EMDR Therapy Houston
Tap into your brain’s built-in ability to heal.
Maybe traditional talk therapy hasn’t helped you process the traumatic memories as much as you thought it would.
Whatever your reason for seeking a new type of care is, we understand it’s like navigating uncharted territory, and so is living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Recovery from trauma is possible, especially if you want to explore evidence-based somatic treatment options like EMDR - eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy.
Meet your trauma-trained Houston EMDR therapist
Sarah Whitmire, LPC-S, ATR-BC
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Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Board Certified Art Therapist
Education: Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling from Southwestern Counseling
Years in practice: 15
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Sandplay Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
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In-person in Houston and online throughout Texas
What is EMDR therapy?
One of the most common questions we get is – what is EMDR therapy? What is it doing to my brain, and how does it help me deal with the emotional distress from traumatic events I’ve experienced?
EMDR therapy, founded by Dr. Francine Shapiro, taps into the brain's innate ability to heal. By leveraging natural processing mechanisms, EMDR helps integrate traumatic memories, easing emotional pain and building resilience.
When working with an EMDR-trained therapist, EMDR can help you:
Heal from traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact
Absorb positive experiences, developing healthy coping skills to deal with triggers
Rewire negative thought patterns, replacing them with healthier perspectives
Regulate emotions more effectively, easing anxiety and PTSD symptoms
Who is EMDR for?
Anyone of any age can participate in EMDR, but it was created specifically for those with PTSD. Those with the following mental health conditions may also benefit from it:
Eating disorders
Substance abuse (or substance use disorder)
Dissociative disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorders
Borderline personality disorder
Do you resonate with any of these? If so, and you’re ready to start EMDR therapy work, we may be a good fit.
FAQs about EMDR Therapy in Houston
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Yes, EMDR therapy is an effective treatment for psychological trauma and other mental health issues.
Recognized by the American Psychiatric Association and World Health Organization, EMDR has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression.
By reprocessing traumatic memories, you can achieve emotional healing and a more fulfilling life.
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Since EMDR is technically a “nontraditional” evidence-based practice, many people are curious as to how it’s different than talk therapy and what it feels like. During EMDR, eye movement desensitization or bilateral stimulation may cause you to feel physical sensations, emotions, or vivid imagery. You may experience:
Mild discomfort or tension release
Shifts in emotional intensity
Changes in body sensations
Increased insight or awareness
Reduced distress associated with traumatic memories
It’s important to note that you should not feel significant pain or discomfort during an EMDR session. If you do, let your provider know immediately.
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EMDR therapy is practiced by a wide variety of therapists from different backgrounds. It can be performed by licensed mental health professionals who have completed specialized EMDR training and maintained certification through organizations like the EMDR International Association, including:
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
Associate-level therapists may also provide EMDR, but they will be under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist who has met the qualifications of their licensing board to oversee other therapists’ practice.
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Everyone’s progress in EMDR looks different, but on average, clients take 6-12 weeks to complete an EMDR treatment plan. However, there are many factors that influence how many sessions it takes to start seeing results.
Complexity of past traumatic events
Severity of symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression)
Individual coping mechanisms and resilience
Frequency and consistency of sessions with an EMDR therapist
Depth of painful memories and traumatic experiences
The great thing about EMDR is you can take it at your own pace. If it becomes too much, it’s essential to communicate that to your therapist so they know how you feel.
Finding mental health support after a traumatic experience takes courage.
Two things are true about recovering from trauma: healing is unpredictable, and it isn’t linear.
While everyone is capable of mending their mind, processing trauma may involve revisiting and reprocessing traumatic memories and emotions multiple times. Maybe that’s your experience, or maybe it’s your first time.
Either way, we hope to make you confident about your decision to begin EMDR therapy. Everyone’s life experience is unique, and their journey toward healing is equally as distinctive. So, we take a personalized approach to EMDR therapy, designing a treatment plan that accounts for your strengths, challenges, and resilience — whether you’re new to trauma therapy or returning to gain new insights into your past.
The therapists at Whitmire Counseling and Supervision are here to help you heal from your trauma at your own pace. Schedule an appointment with one of us today to start a more peaceful and fulfilling life.