Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Transform How Your Mind and Body Hold Stress and Trauma
At Heart and Mind Counseling, our EMDR-trained clinicians help you release the emotional weight of painful experiences, regain control, and live with a renewed sense of calm and clarity.
We have three therapists trained in EMDR, with the additional support and expertise of Dr. Corinne Smorra, who is EMDRIA-Certified. Choosing Heart and Mind Counseling for EMDR gives you access to a dedicated therapist assisted by Dr. Smorra—a nationally recognized leader in trauma-informed psychotherapy—ensuring your EMDR experience is effective, safe, and personalized.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people heal from the emotional distress and psychological symptoms that result from traumatic or disturbing experiences.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of what happened. Instead, it helps your brain reprocess the memory so that it no longer feels emotionally charged or overwhelming.
EMDR’s Eight-Phase Structure
- History & Preparation – identify target memories, triggers, and goals
- Desensitization & Reprocessing – focus briefly on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones)
- Installation & Body Scan – strengthen positive beliefs and ensure the body feels calm and safe
- Closure & Reevaluation – consolidate gains and plan next steps
This process engages the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, helping “unstick” distressing memories so they’re integrated without the intense emotional charge.
EMDR Is Endorsed by Leading Organizations
EMDR therapy is supported by more than 30 years of research and endorsed by major health and trauma organizations, including the:
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- American Psychiatric Association (APA)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
These endorsements recognize EMDR as an effective, evidence-based treatment for PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Conditions EMDR Can Help Treat
We use the main EMDR protocol and specialized EMDR protocols for:
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety and Panic Disorders
- Grief and Complicated Bereavement
- Addiction and Relapse Prevention
- Eating Disorders and Body Image Distortion
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Dissociation and Fragmented Memory
- Chronic Pain
- Recent Traumatic Events (R-TEP Protocol)
- Reverse EMDR for Upcoming Stressful Events
EMDR helps the brain “digest” and reprocess experiences that previously felt overwhelming—restoring emotional balance and resilience.
How EMDR Works
When you experience trauma or persistent stress, your brain may store the memory in a fragmented, highly emotional form. That can lead to anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, startle responses, and self-doubt long after the event.
During EMDR, bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, tones) helps the brain reconnect adaptive memory networks that were disrupted by stress. It’s similar to what occurs during REM sleep, when the brain integrates experiences. As reprocessing unfolds, the emotional intensity decreases, beliefs shift (e.g., from “I’m powerless” to “I’m safe now”), and the body learns to feel calm again.
Science & Research Behind EMDR
- Clinical evidence: EMDR has been tested in over 40 randomized controlled trials and hundreds of studies showing major reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Comparative effectiveness: EMDR is recognized as as effective as other gold-standard trauma therapies, sometimes achieving results in fewer sessions.
- Neurobiology: Imaging studies suggest EMDR can reduce amygdala overactivity (fear response), strengthen hippocampal integration (memory processing), and enhance prefrontal regulation (emotional control).
- Global recognition: The VA, APA, and WHO all recommend EMDR for trauma and PTSD.
Each client’s experience is unique, but research consistently shows EMDR’s ability to activate the brain’s natural healing mechanisms.
Client Experiences with EMDR
“I have had some surgical interventions, and participating in the EMDR Chronic Pain Protocol has helped to alleviate my pain. It gave me a sense of control and ease that I didn’t think was possible.”
— Heart and Mind Counseling client, Michigan
“Heart and Mind Counseling helped me with EMDR for a traumatic event, and I noticed a significant improvement in my functioning after several sessions. I’m sleeping better and feel more grounded day to day.”
— Client, Florida
“EMDR has helped my anxiety, which has provided calm when facing different relationship issues. I can respond with more confidence and ease in difficult interpersonal interactions.”
— Client, South Carolina
*Client experiences are anonymized and shared with permission to illustrate the potential benefits of EMDR therapy.*
EMDR via Telehealth
You can experience the full benefits of EMDR online through our secure, HIPAA-compliant Telehealth platform. Our clinicians adapt bilateral stimulation—using alternating tones, on-screen cues, or guided tapping—so you can engage in EMDR safely from home.
Telehealth EMDR is ideal if you:
- Live in an area with limited access to trauma specialists
- Prefer the privacy and convenience of home sessions
- Have mobility or health limitations
- Travel frequently but want continuity of care
We provide Telehealth EMDR in 24 states and the District of Columbia:
Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Who We Serve (Nationwide)
We work with adults and teens nationwide, including veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and individuals coping with medical trauma, relationship stress, or chronic pain. Our multi-state licensing allows us to reach clients in both large cities and rural communities, including Jacksonville, FL; Birmingham, Clinton Township, Mt. Clemens, and Brighton, MI; Charleston, SC; Austin, TX; and Richmond, VA.
Why Choose Heart and Mind Counseling for EMDR
- EMDRIA-Certified assistance from Dr. Corinne Smorra
- Three EMDR-trained clinicians for accessible, coordinated care
- Telehealth EMDR available across 24 states
- Specialized EMDR protocols for trauma, chronic pain, and anxiety
- Compassionate, trauma-informed care with individualized attention
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR
What does EMDR feel like?
A focused, empowering process. You stay in control and don’t have to relive your trauma in detail. Most clients feel calmer after several sessions.
How is EMDR different from talk therapy?
Talk therapy explores insights; EMDR targets how memories are stored and processed, often accelerating healing.
Can EMDR help if I don’t have PTSD?
Yes—EMDR helps with anxiety, grief, chronic pain, and self-esteem challenges, even without a “big-T” trauma.
Is EMDR safe online?
Yes—research and clinical practice confirm Telehealth EMDR is effective when led by trained professionals.
How long does it take?
Some see improvement in a few sessions; others need longer treatment depending on history and complexity.
Is EMDR covered by insurance?
Most major insurers (BCBS, Aetna, Optum, Medicare, etc.) cover EMDR therapy in participating states.
Begin EMDR Therapy with Heart and Mind Counseling
You don’t have to stay stuck in old patterns of pain or fear. EMDR can help you find peace, perspective, and self-compassion.
📞 Call (904) 896-4998
🌐 Website www.heartandmindcounseling.com