EMDR Counseling

What Is EMDR?

Lacamas Counseling Serves Vancouver, Camas, Washougal Washington and the surrounding areas

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. It was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since been endorsed by major health organizations as an effective treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that the brain naturally seeks to process and integrate experiences. When a traumatic or highly stressful event occurs, that process can become “stuck,” leaving the memory unprocessed and emotionally charged. EMDR helps the brain “unstick” and reprocess those memories, allowing healing to occur.

Our Approach to EMDR Therapy

We offer specialized counseling services tailored to the specific needs of veterans, including:

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy uses a structured, eight-phase approach that helps clients safely reprocess distressing memories. The hallmark of EMDR is bilateral stimulation—typically eye movements, sounds, or gentle taps—which appears to facilitate the brain’s natural healing process while maintaining emotional balance.

The eight phases of EMDR include:

1. History and Treatment Planning– Identifying traumatic events, symptoms, and goals.
2. Preparation – Teaching grounding and relaxation techniques to ensure emotional safety.
3. Assessment – Selecting target memories and identifying related thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
4. Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation to help reduce emotional distress while processing the memory.
5. Installation – Strengthening positive beliefs about oneself (e.g., “I am safe now”).
6. Body Scan – Checking for lingering tension or discomfort.
7. Closure – Returning to calm at the end of each session.
8. Reevaluation – Reviewing progress in subsequent sessions.

This process helps transform distressing memories into neutral, integrated experiences that no longer trigger the same emotional intensity.

What Are the Benefits of EMDR Counseling?

Research and clinical experience show that EMDR can significantly reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories. Common benefits include:

• Reduced trauma symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
• Decreased anxiety and depression associated with unresolved experiences.
• Improved emotional regulation and resilience to stress.
• Faster recovery compared to some traditional talk therapies.
• Improved self-esteem and confidence as distressing memories lose their intensity.

What Does the Research Say?

EMDR is one of the most researched trauma treatments available, with decades of clinical studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) confirming its effectiveness.

Strengths & Consensus

• Strong evidence for PTSD Multiple meta-analyses confirm EMDR’s effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms. It is recognized as an effective trauma treatment by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO)American Psychiatric AssociationU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Comparable to trauma-focused CBT Studies show EMDR achieves similar outcomes to trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), often with fewer sessions.
• Long-term effectiveness Follow-up research demonstrates sustained symptom reduction months or even years after completing EMDR therapy.
• Expanding applications
  In addition to PTSD, EMDR shows promise in treating anxiety,depression, panic disorder, and grief.

Limitations & Considerations

• Temporary distress may occur as clients revisit traumatic memories, which is why EMDR should only be conducted by trained professionals.
• Mechanism under study – While EMDR’s effectiveness is well-established, scientists continue to study how bilateral stimulation aids memory processing.
• Not for everyone – EMDR may not be suitable for individuals currently in crisis or without adequate emotional stability.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR may be a good fit if you:

• Have experienced trauma, loss, or disturbing life events that still affect you.
• Struggle with recurring negative thoughts, anxiety, or fear.
• Feel “stuck” in patterns of emotional pain or avoidance.
• Want a focused, evidence-based approach to healing.

At Lacamas Counseling, our EMDR-trained clinicians provide a safe and supportive environment for trauma recovery. We tailor treatment to your needs, pacing sessions to ensure comfort and emotional safety throughout the process.