What Is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured psychotherapy that helps people heal from the emotional distress caused by disturbing life experiences. Originally developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR has been extensively researched and is recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Veterans Affairs for the treatment of trauma and PTSD.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to describe every detail of your trauma out loud. Instead, it allows your brain to reprocess stuck memories using bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—while you focus on a specific memory, image, or belief.
How It Works
When a traumatic experience occurs, it can overwhelm your nervous system and become "stuck" in the brain's emotional centers, leaving you with unprocessed emotions, physical sensations, and negative beliefs like "I’m not safe" or "I’m not enough."
EMDR helps “unstick” these memories and move them to a more adaptive part of the brain, where they can be seen with greater clarity, objectivity, and emotional distance.
The process typically follows an 8-phase protocol, including:
As reprocessing occurs, distressing memories often lose their emotional charge, making them feel more like something that happened in the past—not something you're reliving in the present.
What EMDR Helps With
EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, but over time, it’s proven effective for a wide range of issues, including:
Whether you're carrying unresolved trauma from a single event or dealing with a lifetime of complex experiences, EMDR offers a structured yet flexible path toward relief.
Why Choose Evolve Modern for EMDR?
At Evolve Modern, we’re committed to trauma-informed, integrative care. Our EMDR-trained therapist creates a safe, grounded, and collaborative space where you can process your experiences at your own pace—without pressure or judgment. We blend EMDR with other evidence-based therapies to support your emotional, physical, and spiritual healing.
We know healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we meet you exactly where you are.
If you’re ready to let go of the past and move forward with clarity and calm, EMDR in Elkins, WV may be the next step on your journey.
For more information or to schedule a consultation or session, call 304.242.3792 or email help@evolvemodern.org.
We offer in person and virtual appointments and accept many major medical insurances.