EMDR Therapy Can Heal Your Past, Empower Your Present, and Help You Feel Whole Again!

EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy is an evidence-based treatment backed by 30 years of clinical research.1  In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed EMDR therapy as the first line of treatment in adults suffering from PTSD.2 That is not all, the American Psychological Association (APA) has also backed the effectiveness of EMDR for major depressive disorders such as PTSD. 3

What Will You Gain From Your Therapy Sessions?

EMDR aims to:

  •  Help reduce the intensity and frequency of distressing memories.
  • Promotes emotional regulation and coping skills.
  • Enhances self-esteem and resilience.

Client Review

EMDR really works! It helped me snap out of a decade-long trauma. My therapists made sure that we were moving at a pace I was comfortable with. It took me four sessions to break down my walls to begin healing. I hope that everyone gets where they need to be and finds peace, like I did.

What is EMDR, and What Does a Typical EMDR Therapy Session Look Like?

An EMDR therapy session for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders is generally 60 minutes long. It is a non-invasive client-led session to help you feel safe, empowered, and free to move forward.

Here are the steps to expect in an EMDR session: 5

Step 1: Getting to Know You

  • The first sessions are always building trust and understanding your life history.
  • Your therapist will help you feel safe, secure, and at peace so you feel confident about your healing journey

Step 2: Identifying the Root Cause

  • The therapist will work with you to identify the specific memory or memories at the root of your distress.
  • You will explore whether these experiences shaped negative beliefs about yourself.

Step 3: Bilateral Simulation and Memory Reprocessing

  • This is the core of EMDR therapy.
  • You will be asked to briefly recall and discuss any troubling memories while focusing on bilateral simulation
  • As the therapist does this, your brain begins to reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity.
  • Over time, the memory becomes less painful, and your therapist helps you adopt a more empowering belief.

Step 4: Closure and Grounding

  • At the end of your session, your therapist will help you feel calm, supported, grounded, and safe. Whether you have completed the session or not, you will leave each session with tools to manage your emotions.

Step 5: Re-evaluation and Aftercare

In the final phase of EMDR, your therapist will review your progress and how you are doing now. It will help to determine if you need any future sessions. Your therapists will also teach you how to handle emotions in the future.

Client Review

I came to Melissa Bechtle, my therapist at ChoicePoint, with so many vulnerabilities and unresolved feelings that I never knew how to put into words. From the very beginning, everyone at ChoicePoint made me feel safe, seen, and truly understood. Through EMDR therapy, Melissa helped me work through deeply rooted trauma that I never thought I could face. Today, I feel lighter, more in control, and finally at peace!

Let ChoicePoint Online EMDR Therapists Help You Find Peace

Looking for online EMDR therapists near you? Let ChoicePoint’s specialized online EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapists take care of you. Our program is designed to help you:

  1.  Process distressing memories
  2. Reduce your emotional hold
  3. Empower you to rebuild a peaceful life

The therapy can be done without the barriers of in-person treatment through a secure virtual platform, making it possible to access high-quality trauma care from wherever you feel safest.

Conditions We Take Care of

Our licensed EMDR therapists are trained in evidence-based protocols to address PTSD, anxiety, grief, and complex trauma. Our EMDR therapists treat the following conditions:

  1. Substance Use Disorder
  2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  3. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
  4. Acute Stress Disorder
  5. Childhood trauma and abuse
  6. Sexual assault or domestic violence-related trauma
  7. Generalized Anxiety Disorders
  8. Depression
ChoicePoint Addiction Treatment Program

Does Insurance Cover EMDR Therapy? Cost and Paying for EMDR Therapy

In many cases, insurance does cover EMDR therapy, especially when it is medically necessary and provided by a licensed mental health professional. Without insurance, a typical session may cost around $100- 200. 6 This amount is substantially reduced depending on your insurance coverage.

ChoicePoint EMDR therapists in NJ accept the following insurance to reduce out-of-pocket expense:

You can also verify your insurance online to know the benefits.

Melissa Bechtle

Meet Your EMDR Therapist Melissa Bechtle

Melissa Bechtle is a compassionate and experienced EMDR Therapist at ChoicePoint and holder of a Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment Certification. Melissa brings a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to healing that addresses both mental health and substance use challenges. With years of clinical experience, Melissa has helped individuals overcome PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance-related disorders through trauma-informed care.

Start EMDR Therapy Near You Today!

What sets ChoicePoint apart is our commitment to accessibility and personalized care. You do not need to travel or be placed on a waitlist; our online EMDR services are available when you are ready. Take the first step toward recovery today. Contact ChoicePoint at 844.445.2565 for a confidential consultation and begin EMDR therapy with a team that truly understands.

Why Our Clients Trust Us? Read Our 5-Star Reviews!

Great program, I really appreciate all that ChoicePoint did for me. They helped me get a new life. I am so grateful to all of them who played a part in my New life. I have two years clean, still making meetings and living life on life’s terms. God is good. Belinda Jones

ChoicePoint has really changed my life, from my great counselor to the friendly staff. The way they run the meetings is really insightful, helping with coping mechanisms and other ways to improve your recovery. I recommend ChoicePoint to anybody who is looking to get clean and live a better life.
Davaid Lucci

Frequently Asked Questions Related to EMDR Therapy Near You

How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take?

EMDR sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. The number of sessions depends on your diagnosis and progress. For mild traumas, 3-6 sessions may be enough, but more complex traumas may require 8-12 sessions.

Does Insurance Cover EMDR Therapy?

Yes, EMDR therapy is covered by major insurance companies. You may, at times, require a referral or prior authorization, depending on your insurance plan. The best way to know the exact coverage is by verifying your insurance online.

Does Medicare cover EMDR?

Yes, Medicare covers EMDR therapy if it is a medical necessity.

Why is EMDR so Controversial?

EMDR is an effective therapy; however, it was considered controversial when it was a newer therapy, as it challenges how traditional talk therapy works. Over time, many clients, research, and trials have established its effectiveness, making it a safe therapeutic approach.

What are the EMDR Therapy Side Effects?

EMDR therapy is well-tolerated and generally safe; however, as you start, you may notice:

  • Changes in sleeping patterns
  • Temporary headaches or dizziness
  • Resurfacing of old memories
  • Easily triggered or emotionally sensitive

These side effects are not dangerous and are resolved as you continue your sessions.

Does EMDR Therapy Work For Depression?

Yes, EMDR is a recommended approach for depression treatment.

Can you do EMDR Therapy virtually?

Yes, EMDR can be completed virtually without the need to visit a rehab or therapist. You can contact us at 844.445.2565 to learn more about our virtual therapy program.

References:

  1. Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
  2. World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241505406
  3. American Psychological Association. (2017). Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/ptsd.pdf
  4. Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Publications.
  5. EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). (n.d.). What is EMDR therapy? https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/

Medical Disclaimer:

ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.

Medical Disclaimer:

ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.