EMDR Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ
Do you ever think:
- Why can’t I just be happy when good things happen?
- I just want to stay in bed and not be around anyone at all.
- How can I stop the bad dreams and waking up in fear?
- Why do I get mad so easily?
When Talk Therapy just isn’t enough.
Stuck? Try EMDR therapy to get moving again.
At Pathways Counseling Services, we use EMDR therapy to treat anxiety, painful memories, trauma and other experiences that continue to weigh heavily on you. We have EMDR trained therapists available to help you gain a sense of control, calm and increased safety.
“Ask for help. Not because you are weak. But because you want to remain strong.”
~ Les Brown
EMDR therapy in Scottsdale helping the brain process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Many individuals seek EMDR therapy in Scottsdale when they feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, emotional triggers, or distress connected to past experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on how memories are stored in the brain and helps reduce the emotional intensity connected to those experiences.
People Turn to EMDR therapy for one of two reasons.
- They have heard it works and they would like to start EMDR when they start therapy.
- They have been getting “stuck” in talk therapy and want to turn to EMDR to get them “unstuck”
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a holistic therapy -activating thoughts, emotions, and body sensations that are associated with a particular memory that has “stuck around” and continues to negatively impact your life.
Sometimes when painful or traumatic events are occurring , the brain does not process the information in the same way it does during non-traumatic events.
The painful experiences and associated emotions, feeling, and body sensations can become “stuck.” Resulting in adverse emotions and symptoms.
The often happens because of the body’s flight fight or freeze response. Essentially , the brain goes into survival mode and becomes so overloaded that the event isn’t fully processed.
This results in lingering feeling of powerlessness, shame, fear, or other emotions that tend to weapon you.
EMDR therapy in Scottsdale helping clients process trauma, reduce emotional distress, and feel more grounded.
What can I expect during EMDR Treatment?
Your therapist at Pathways Counseling Services will gather a basic history of your presenting concerns and what you would like to address in therapy. Your therapist will also engage you in resource development as part of the EMDR process.
“Resource development” involves tapping into your creativity to create a support system for yourself.
This may include imagining a safe place and identifying figures such as wisdom, nurturing, or protective figures to call upon, should you need them when processing the targeted memory.
The length of time for the intake, resource development, and memory re-processing will vary depending on your presenting concerns. You can talk to your therapist about what you might expect, given your unique situation.
EMDR therapy in Scottsdale helping clients process trauma, reduce emotional distress, and feel more grounded.
Meet Your Therapist
Testimonials
From Our Clients
Pathways Counseling Services is a warm, friendly, Spa like environment. From the moment you walk in the door, you can tell that they are there to help; to make you feel welcomed and safe.
J.D. | Google Review
There are times when we all need a tune up in life or maybe a transformation. We all think we can get over the challenges we have “on our own.” And what I found is that’s just not healthy nor true. – the Pathways leadership team provides the real care without judgement, with clear listening, and a game plan for a purpose I driven life. Whatever you are going through, trust this team to be your trusted advisors. I do, and they are making a difference in my life. How about you?
S.M. | Google Review
Our family has had the best experience at Pathways Counseling Services. My sister is like a different person in a great way! She no longer struggles from the crippling anxiety and OCD that she’s had since we were kids. She did EMDR and Exposure and Response Prevention with her therapist and it’s like a miracle!
K.V. | Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process distressing memories and experiences. Instead of simply talking through events, EMDR helps reduce the emotional intensity connected to those memories so they feel less overwhelming over time.
What does EMDR therapy help with?
EMDR therapy can help with trauma, PTSD symptoms, anxiety, panic, emotional triggers, distressing memories, negative beliefs, grief, and feeling stuck after difficult life experiences.
Is EMDR therapy safe?
Yes. EMDR therapy is safe when provided by a trained therapist. Sessions are structured and paced carefully, with a focus on building emotional safety, stability, and coping skills before processing difficult memories.
Will I have to talk about every detail of my experience?
No. Many people choose EMDR because it does not require sharing every detail out loud. Your therapist will guide the process in a way that feels manageable while helping you stay grounded and supported.
What happens during an EMDR session?
During EMDR therapy, your therapist may help you focus on a specific memory, belief, or trigger while using bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This process helps your brain reprocess the experience in a healthier way.
How long does EMDR therapy take?
The number of sessions varies based on your goals, history, and symptoms. Some people notice changes within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support depending on the complexity of what they are working through.
Can EMDR help with anxiety?
Yes. EMDR therapy can be very effective for anxiety, especially when anxiety is connected to past experiences, emotional triggers, or negative beliefs. Your therapist can help determine if EMDR is the right approach for your needs.
Can EMDR therapy be done through telehealth?
In some cases, yes. EMDR therapy can be adapted for secure telehealth sessions when clinically appropriate. Your therapist will help determine whether in-person or virtual sessions are the best fit.
Do you offer EMDR therapy in Scottsdale, AZ?
Yes. Pathways Counseling Services provides EMDR therapy in Scottsdale, AZ. Our therapists help clients process trauma, reduce emotional distress, and move forward with greater stability and confidence.
Do you accept insurance for EMDR therapy?
Pathways Counseling Services is a fee-for-service practice and does not bill insurance directly. If your insurance plan offers out-of-network mental health benefits, we can provide a superbill that you may submit for possible reimbursement.
