Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Person-Centered
Solution-Focused Brief (SFBT)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Dialectical (DBT)
Brainspotting
Insurance Billing: $0
Private pay rate: $150
I asked my very first EMDR client from 2009 who still comes in from time to time to answer these questions to help my future clients understand a bit more about experiencing EMDR therapy.
• What led you to try EMDR therapy?
• Had you tried other types of therapy before EMDR? If so, how was EMDR different?
I started seeing Leigh Ann who introduced me to EMDR. She mentioned that it would help reframe and deal with past traumas, and I was open to try. I hadn’t tried other therapies, but I tried to work things out on my own. Most of what I tried on my own was not successful.
The EMDR Process
• What was the EMDR process like for you? (Describe your comfort level, the pace of sessions, or anything that helped you feel safe.)
• What stood out to you about how the therapist guided you through difficult memories or emotions?
• Was there a specific breakthrough or “aha” moment during EMDR that you remember?
When we began using EMDR, Leigh Ann kept the room safe and quiet. We would uncover issues and then she would quietly talk me through the process. I never felt threatened, nor did I get upset when we dove into that locked closet of memories in my mind. She helped me process them so they no longer had an outsized influence on my thinking and behavior. What stood out to me was at the end of the sessions. Leigh Ann always recommended post-session rest. The “Aha moment” was when I felt myself being able to respond to trigger situations instead of reacting in an emotional way.
Positive Changes & Impact
• What positive changes have you noticed since completing EMDR?
• Emotional relief?
• Reduced triggers?
• Improved relationships?
• More confidence?
• How has EMDR helped you handle situations that used to be overwhelming?
• What difference has it made in your daily life or mental health?
For a long time I felt like I had an anchor attached to me. Plus I was a bit jumpy and didn’t know why. The anchor is mostly gone, I’m achieving more and more. I’m a lot more confident and my expectations of people around me are far more realistic, and definitely I am able to navigate normal conflict in life much better. Now, programs outside of EMDR make sense and I can meaningfully detach from situations rather than get triggered. Emotionally, I feel a lot more calm. I’m able to process emotion in healthy ways without the lingering fear, dread, doom, and everything else that simmered under the surface. I certainly have more confidence in and out of work, able to enter into conflict and deal with it constructively without getting into uproars. I’m much, better. Heath wise, I can enjoy exercise, enjoy hikes and walks, too without being on alert. It’s like I’m not carrying all this weight around anymore. I’m actually getting to the point where I’m detaching in a healthy way. I pull back from conversations and allow myself to have strong boundaries. Plus, as I get to know myself better, I really like who I am. For tough situations, it’s easy to see problems vs. drama, and if people want to have drama, great, I exit. Another result is I’ve been on a really great spiritual journey, too, authentically exploring my connection to God.
Overall Experience
• How would you describe your experience with the therapist’s approach, compassion, or skill?
• Would you recommend EMDR to others who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, or other issues?
I strongly recommend going through EMDR. Be all in. Going to those places in your mind, exploring those memories alone can be hard. But it’s a different walk when Leigh Ann is beside you. She knows you’re safe and makes you feel safe and helps you to deal with those memories once and for all.
Final Thoughts
• What would you say to someone who is hesitant or nervous to try EMDR?
• What surprised you most about the process or results?
If you’re hesitant, give it a go. Sometimes we get to a point where what we know, no matter how unhealthy or dysfunctional, is what we’re comfortable with. I will admit, I was a bit unnerved shedding the weights because that’s all I ever knew. But now that they’re gone life is so much better! What’s interesting is that somewhere deep inside me, I knew it was all wrong to hold onto this stuff. Once I started dealing with it, that voice deep inside kept saying, “Here’s more - get rid of this too!” I have been dealing with some very stressful family situations lately, and, yes, I still get upset. But, I am the calm voice of reason through it all. I’m not triggered nearly as much as I used to be. My extended family still keeps pushing those buttons to see if I’ll react but now I can see what they are trying to do and I can step away from it. EMDR for me was a critical first step in discovering the real me, and I strongly encourage you to take that step!