What is EMDR Therapy Used For?

It's known that people dealing with trauma and/or PTSD can benefit from EMDR trauma therapy. However, it is also used for any patient who struggles to communicate about past experiences. Whether it be a painful break-up, a car crash, or other life-threatening accident. EMDR trauma therapy can help patients push past the reluctance to talk about past events. This treatment continues until recalling the past experience is no longer distressing. After therapy, a positive belief will replace the negative response.

It's known that people dealing with trauma and/or PTSD can benefit from EMDR trauma therapy. However, it is also used for any patient who struggles to communicate about past experiences, whether it be a painful break-up, a car crash, or other life-threatening accident. EMDR trauma therapy can help patients push past the reluctance to talk about past events. This treatment continues until recalling the past experience is no longer distressing. After therapy, a positive belief will replace the negative response.

What Conditions Can an Online EMDR Therapist in Tampa & St. Petersburg Treat?

While it has had less outcome research, some psychologists have begun to use EMDR to treat other psychological issues. These include but are not limited to depression, addiction, anxiety, panic attacks, and eating disorders.

During EMDR therapy, the patient begins to experience the event safely. This leads to a positive outcome, resulting in increased insight toward:

• The previously negative occurrence
• The unpleasant thoughts about themselves that first started during the original painful event

Some patients have been successful in weaning off their medication in favor of EMDR therapy. Yet, others have discovered that EMDR therapy sessions have a positive impact on the effectiveness of their meds.

According to the EMDR Institute, Inc., some of the studies on this type of therapy show that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder after only three 90-minute sessions. Another study, funded by the HMO Kaiser Permanente, found that 100% of the single-trauma victims and 77% of many trauma victims were no longer diagnosed with PTSD after only six 50-minute sessions. In another study, 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD in 12 sessions. (Source: psycom.net)

What to Expect During EMDR Therapy

Many clients feel nervous before starting EMDR for PTSD therapy because they are unsure what the process involves. Here’s a general overview:

1. History & Treatment Planning

Your psychologist gathers information about your experiences and identifies target memories.

2. Preparation

You’ll learn grounding techniques and emotional regulation skills to ensure you feel safe during sessions.

3. Reprocessing

While focusing on a distressing memory, you follow guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. This allows the brain to reprocess the memory in a new, less distressing way.

4. Installation of Positive Beliefs

Once the emotional charge decreases, the therapist helps strengthen a healthier belief (e.g., “I am safe now” instead of “I am powerless”).

5. Body Scan & Closure

Sessions end with grounding to ensure emotional stability.

EMDR vs. Traditional Talk Therapy

While traditional therapy focuses on insight and discussion, EMDR works more directly with how trauma is stored in the brain.

Talk Therapy:

• Focuses on understanding patterns
• Relies heavily on conversation
• Can take time to reduce trauma intensity

EMDR:

• Targets specific distressing memories
• Uses bilateral stimulation to accelerate processing
• Often produces faster symptom relief for trauma

Both approaches are valuable and can even be combined for optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy

Is EMDR therapy safe?

Yes. EMDR is considered a safe, evidence-based treatment when conducted by a trained clinician. Therapists ensure clients have adequate coping skills before beginning trauma processing.

Does EMDR therapy really work?

Research shows EMDR is highly effective for trauma. Multiple studies indicate that a significant percentage of single-event trauma survivors no longer meet criteria for PTSD after a limited number of sessions. It also shows promise for the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic attacks, phobias, grief and loss, performance anxiety, low self-esteem, distressing breakups, and relationship trauma.

How long does EMDR therapy take?

The length of treatment depends on the complexity of trauma. Single-incident trauma may resolve in a few sessions, while complex trauma may require longer treatment.

Will I have to relive my trauma in detail?

No. Unlike some trauma therapies, EMDR does not require you to describe traumatic events in graphic detail. Processing occurs internally while your therapist guides bilateral stimulation.

Can EMDR be done virtually?

Yes. Our virtual EMDR therapy is available for clients throughout Florida and PSYPACT states. Online EMDR uses adapted bilateral stimulation methods and has been shown to be effective.

Can EMDR help with anxiety that isn’t related to trauma?

Often, yes. Many forms of anxiety are rooted in earlier experiences or core negative beliefs. EMDR can target those underlying memories and reduce symptoms.

Is EMDR covered by insurance?

Coverage varies depending on your provider and plan. Contact our Tampa or St. Petersburg office to discuss your specific benefits.

Who Is EMDR Therapy Right For?

EMDR may be a good fit if:

• You feel emotionally triggered by certain memories
• You avoid reminders of a past experience
• You experience flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
• You struggle with negative beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not safe”
• You’ve tried talk therapy but still feel stuck

However, EMDR may not be appropriate for individuals currently experiencing active psychosis or severe instability without stabilization first. A consultation can help determine readiness.

The Synergy of EMDR

EMDR trauma therapy can even be combined with other types of therapy. So, if you’re unsure if it’s right for you, you can ask your EMDR therapist to incorporate it into your treatment plan without letting go of previous methods or tactics. We invite you to schedule a 30-minute session with a trauma therapist at a reduced rate to talk about the benefits of EMDR therapy yourself and see if it might be the right fit for you.

Begin In-Person EMDR Trauma Therapy in Tampa or St. Petersburg & Virtual Therapy Anywhere in Florida

You can overcome your symptoms of PTSD from past trauma. Our expert, doctoral-level psychologists specialize in EMDR therapy and can provide the support you deserve. Our practice, which has offices in Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL, also offers virtual online therapy throughout Florida and all PSYPACT states. Our online EMDR therapists can help you with a wide range of mental health concerns. To start your EMDR journey, follow these steps:

• Contact Wellness Psychological Services
• Meet with an expert clinical psychologist such as EMDR therapist Dr. Oropeza-Diaz
• Start EMDR trauma therapy, and overcome past trauma

Psychotherapy at Wellness Psychological Services

EMDR trauma therapy is not the only service we offer from our Tampa, FL-based therapy practice. We also offer online therapy, individual therapy, and couples counseling. For couples, we can offer marriage counseling, divorce discernment counseling, support through a divorce, and mediation. We also support individuals with anxiety treatment, trauma therapy, depression counseling, OCD treatment, stress management, and most other common mental health concerns. Feel free to learn more about our St. Petersburg & Tampa, FL therapy offices, or our testing and evaluation services.