EMDR Therapy in Castle Rock: Frequently Asked Questions Answered
If you’re considering EMDR therapy in Castle Rock, you’re not alone. One of the most common things people say when they call our office is, “I’ve heard about EMDR… but what exactly is it, and how does it work?” As a therapist trained in EMDR, I get these kinds of questions all the time, and they’re great questions to ask.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, or just feeling stuck, EMDR might be a helpful path forward. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most frequently asked questions I hear in sessions, so you can feel more confident and informed about what to expect.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a proven therapy for healing trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. It works by having you focus on a distressing memory while following side-to-side eye movements or listening to alternating sounds. This bilateral stimulation helps your brain reprocess stuck memories so they feel less overwhelming.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, you don’t have to relive every detail. You stay awake and in control—it’s not hypnosis. The process mimics how your brain naturally processes experiences during REM sleep, supporting faster emotional healing. If you’re curious about how a full EMDR session actually works, check out more detailed article on EMDR here.
“EMDR helps your brain file away painful memories so they don’t keep popping up and hurting you. You’re fully awake, in control, and we move through it together, one step at a time.”
EMDR is recognized by the APA and WHO as an effective, evidence-based treatment for trauma, phobias, panic, and more.
In short: EMDR helps your brain safely process painful memories so they no longer disrupt your life.
Who is EMDR not appropriate for?
EMDR can be very effective, but it’s not suitable for everyone. There are a few situations and conditions where therapists proceed with caution or may recommend other treatments instead. While EMDR can be transformative, it’s not right for everyone, especially not right away. Here are cases where EMDR may need to be delayed or adapted:
Active psychosis (like hallucinations or delusions): EMDR requires distinguishing past from present, which can be difficult during psychotic episodes.
Severe dissociation (like DID or dissociative amnesia): EMDR can trigger more disconnection unless grounding skills are in place first.
Recent trauma or crisis: After a major event, the emotional “container” may be overflowing. Stabilization comes first, then EMDR can follow.
Substance abuse: If someone is actively using, it's harder to stay present in EMDR. Addiction support is often needed first.
Medical or neurological conditions: Those with seizures or significant hearing/vision issues may need clearance or modified EMDR techniques (like tactile stimulation).
Extreme emotional distress: If recalling trauma feels unsafe, preparatory therapy is needed before beginning EMDR.
Good news: Most people can eventually do EMDR with support and timing. A trained EMDR therapist in Castle Rock will assess your readiness and guide you toward healing, whether through EMDR or another supportive path.
Why is there controversy with EMDR?
EMDR is now widely accepted, but early on, it raised eyebrows. When Dr. Francine Shapiro introduced it in 1989, many therapists were skeptical—could eye movements really help heal trauma? Critics argued EMDR was just exposure therapy with a flashy twist and questioned whether the bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, sounds) had any real effect.
By the 2000s, research showed EMDR worked as well as other trauma therapies, and sometimes even better. But debate remained: Was it the eye movements helping, or the structured memory recall? Some studies show bilateral stimulation affects the brain (possibly calming emotional responses), but the exact mechanism is still being studied.
Another concern was the lack of a clear theory in EMDR’s early days, which made it feel “too good to be true”—especially since some clients reported big improvements in just a few sessions. That rapid progress made some therapists cautious.
Finally, improper use of EMDR by untrained practitioners raised concerns about retraumatization. This led to a strong push for professional certification and training.
Today, EMDR is endorsed by the APA, WHO, and VA, and is considered a leading trauma therapy. Some still debate how it works—but the results speak for themselves.
Is EMDR therapy covered by insurance? Can therapists bill insurance for EMDR?
Yes, EMDR is usually covered by insurance just like other forms of individual therapy. There’s no special EMDR billing code. It’s billed under standard psychotherapy CPT codes like 90834 or 90837, based on session length. As long as your plan includes mental health benefits, EMDR should be covered when provided by a licensed therapist.
Coverage depends on your diagnosis and plan. EMDR is often used for PTSD, anxiety, depression, or stress-related disorders which are conditions most plans consider medically necessary. If you’re seeking EMDR for something like performance anxiety without a formal diagnosis, it may not be covered.
Things to check:
Is your therapist in network?
Does your plan allow for 60 to 90 minute sessions?
Are there session limits or preapprovals?
Many therapists keep sessions to 50 to 60 minutes to align with insurance, or they may charge extra for extended sessions.
Bottom line: If your insurance covers therapy, EMDR is typically included. Always confirm with your provider and ask your EMDR therapist in Castle Rock about what’s covered. They’ll guide you through your options.
What is the success rate of EMDR therapy?
EMDR has consistently high success rates, especially for PTSD and trauma-related conditions. Research shows that 77% to 90% of people with PTSD experience significant symptom relief after completing EMDR. One often-cited study found that 90% of single-trauma clients no longer had PTSD after just three 90-minute sessions. Another study reported that 77% of multiple-trauma survivors were PTSD-free after six 50-minute sessions.
These are exceptional results compared to traditional talk therapy or medication, which often require more time and show lower remission rates.
Beyond trauma, EMDR is also effective for issues like phobias, panic disorder, and trauma-related depression, with some studies showing 70% or more improvement. The Department of Veterans Affairs strongly recommends EMDR as a frontline treatment for PTSD, citing its robust evidence base.
That said, success can look different for each person—from complete resolution of symptoms to a noticeable reduction in distress. If EMDR doesn’t work, it’s often due to factors like unresolved dissociation, a lack of preparation, or not enough sessions.
With a trained EMDR therapist, outcomes are typically strong. Most clients report that while they still remember the traumatic event, it no longer feels raw or overwhelming—a sign that the memory has been successfully reprocessed.
“Success with EMDR doesn’t mean you forget the trauma. It means it no longer controls you. That shift is powerful, and it’s what healing often looks like.”
What are the downsides of EMDR therapy?
EMDR is highly effective, but like any therapy, it has potential downsides. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared.
Emotional intensity is common. Because EMDR brings up traumatic memories, you may feel strong emotions like sadness, fear, or anger during and after sessions. Some people feel emotionally raw or unsettled for a day or two. This is normal and usually subsides as the brain processes the memory.
Fatigue and physical effects may occur. Sessions can be mentally draining. Some people feel tired, lightheaded, or even mildly nauseous. This is temporary, but it helps to plan time to rest afterward.
Vivid dreams and resurfacing memories are possible. As your brain continues processing, you may experience more intense dreams or recall old memories. While this can feel unsettling, it often gives you and your therapist more material to work with and heal.
Temporary increases in distress can happen between sessions. You might notice irritability, anxiety, or emotional ups and downs. These effects are short term, and your therapist will provide tools to manage them, such as journaling or calming exercises.
It is not a quick fix. While EMDR is often faster than other therapies, it still requires multiple sessions and a willingness to engage with difficult material. If there are unresolved issues like active substance use or an unsafe environment, those may need to be addressed first.
Therapist skill matters. EMDR must be delivered by a trained, certified professional. A poorly conducted session can leave someone feeling worse. In Castle Rock, make sure you work with someone who specializes in EMDR and has the right credentials.
Some people are not ready for EMDR yet. In certain mental health states, like active psychosis or severe dissociation, EMDR can be destabilizing. A qualified therapist will assess this and recommend preparation if needed.
In summary: EMDR can bring short-term discomfort like emotional overwhelm or fatigue, but these are typically signs that the therapy is working. With the right support, most clients move through this phase and experience meaningful, lasting relief.
What disorder is EMDR most commonly used to treat?
EMDR is most famously and commonly used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In fact, it’s one of the frontline recommended treatments for PTSD in many clinical guidelines. The therapy was developed specifically to help people who had experienced trauma – such as combat veterans, sexual assault survivors, people who lived through accidents or natural disasters – to recover from the intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety that come with PTSD. So if someone asks, “What is EMDR for?”, the simplest answer is “trauma and PTSD.”
Beyond PTSD, EMDR is also widely used for related trauma-spectrum conditions. This includes Acute Stress Disorder (trauma symptoms in the first month after an event) and adjustment disorders stemming from trauma. Therapists also use EMDR for complex PTSD (from prolonged/repeated trauma, often in childhood).
However, EMDR’s usefulness isn’t limited strictly to classic PTSD. It’s increasingly applied to other mental health issues, especially when those issues have roots in difficult life experiences. For example:
Anxiety disorders: EMDR can help with phobias, panic disorder, performance anxiety, and generalized anxiety if there are particular past events or core beliefs feeding the anxiety.
Depression: When depression is linked to unresolved past hurts or traumas, EMDR can sometimes alleviate it by processing those memories. (There’s research showing good remission rates for depression with EMDR in some cases)
Grief and loss: EMDR can be part of therapy for complicated grief, helping process the painful memories around losing a loved one.
Pain and somatic disorders: Some practitioners use EMDR for chronic pain management (by addressing the emotional distress component of pain) and even things like phantom limb pain.
Addictions: While EMDR isn’t a standalone addiction treatment, it’s used to treat the trauma that often underlies substance use disorders, and to reduce triggering cravings by processing memories associated with the addiction.
While EMDR can help with many issues, its most common use is for healing trauma. It’s especially effective for PTSD and trauma-related anxiety, where it helps reduce the emotional charge of painful memories.
Therapists in Castle Rock often use EMDR for clients processing events like car accidents, abuse, or chronic stress. Even when used for things like fear of public speaking or relationship issues, the focus remains on reprocessing distressing experiences. That’s the heart of EMDR.
What are the 8 stages of EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy follows a structured 8-phase protocol designed to ensure safety and effectiveness throughout the healing process. Each phase builds on the last, guiding both therapist and client through a systematic approach to trauma processing.
1. History Taking and Planning
Your therapist gathers information about your past experiences and current symptoms. Together, you identify specific memories or issues to target and assess readiness for trauma work.
2. Preparation
The therapist explains how EMDR works and helps you build coping tools like relaxation techniques or safe-place imagery. This phase builds trust and ensures you feel grounded and safe before moving forward.
3. Assessment
You select a target memory, identify a negative belief (like "I'm unsafe") and a desired positive belief (like "I'm strong"). You also rate your current distress and notice emotions and body sensations linked to the memory.
4. Desensitization
This is the active processing phase. You focus on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements or tapping). After each short set, you share what comes up, continuing until the distress level drops significantly or to zero.
5. Installation
Once the memory feels less painful, the therapist helps reinforce the positive belief using bilateral stimulation. The goal is to make this new belief feel true and integrated.
6. Body Scan
With the memory and belief in place, you scan your body for leftover tension or discomfort. If anything lingers, it's addressed with further bilateral stimulation until it resolves.
7. Closure
Every session ends with grounding, especially if a memory wasn’t fully processed. Your therapist may guide a calming exercise and help you contain any leftover emotions so you leave feeling stable.
8. Reevaluation
At the next session, your therapist checks in on progress. Do you still feel calm about the memory? Does the positive belief still hold? If not, further work is done before moving on to a new target.
These phases may blur together during sessions, but your therapist will track them carefully to ensure progress. Knowing there's a clear, evidence-based roadmap can help you feel more confident and supported throughout the EMDR process.
Why do some people feel worse after EMDR therapy?
It's not uncommon to feel worse before feeling better during EMDR. This happens because the therapy brings up deep emotions and unprocessed memories that need to surface in order to heal. While uncomfortable, these reactions usually mean the brain is actively working through trauma.
Unfinished processing can leave someone feeling emotionally raw. If a session ends before a memory is fully resolved, symptoms like anxiety or vivid dreams may temporarily increase. This doesn’t mean therapy failed—just that more work is needed in future sessions.
Outside stress or emotional sensitivity may also play a role. Life events or even subconscious fear of confronting trauma can amplify distress during EMDR.
Progress isn’t always linear. Feeling emotional or more open after therapy might seem negative, but it's often a sign that healing has begun. A qualified therapist will guide pacing and provide tools to help manage these emotions safely.
Severe reactions are rare, but if they occur, therapy should pause and focus on stabilization. Most people who initially struggle find that symptoms ease with continued support—and long-term relief follows.
Why can’t I cry during EMDR?
Not everyone cries during EMDR sessions, and that’s okay. You might be thinking, “I feel on the verge of tears but I just can’t let myself cry.” There are a few reasons someone might not be able to cry during EMDR (or therapy in general):
Emotional Numbing or Detachment: Some trauma survivors have learned to detach from their emotions as a coping mechanism. This is common in PTSD – it’s known as emotional numbing. During EMDR, even if you cognitively know something is sad or painful, you might feel a bit disconnected from the emotions, thus no tears come. It’s like part of you is observing the memory from a distance (a mild dissociation) to protect yourself. Over the course of therapy, as safety increases, those protective walls can soften and you might eventually be able to cry when you need to.
Upbringing and Conditioning: Culturally or due to upbringing, many of us received messages like “Don’t cry,” “Be strong,” or we were punished/criticized for crying. This can condition a person to suppress tears automatically. You mentioned being on the verge but “can’t let myself” – that suggests an internal block or rule against crying. It may not be conscious, but something in you hits the brakes. In therapy, this is something you can even process – perhaps exploring when you learned not to show vulnerability. As that resolves, crying may become easier.
Trying to Stay in Control: In EMDR, some people fear that if they start crying, they won’t be able to stop or they’ll “lose control.” So they fight the tears to keep control. It’s a natural impulse, especially if you’re not used to breaking down in front of others. The therapist’s role is to provide a safe space where if you do sob, it’s okay – they’ll help you through it. Trusting that it’s safe to let go can be a journey. If you’re aware this is a concern, mention it to your therapist; they can reassure you or adapt the process.
Physical or Medication Factors: Occasionally, certain medications (like some antidepressants) blunt emotional range, making it hard to cry even when you feel sad. If you’re on such meds, that might contribute. Also, sometimes people tear up after sessions instead of during – it could be that in the structured process of EMDR you’re very focused, and the emotional release happens later when alone. Everyone’s process is different.
Crying isn’t required for EMDR to work. Some people cry a lot during sessions, others don’t cry at all. Both can be effective paths to healing. Progress is measured by how your symptoms improve, not by whether you shed tears.
If you’re feeling stuck or disconnected from your emotions, talk to your therapist. They may use other tools like journaling or creative exercises to help access deeper feelings.
Tears may come later or not at all, and that’s okay. Everyone processes trauma differently. Healing happens in many forms, and honesty in your sessions is more important than how emotional you appear.
Can EMDR trigger psychosis?
EMDR therapy is considered safe for most people and is not known to cause psychosis in those without a prior history or predisposition. For individuals without psychotic disorders, EMDR does not induce hallucinations or delusions. The process keeps clients grounded and fully aware, with therapists monitoring for signs of distress. Unlike hypnosis or medication-altered states, EMDR involves conscious memory processing while staying in the present moment.
For those with a history of psychosis or active symptoms, therapists use caution. Trauma processing can be destabilizing if someone is already vulnerable to psychosis. That’s why individuals experiencing hallucinations or delusions are typically not recommended to start EMDR until they’re stabilized. In some cases, therapists adapt EMDR to be slower and more grounded or work alongside psychiatrists to ensure safety.
In short, EMDR does not trigger psychosis in the general population and is widely recognized as a safe, evidence-based therapy. If you or a loved one have concerns about this, a trained therapist will screen for risk factors and adjust the treatment accordingly. Open communication and individualized care are key to making EMDR a safe and effective experience.
Why am I so angry after EMDR?
Feeling angry after EMDR therapy is more common than you might think and often, it’s a normal part of healing. EMDR can unlock deeply buried emotions, including anger you may have never fully expressed. This might be anger toward someone who hurt you, toward yourself, or even the world. When these feelings finally surface, they can feel intense or overwhelming. But that’s not a bad thing, it’s your mind finally processing what happened. As your sessions continue, this anger typically softens and becomes more manageable.
Sometimes, anger acts as a shield for deeper pain. Instead of sadness or fear, your body might default to anger because it feels safer or more powerful. This emotional shift can also show up as irritability or short tempers between sessions. It's like your emotional bandwidth is stretched thin. Practicing self-care and letting others know you’re processing can help ease this temporary tension.
The key is to talk about it. Let your therapist know how you’re feeling so they can adjust your sessions or explore coping strategies. They can also help you target the anger itself if needed. Most people find that once the anger is acknowledged and worked through, it fades, replaced by a greater sense of peace and relief. With time and support, this emotional discomfort becomes a stepping stone toward real healing.
If you’re in Castle Rock and considering EMDR, know that EMDR therapy in Castle Rock is available with skilled professionals like those at South Denver Therapy. They can guide you through this transformative process safely and supportively, helping you overcome trauma and anxiety with EMDR and other complementary techniques.
