What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach developed to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to spend session after session describing painful memories in detail. Instead, EMDR helps your brain reprocess those memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming and no longer interfere with your daily life.
During treatment, your therapist may use bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds, while helping you process distressing memories in a safe and structured way.
The goal isn’t to erase memories—it’s to reduce the emotional distress connected to them.
What Can EMDR Help Treat?
EMDR was originally developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but research has shown it can also be effective for many other concerns, including:
- PTSD and complex trauma
- Childhood trauma
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Phobias
- Low self-esteem
- Stress related to medical conditions
- Disturbing life events
- Performance anxiety
Your therapist will determine whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment based on your individual needs and goals.
What Happens During EMDR Therapy?
EMDR follows a structured treatment process designed to help you feel safe and supported throughout therapy.
Treatment typically includes:
Getting to Know You
Your therapist learns about your history, symptoms, and goals while developing a personalized treatment plan.
Building Coping Skills
Before processing traumatic memories, you’ll learn techniques to help regulate emotions and feel grounded during sessions.
Processing Disturbing Memories
Using bilateral stimulation, your therapist guides you through processing memories that continue to cause emotional distress.
Strengthening Positive Beliefs
As distress decreases, you’ll begin replacing negative beliefs with healthier, more adaptive ones that support healing and resilience.
Ongoing Evaluation
Throughout treatment, your therapist monitors your progress and adjusts your treatment plan as needed.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
EMDR follows an established eight-phase treatment model:
- History and treatment planning
- Preparation and skill building
- Assessment of target memories
- Desensitization using bilateral stimulation
- Installation of positive beliefs
- Body scan to identify any remaining distress
- Closure at the end of each session
- Reevaluation at the beginning of future sessions
Each phase builds upon the previous one, allowing treatment to progress at a pace that feels safe and appropriate for you.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
EMDR may be helpful if you experience:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Anxiety that feels connected to past experiences
- Emotional triggers that seem difficult to control
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness
- Difficulty trusting others
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations
- Feeling “stuck” despite previous therapy
Not everyone is ready to begin trauma processing immediately. Your therapist will work with you to determine the right timing and ensure you have the tools needed to begin treatment safely.
Why Choose Indiana Health Group?
For nearly 40 years, Indiana Health Group has provided compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals and families throughout Central Indiana.
Our EMDR-trained therapists provide treatment in a supportive, collaborative environment where your care is tailored to your unique experiences and goals.
We offer:
- EMDR-trained clinicians
- Individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults
- Collaborative care with psychiatrists and other therapists when appropriate
- In-person appointments in Carmel
- Secure telehealth throughout Indiana (when clinically appropriate)
Meet Our EMDR Therapists
Indiana Health Group is proud to offer EMDR therapy through experienced clinicians who have completed specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Each therapist brings their own clinical expertise and treatment style while providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your individual needs.
Whether you are recovering from trauma, managing anxiety, or working through difficult life experiences, our therapists are here to help you move toward healing and resilience.
Elizabeth Goebel, LMHC
Elizabeth provides compassionate, client-centered therapy for adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. She incorporates EMDR into individualized treatment plans to help clients process distressing experiences, reduce emotional distress, and develop healthier patterns for moving forward.
Kimberly E. Keller, LMHC
Kim specializes in treating trauma, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), addictions, and sexual health concerns. She utilizes EMDR alongside Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other evidence-based approaches to help clients achieve lasting change and improved emotional well-being.
Kourtney Klepfer, LCSW
Kourtney works with adolescents and adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and life stressors. She integrates EMDR with a supportive, strengths-based approach, helping clients process difficult experiences while building confidence and resilience.
Maryann Lake, LCSW
Maryann provides therapy for individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and other emotional challenges. Using EMDR and other evidence-based therapies, she creates a safe, collaborative environment where clients can heal from past experiences and move toward lasting emotional wellness.
Tina Ramseur, MA, LMHC, LCAC, EMDR
Tina specializes in treating trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and co-occurring mental health concerns. As an EMDR-trained therapist and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, she helps clients process traumatic experiences while developing healthier coping strategies and building long-term recovery.
Begin Your Healing Journey
You don’t have to continue carrying the weight of painful experiences alone.
If trauma, anxiety, or distressing memories are affecting your life, Indiana Health Group is here to help.