EMDR Therapy

Find Healing Through EMDR Therapy

Our EMDR-trained therapists are here to walk beside you on the path toward emotional freedom.

At Olive Leaf Family Therapy, we believe in your capacity to heal from within. You deserve to feel safe in your own mind and body.

Whether you're new to therapy or returning to deepen your healing, EMDR at Olive Leaf Family Therapy offers a compassionate, evidence-based path forward.

Let healing begin—one step, one session, one breath at a time.

 What Is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized form of psychotherapy that helps people process and integrate distressing memories and beliefs.

Originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR has proven effective for a wide range of challenges, including:

  • Childhood trauma or abuse

  • Anxiety and panic disorders

  • Grief and loss

  • Negative self-beliefs

  • Depression

  • Phobias and fears

  • Medical-related trauma

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses less on verbal processing and more on activating the brain’s natural healing ability through bilateral stimulation—often through guided eye movements, tapping, or sound.

By addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms—EMDR offers a way to transform how past experiences live in your body and mind.

Our Approach to EMDR at Olive Leaf

At Olive Leaf Family Therapy, EMDR is more than a method—it’s a healing relationship.

Our trauma-informed clinicians use EMDR as part of an integrative care model that honors your pace, your voice, and your story. We begin by building a strong foundation of safety and trust. Your therapist will guide you through EMDR’s structured phases, including:

STEP ONE

History & Treatment Planning

Understanding your needs and building a roadmap for healing.

STEP TWO

Preparation

Equipping you with grounding tools and emotional resources.

STEP THREE

Assessment

Identifying target memories and beliefs.

STEP FOUR

Desensitization

Processing memories using bilateral stimulation.

STEP FIVE

Installation & Body Scan

Reinforcing new, empowering beliefs and noticing how they feel in your body.

STEP SIX

Closure & Reevaluation

Ensuring you're grounded after each session and tracking progress over time.

We adapt EMDR for individuals of all ages, including children, teens, and adults, tailoring the approach to fit developmental and emotional readiness.

Benefits to You

When you commit to EMDR therapy, you’re not just managing symptoms—you’re rewiring how you experience your past, present, and future. Clients often report:

Relief from distressing memories or nightmares

Increased emotional regulation and stability

Reduced emotional reactivity

Deeper sleep and reduced physical tension

Improved sense of self-worth

Stronger, healthier relationships

Healing is not about forgetting what happened. It’s about reclaiming your power and creating space for new possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The length of EMDR treatment varies depending on the complexity of your history and current symptoms. Some clients find relief in just a few sessions, while others engage in longer-term work.

  • Yes, EMDR is evidence-based and safe when practiced by a trained professional. Your therapist will ensure you're emotionally prepared before processing traumatic material.

  • Not necessarily. EMDR allows you to process memories without reliving every detail aloud, which can feel safer for many clients.

  • Absolutely. At Olive Leaf, EMDR is often integrated with other modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and family systems work.

  • Yes. EMDR can be highly effective for young people and is adapted to fit their developmental stage and comfort level.