EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in Charlotte
EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps the brain finish processing memories that got “stuck” — often because the experience was overwhelming at the time it happened. Rather than requiring you to talk through the details of what occurred, EMDR works by pairing brief, focused attention on a distressing memory with guided bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements). Over time, the memory becomes less charged and easier to hold.
EMDR is a World Health Organization–approved treatment for trauma and PTSD. Caladrius therapists trained in EMDR also use it for anxiety, grief, panic, and depression when those concerns are rooted in unprocessed past experiences.
What EMDR helps with
EMDR has the strongest evidence base for trauma and PTSD, and is also used for a range of other presentations where distressing memories or past experiences play a role:
- Single-incident trauma (accidents, assault, medical events)
- Complex trauma and childhood adversity
- PTSD and post-traumatic stress symptoms
- Grief and complicated loss
- Anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks
- Depression tied to specific past experiences
- Distressing beliefs about yourself rooted in past events
EMDR isn't the right fit for everyone. If you're unsure whether it's appropriate for your situation, a free consultation is a good place to start.
What EMDR sessions look like
EMDR has a structured eight-phase protocol. The early phases focus on history-taking, building a trusting working relationship, and developing stabilization skills — grounding techniques and self-soothing strategies you can use both inside and outside of sessions. These aren't skipped, even when clients are eager to get started on trauma processing. Preparation matters.
Processing phases involve briefly focusing on a target memory while following bilateral stimulation — typically your therapist's hand movements, a light bar, or tapping. You don't need to describe the memory in detail. Many people find this significantly less distressing than talking through traumatic events directly, which is one reason EMDR can feel more manageable than they expected.
Sessions are typically 50–90 minutes, and the number of sessions needed varies depending on the complexity of what you're working on. Some single-incident traumas resolve in a handful of sessions; complex trauma generally takes longer.
The evidence base
EMDR is one of the most rigorously studied treatments for PTSD. It is endorsed by the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Multiple randomized controlled trials have found EMDR as effective as trauma-focused CBT, often in fewer sessions and with less between-session homework.
We also offer TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), another WHO-approved trauma treatment. Your therapist can help you understand which approach is likely to be the better fit for your situation.
Getting started
A free 15-minute consultation is available if you'd like to ask questions and get a sense of whether EMDR is a good fit before committing to anything. Use the form in the sidebar to reach out — we'll follow up within one to two business days.