EMDR Therapy in Utah and Washington
Evidence-based trauma therapy available at all our locations.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy developed to help people process and recover from distressing life experiences. Rather than relying solely on talking through the past, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements) while you briefly focus on a troubling memory. This activates the brain's natural healing process, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed so they no longer carry the same emotional weight.
EMDR is recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for PTSD and trauma. Many clients find it works faster than traditional therapy, with meaningful shifts possible in fewer sessions.
At Abundance Family Therapy, all of our licensed therapists are trained in EMDR and offer it at every one of our Utah and Washington locations.
What EMDR Can Help With
- Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
- Anxiety & Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Grief & Loss
- Childhood Trauma
- Relationship Trauma
- Phobias & Fears
- First Responder Trauma
- Performance Anxiety
- Attachment Injuries
What to Expect in EMDR Sessions
EMDR unfolds in structured phases. Your therapist begins by taking a thorough history and identifying the memories or experiences to target. Before any processing begins, you'll learn grounding and stabilization techniques so you feel safe throughout.
During processing sessions, your therapist guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements) while you hold a target memory in mind. Between sets, you pause to notice what arises. This continues until the memory loses its distress and you can hold a more balanced view of yourself and the experience.
Many clients describe feeling lighter, calmer, or simply unstuck after EMDR, even after working through difficult material. Sessions are typically 50–90 minutes. Your therapist will check in throughout and move at a pace that feels right for you.
EMDR Therapy Across Utah & Washington
All of our licensed therapists offer EMDR at every Abundance Family Therapy location. Find the office closest to you, or request a telehealth appointment from anywhere in Utah or Washington.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. During EMDR, your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation (typically side-to-side eye movements) while you briefly focus on a difficult memory. This activates the brain's natural healing process, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed so they no longer carry the same emotional charge. EMDR is recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for PTSD and trauma.
EMDR is often faster-acting than traditional talk therapy. Many clients experience significant relief within 6–12 sessions. Single-incident trauma (such as an accident, assault, or medical event) typically resolves more quickly than complex or developmental trauma. Your therapist will discuss a realistic timeline with you at your first appointment and adjust the pace based on how your nervous system responds.
Yes. While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, research supports its effectiveness for anxiety, panic attacks, depression, phobias, grief, and performance anxiety. Many of these conditions are rooted in distressing past experiences that continue to affect how we think, feel, and behave. EMDR addresses those underlying memories directly, which is why it can produce lasting change even for clients who haven't responded fully to other approaches.
EMDR is typically covered by insurance when provided by a licensed therapist as part of a treatment plan, which is how our therapists practice it. Abundance Family Therapy accepts most major insurance plans in Utah and Washington, including Medicaid, Medicare, Aetna, SelectHealth, Regence, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and more. See all accepted plans or contact us and we'll help verify your coverage before your first appointment.