EMDR Therapy
Does it sometimes feel like you have stress and unresolved feelings that have been hanging around since your MySpace profile was active? Perhaps you have spent years trying to understand and analyze your feelings, attempting to overthink your way to relief, only to find yourself still physically uncomfortable. You might feel like your brain has 55 tabs open that are all making sound, or that everyday tasks leave you feeling like you’re being chased by a bear.
At Artemis Behavioral Health, we understand that trauma isn't just "in your head"—it’s stored in your nervous system. Through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, we help clients in-person at our office in Williamsville, and virtually across New York, to move beyond just talking about their trauma to actually processing and releasing it.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps individuals heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on changing the thoughts and behaviors associated with a trauma, EMDR targets the way the memory is stored in the brain.
When a traumatic event occurs, the brain’s natural processing system can be overwhelmed. The memory of the event becomes "stuck" or "frozen" in its original, raw form. This is why a smell, a sound, or a specific situation can trigger a physical reaction that feels like the trauma is happening all over again. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, taps, or tones) to jumpstart the brain’s natural healing process, allowing the memory to be integrated and stored in a more adaptive, less distressing way.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
While EMDR is most famous for its success in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), its applications are far-reaching. At Artemis Behavioral Health, we specialize in using EMDR for:
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Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): For those who experienced repeated or prolonged trauma, often in childhood or within interpersonal relationships.
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Chronic Illness & Autoimmunity: Helping adults understand the deep connection between their traumatic experiences and physical health symptoms.
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Anxiety & Overwhelm: Reducing the "high alert" state of the nervous system.
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Phobias & Panic: Processing the root causes of intense fear responses.
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Nervous System Dysregulation: Helping you find your "rest and digest" state again.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR is not a "quick fix," but it is often significantly faster than traditional talk therapy because it works directly with the brain's processing system. Our sessions follow a clear, eight-phase framework to ensure you feel safe and supported throughout the journey.
Phases | Focus | Goal |
|---|---|---|
1. History & Planning | Identifying targets | Creating a roadmap for your specific trauma history. |
2. Preparation | Resource building | Learning tools to stay grounded and safe during processing. |
3. Assessment | Activating the memory | Identifying the specific image, belief, and feeling of the target. |
4. Desensitization | Bilateral stimulation | Reducing the distress level of the memory to zero. |
5. Installation | Positive beliefs | Strengthening a healthy, positive self-belief (e.g., "I am safe"). |
6. Body Scan | Physical release | Ensuring there is no residual tension left in the body. |
7. Closure | Stabilization | Reviewing previous work and planning next steps. |
8. Re-Evaluation | Progress check | Bringing the session to a safe end and returning to equilibrium. |
Why Our Approach is Different
At Artemis Behavioral Health, we believe that this deep, impactful work is so important for our clients who have survived traumatic experiences in their life, and we also understand that the darkest trails always feel safer with a guide. Our team values a warm and collaborative approach in tailoring your treatment plan to your unique needs, with lots of support along the way.
A Focus on Somatic Safety
We prioritize nervous system regulation. If you’ve been living in a state of hyper-vigilance, we work to find your body’s limits and set healthy boundaries. We want your nervous system to finally feel like it’s allowed to rest.
Creative and Integrated Modalities
For those who adore creativity, we offer unusual ways to approach therapy. Your EMDR journey might include:
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed Integration: Working with the different "parts" of yourself that hold trauma.
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Animal-Assisted Therapy: Incorporating the calming presence of animals, especially horses, into your healing process.
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Arts, Crafts, or Tarot: Using creative tools to explore feelings that words can't quite capture, and help you remember the deep value of play even as an adult.
Expertise You Can Trust
Katie Oberg, LCSW, is a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). This means your care is informed by years of specialized training and experience in trauma-focused psychotherapy. As a practice, Artemis Behavioral Health values providing each of our clinicians with continuing education, consultation and supervision to ensure that each client is receiving the highest quality of care possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to talk about every detail of my trauma?
No. One of the greatest benefits of EMDR is that you do not need to provide a play-by-play description of the event. We focus on the current feelings, physical sensations, and negative beliefs you hold about the event, allowing your brain to do the heavy lifting of processing without forcing you to relive the details verbally.
How long does EMDR take?
The length of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the trauma. Single-incident traumas (like a car accident) may be processed in a few sessions, while complex trauma (C-PTSD) requires more time for the preparation and resource-building phases to ensure long-term stability.
Can I do EMDR virtually?
Yes! We offer EMDR therapy both in-person at our offices in Williamsville, NY, and via telehealth for residents across New York State. Virtual EMDR is highly effective and uses specialized digital tools to provide bilateral stimulation.\
What does a session feel like?
Sessions are designed to be a "safe and cozy" experience. You are always in control. Feel free to come to your session with your favorite emotional support water bottle. We will provide the art supplies, book recommendations, sand tray, fidget toys, and of course grounding techniques to keep you anchored in the present while we work on the past.
Start Your Healing Adventure Today
If you are looking for a team of therapists that provide trauma therapy informed by training and experience, while prioritizing an accessible and affirming frame, you are in the right place. We are here to help you find the right combination of acceptance and change so you can gently create the life you’ve dreamed of.
Contact our team at Artemis Behavioral Health today to schedule a consultation.
Artemis Behavioral Health
6490 Main St., Suite 4
Williamsville, NY | Virtual across New York
Phone: 716-249-0588
Email: katie@artemisbehavioralhealth.com