TL;DR: EMDR therapy is a proven, structured method for healing trauma through guided reprocessing of painful memories. It offers lasting relief from anxiety, PTSD, emotional shutdown, and more—especially when combined with Christian values. At LifeTouch Counseling in Castle Rock, sessions are tailored with compassion and optional faith integration to support your mind, body, and spirit.
Introduction
If you’ve ever felt trapped in the aftermath of trauma—unable to sleep, triggered by the smallest reminders, or carrying a heaviness that just won’t lift—you’re not alone. Many people silently carry emotional wounds that traditional talk therapy alone doesn’t seem to reach. That’s where EMDR therapy comes in.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps people process traumatic memories in a way that brings real, lasting relief. Whether you’re navigating PTSD, grief, abuse, or spiritual disconnection, EMDR offers hope—not just for managing symptoms, but for truly healing. In this guide, we’ll explore what EMDR therapy is, how it works, what to expect, and why it might be the next right step on your journey.
Ready to Begin Healing?
If this introduction resonates with you, don’t wait. Schedule a free consultation to explore if EMDR is right for you.
Understanding Trauma & Its Effects
Trauma isn’t just what happened to you—it’s what happened inside you as a result. The DSM-5 outlines trauma-related disorders like PTSD as stemming from exposure to death, serious injury, or sexual violence—whether directly or indirectly. Unprocessed trauma can show up as:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Constant anxiety or feeling on edge
- Difficulty trusting others
- Emotional numbness or shutdown
- Trouble sleeping or focusing
You may find yourself avoiding people, withdrawing from relationships, or feeling like you’re simply “going through the motions.” Over time, these symptoms can affect your relationships, health, and sense of self. You might start to believe healing isn’t possible—or that therapy will only make things worse. But healing is possible. And EMDR offers a gentle, structured path forward.
“As someone who has worked with individuals, couples, and families for over a decade, I’ve seen how trauma can silently shape our lives—and how deeply healing it is when people finally feel safe enough to process it. EMDR has been one of the most transformative tools I’ve used in helping clients reclaim their peace.” — Sheila Porter, MA, LPC
What Is EMDR Therapy?
What Is EMDR Therapy? EMDR therapy is a treatment that uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements—to help people reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories.
EMDR—short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—was first developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1989 and published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, where she outlined how bilateral stimulation could reduce the distress of traumatic memories (Shapiro, 1989).
Instead of focusing solely on talking through traumatic events, EMDR uses guided eye movements (part of the Adaptive Information Processing model) or other bilateral stimulation like tapping or tones to help your brain reprocess memories and release the emotional charge they carry.
The 8 Phases of EMDR:
- History & Treatment Planning – Identifying your needs and goals
- Preparation – Building trust and coping strategies
- Assessment – Targeting specific memories
- Desensitization – Reprocessing with bilateral stimulation
- Installation – Reinforcing positive beliefs
- Body Scan – Releasing tension or distress
- Closure – Grounding after each session
- Reevaluation – Reviewing progress and setting next steps
Think of these phases like stepping stones across a stream—each designed to help you safely move from pain to peace.
EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain awake, aware, and in control throughout the process. The goal is to reduce the distress of traumatic memories so they no longer control your emotions or identity.
How Effective Is EMDR Therapy According to Research?
Fast Facts – Why EMDR Works:
- Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense
- Endorsed by the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Shown to be faster than traditional talk therapy for PTSD
- Can lead to long-term symptom relief in as few as 6–12 sessions
Clinical studies consistently show EMDR to be highly effective for treating PTSD and trauma-related symptoms. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a nationally recognized medical research hospital, EMDR therapy has been shown to significantly reduce trauma symptoms in many patients after just a few sessions (Cleveland Clinic). Additionally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense recommend EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD in their official Clinical Practice Guidelines (VA/DoD Guidelines)..
Evidence Highlights:
- Up to 77% of clients with PTSD show improvement with EMDR
- Results often occur faster than with traditional therapy
- EMDR helps with single-incident trauma, complex PTSD (C-PTSD), childhood abuse, and dissociative symptoms
- Long-term relief is common, not just short-term symptom management
Unlike medication, EMDR targets the root cause—not just the symptoms.
What Happens During an EMDR Therapy Session?
During an EMDR session, you stay fully awake and in control while being gently guided through a structured process to reduce emotional distress tied to specific memories.
Many people worry EMDR will make them relive their trauma. In truth, sessions are structured to ensure emotional safety and control at every step.
Your First Sessions:
- Discuss your history, needs, and therapy goals
- Learn grounding techniques (breathing, visualization)
- Identify target memories and negative beliefs
During Reprocessing:
- You recall parts of a memory while following the therapist’s hand or listening to tones
- You’re gently guided to notice feelings, thoughts, and body sensations
- The distress gradually lessens as the brain reprocesses the memory
And if faith is part of your life, we can invite God into that process too—through prayer, spiritual grounding, or simply creating space for grace.
After the Session:
- You may feel tired, reflective, or experience somatic relief
- Therapist provides tools for coping between sessions
- Sessions end with grounding to ensure stability
Most clients say EMDR helps them feel like the memory is finally “in the past”—no longer hijacking their present.
“I’ve worked with clients who came in feeling completely overwhelmed—and left our sessions saying, ‘I feel like I can breathe again.’ That’s the power of safe, structured healing.” — Sheila Porter
Want to Know What EMDR Might Look Like for You?
Book a personalized discovery session with Sheila and explore your next healing step.
Who Should Avoid EMDR Therapy?
5 Signs You May Need a Different Starting Point:
- You’re in an active crisis or unsafe situation
- You experience intense dissociation that interferes with daily life
- You have no emotional regulation tools yet
- You’re currently misusing substances or alcohol
- You’re not ready to explore traumatic content, even gently
EMDR may not be suitable for people in acute crisis, those without basic emotional regulation skills, or individuals with unaddressed dissociative disorders.
While EMDR is safe for most, there are cases where it may not be the best first step:
- If you’re in an active crisis or unsafe environment
- If you experience severe dissociation and haven’t yet developed grounding tools
- If you’re not yet ready to explore painful material, even gently
A qualified EMDR therapist will always assess readiness and never push you into trauma work before you’re equipped to handle it.
Is EMDR Compatible with Christian Faith?
If you’re wondering whether EMDR aligns with your Christian worldview or biblical approach to healing, you’re not alone. At LifeTouch Counseling, we believe healing doesn’t have to come at the expense of your faith—it can flow from it.
How Faith & EMDR Work Together:
- We honor Scripture and prayer in sessions if you choose
- We explore spiritual wounds alongside emotional ones
- We invite God into the healing process, not replace Him with therapy
As one client shared, “I didn’t have to choose between Jesus and therapy. I found both in the same room.”
Faith-informed EMDR therapy offers a sacred space for whole-person restoration—mind, body, and spirit.
In Castle Rock, Colorado, many clients seek out Christian-integrated EMDR because it respects both their faith and their healing journey. This approach combines the clinical strength of EMDR with the spiritual support found in trusted Christian counseling.
Looking for Therapy That Honors Your Faith?
Connect with a Christian EMDR Counselor who integrates spiritual care and clinical insight.
How Can I Find a Christian EMDR Therapist in Castle Rock?
When looking for faith-based EMDR therapy near Castle Rock or the surrounding Douglas County area, it’s important to find a provider who can hold space for both your emotional healing and spiritual walk.
When choosing an EMDR therapist, look for:
- Licensed counselors trained in EMDR (not just trauma-informed)
- Comfort and emotional safety in your first consult
- Willingness to adapt sessions to your pace and beliefs
At LifeTouch Counseling, Sheila Porter, MA, LPC, offers EMDR therapy rooted in compassion and backed by evidence. We tailor your treatment plan to your story—never forcing progress, but always walking alongside you.
Logistics:
- In-person sessions in Castle Rock, Colorado
- Flexible scheduling
- Support between sessions when needed
Therapist Search Overwhelming?
Let us simplify it. Reach out today and start your journey with someone who gets both trauma and faith.
Common Questions About EMDR Therapy
Will I have to talk in detail about my trauma?
No. You’ll never be forced to share anything you’re not ready to. EMDR works without needing to describe every memory out loud.
Is EMDR safe for everyone?
Generally, yes. However, your therapist will assess readiness, especially if there’s dissociation, active crisis, or severe instability.
How long does EMDR take?
Some clients feel relief in a few sessions. Others with complex trauma may benefit from a longer process. It’s personalized.
Is EMDR Christian-based?
EMDR itself is a clinical tool, but at LifeTouch, sessions can include Scripture, prayer, and Christian integration if desired.
Does EMDR work for childhood trauma?
Yes. It’s effective for both recent and early life traumas, including neglect, abuse, or loss.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you’re local to Castle Rock or commuting from nearby Colorado Springs, Parker, or Highlands Ranch, accessible trauma-informed care is available.
You don’t have to live stuck in survival mode. Whether you’ve tried other therapies or you’re just beginning to explore healing, EMDR could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
Let’s talk. Sheila would be honored to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you move forward—with empathy, faith, and clinical excellence.
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