EMDR

EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, helps the brain heal from distressing or traumatic events. Offered by Joshua Holloway, LCPC, of Open Door Wellness Center in Great Falls, Montana, EMDR releases past trauma stress and helps you live a more normal life. Call today to learn more about this drug-free therapy and how you can benefit. You can also use the online tool on this site to set up an appointment.

What is EMDR?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that helps reset your brain’s trauma response. The treatment requires you to briefly focus on the traumatic memory while your provider moves your eyes from side to side, much like they do when you dream. 

This stimulates your brain in a way that reduces the vividness of the emotions associated with the trauma memory. EMDR does not involve talk therapy or medications. 

Who benefits from EMDR?

EMDR therapy helps patients overcome trauma and symptoms associated with reliving a traumatic event. EMDR also helps you manage the symptoms of: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Addiction
• Panic attacks
• Eating disorders

EMDR doesn’t require you to talk about your trauma, which can be helpful to patients who have difficulty verbalizing their pain. 

What happens during EMDR therapy?

During your EMDR therapy session, Joshua asks you to briefly explain triggering events in your life. As you talk about your triggers, he directs your eye movements.

EMDR therapy diverts your attention as you recall emotionally upsetting events. As a result, the impact of your triggering memories has less impact on your mental and emotional health. EMDR is an evidence-based treatment that has helped millions of people overcome the long-term effects of trauma.

How often do I need EMDR therapy?

It takes more than one EMDR session for you to feel the results of the therapy. Joshua reviews your physical and mental health history and briefly discusses with you the memories and symptoms you’re struggling with.

He’ll look for triggers for specific memories and use EMDR to help you treat these memories. You focus on a specific upsetting memory briefly, and Joshua directs your eye movements at the same time. Once you complete the exercise, he’ll talk to you about how you feel. You’ll work on one trigger at a time. 

When faced with triggering events, you’ll need up to 12 sessions to feel more in control of your thoughts and behavior. Joshua customizes your plan to ensure you get the results you want.

Find out more about EMDR therapy by reaching out to Open Door Wellness Center. Call today or use this website to schedule an appointment online.