EMDR Therapy

Veronica Silver
Published: 10/17/2024 | Updated: 04/23/2026
Authored by: Veronica Silver, MA
Edited by: Jemma Strain, BSc Psychology, PhD

For many people, healing from trauma often requires more than talking through what happened. It requires a structured, supportive process that helps your brain fully integrate and release the distress that it has stored. That’s where EMDR therapy for trauma comes in. Many experts consider EMDR to be the best therapy for PTSD in adults.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy uses the brain’s natural ability to heal to reprocess traumatic experiences. It involves stimulating both hemispheres of the brain, called “bilateral stimulation,” through methods like side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or sounds, while thinking about the traumatic memories. This method helps reduce the emotional charge and reprocess the memories so they’re less distressing. 

At AMFM Healthcare, we use EMDR therapy for trauma as part of our broader mental health programming. We can help you move through, not just manage, the impact of past experiences. 

Read on to find out more about our inpatient EMDR therapy programs.

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    Our Residential EMDR Treatment Approach

    At AMFM Healthcare, we take on a whole-person approach to treatment. This means we don’t simply see you as a set of symptoms or diagnoses. We approach trauma with the understanding that symptoms don’t exist in isolation. Many clients come to us experiencing overlapping challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, or mood-related symptoms. And this is why we incorporate a trauma-focused therapy like EMDR into a comprehensive treatment plan that matches each person’s unique needs and challenges.

    At AMFM Healthcare, we also take on the philosophy that there is no such thing as treatment-resistant. Instead, we believe in a treatment-persistent approach. If something hasn’t worked in the past, we adapt. We refine. We continue working with you until we find what does.

    What to Expect in EMDR Therapy at AMFM Healthcare

    Because EMDR is highly structured and deeply personal, understanding the process can make starting treatment feel more approachable. So, at AMFM, we aim to make the process as clear and accessible as possible. 

    Here’s what you can expect from our residential trauma treatment and EMDR:

    Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment Planning

    You’ll start treatment with an in-depth assessment with one of our trained clinicians. They’ll ask you questions about your current symptoms and challenges, as well as your medical and mental health history, current living situation, support system, and goals for treatment. This helps us get to know you and what you aim to get from treatment. 

    After your assessment, you’ll work with your clinical team to create a personalized treatment plan – which may include EMDR alongside other therapeutic methods. This treatment plan will focus on your needs and goals during treatment and finding the best approaches to address those. 

    Step 2: Structured EMDR Sessions

    EMDR at AMFM takes place during dedicated individual therapy sessions and follows a structured eight-phase protocol. During sessions, you’ll work with your therapist to:

    • Identify specific distressing memories
    • Focus on associated thoughts, emotions, and body sensations
    • Engage in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sound)

    This process allows the brain to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity over time.

    Step 3: Ongoing Support and Integration

    EMDR can be emotionally demanding. We don’t expect you to navigate it alone. Between sessions, you’ll participate in group therapy, skill-building, and other supportive modalities that help stabilize emotions and reinforce progress. This is a key part of EMDR therapy for PTSD in adults, where healing happens both inside and outside of individual sessions.

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    Our Residential Program Structure

    One of the defining features of AMFM Healthcare is the intensity and consistency of care. Our residential model provides a level of structure that supports deeper therapeutic work. You can expect:

    • Two individual therapy sessions per week, allowing for consistent EMDR work
    • Three or more clinical groups daily, focused on skill-building, emotional processing, and connection
    • Weekly psychiatric support, if needed
    • Weekly case management, beginning immediately upon admission

    This level of clinical engagement creates the stability needed for trauma processing while also giving space for reflection and recovery.

    Our small, home-like residences, capped at six to eight clients, also ensure a highly individualized experience. This environment fosters safety, trust, and the ability to engage fully in treatment.

    Benefits of EMDR Therapy in Residential Treatment

    With evidence-based trauma therapy for adults, you aren’t just learning how to cope; you’re actively reprocessing the experiences that continue to shape how you think, feel, and respond.

    Here are some of the key benefits of EMDR therapy for trauma in a residential setting:

    • Reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic memories
    • Addresses the root cause of symptoms
    • Supports lasting relief from PTSD symptoms
    • Improves symptoms of anxiety, depression, and panic 
    • Promotes a stronger sense of control and emotional stability

    Additionally, for those carrying early-life experiences into adulthood, EMDR for childhood trauma in adults can create a shift in how those memories are stored and experienced today. Plus, alongside improved symptoms, EMDR for anxiety and depression, as well as EMDR for panic attacks, can lead to meaningful improvements in mood and daily functioning

    For many people exploring EMDR vs. CBT for trauma, EMDR stands out because it doesn’t just help you manage the past; it helps your brain resolve it.

    Find out about our free assessment & admissions process
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    We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

    If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

    Treatment Modalities We Use Alongside EMDR

    At AMFM Healthcare, we combine trauma recovery therapy options with experiential and holistic methods. So your treatment plan may include:

    While EMDR focuses on reprocessing memories, other therapies help regulate the nervous system, build coping skills, and strengthen emotional resilience.

    Find Mental Health Treatment Programs

    A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Mental Health support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.

    California Locations

    See our residences in Southern California’s Orange County & San Diego County.

    Fallbrook - Peony
    Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with library, large backyard, and pool with beautiful views.
    Carlsbad - Goldenbush
    Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
    Carlsbad - Hoover
    Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms for our clients with beautiful ocean views, large rooms and relaxng atmosphere.
    Dana Point - Blue Lantern
    Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features calming large rooms, updated interior, and outdoor pool.
    Dana Point - Crystal Lantern
    Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Includes large rooms, updated interior, and private treatment rooms.
    Fallbrook - North Ridge
    Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Featured amenties include tennis court, pool, and game area.
    Laguna Hills - Waterwheel
    Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, and large backyard.
    Laguna Niguel - Campeon
    Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, and covered seating in backyard.
    Lake Forest - Grayston
    Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, relaxing spaces, & covered seating in backyard.
    Lake Forest - Sunnybrook
    Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Newly remodeled interior with large rooms and backyard with garden.
    San Juan Capistrano - Banderas
    Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features updated, modern interior with relaxing outdoor space to unwind.
    San Juan Capistrano - Valencia
    Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
    Mission Viejo - Michelle's House
    Residential treatment center just for women who’ve experienced trauma, domestic violence, or overwhelming life challenges
    Minnesota Locations

    Take a look at our homes on the east side of the Metro area in Washington County.

    Stillwater - Arcola
    Male residential house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard many dedicated spaces for therapy.
    Stillwater - Dellwood
    Female mental health residential house with double and single occupancy rooms. Beautifully appointed, relaxing atmosphere for healing.
    Virginia Locations

    View our facilities in Fairfax County, VA within the DC metro area.

    Annandale - Rebel Rose
    Female identifying house with single and double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with movie theater, on a large property.
    Fairfax Station - Derbyshire
    Male only house with double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large rooms, gorgeous interior, and music/game room.
    Great Falls - Kellie Jean
    Gender inclusive house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with movie theater, game room, and large property.
    Vienna - Browns Mill
    Gender inclusive property with double and single occupancy rooms providing compassionate care in a peaceful setting for adults.
    Vienna - Corsica
    Gender inclusive house with double & single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard, movie theater, & dedicated therapy spaces.
    Vienna - Lawyers
    Male identifying house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard many dedicated spaces for therapy.
    McLean - Lewinsville
    Female house with double occupancy rooms. Featuring modern living spaces, comfortable meeting rooms, & well-appointed bedrooms.

    Why Choose AMFM Healthcare for EMDR Therapy?

    Choosing where to begin trauma treatment matters. At AMFM Healthcare, we recognize that this decision is also deeply personal. Here’s what sets our approach apart:

    • We include our EMDR therapy for trauma in a structured, supportive environment that allows for deeper, more consistent progress
    • Our centers involve small, intimate treatment settings, limited to six to eight clients per home
    • We combine EMDR somatic, experiential, and evidence-based therapies to support lasting healing
    • Our team includes licensed professionals trained in trauma care and EMDR, guiding you through each step of the process
    • We provide upfront insurance verification and explanation of costs
    • We have multiple facilities across several states, including Virginia, Minnesota, and California

    If you’ve been searching for “EMDR therapy near me“ but want more than weekly sessions, look no further than AMFM Healthcare. We provide the structure and support needed to fully engage in the healing process.

    Reach out today to learn how our residential EMDR program can help you move forward with clarity, stability, and a renewed sense of control.

    At AMFM, we strive to provide the most up-to-date and accurate medical information based on current best practices, evolving information, and our team’s approach to care. Our aim is that our readers can make informed decisions about their healthcare.

    Our reviewers are credentialed medical providers specializing and practicing behavioral healthcare. We follow strict guidelines when fact-checking information and only use credible sources when citing statistics and medical information. Look for the medically reviewed badge on our articles for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

    If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate or out of date, please let us know at info@amfmhealthcare.com