EMDR Therapy in Franktown: Effective Trauma Treatment

With our EMDR therapy, you can heal from trauma, overcome anxiety, and reclaim your emotional well-being for a brighter future.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is an evidence-based approach designed to help people recover from trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and other distressing life experiences. It works by using guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (like sounds or taps) while you recall upsetting memories. This helps your brain reprocess those memories so they feel less intense, overwhelming, or stuck. EMDR therapy is based on the adaptive information processing model, a theoretical framework that explains how EMDR therapy helps facilitate the processing and integration of traumatic memories. The adaptive information processing model supports the transition from maladaptive to adaptive memory associations, leading to emotional relief, improved beliefs, and cognitive insights. EMDR doesn’t require talking in detail about the trauma, making it a powerful option for those who find traditional talk therapy difficult.

As a form of desensitization and reprocessing EMDR, this therapy alleviates trauma-related distress by using specific clinical protocols and psychological models, such as the adaptive information processing model, to help desensitize and reprocess adverse memories.

At South Denver Therapy, we offer EMDR therapy near Franktown for individuals seeking real healing from the effects of trauma. Whether you’re dealing with childhood wounds, grief, panic attacks, or recent life events, EMDR is used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including post traumatic stress disorder and psychological trauma, and can help you move forward with greater emotional resilience. Our trained EMDR therapists provide compassionate, personalized care to help you feel safe, supported, and empowered through every step of your healing journey.

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How Effective Is EMDR Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy has been extensively studied for treating trauma and PTSD. Dozens of clinical trials have shown that EMDR is effective and often works faster than many traditional therapy methods, frequently achieving results in fewer sessions. By using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping), EMDR allows your brain to reprocess disturbing memories and reduce their emotional intensity. In other words, it helps “unstick” memories that are causing pain, so you can finally get relief. EMDR therapy was discovered by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, marking a significant breakthrough in trauma treatment.

In fact, research indicates remarkable outcomes. Studies report that 84–90% of single-trauma survivors no longer show PTSD symptoms after just three 90-minute EMDR sessions, and even 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD after about 12 sessions. Studies have also shown that EMDR is highly effective for both single-trauma and multiple trauma victims, with a significant percentage of multiple trauma victims no longer meeting criteria for PTSD after treatment. More than 30 positive controlled outcome studies have been done on EMDR therapy, further validating its effectiveness. Successful treatment with EMDR is marked by the alleviation of emotional distress, the reformulation of negative beliefs, and physiological improvements, leading to adaptive resolution of traumatic memories and reduction of symptoms. EMDR has also proven versatile for people with additional challenges like anxiety or depression alongside trauma. Thanks to results like these, major organizations such as the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognize and endorse EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma-related conditions, including for veterans with PTSD. For someone struggling with the past, this means EMDR isn’t just a theory – it’s a proven path toward healing and hope.

EMDR therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach to addressing trauma and emotional distress. As your EMDR therapist, I am dedicated to guiding you through this transformative process in a way that feels safe and comfortable. We will work together to gently reprocess painful memories, reduce the intensity of your emotional distress, and build healthier coping mechanisms. EMDR therapy involves eight phases, each designed to address different aspects of trauma and healing. Your mind is capable of healing – much like a physical wound heals once obstacles are removed – and EMDR helps remove those mental blocks so that natural healing can resume. Let’s embark on this journey to recovery together, enabling you to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

How EMDR Works

EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a unique psychotherapy approach that helps people heal from the emotional distress caused by traumatic memories and disturbing life experiences. The core idea behind EMDR is that when we experience trauma, those memories can become “stuck” or frozen in the brain, leading to ongoing symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional numbness. EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation—most commonly guided eye movements, but sometimes tapping or sounds—to help the brain process and integrate these memories.

During an EMDR session, your therapist will guide you to focus on a specific traumatic memory while you simultaneously experience bilateral stimulation. This process helps your brain reprocess the memory, so it loses its emotional intensity and becomes less distressing. Over time, this can lead to a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and other forms of emotional distress.

EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective treatment for post traumatic stress disorder by leading organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization. By using movement desensitization and reprocessing techniques, EMDR helps unlock the brain’s natural healing process, making it possible to move forward from painful experiences and improve your overall mental health. Whether you’re struggling with a single disturbing event or a series of traumatic experiences, EMDR offers a proven path to relief and recovery.

Phases of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy follows a structured, eight-phase approach designed to ensure safety, effectiveness, and lasting change. Each phase plays a crucial role in helping you process traumatic experiences and reduce the impact of traumatic memories.

  • Phase 1: History-TakingYour therapist will gather information about your history, current challenges, and goals for therapy. This helps identify which traumatic memories or distressing events to target during EMDR sessions.

  • Phase 2: PreparationIn this phase, you’ll learn coping skills and strategies to manage emotional distress. Your therapist will ensure you feel safe and supported before moving into deeper work.

  • Phases 3-6: Assessment and ProcessingTogether, you and your therapist will select a specific target memory. Using EMDR therapy procedures, you’ll focus on this memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements. This process helps your brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional charge and allowing for new, healthier perspectives to emerge.

  • Phase 7: ClosureEach session ends with techniques to help you return to a state of calm and stability, ensuring you leave feeling grounded and safe.

  • Phase 8: Re-evaluation and Future PlanningIn follow-up sessions, you and your therapist will review your progress, address any remaining distress, and plan for future challenges.

Throughout all eight phases, EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation and a structured therapy approach to help you process traumatic memories and move forward from emotional distress. This commitment to a step-by-step process ensures that you’re supported at every stage of your healing journey.

8 phases of EMDR therapy infographic showing the therapy steps

Hi, I’m Carissa! Let’s work together to heal, and transform through EMDR Therapy!

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach to addressing trauma and emotional distress. As a licensed therapist, I am dedicated to guiding you through this transformative process, helping you resolve past traumas and improve your overall well-being. In our sessions, we will work together to reprocess painful memories, reduce emotional distress, and build healthier coping mechanisms. Let’s embark on this journey to healing and recovery, enabling you to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

How EMDR Therapy Can Help You


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Trauma Resolution

EMDR therapy helps you process and release the emotional weight of traumatic events, so you can move forward with your life without constantly reliving the past. Intrusive thoughts, often a symptom of trauma, are frequently caused by unprocessed memories. EMDR works to address these memories, helping to alleviate their impact on your daily life.

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Symptom Reduction

Many people see a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By addressing root causes, EMDR can alleviate symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, and other distressing experiences. EMDR therapy can also be effective for conditions like chronic pain that are linked to unprocessed trauma.

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Rapid Improvement

EMDR often leads to positive changes more quickly than traditional talk therapy. You may notice improvements in a shorter time, making it a valuable choice if you’re seeking efficient relief from your challenges.

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Memory Reconsolidation

This therapy helps restructure and soften distressing memories. Over time, those memories lose their painful grip and become far less triggering, enabling you to remember events without the same level of upset.

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Improved Emotional Regulation

EMDR equips you with tools to manage intense emotions. As you heal, you’ll find it easier to stay calm under stress, reduce negative emotions, and respond to life’s ups and downs with more stability and confidence.

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Better Self-Understanding

Working through EMDR often leads to deeper self-awareness. You’ll gain insight into how past experiences have shaped your thoughts and behaviors, empowering you to grow, change unhelpful or negative beliefs, and strengthen your self-esteem.

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy

When you begin EMDR therapy, you’ll work closely with a licensed therapist who is specially trained in this approach. Your therapist will guide you through the eight phases of EMDR therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR is an experiential process—while you’ll discuss your experiences, much of the healing happens as you simultaneously experience bilateral stimulation and process traumatic memories.

During sessions, you can expect to focus on specific memories or issues, with your therapist helping you stay present and grounded. Many clients notice a reduction in PTSD symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and other emotional distress as they progress through the treatment plan. EMDR therapy is highly collaborative: you and your therapist will work together to set goals, monitor progress, and adjust the approach as needed to ensure significant progress.

EMDR is an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and more. It can also be integrated with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy, to support your overall well-being. Whether you’re seeking relief from traumatic experiences, managing anxiety, or working through life transitions, EMDR therapy offers a structured, supportive path to healing and personal growth.

Why Choose Us For EMDR Therapy

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Expertise and Experience 

Our therapists have over 6 years of specialized experience in trauma-focused therapy and EMDR. You can trust that you’re receiving knowledgeable care from professionals who have helped many others heal.

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Non-judgmental and Compassionate

You’ll find our approach warm and understanding. We provide a safe, welcoming space where you can share anything without fear of judgment. Your comfort and trust are our priorities.

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Cultural Sensitivity

We respect and honor your unique background, culture, and experiences. Our counselors are culturally sensitive and will tailor the therapy to align with your values and identity, so you always feel understood.

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Free Consultation

Not sure if EMDR is right for you? We offer a free 15-minute initial consultation to discuss your needs and expectations. This no-obligation chat helps ensure we’re the right fit for you before you begin therapy.

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Confidentiality & Privacy

Your privacy is our priority. We maintain strict confidentiality, so everything you share remains secure. You can feel safe discussing even the most sensitive topics, knowing your information is protected.

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LGBTQ-Friendly

Our practice is an inclusive haven for everyone. We proudly welcome clients of all sexual orientations and gender identities. You will be accepted and affirmed here, and we strive to make every client feel comfortable and respected.

What Our Clients Say

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Top Rated EMDR Therapy Near Franktown!

Are you in Franktown and looking for an EMDR therapist nearby? Good news – help is closer than you think! Our practice is only about a 15-minute drive from Franktown, offering you a convenient, friendly place to start your healing journey. We know that in a small community like Franktown, having accessible support is important. That’s why we have offices in both Castle Rock and Parker, so you won’t have to travel far for quality care. We even offer online EMDR therapy across Colorado for those who prefer to do sessions from the comfort of home.

We personalize each session to focus on what you need for healing and progress. Whether you’re dealing with lingering trauma, overwhelming anxiety, or other emotional challenges, our caring therapists are here for you every step of the way. You don’t have to tackle this alone – professional, effective help is right around the corner.

Your Healing Begins Here – Book Your EMDR Appointment Today

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because everyone’s healing process is different. Some people feel noticeable relief after just a few EMDR sessions, while others with more complex or deep-rooted issues may benefit from a longer course of therapy. During your initial consultation, our therapist will assess your unique situation and craft a personalized treatment plan. That way, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect in terms of the number of sessions. Our goal is to find the pace that works best for you and leads to lasting improvement.

  • Absolutely – we offer both in-person and online EMDR therapy for our Franktown clients. You can choose the format that suits you best. If you prefer the face-to-face comfort of an office setting, our Castle Rock and Parker offices are available by appointment. If it’s more convenient to do therapy from home, we provide secure, HIPAA-compliant online EMDR sessions across Colorado. Whether virtual or in-person, you’ll receive the same level of effective care and support. We understand the importance of flexibility, and we want therapy to fit into your life, not the other way around.

    1. We are an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. This approach allows us to provide personalized, client-centered care without the typical restrictions that insurance companies often impose (such as requiring a diagnosis or limiting the number of sessions or types of therapy). However, we’ve partnered with a service called Mentaya that can help you navigate your out-of-network benefits. Mentaya lets you check if your insurance plan will reimburse some of our session costs, and it can even assist in filing claims on your behalf. You can use the tool on our website to see if you’re eligible for reimbursement through your insurance.

    Our rate is $175/hr for EMDR.

Our Services

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Trauma Therapy

Our trauma therapy offers a safe space to heal from past experiences. Together, we navigate recovery at your pace, fostering resilience and restoring hope.

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Depression Therapy

Feeling weighed down? Our depression therapy supports you through the lows. We work on coping strategies and uncovering the light within step by step.

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Anxiety Therapy

Don’t let anxiety rule your life. Our therapy equips you with practical techniques to manage stress, regain calmness, and live with renewed confidence.

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