and comfort above all else. Our EMDR therapists follow the standard eight-phase protocol, beginning with a thorough assessment and preparation phase. We ensure you have the necessary coping tools and “grounding” techniques in place before we begin processing any difficult memories.
We believe in a collaborative approach. Your therapist will work at your pace, ensuring that you feel supported and empowered throughout your journey toward recovery. Whether used as a standalone treatment or integrated into your ongoing counseling, EMDR is a transformative tool for lasting change.
Schedule A Counseling Session For EMDR Therapy
Client PortalWhy Choose Taylor Counseling Group for EMDR?
Finding the right environment for trauma work is essential. We provide a professional, compassionate setting where you can feel secure as you heal.
Evidence-Based Care
EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment by the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Defense. Our therapists stay current with the latest EMDRIA-approved techniques.
Personalized Treatment Plans
We recognize that no two journeys are the same. Your EMDR sessions will be tailored to your specific history, goals, and emotional needs.
Affordable, Accessible Support
We believe high-quality trauma care should be accessible. We accept most major insurance plans and offer a variety of locations throughout Texas to serve you.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR
Is EMDR like hypnosis?
No, EMDR is not hypnosis. During a session, you remain fully conscious, awake, and in control of your surroundings. Unlike hypnosis, where a therapist might provide suggestions, EMDR relies on your own brain’s processing power to reach new insights. You are the one in the driver’s seat, and you can stop the process at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
How long does EMDR treatment take?
The length of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the trauma and your individual history. While some people see significant relief from a single-event trauma in just a few sessions, others with more complex or long-term history may require several months of care. Your therapist will work with you to establish a timeline that feels appropriate for your healing journey.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
One of the greatest benefits of EMDR is that you do not need to describe the traumatic event in great detail for the treatment to be effective. While your therapist needs to know what memory you are targeting, the processing happens internally. This makes EMDR an excellent option for individuals who find it too distressing to speak aloud about their experiences.
Are there side effects to EMDR therapy?
Because EMDR triggers the brain’s natural processing system, some people experience “echoes” of processing between sessions. This can include vivid dreams, heightened emotional sensitivity, or light physical tiredness. These are normal signs that your brain is working to heal itself, and your clinician will provide you with grounding tools to manage these feelings effectively.
Is EMDR as effective as traditional talk therapy
Research consistently shows that EMDR can be more efficient than traditional talk therapy for trauma recovery. Because it addresses the physiological storage of a memory rather than just the narrative of the event, many clients find they achieve breakthroughs faster. It is recognized as a top-tier treatment by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association.
Can EMDR be done through telehealth or online sessions?
Yes, EMDR is highly effective when conducted through a secure telehealth platform. Our therapists use specialized digital tools to provide bilateral stimulation, such as visual cues on your screen or auditory tones. This allows you to process difficult memories from the safety and comfort of your own home, which can often enhance the feeling of security during the session.
How do I know if EMDR is right for me?
If you feel “stuck” in past experiences or notice that your body reacts to triggers even when you know you are safe, EMDR may be a helpful tool. It is particularly effective for those who have tried talk therapy but still feel a heavy emotional weight attached to specific memories. A consultation with one of our trained EMDR clinicians can help determine if this approach aligns with your recovery goals.