Does EMDR therapy work for everyone?

While many people benefit from EMDR therapy, each person’s experience is unique. It’s especially effective for trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and panic disorders.

How long is each EMDR session?

Sessions typically last 50 to 90 minutes. The number of sessions varies based on the client’s needs and the nature of their trauma.

Is EMDR therapy offered in Scottsdale, AZ?

Yes, Pathways Counseling Services offers EMDR therapy in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sessions are available in person or online.

Speak to a Therapist Near Me – EMDR Trauma Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ

July 3, 2025 | Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC

At Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, AZ we understand how trauma can affect people of all ages-and how EMDR therapy in Scottsdale, AZ, can help them heal.

Just the other day, I sat at a cafe waiting for my order when I noticed a young boy standing in line with his father.

The boy excitedly talked about a soccer game he had played earlier that morning.

Suddenly, his father snapped-angrily scolding him for a mistake that had cost the team the game.

The entire cafe fell silent, stunned by the outburst.

As a therapist, I know trauma doesn’t always stem from a horrific accident or years of abuse-it can originate from anywhere and can take on any shape.

I watched the man scream at his son in the middle of a crowded cafe, upset over a mistake the boy made during his soccer game.

The child immediately shut down after being humiliated in public. If this happens often at home, I worry the boy could carry emotional scars and struggle with deep-rooted issues later in life.

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that helps people reprocess traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress. it’s commonly used to treat anxiety, grief, panic disorders, PTSD, substance abuse, and other emotional difficulties.

Unlike talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t focus on retelling the story. Instead, it helps the brain reprocess distressing memories through specific phases, using techniques like guided eye movements.

How does EMDR work?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique primarily used to help individuals process traumatic experiences, reduce emotional distress and reframe negative beliefs.

It can also be an effective treatment for anxiety, panic disorders, grief, substance abuse, and a variety of other difficulties or issues an individual is hoping to overcome.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses less on talking through the trauma and more on reprocessing disturbing memories through structured phases.

This helps the brain unstick painful experiences that may be stored in raw, unprocessed form- often the root of ongoing emotional triggers and mental health symptoms.

At its core, EMDR therapy taps into your brain’s natural ability to heal emotional wounds – much like your body heals from physical injuries.

Whether you’re facing trauma from childhood, a recent accident, or years of anxiety, EMDR can help desensitize those memories and bring emotional relief.

If you’re searching for EMDR therapy in Scottsdale or wondering if it’s right for you, our licensed trauma counselors at Pathways are here to walk you through every step of the process.

How does EMDR therapy work?

As the name suggests, EMDR is a highly unique therapy method that uses eye movement to administer treatment.

Facilitated in a safe, comfortable office environment, licensed EMDR therapists typically use back-and-forth hand motions, sounds, or other rhythmic stimuli to keep the client’s brain focused while he or she processes traumatic and negative thoughts and feelings internally.

Adjust Speed:

Additionally, EMDR research suggests that when clients focus on the therapist’s hands and recalls their target traumas, the brain begins to form new adaptive connections. These new pathways can help unblock the brain’s ability to process and move past the trauma.

It’s important to note that revisiting trauma can be an intensely emotional and painful. EMDR therapists will never push a client too far and will regularly check in to assess distress or discomfort during session.

As treatment moves forward, the process is reevaluated and adjusted as needed to provide the best and safest treatment possible for the treated clients.

The goal of EMDR isn’t to erase the memory, but to remove the emotional charge it holds. Many clients gain new insights or perspectives during treatment-ones that weren’t previously accessible. This shift helps them break emotional blocks or trauma loops.

Why Scottsdale Clients Choose EMDR Therapy

Many clients in Scottsdale choose EMDR therapy because it works. Whether you’re facing trauma, anxiety, or stress, EMDR offers relief without requiring years of talk therapy. It’s science-backed, results-oriented, and designed to help you heal at your own pace.

At Pathways Counseling Services, we provide EMDR treatment for children and adults of all backgrounds and histories.

While many of us are taught from a young age to suppress our emotions and avoid painful memories.

EMDR helps individuals face and process that pain-so real healing can begin.

Clients also appreciate our flexible scheduling, welcoming environment, and deep understanding of how trauma shows up in everyday life.

If you’re looking for EMDR therapy in Scottsdale, our caring team is here to support your healing journey every step of the way.

EMDR stands for: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Originally developed for: Treating trauma and PTSD
Proven effective for: PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, abuse recovery, and more
Recognized by:American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Works by: Helping the brain process stuck memories through guided eye movements and bilateral stimulation
Session length: Typically 60–90 minutes
Treatment duration: Many clients experience significant relief in 6–12 sessions
Not traditional talk therapy: EMDR focuses less on conversation and more on reprocessing memories
Success rate: Research shows up to 90% of single-trauma clients no longer meet PTSD criteria after EMDR

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ

Q: What is EMDR therapy?
A: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy method used to help individuals process and recover from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other emotional distress.

Q: How does EMDR therapy work?
A: EMDR uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while the client recalls traumatic experiences. This process helps reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories and supports long-term healing.

Q: How many EMDR sessions do I need?
A: The number of sessions varies based on the individual and the complexity of the trauma. Many clients begin to feel relief within 6–12 sessions.

Q: Is EMDR therapy effective for children and teens?
A: Yes, EMDR therapy is highly effective for children and adolescents dealing with trauma, anxiety, or distressing life events. Our Scottsdale therapists are trained to work with clients of all ages.

Q: Is EMDR covered by insurance?
A: Pathways Counseling Services is an out-of-network provider. We can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance, but EMDR coverage depends on your plan. Please contact our office for assistance.

Our EMDR Counselors

Meet Stephanie Levitt, EMDR Therapist in Scottsdale

At Pathways Counseling Services, Stephanie Levitt, LPC, specializes in trauma-informed care using EMDR therapy for individuals and families. With a compassionate, client-centered approach, she helps clients reprocess trauma and reclaim their lives.

Want to learn more about Stephanie’s background, specialties, and approach? 👉 View Stephanie Levitt’s Psychology Today profile

If you’d like to schedule an EMDR therapy appointment with us, please contact us here or call us at (480) 235-1682.

Getting Started with EMDR in Scottsdale

Ready to heal? Let’s begin.

Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’ve tried other approaches before, EMDR offers a powerful path forward. At Pathways Counseling Services, we make it easy to get started: