Online & In-Person

EMDR Therapy

Are You Struggling with the Lingering Impact of Trauma?

Are distressing memories or intrusive thoughts disrupting daily life?
Did you experience an upsetting or traumatic event that still feels unresolved?
Do you avoid certain people, places, or activities because they trigger overwhelming emotions connected to a past traumatic experience?
Is anxiety, panic, or numbness interfering with your relationships or work?
Do you feel stuck—unable to move forward no matter how hard you try?

Unprocessed trauma can live on in the body and mind long after the traumatic event has passed. It can show up as emotional reactivity, avoidance, fear, shame, or hypervigilance. Even if you know that whatever caused your trauma has come and gone, certain experiences or memories can still, even now, trigger emotions that feel just as intense as ever – if not more so.

Perhaps you’ve already tried therapy or other forms of self-help only to discover that your symptoms are still there. You might feel frustrated, exhausted, or discouraged. Please know that this is not your fault, and you are not alone.

At Better Life Therapy, we offer EMDR therapy right here in Denver, CO. EMDR is a time-tested and research-proven method of dealing with trauma, and we offer EMDR therapy both online and in-person at our offices around the Denver metro area. Whether you’re struggling with a specific trauma or something you can’t quite put your finger on, EMDR can offer meaningful relief and lasting change.

EMDR Is a Proven Method for Addressing Trauma and Emotional Distress

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy technique that can help you heal from traumatic life events.

While you may have heard about EMDR only recently, EMDR therapy has been around for some time and is extensively researched and recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs for the treatment of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR has been proven effective at treating other concerns, like depression and anxiety.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t rely solely on conversation between you and your therapist. Instead, it uses a series of guided bilateral stimulation (aka eye movements or tapping) to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories and restore healthier mental processes. The result? The emotional pain associated with your traumatic memories is reduced, and patients of EDMR have reported feeling more regulated, empowered, and at peace.

While originally developed to treat PTSD, EMDR is now used to address a wide range of concerns, including:

Childhood trauma or neglect
Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
Medical or birth trauma
Anxiety and panic
Phobias
Grief and complicated loss
Performance blocks
Relationship trauma or betrayal

At Better Life Therapy, we use EMDR to help clients all throughout the Denver area reduce the distress associated with painful memories and reclaim their sense of self.

Have any questions? Send us a message!

How we use EMDR Therapy at Better Life

Step-by-Step, at Your Pace

EMDR therapy is an eight-phase process designed to help you gradually and safely access, process, and integrate traumatic experiences. Your therapist will guide you through each phase based on your unique needs and readiness. These phases usually include:

History-Taking & Treatment Planning: We begin with a thorough understanding of your history and current concerns.
Preparation: You’ll learn emotional regulation and grounding skills to create a sense of safety and readiness for trauma processing.
Assessment: We identify target memories and associated negative beliefs, emotions, and body sensations.
Desensitization: Through bilateral stimulation, your brain processes the traumatic memory, allowing for adaptive resolution.
Installation: We strengthen a positive belief that replaces the previously negative one.
Body Scan: We ensure no residual distress remains stored in the body.
Closure: Each session ends with stabilization, ensuring you leave feeling grounded.
Re-evaluation: We assess progress and determine if additional targets need attention.

You are never alone in this process. At Better Life Therapy, our trauma-informed clinicians work closely with you to ensure your comfort and consent at every stage of treatment. Visiting an office isn’t required for EMDR therapy – we can provide it virtually, over video, from the comfort of your own home.

EMDR Isn’t Just About your Past. It Helps You Live Freely in the Present

Trauma can keep your nervous system in a chronic state of stress, or even lead you to shut down from time to time. EMDR helps rewire how your brain stores and responds to painful experiences, allowing you to:

Feel calmer and more grounded in your body
Reduce intrusive thoughts and flashbacks
Feel better about yourself
Improve emotional regulation and your relationships
Reconnect with hobbies you love

Better Life Therapists are Trained and Experienced in EMDR Therapy

Our therapists are serious about helping you heal from trauma and emotional pain. Here’s how we got there:

Specialized Trauma-Focused Care

All Better Life EMDR therapists have undertaken advanced training and supervision in trauma therapy and EMDR. We have extensive experience supporting individuals with complex trauma, dissociation, and chronic anxiety, and we understand the nuances required for safe, effective care.

Not all of our therapists practice EMDR. Those that do have worked hard to grow their skills, and can be trusted to practice it safely and effectively.

A Safe and Inclusive Therapeutic Environment

We recognize that trauma affects people of all identities and backgrounds. Your therapist will create a culturally mindful, judgment-free, warm space where you will feel seen and respected.

Everyone’s therapy begins with listening, and your therapist will take all the time needed to understand your story and whatever may be brining you in for therapy before beginning treatment.

Whether you are seeking therapy for the first time or returning to do deeper healing work, your therapy will be custom-tailored to you, whether it includes EMDR or not.

Integration With Other Approaches

Depending on your goals, your therapist may integrate EMDR with other modalities such as somatic therapy, mindfulness, or cognitive-behavioral interventions. Our flexible, collaborative approach ensures your therapy experience is both structured and personalized.

Common Questions About EMDR Therapy

Accordion Title

Will I have to talk in detail about my trauma?

No. One benefit to EMDR is that you don’t need to describe your trauma in detail before you’re ready (or ever!). The focus is on how the memory is stored in the brain, not necessarily on the content itself. You can share only what you feel comfortable with.

What does EMDR feel like?

Bilateral stimulation is typically done using eye movements, hand taps, or auditory tones that alternate between the left and right sides of the body. Most clients find it calming or rhythmically neutral. It’s a simple yet powerful way to activate your brain’s natural healing mechanisms.

My trauma is pretty serious (or I’ve had it for a long time). Is EMDR still right for me?

Yes! EMDR can be highly effective for both single-incident and complex trauma. Our therapists know how to work with folks that have long-term trauma, and can adapt your EMDR to be slower-paced and more focused on other, more traditional techniques as needed.

How long does EMDR therapy take?

The number of sessions varies depending on the nature of your trauma and your personal goals. Some folks see results in just a few months, while others benefit from longer-term work. Your therapist will collaborate with you to assess progress and adjust as needed.

Your Therapist will be Your Partner in Trauma Recovery

We believe that healing is not just possible, but downright likely. We’ve been providing EMDR therapy to clients in the Denver, CO area for some time, and we know how to help you move beyond the grip of trauma to live more peaceful, connected, and empowered life.

We understand that finding a therapist can be tough. That’s why we aim to make the first steps simple and low-pressure.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, or distressing memories, EMDR therapy at Better Life Therapy may be the right path for you.

Give us a call at 720-445-9970 or contact us using our form. Our therapists will conduct an assessment to figure out if EMDR is the right fit for you. You don’t have to experience your pain alone. Let Better Life Therapy help you access the healing you deserve.