EMDR Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps people heal from trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional wounds. By working with how the brain stores and processes memories, EMDR helps reduce emotional distress and promotes lasting relief. Whether you’re struggling with painful experiences, chronic stress, or negative beliefs, EMDR therapy can help you feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control of your life.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a proven, research-backed therapy used to treat all forms of trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. It’s best known as a successful protocol to heal people with PTSD, but Flick Connection utilizes it will great success across much broader mental challenges. EMDR uses different forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess memories so they no longer cause emotional distress. EMDR connects both hemisphere of the brain to increase neurological connection and improve the way someone’s brain processes information.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic or painful experiences so they no longer feel overwhelming. During EMDR sessions, you recall difficult memories while your therapist guides by audio, visual, or tactile modes to activate both sides of the brain. This process reduces emotional intensity and promotes healing.
Can EMDR help with PTSD, trauma and anxiety ?
Yes. EMDR therapy is proven effective for PTSD, trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, phobias, and stress-related issues. It’s also used to help reduce negative beliefs, improve self-esteem, and expand emotional regulation.
What happens in an EMDR session?
An EMDR session includes preparing safety and resources, identifying target memories, processing them with guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, and replacing distressing emotions with positive thought and adaptive beliefs. Sessions are structured, supportive, and tailored to your specific needs.
How long does EMDR therapy take?
The number of sessions varies. Some clients notice improvement after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term EMDR work depending on the complexity of their trauma and goals. Tommy Flick will create a personalized plan for your needs. Very rarely does the EMDR Standard Protocol require more than 12 sessions, making it a faster healing process than traditional talk therapy.
Can EMDR and hypnotherapy be combined in therapy?
Yes. A licensed therapist trained in both EMDR and hypnotherapy can integrate them for a more comprehensive approach to healing. For example, EMDR may be used to process trauma, while hypnotherapy increases positive beliefs, goal-oriented action, and emotional regulation. Flick Connection incorporates both EMDR and hypnotherapy into the therapeutic work with clients. Clients are educated on the different types of therapy and then they make an informed choice between EMDR or Hypnosis. Often times the protocols are used collaboratively to gain the greatest therapeutic accomplishments.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. Virtual EMDR therapy is safe and effective. Tommy Flick offers online EMDR therapy through secure video sessions for clients living in California, Texas and Washington, and in-person at his office in Spokane, WA.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
Anyone struggling with past trauma, many types of anxiety, negative beliefs, or emotional distress can benefit. Tommy Flick uses EMDR to treat both teens and adults.
Why choose Flick Connection for EMDR and hypnotherapy?
At Flick Connection, sessions are led by a licensed, experienced psychotherapist trained in both EMDR and clinical hypnosis. Unlike many non-licensed practitioners, we provide psychological education, ethical standards, and professional levels of care that meets your emotional and mental health needs.