EMDR: A Breakthrough Approach to Healing Trauma at Ignite Counseling Colorado
For many who have experienced trauma, memories can feel like they are stuck on repeat—resurfacing unexpectedly and triggering distressing emotions, physical reactions, or even full-blown panic. At Ignite Counseling Colorado, we are committed to providing treatment that works, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most effective, research-backed approaches to healing trauma and PTSD.
Why EMDR? The Evidence Speaks for Itself
Trauma can rewire the brain, keeping distressing memories stored in a way that makes them feel immediate and overwhelming—long after the actual event has passed. EMDR has been extensively studied and is endorsed by the American Psychological Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for PTSD.
A study found that 84-90% of single-event trauma survivors saw significant PTSD symptom reduction in just three EMDR sessions (Shapiro, 2018).
Another study showed that 77% of combat veterans no longer met PTSD criteria after completing EMDR treatment (Carlson et al., 1998).
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on verbal processing, EMDR helps the brain reprocess trauma so it no longer holds the same emotional charge—allowing clients to regain a sense of control over their thoughts and reactions.
How Does EMDR Work? It’s More Than Just Eye Movements
EMDR is an eight-phase therapy that helps the brain reorganize how distressing memories are stored. It does this using bilateral stimulation, a process that activates both hemispheres of the brain, similar to the way the brain naturally processes information during REM sleep.
At Ignite Counseling Colorado, we personalize EMDR by offering different forms of bilateral stimulation, including:
✔️ Eye movements – Following a light bar that moves from side to side
✔️ Hand-held paddles – Vibrations alternate between the left and right hand
✔️ Audio tones – Alternating sounds delivered through headphones
This bilateral stimulation helps move distressing memories out of the "survival brain" (the amygdala) and into the logical brain (the prefrontal cortex), allowing for a more adaptive response to past experiences.
What Does EMDR Feel Like?
Many clients describe EMDR as a way to ‘unstick’ memories that have been emotionally frozen. You don’t need to rehash every painful detail—instead, the brain does the work naturally through guided stimulation. While emotions may arise during sessions, most clients report feeling lighter and more in control after processing their trauma in this way.
Healing with EMDR at Ignite Counseling Colorado
We understand that trauma isn’t just something to “get over.” It’s something to work through with the right support and treatment. At Ignite Counseling Colorado, our EMDR-trained therapists are here to help you heal in a way that feels safe, structured, and effective.
If trauma is impacting your daily life, EMDR could be the breakthrough you need. Contact us today for a free phone consultation to learn how our team can help you move forward with confidence and peace.