EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy in Tempe, AZ is a highly effective treatment for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and distressing life experiences. At Hope Rebuilt Counseling, we use EMDR to help clients process difficult memories and find lasting relief.

What is EMDR?

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based treatment that helps the brain process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences. EMDR helps you address the issues that are showing up in our life today. It is best for any issue that is stored in memory, not just trauma!

Who is EMDR helpful for?

• Trauma and PTSD

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Childhood trauma

• Abuse or neglect

• Phobias

• Stressful life events

• Sexual Trauma

• Medical Trauma/Chronic Illness/Chronic Pain

• Birth Trauma/Peripartum Issues

• Parenting Difficutlies

• Self-esteem

• Body Image

• Eating Disorders

• OCD

• Relationship issues

• Spiritual Abuse

• Work/School Difficulty

• Sports Performance

• Race and Identity Base Trauma

And More!

How does EMDR work?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is designed to help individuals process distressing memories and experiences that have resulted in present day difficulty and confusion about ourselves and the world. For some clients this can be “knowing” that they are worthy but struggling with a previously “feeling” of shame and low self-esteem. It helps our body and our brain access adaptive information that leads to our healing. The goal of EMDR is to facilitate the brain's natural ability to process and make sense of traumatic memories, leading to decreased emotional distress and symptom reduction.

Who can provide EMDR Therapy?

EMDR Therapy is a specialized psychotherapy that requires a provider complete at minimum 40 hours of Basic Training. Certified EMDR Clinicians have gone on to take specalized trainings and sought additional consultation to further their education and hone their skills in using EMDR therapy. At Hope Rebuilt, we have providers who hold a variety of levels of expertise in EMDR. Each of our EMDR providers seek regular consultation and ongoing continuing education.

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a structured, step-by-step process designed to help you safely process and heal from distressing experiences. While every person’s experience is unique, sessions typically follow a clear and supportive framework.

In the early stages, your therapist will take time to understand your history, current challenges, and goals. You’ll work together to identify specific memories, experiences, or patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Once you’re ready, EMDR sessions involve gently focusing on a memory or feeling while engaging in bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This process helps the brain reprocess the experience so it becomes less overwhelming over time.

You remain in control throughout the entire process. You won’t be forced to share anything before you’re ready, and your therapist will help you build coping skills to stay grounded and supported.

Many clients notice that:

• Distressing memories feel less intense

• Emotional triggers become more manageable

• Negative beliefs begin to shift naturally

• They feel more present and connected in daily life

EMDR therapy doesn’t erase your experiences, but it helps your brain process them in a way that allows you to move forward without feeling stuck.

The length of EMDR therapy varies depending on your goals and history. Some clients experience meaningful relief in a shorter period of time, while others benefit from a longer, more gradual process. We also offer EMDR Intensives, for those looking for longer sessions and immediate relief.

How long does EMDR therapy take?

The timeline for EMDR therapy depends on the complexity of your experiences and your goals. Some individuals notice improvement within a few sessions, while others continue for several months to fully process deeper or long-standing issues.

What’s the difference between EMDR vs Traditional Talk Therapy?

Both EMDR therapy and traditional talk therapy can be helpful, but they work in different ways and may lead to different outcomes depending on your needs.

Traditional talk therapy often focuses on understanding your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. You may spend time discussing challenges, gaining insight, and learning strategies to manage symptoms. For many people, this approach can be helpful in building awareness and coping skills.

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), on the other hand, focuses on how the brain processes and stores distressing experiences. Rather than only talking through problems, EMDR helps the brain reprocess difficult memories so they become less emotionally intense and no longer feel “stuck.” Think about EMDR about connecting both your mind and body as you move towards healing.