Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is one of the most researched and effective therapies for trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. At Evans Counseling Group, our licensed therapists use EMDR to help individuals process painful memories, reduce emotional distress, and move forward with greater resilience. If past experiences are affecting your present life, we're here to help.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess memories that feel stuck. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it uses bilateral stimulation — such as guided eye movements — to help you process difficult experiences without having to relive them in detail.
EMDR Therapy May Be Helpful If:
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You feel like certain memories still affect your daily life.
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Anxiety seems connected to past experiences.
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You've experienced trauma or PTSD.
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Grief feels difficult to move through.
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You struggle with shame or negative beliefs about yourself.
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Certain situations trigger intense emotional reactions.
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You want to move forward without feeling controlled by the past.
How EMDR Therapy Works
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories in a healthier way. Many people describe traumatic experiences as feeling "stuck"—even years later, certain memories, emotions, or situations can trigger the same fear, anxiety, or emotional pain they experienced when the event first happened.
Rather than asking you to repeatedly relive painful experiences, EMDR helps your brain gradually reprocess those memories so they feel like events from your past instead of something that continues to affect your present.
EMDR therapy follows a structured process, but every person's treatment is tailored to their individual needs and progresses at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
Preparing for Therapy
Your therapist will first take time to understand your history, current concerns, and treatment goals. Before beginning memory processing, you'll learn grounding and coping strategies to help you feel supported throughout the process. Building a strong sense of safety and trust is an important part of successful EMDR therapy.
Processing Difficult Memories
Once you're ready, you'll work together to identify a memory or experience that continues to cause distress. While briefly focusing on that memory, your therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, alternating taps, or other gentle techniques.
Many clients notice that, over time, the memory begins to feel less emotionally overwhelming. While the event itself doesn't disappear, the fear, anxiety, shame, or emotional intensity often becomes significantly reduced.
Strengthening New Perspectives
As distress decreases, your therapist helps reinforce healthier, more adaptive beliefs about yourself and your experiences. For many people, negative beliefs such as "I'm not safe" or "I'm not good enough" gradually become replaced with beliefs that better reflect their present reality.
Healing Happens Over Time
EMDR is not about forgetting what happened or forcing yourself to "move on." Instead, it's about helping your brain process experiences in a way that allows you to remember them without feeling overwhelmed by them.
Many people find that memories become less intrusive, emotional triggers become easier to manage, and they feel more present in their daily lives as therapy progresses.
What Can You Expect During an EMDR Session?
Many people are interested in EMDR therapy but feel unsure about what the experience is actually like. One of the most common concerns we hear is, "Will I have to relive my trauma?" The answer is no. While EMDR involves briefly focusing on difficult memories, the goal is not to repeatedly revisit painful experiences or become overwhelmed by them.
Your therapist will guide you through each step of the process at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable. Throughout the session, you remain awake, aware, and in control. You can pause, ask questions, or slow the process at any time. Your therapist will regularly check in with you to make sure you feel supported and emotionally grounded.
During the processing phase, you'll briefly focus on a memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating taps. As your brain begins to process the experience in a healthier way, many people notice that the memory gradually feels less emotionally intense. While the event itself doesn't change, the fear, anxiety, shame, or distress connected to it often becomes significantly more manageable.
Every person's experience with EMDR is unique. Some clients notice meaningful changes within a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment depending on their history, goals, and the concerns they're working through. Throughout the process, your therapist will tailor treatment to your individual needs and help you move forward at a pace that feels right for you.
Why Do Some People Choose EMDR Therapy?
There is no single therapy that's right for everyone. The most effective treatment depends on your experiences, your goals, and the concerns you're hoping to address. While many people benefit from traditional talk therapy, others find that EMDR offers a different path toward healing.
One of the unique aspects of EMDR is that it focuses on helping the brain process distressing memories that may continue to affect your thoughts, emotions, and daily life. Rather than spending every session talking through difficult experiences in detail, EMDR combines guided memory processing with bilateral stimulation to help reduce the emotional intensity connected to those experiences.
Many people choose EMDR because they feel "stuck." They may understand why they feel anxious, overwhelmed, or triggered, yet still struggle to move forward. EMDR is designed to help the brain reprocess those experiences so they no longer carry the same emotional weight.
EMDR can be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, or negative beliefs that developed after difficult life experiences. For others, traditional talk therapy, CBT, ACT, or another evidence-based approach may be a better fit. During your first appointment, your therapist will take the time to understand your needs and recommend a treatment approach that's tailored to your goals rather than using a one-size-fits-all method.
EMDR Therapy in Denver
Our therapists provide EMDR therapy for adults, teens, and older children experiencing trauma, anxiety, PTSD, grief, and other concerns rooted in difficult life experiences. We offer appointments at both our Cherry Creek and Denver Highlands offices, as well as secure telehealth sessions throughout Colorado.
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicaid, so getting started with an EMDR therapist in Denver is as straightforward as possible.
Highly Recommended EMDR Therapists in Denver
Our therapists are accepting new clients — find the right fit for you.
Common Questions About EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR therapy used for?
EMDR is most well-known for treating trauma and PTSD, but it's also highly effective for anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and negative self-beliefs rooted in past experiences.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. One of the biggest benefits of EMDR is that you don't need to describe traumatic events in detail for it to work. Your therapist will guide the process at a pace that always feels safe.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
It varies by person. Some clients notice significant shifts in just a few sessions; others benefit from longer-term work. Your therapist will discuss a personalized plan with you during your first appointment.
Does insurance cover EMDR therapy in Denver?
Yes. Evans Counseling Group accepts most major insurance plans including Medicaid. Contact us to verify your specific coverage.
Do you offer online EMDR therapy?
Yes. We offer telehealth EMDR sessions for clients across Colorado. Online EMDR therapy is just as effective as in-person and can be done from the comfort of your home.
Ready to take the first step? Contact Evans Counseling Group today to get matched with a therapist who's the right fit for you.
Why Choose Evans Counseling Group for EMDR Therapy in Denver?
Choosing a therapist is one of the most important decisions you'll make. While EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment, the quality of your experience depends on finding a therapist who understands your goals, creates a sense of safety, and tailors treatment to your individual needs.
At Evans Counseling Group, our licensed therapists use EMDR as part of a personalized treatment plan rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you're working through trauma, anxiety, PTSD, grief, or distressing life experiences, we'll take time to understand your story and recommend the approach that's the best fit for you.
When you choose Evans Counseling Group, you'll find:
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Licensed therapists trained in EMDR and other evidence-based treatment approaches.
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Personalized care that is tailored to your goals, history, and pace.
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Comfortable in-person therapy at our Cherry Creek and Denver Highlands offices.
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Secure online EMDR therapy available throughout Colorado.
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Most major insurance plans accepted, including Medicaid, making treatment more accessible.
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A collaborative approach focused on helping you build lasting resilience rather than simply reducing symptoms.
Healing looks different for everyone. Some people experience meaningful improvements in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term therapy. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where you feel understood, respected, and empowered throughout the process.
If you're wondering whether EMDR therapy is right for you, we're here to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward healing.
Serving Clients Throughout Denver and Colorado
Evans Counseling Group provides EMDR therapy from our Cherry Creek and Denver Highlands offices, as well as secure telehealth sessions throughout Colorado. Many of our clients come from Cherry Creek, Washington Park, Capitol Hill, Highlands, Sloan's Lake, Park Hill, and surrounding Denver communities. Whether you're looking for support after trauma, struggling with anxiety, or hoping to process difficult life experiences, our team is here to help you find the therapist that's right for you.