EMDR Therapy Near Littleton - Effective Trauma Treatment

With our EMDR therapy, you can heal from past trauma, reduce anxiety, and reclaim your emotional well-being for a brighter future.

What Is Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR) Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was initially developed in 1987 specifically for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting its origins as a trauma focused treatment. It’s a well-researched psychotherapy approach designed to help people recover from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other distressing life experiences, including psychological trauma. During an EMDR session, your therapist will gently guide you to recall upsetting memories—often focusing on a specific trauma memory—while you engage in bilateral stimulation, such as following the therapist’s moving fingers with your eyes (eye movements), listening to alternating tones, or feeling gentle taps. EMDR therapy involves focusing on emotionally disturbing material while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation. This process helps your brain “reprocess” traumatic memories so they become less intense and overwhelming, and internal associations arise that facilitate healing. You may notice physical sensations or body sensations as you recall these memories, which are part of the natural healing processes engaged during EMDR. One big advantage of EMDR is that it doesn’t require you to talk in detail about the trauma if that feels too difficult; you can heal without rehashing every painful moment, making EMDR a powerful option for those who find traditional talk therapy challenging. Unlike talk therapy, EMDR relies less on clinician interpretation and more on your own mental and emotional processes to achieve healing.

At South Denver Therapy, we offer EMDR therapy near Littleton for individuals seeking genuine healing from the effects of trauma. Maybe you’re carrying childhood wounds, grief, panic attacks, or the aftermath of a recent traumatic event—EMDR can help you move forward with greater resilience and hope. Trauma can create an emotional wound that lingers long after the event, and if left untreated, the emotional wound festers, leading to ongoing distress. Our trained EMDR therapists provide compassionate, personalized care and ensure you feel safe and supported at every step of your healing journey. We tailor the therapy to your needs, empowering you to overcome the past and regain control of your life. EMDR therapy shows that even those with traumatic experiences can experience significant recovery, as the therapy engages and transforms emotional processes for lasting change.

Illustration of a therapist guiding a client through EMDR therapy with two fingers raised. Text explains EMDR combines therapy with eye movements or other stimuli to process trauma, and is used to treat PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

How Effective Is EMDR Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Over the years, EMDR has proven to be a very effective treatment for helping people recover from trauma and related challenges. Dozens of clinical studies have shown that EMDR significantly reduces the emotional distress of traumatic memories. More than 30 positive controlled outcome studies have been conducted on EMDR therapy, indicating its effectiveness. In fact, major health organizations recognize its benefits – the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs even lists EMDR as a “best practice” therapy for PTSD, and the World Health Organization (WHO) endorses it as an effective trauma treatment. The American Psychiatric Association also recognizes EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma and related disorders, further validating its use in mainstream mental health care. This means EMDR isn’t experimental; it’s a trusted method backed by research and used worldwide.

Research shows that EMDR therapy is effective not only for individuals with single-incident trauma but also for multiple trauma victims who have experienced repeated or complex traumatic events.

One remarkable aspect of EMDR is its versatility. While it’s best known for treating PTSD, therapists also use EMDR to help with a wide range of other issues that often go hand-in-hand with trauma – including anxiety disorders, phobias, panic attacks, depression, complicated grief, and more. Many people even find that EMDR works faster for them than traditional talk therapy, with positive changes often appearing in a shorter time frame. Repeated studies show that EMDR therapy can provide benefits of psychotherapy much faster than traditional methods. By using bilateral stimulation to activate the brain’s natural processing mechanisms, EMDR allows you to resolve stuck memories and negative beliefs. As a result, painful experiences from your past stop triggering you like they used to, and their emotional grip on your daily life loosens. The typical EMDR therapy result includes not only symptom relief but also emotional healing, post-traumatic growth, and greater psychological resilience. For someone who has struggled for years with trauma or anxiety, EMDR offers a hopeful path forward when other approaches may have fallen short.

The EMDR Process: What to Expect in Your Sessions

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured therapy approach designed to help you heal from the emotional distress and symptoms caused by disturbing life experiences, including post traumatic stress disorder. When you begin EMDR at South Denver Therapy, you’ll embark on a carefully guided journey through a series of phases, each tailored to help you process and integrate traumatic memories in a safe and supportive environment.

During your EMDR sessions, your therapist will walk you through the movement desensitization and reprocessing process, which typically includes eight distinct phases. These phases start with understanding your history and developing a treatment plan, then move into preparation, where you’ll learn coping skills to manage any difficult feelings that may arise. As you progress, you’ll work together to identify specific traumatic memories or distressing events that are still affecting your emotional health.

A key part of EMDR therapy is the use of eye movement desensitization—where you’ll be asked to recall a traumatic memory while following the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes. This bilateral stimulation, which can also involve sounds or taps, helps your brain reprocess the trauma so that it loses its emotional intensity. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR allows you to address trauma without needing to discuss every detail, making it especially helpful for those who find it hard to talk about painful events.

Throughout the desensitization and reprocessing EMDR phases, your therapist will ensure you feel safe and in control. You’ll be encouraged to notice any thoughts, feelings, or body sensations that come up, and together you’ll work to replace negative beliefs with more positive, empowering ones. By the end of the EMDR process, many clients find that their traumatic memories no longer trigger the same level of emotional distress, allowing them to move forward with greater resilience and peace of mind.

At South Denver Therapy, we’re committed to making your EMDR experience as comfortable and effective as possible, guiding you every step of the way as you heal from past trauma and reclaim your well-being.

Hi, I’m Carissa! Let’s work together to heal, and transform through EMDR Therapy!

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach to addressing trauma and emotional distress, utilizing a structured therapy process designed to facilitate healing. EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment process that includes history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation. The EMDR therapeutic process follows this structured, multi-phase approach to help clients process traumatic memories, foster emotional healing, and achieve lasting change. As a licensed professional, I am dedicated to guiding you through this transformative process, helping you resolve past traumas and improve your overall well-being. In our sessions, we will work together to reprocess painful memories, reduce emotional distress, and build healthier coping mechanisms by developing new coping skills. Let’s embark on this journey to healing and recovery, enabling you to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. Through this process, we will also work to foster positive belief in yourself, supporting your growth and resilience.

How EMDR Therapy Can Help You


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Trauma Resolution

EMDR allows you to fully process and release the emotional weight of traumatic events, including past disturbing experiences, so you can finally move forward without that heavy burden.

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Symptom Reduction

Many people see a significant reduction in distressing symptoms – like anxiety, depression, flashbacks, or nightmares – leading to an overall improvement in mental health.

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Rapid Improvement

EMDR often works faster than traditional talk therapy, meaning you may notice positive changes and relief in a shorter period of time.

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Memory Reconsolidation

This therapy helps “re-file” upsetting memories in your brain so they aren’t as emotionally charged. Over time, those memories become far less triggering and more manageable.

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Improved Emotional Regulation

EMDR equips you with better tools for managing your emotions. You’ll find you can respond more calmly to stress and feel more stable day to day.

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Better Self-Understanding

By healing from past experiences, you’ll gain insight into your reactions and behaviors. EMDR fosters deeper self-awareness, which can lead to personal growth and a stronger understanding of yourself.

Why Choose Us For Your EMDR Therapy

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Expertise and Experience 

Our therapists have over six years of specialized experience in trauma therapy and EMDR, ensuring you receive the highest quality care from professionals you can trust.

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Non-judgmental and Compassionate

We provide a safe, welcoming space where you can share anything on your mind without fear of judgment. You’ll be met with empathy, understanding, and zero shame.

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Cultural Sensitivity

We understand that everyone has their unique background and experiences, so we're committed to being culturally sensitive and respectful towards your individuality. 

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Free Consultation

We offer a free 15-minute consultation to talk about your needs and expectations to ensure that we are the right fit for you.

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Confidentiality & Privacy

Your privacy is paramount. Everything you share with us remains confidential and protected. We strictly follow confidentiality standards, so you can feel secure knowing your personal information stays private.

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LGBTQ-Friendly

Our practice is a safe haven for everyone – regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or background. We’re proud to be an affirming, LGBTQ+-friendly therapy center that welcomes you with open arms.

What Our Clients Say

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Top Rated EMDR Therapy near Littleton!

Living in Littleton and looking for an EMDR therapist nearby? Good news – our office is only a short drive away, so you can get quality trauma therapy without a long commute. We know how important it is to find help that’s convenient and accessible. At South Denver Therapy, you’ll find a welcoming and comfortable environment where we focus on your unique healing needs.

If Castle Rock feels too far, we also offer virtual EMDR sessions, which are just as effective as in-person therapy. This gives you the flexibility to receive expert care from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, anxiety, or other emotional challenges, our compassionate therapists are here for you. We personalize your sessions to fit your goals, making sure you feel heard, supported, and on the right track toward recovery.

Unburden Yourself From Your Past - Book a Session Today To Speed Up Your Healing Process!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The number of EMDR therapy sessions required for optimal results can vary from person to person. During your initial consultation, our experienced therapists work with you to assess your unique needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.

  • We understand that flexibility is crucial for our clients, so we offer in-person and online EMDR therapy sessions. You can choose the option that best suits your preferences and needs.

    Whether you prefer the convenience of virtual sessions or the comfort of face-to-face interactions, our therapists are here to accommodate your choice and provide the support you require.

  • We are an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. This allows us to offer personalized, client-centered care without restrictions from insurance companies, such as requiring a diagnosis or limiting session types. However, we’ve partnered with Mentaya, a service that helps you check your out-of-network benefits and may even file claims for you. You can use the tool on our FAQ page to see if you’re eligible for reimbursement.

    Our rate is $175/hr for EMDR.

Our Services

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Trauma Therapy

Our trauma therapy offers a safe space to heal from past experiences. Together, we navigate recovery at your pace, fostering resilience and restoring hope.

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Depression Therapy

Feeling weighed down? Our depression therapy supports you through the lows. We work on coping strategies and uncovering the light within step by step.

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Anxiety Therapy

Don’t let anxiety rule your life. Our therapy equips you with practical techniques to manage stress, regain calmness, and live with renewed confidence.

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