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Do You Keep Reliving Something You Wish You Could Forget?

Pathways Counseling Services

EMDR therapy can help you process trauma and finally move forward - without constantly reliving the pain.

Pathways Counseling Services

EMDR Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ

Finding Resolution for Trauma with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

Do you ever feel stuck in the past, no matter how hard you try to move on?

At Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, we offer EMDR therapy-a research-backed approach to help clients heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress. If you’re struggling with childhood trauma, panic attacks, or recent life events, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) provides a structured path to emotional recovery.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR targets the brain’s natural healing process using bilateral stimulation to help reprocess painful memories and reduce their emotional intensity.

Clients often report significant relief in fewer sessions, experiencing renewed clarity, emotional stability, and a greater sense of control over their lives.

Pathways Counseling Services EMDR Therapy

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or constantly triggered by the past, EMDR therapy may be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

What is Audio Bilateral stimulation?

Audio bilateral stimulation is a core component of EMDR therapy that involves sound alternating between the lefft and the right ears in a rhythmic pattern. This back and forth audio movement is designed to mimic natural brain processes similar to what happens during REM sleep and helps stimulate both hemispheres of the brain.
As clients focus on a specific memory, thought, or emotion, the alternating tones support the brain”s ability to reprocess distressing experiences, reduce emotional intensity, and promote a sense of resolution. Audio bilateral stimulation is especially helpful for clients who prefer not to use visual cues and can be done with headphones during sessions or self guided exercises between appointments.

EMDR therapy helps rewire the brain’s response to trauma by using bilateral stimulation while clients recall distressing experiences. This helps move the memory from a reactive emotional state to a more processed, logical one.

During a typical EMDR session, a licensed therapist will guide the client through eye movement or tactile stimulation, and replacing negative thoughts with more adaptive beliefs.

• Reduces emotional distress linked to traumatic memories
• Uses sensory stimulation (eye movement, sound, or tapping)
• Does not require talking about the trauma in detail
• Effective in just a few sessions for many clients

Bilateral Stimulation BLS a core treatment for EMDR

Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) Is a core element of EMDR therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories. It involves rhythmic left to right stimulation through eye movements, tapping or auditory tones. that activates both hemispheres of the brain.

This back and forth motion helps the brain move distressing memories from a reactive, emotional state into a more logical and resolved form. Clients often experience reduced anxiety, clearer thinking, and less emotional reactivity after just a few sessions.

Bilateral stimulation is what makes EMDR so unique, by engaging the body and brain together, it unlocks deeper healing without requiring clients to retell painful stories in detail.

Have you ever felt like your trauma is still loving inside you no matter how much time has passed?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone and theres a process designed to help. EMDR therapy uses a structured phase approach that guides you through healing in a safe, effective way.

Pathways Counseling Services Trauma and PTSD therapy Scottsdale, AZ

Phase 1: History Taking

The therapist gathers your history and identifies specific targets (memories, experiences) that will be addressed using EMDR therapy.

Phase 2: Preparation

You’ll learn grounding techniques, coping skills, and what to expect during EMDR sessions so you feel safe and prepared.

Phase 3: Assessment

Specific memories are selected for processing. You’ll identify images, thoughts, and body sensations connected to the memory.

Phase 4: Desensitization

With bilateral stimulation, the therapist guides you through processing the memory and reducing its emotional intensity.

Phase 5: Installation

Positive beliefs and self-statements are introduced to replace the old, negative beliefs linked to the trauma.

Phase 6: Body Scan

You’re asked to observe your body to identify any residual tension or distress, ensuring the memory has been fully processed.

Phase 7: Closure

The therapist ensures you're feeling grounded and calm before ending the session. Techniques may be used to help close emotional loops.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

At the next session, you’ll revisit the previous targets to ensure lasting change and identify new targets if needed.

EMDR Therapy FAQs

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps you reprocess distressing memories using bilateral stimulation like eye movements, sounds, or taps.

Is EMDR therapy safe?

Yes. EMDR is evidence-based and supported by organizations like the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is safe and effective when administered by a trained therapist.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

No. EMDR does not require you to talk through the details of your trauma. The focus is on how you feel now, and how your brain processes those experiences.

How many EMDR sessions do I need?

Many clients feel relief in just a few sessions. The number of sessions varies based on the complexity of your trauma and your goals for therapy.

Can EMDR help with anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. EMDR is not just for PTSD — it’s been proven effective for anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and low self-esteem linked to unresolved trauma.

Can EMDR therapy be done online or via telehealth?

Yes. Many therapists now offer EMDR sessions online using video conferencing and tools that simulate bilateral stimulation. Virtual EMDR has proven effective and convenient for clients who prefer therapy from home.

Is EMDR therapy emotionally intense?

EMDR can bring up strong emotions during processing, but the goal is healing—not re-traumatization. Your therapist will guide you at your pace, using grounding tools to keep the process safe and manageable.

Is EMDR therapy only for people with PTSD?

No. While EMDR is well-known for treating PTSD, it is also highly effective for anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, performance issues, grief, and even chronic pain rooted in unresolved emotional trauma.

EMDR- How It Can Help You Get Your Life Back

Meet Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC Founder of Pathways Counseling Services

Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor in Scottsdale, Arizona, with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and fear-based challenges. She is trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches, including exposure therapy, DBT and EMDR.
Stephanie believes in walking beside her clients with empathy, clarity, and clinical skill-offering a personalized approach to every individual. Her mission is to help you regain your confidence, reduce avoidance, and feel empowered again.
Outside the therapy room, Stephanie has been featured on. podcasts, radio shows, and panel discussions, where she speaks about trauma recover,, woman’s mental health, and practical therapy techniques.
View Stephanie’s profile on Psychology Today →

Stephanie Levitt Pathways Counseling Services Exposure Therapy

Contact us today for your EMDR session.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or alternating sounds, to reduce emotional distress.

Is EMDR only for PTSD?

No. While EMDR is widely recognized for treating PTSD, it’s also effective for anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and other emotional difficulties linked to past experiences or trauma.

What happens during an EMDR session?

Your therapist will help you focus on a troubling memory while guiding you through bilateral stimulation techniques like visual cues or sounds. This helps your brain reprocess the memory in a less distressing way.

Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

No. EMDR does not require you to discuss the traumatic event in detail. The emphasis is on what you’re feeling now and how the memory is affecting you—not on reliving every part of it verbally.

Is EMDR therapy safe?

Yes. EMDR is a safe, evidence-based therapy endorsed by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies. Some individuals feel relief in just a few sessions, while others with complex trauma may require longer-term work. Your therapist will tailor treatment to your unique needs.

Will I feel worse before I feel better?

Some clients experience emotional intensity during EMDR as painful memories are reprocessed. However, this is temporary and often leads to significant long-term relief and healing.

Our Therapists

Sofia Softas-Nall Therapist Scottsdale AZ Pathways Counseling Services

Sofia Softas-Nall, MS, MA, LPC, NCC Licensed Professional Counselor | Nationally Certified Counselor Sofia Softas-Nall is a therapist in Scottsdale AZ and a Nationally Certified Co