EMDR Therapy | Denver, CO
EMDR therapy is an evidence based approach that helps people finally work through traumatic memories and distressing experiences that continue to shape how they think, feel, and respond to the world. Many clients seek EMDR after trying everything they can to manage symptoms on their own. Even with insight and awareness from talk therapy, certain memories can remain intense, intrusive, or overwhelming. EMDR helps the brain process these moments in a way that reduces their emotional grip. The work creates space for relief, stability, and a more grounded sense of self.
At A New Story Counseling in Denver, EMDR therapy offers a supportive and grounded environment where you can work through difficult memories with the guidance of a trained EMDR therapist. The goal is to reduce emotional distress, decrease symptoms, and help you move toward a greater sense of balance and clarity.
What EMDR Therapy Helps With
EMDR therapy can help with a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns, including:
• Traumatic memories
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Distressing memories from childhood
• Anxiety and panic
• Overwhelming emotional reactions
• Grief and loss
• Chronic stress
• Intrusive or unwanted memories
• Physical sensations connected to trauma
• Depression and anxiety linked to earlier experiences
• Patterns of self-doubt or low self esteem
• Feelings of being stuck or unable to move forward
Clients often choose EMDR therapy when they want a deeper level of healing or feel that talk therapy was helpful but did not fully resolve the root causes of their symptoms.
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How EMDR Therapy Works
EMDR therapy follows a structured eight phase approach that supports emotional healing and memory processing. These phases include:
History and assessment
You and your therapist explore significant experiences, current symptoms, and the emotional patterns you want to address. This step helps identify the root causes of distress.
Preparation and grounding
Your therapist teaches calming and grounding skills that help you feel steady throughout the process. These tools support safety and emotional regulation.
Identifying target memories
A target memory is an event or moment that still holds emotional charge. These may include major traumatic events or smaller experiences that continue to influence how you feel.
Desensitization and bilateral stimulation
Guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation help the brain process traumatic memories. This step reduces the intensity of distressing emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs tied to the memory.
Reprocessing and installation
Your therapist helps you strengthen new, more adaptive beliefs as the emotional impact of the memory decreases.
Body scan
You are guided to notice any lingering stress or tension in the body and release it gradually.
Closure and review
Sessions end with grounding and reflection, so you leave feeling settled and supported.
Clients often describe EMDR therapy as structured, steady, and effective in helping the brain move out of survival mode and into a more balanced state.
EMDR Therapy and Talk Therapy
EMDR therapy works well alongside talk therapy. Talk therapy helps clients explore patterns, relationships, and coping skills, while EMDR therapy focuses on processing the emotional material that contributes to symptoms. Many clients use a combination of both approaches to achieve meaningful and lasting change.
Your therapist will help you determine how to integrate EMDR therapy with other methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma informed care.
Working With an EMDR Therapist in Denver
Your therapeutic relationship is an important part of EMDR therapy. Sessions move at your pace, and your therapist supports you with grounding tools, clear guidance, and a focus on emotional safety. You do not need to describe every detail of a traumatic event for EMDR therapy to work. Instead, the process helps your brain reorganize how the memory is stored so that the emotional intensity decreases.
Many clients notice:
• Fewer symptoms of anxiety or panic
• Reduced stress reactions
• Improved emotional well being
• A clearer sense of self
• Better boundaries
• Increased resilience
If coming into the office is difficult or you prefer to work from home, you can also explore online EMDR therapy. Online EMDR sessions offer the same structure and support as in person EMDR therapy and are available to clients throughout Denver and across Colorado.
EMDR Therapy for Trauma and PTSD
Trauma can develop after a single event or from ongoing stress over time. EMDR therapy helps the brain process traumatic experiences, so they no longer trigger overwhelming emotional or physical reactions. Many clients notice significant improvement in symptoms related to post traumatic stress disorder, as well as relief from distressing memories and long-standing emotional patterns.
If you have been feeling stuck or find that past experiences still shape how you respond to the present, EMDR therapy can help you move toward healing and a calmer internal experience.
Start EMDR Therapy in Denver
You do not have to carry the effects of trauma or emotional pain alone. EMDR therapy provides a structured and supportive way to process experiences that feel overwhelming. If you are ready to begin or want to learn more, we can talk about your goals, your symptoms, and what you hope to gain from therapy.
Whether you were referred to us by a happy client or found us through a Google search like EMDR therapy near me or EMDR therapy Denver, we’re here to help. If you’d like to learn more about how EMDR therapy could work for you, visit my contact page or call 720-336-8884 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. Let’s discuss how we can work together to bring relief and healing into your life.
What is EMDR therapy used for?
EMDR therapy is used to treat trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, grief, and distressing memories that continue to influence daily life. It helps the brain process events that were overwhelming at the time they happened.
How does EMDR therapy differ from traditional talk therapy?
Traditional talk therapy focuses on exploring thoughts, emotions, patterns, and relationships through conversation. EMDR therapy uses a structured eight phase process that includes bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Instead of talking through every detail of an experience, EMDR therapy helps reduce the emotional intensity of the memory itself. Many clients use both approaches together, since talk therapy supports insight and coping skills, while EMDR therapy focuses on healing the root causes of emotional distress.
What does EMDR stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based treatment that helps the brain process traumatic memories, distressing experiences, and symptoms related to post traumatic stress disorder.
Do I have to talk about the trauma in detail?
No. EMDR therapy does not require you to describe the events in detail. The focus is on how your brain stores and processes the memory.
Is EMDR therapy evidence based?
Yes. EMDR therapy is well researched and recognized as an effective treatment for trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and emotional distress connected to past experiences.
Can EMDR therapy help with anxiety?
Yes. Many clients experience a reduction in anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and stress after processing the underlying causes of their symptoms.
How long does EMDR therapy take?
The number of sessions varies for each person. Your therapist will recommend a plan based on your history, symptoms, and goals.
Do you offer online EMDR therapy?
Yes. Online EMDR therapy follows the same structure as in person sessions and is available to clients in Denver and throughout Colorado.
