Understanding EMDR Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ: A Path to Healing

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

The Impact of Trauma on Daily Life

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?

EMDR is a psychotherapy technique primarily used to help individuals process traumatic experiences and reduce emotional distress. It can also be an effective treatment for anxiety, panic disorders, grief, substance abuse, and various other difficulties or issues an individual hopes 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.

Why Choose EMDR Therapy in Scottsdale?

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.

The Benefits of EMDR Therapy

• Proven Effectiveness: Research shows up to 90% of single-trauma clients no longer meet PTSD criteria after EMDR.
• Quick Relief: Many clients experience significant relief within 6–12 sessions.
• No Need for Extensive Talk Therapy: Focuses on reprocessing memories rather than extensive conversation.
• Flexible Scheduling: We offer convenient appointment times to fit your busy life.
• Caring Environment: Our team understands how trauma manifests in everyday life.

How Does an EMDR Session Look Like?

The unique aspect of EMDR therapy lies in its methodical approach. Conducted in a safe and comfortable office environment by licensed therapists trained specifically in this technique:

1. The therapist will guide you through specific phases designed to address your traumatic memories.
2. You will focus on the therapist’s hands or use other forms of bilateral stimulation while recalling traumatic experiences.
3. This process helps reduce the emotional intensity associated with distressing memories while forming new adaptive connections in your brain.
4. Your therapist will regularly check in with you to ensure your comfort throughout the session.
5. The goal is not to erase the memory but to diminish its emotional charge so you can lead a healthier life.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy

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! Our therapists are trained to work with clients of all ages; EMDR is highly effective for children and adolescents dealing with trauma or distressing life events.

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; however, coverage depends on your plan. Please contact our office for assistance.

Meet Our Expert Counselors

Meet Stephanie Levitt – Your Trusted EMDR Therapist

At Pathways Counseling Services, Stephanie Levitt specializes in trauma-informed care using EMDR therapy for individuals and families. With a compassionate approach tailored to each client’s needs, she helps clients reprocess trauma and reclaim their lives.Want to learn more about Stephanie’s background? 👉 View Stephanie Levitt’s Psychology Today profile.

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: 📍 Convenient Scottsdale location near 101 & Shea
💻 In-person & virtual sessions available
👩‍⚕️ Licensed EMDR-certified therapists
📅 Appointments available this week

For more information or to schedule an appointment: Call us at (480) 571-0801