What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based form of counseling developed to help people recover from painful or overwhelming experiences. It is especially helpful for people who feel stuck in the past, whether from trauma, loss, or other distressing life events.
During EMDR sessions, a therapist gently guides you while you focus on specific memories or feelings. At the same time, they use something called bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help your brain process what happened in a new, less distressing way. Over time, the memory loses its emotional charge, and it becomes easier to think about without feeling overwhelmed.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to share every detail of your experience. It focuses more on helping your brain to do healing work it naturally wants to do, with some extra support.
➤ Who can EMDR help?
EMDR can be helpful for children, teens and adults who are struggling with:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Phobias
- Medical trauma
- Complex trauma and attachment wounds
- Performance anxiety
Whether it’s a single event or something that’s been building for a long time, EMDR can help people feel more grounded, confident, and in control again.
➤ EMDR for children
Kids often experience trauma or stress in ways that are hard to put into words. That’s why EMDR with children is adapted to meet them where they are: through play, art, and creativity.
Children might benefit from EMDR after experiences like:
- Abuse or neglect
- Medical or dental trauma
- Bullying or peer conflict
- Loss of a loved one
- Witnessing domestic violence
- Accidents or natural disasters
EMDR for children is developmentally adapted using:
- Play-based techniques to help younger children express trauma
- Parental involvement for co-regulation and support
- Stories, drawings, or dolls to represent traumatic experiences
- Shorter sessions and age-appropriate language
Child EMDR therapists often work with caregivers to build safety, trust, and emotional regulation before trauma processing begins.
➤ How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR follows an 8-step process that helps the brain safely reprocess difficult memories. Here’s what that looks like:
- History-taking – Gathering background and identifying target memories.
- Preparation – Teaching calming strategies and ensuring readiness.
- Assessment – Identifying the memory, image, and associated negative belief.
- Desensitization – Processing the memory using bilateral stimulation.
- Installation – Strengthening a new, positive belief.
- Body Scan – Releasing residual physical tension linked to the memory.
- Closure – Returning to stability after each session.
- Reevaluation – Ensuring progress and addressing new targets if needed.
➤ How Long Does EMDR Treatment Take?
The number of sessions depends on the person and what they’re working through. Factors like age, developmental needs, and other mental health concerns can also play a role in how long therapy takes.
- For a single event (like a car accident), EMDR may take 6–12 sessions
- For more complex or ongoing trauma, it might take longer—sometimes several months
- For children, the process is often shorter, especially if the trauma is clearly defined and they have strong support at home.
At its core, EMDR is about helping people feel less stuck and more in control of their emotions and memories. Whether you’re an adult carrying something heavy or a parent looking for support for your child, EMDR offers a gentle and effective path forward.
The Dandelion Difference
We do our best to make the process of therapy exactly what you need.
Yoga and Mindfulness
Social Skills Groups
Weekly Parent Sessions
Teacher Recommendations
Unlimited Calls and Email
Written Accommodations
Due to our intensive parenting support process, in addition to individual weekly child sessions, weekly parenting sessions are expected at the beginning of therapy. The duration of these sessions depends on the level of distress in the family and the level of parenting needs. With meeting weekly, many families meet their goals in 6-8 months!
ADHD and Autism therapists in Charlotte and Huntersville who provide EMDR
Below are our therapists who specialize with children and pre-teens and are EMDR trained.
~ EMDR Treatment in Charlotte and Huntersville, NC ~
Dandelion Family Counseling provides EMDR Treatment in the South Park area of Charlotte.