EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Metro Atlanta EMDR Therapy
For individuals struggling with certain mental health conditions, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, or EMDR, can be a highly effective treatment and may even accelerate the healing and recovery process for some patients. Exploring all treatment options is an important part of achieving long-term well-being and positive outcomes, and at CNSL, we are proud to be a leader in offering EMDR therapy. To learn more about EMDR and whether it may be an appropriate treatment option for you, reach out to our professionals by phone or online today.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps individuals process traumatic or unresolved memories. During EMDR, a therapist guides the client in recalling distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (stimulation on both sides of the body), most commonly through therapist-directed lateral eye movements. Other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as alternating audio tones or gentle tapping, may also be used.
Research suggests that EMDR works by activating the brain’s natural information-processing system in a way that is similar to the role of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed so they become less emotionally distressing and more adaptively integrated. EMDR is commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as other trauma-related conditions resulting from single-incident or complex, long-term traumatic experiences.
Who May Benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is used to treat patients who have undergone traumatic events or are coping with traumatic memories, as well as mental health conditions that may be the result of those traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy is especially effective for treating veterans who are living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also used to treat conditions such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Dissociative disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Personality disorders
- Trauma disorders
Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase treatment process. Throughout therapy, the clinician identifies and targets specific traumatic memories, helping the client process the thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs associated with those experiences. Depending on the complexity of the trauma, processing a single memory may take one session or several sessions. As treatment progresses, clients may be asked to keep a log of any thoughts, dreams, emotions, or memories that arise between sessions. In the final phase, the therapist helps the client apply the coping skills and processing techniques they have learned to future situations and life experiences.
The phases of EMDR include:
- Patient history and education. The therapist will work with the patient to understand their history and determine their goals for therapy while also explaining what to expect during EMDR therapy.
- Assessment. The patient works with the therapist to identify themes and specific memories they want to work on during reprocessing.
- Desensitization and reprocessing. The healthcare provider will ask the patient to focus on one or more specific negative memories while bilateral stimulation occurs. The healthcare provider also helps the patient to focus on positive beliefs and feelings that they want to install.
- Body scan. A body scan is an opportunity for the patient to focus on what is happening in their body as they go through therapy. As therapy progresses, physical symptoms should decrease and become more manageable.
- Closure and stabilization. Patients focus on developing ways to manage their emotions and feelings outside of their therapist’s office.
- Monitoring and ongoing care. Following EMDR therapy, a therapist will assess the patient and determine what ongoing care may be needed and what therapy moving forward may look like.
Work With a Therapist from CNSL
CNSL is committed to providing our patients with the most effective treatment options available, including EMDR therapy when appropriate. We are honored to be a leader in providing this innovative therapy.
Unless a provider has referred you specifically for EMDR therapy, new clients wanting to start EMDR will need to be evaluated by a qualified therapist before starting EMDR therapy to determine if this is the appropriate form of treatment to proceed with. At the initial intake appointment, our qualified therapist will conduct an assessment to make sure EMDR is appropriate and safe for you.
During that intake appointment, the therapist will typically:
- Review your history (trauma, mental health, medical background)
- Understand your current symptoms and goals
- Assess stability (coping skills, support system, safety)
- Determine if EMDR is the right approach—or if something else should come first
EMDR can be very effective, especially for trauma-related conditions, but it’s not always the first step for everyone. Sometimes therapists recommend building coping skills first before starting the reprocessing phases.
At our practice, our EMDR therapists only offer EMDR therapy services to adults (ages 18+). For clients younger than 18, we do have therapists who are trauma-informed and can provide an assessment on whether trauma-informed care is necessary.
To learn more about EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy and how working with the professionals at CNSL may help, please reach out to us by calling CNSL at (678) 384-4911 and dialing 1 for Therapy or email client.coordination@cnsl.com. Visit here to view FAQ about our therapy services.
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Victoria Saladna
LCSW
Abigail Shetler
LAPC
Morgan Mitchell
LAPC
Tiffany Peeler
LPC
Linde Ferrero
LCSW
Kimberly Meredith
MAMFT, NCC, LPC
Danielle O’Kelly
LPC
Morgan Kraut
LPC
Jill Bloemker
LPC
Olivia Cantrell
APC
Amanda Flowers
LAMFT
Kiara Cervantes
LAMFT, Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator
Karen Dodge
LPC, NCC
Julia Nailor
LCSW
Megan Walsh
Masters Level Pre-licensed Therapist
Erin Smith
LCSW
Ramona Mott
LPC
Madison Medford
LPC
Adam Stephens
LPC
Leigh Bowerfind
MSW
Shannon Dixon
LMSW
Wanda Watson
MA, LPC
Katie Cooley
MS
Cason Carman
MS
Kailey Austin
MSW
Veronica (Vonnie) Slater
LPC, NCC
Lynn Zyskowski
LPC
Jamila Allen
APC
Crissy Himelstein
LPC, CPCS, RPT-S
Lauren Wallace
LPC, CPCS, RPT-S
Lori Winston
APC, NCC
Desiree’ Lewis
LPC (eligible)
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APC
Leenah Abboud
APC, NCC
Sarah Norris
LCSW
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Graduate Level Counseling Intern
Laura Madinger
LPC, OTR/L
Cathryn Heeter
MSW
Dr. Jack St. Jean
MD, Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Ayman Fareed
Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Jordan Howard
MD, Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Allison Weaver
NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Allison Hogan
LMSW
Bailey Paris
LCSW
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BS Ed, LCSW
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LPC, NCC
Brittany Ott
LCSW
Carly Farrell
LCSW, Gerontology Certificate, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
David Febles
LMFT
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MS, LPC
Elana Durden
LPC
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PA, NCCPA-Certified
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LPC
Jade Johnson
LPC
Kyle Benson
Physician Assistant
McKenzie Lane
PA-C
Jessica Coleman
NCC, LPC
Jess May
LMSW
Julia Cornman
LPC
Kimberly Thompson
PMHNP
Elizabeth McKeon
Board-Certified-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Katie Landers
LPC, ATR, Assistant Clinical Director
Emily Marsh
PMHNP-BC
Meagan Doughty
PMHNP-BC, Masters in Nursing at University of Alabama
Laura Seipel
LPC, MAAT, ATR, PMH-C
Madonna Mezzanotte
LPC, RPT
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LCSW
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LCSW
Olivia Dedels
LPC, NCC
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LPC
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LAPC, R-DMT
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LPC, CAC II
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