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Specialty Therapy

EMDR therapy

A proven, structured approach to processing trauma and distressing memories — offered by an EMDRIA-certified clinician.

What is EMDR?

EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is a well-researched therapy that helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they lose their grip. Instead of reliving an experience in detail, you focus on it briefly while your clinician guides gentle bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones).

Over time, the memory feels less vivid and less distressing, and the beliefs it created about yourself can shift. EMDR is recognized by major health bodies as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.

Trauma & PTSDDistressing memoriesAnxiety & panicPhobiasGrief & lossPerformance & self-esteem

How it works

The eight phases of EMDR

EMDR follows a structured, well-defined protocol. You move through it at your own pace.

  1. 1

    History & planning

    Your clinician learns your history and identifies the memories and goals to target.

  2. 2

    Preparation

    You learn what to expect and build coping and self-soothing skills first.

  3. 3

    Assessment

    You identify a specific memory, the belief tied to it, and how it feels in your body.

  4. 4

    Desensitization

    Guided bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones) reduces the memory's charge.

  5. 5

    Installation

    A new, more adaptive belief is strengthened in place of the old one.

  6. 6

    Body scan

    You notice and clear any remaining physical tension connected to the memory.

  7. 7

    Closure

    Each session ends with you grounded and stable, whether or not processing is complete.

  8. 8

    Reevaluation

    The next session checks progress and decides what to work on next.

Allison Koos Fox, LPC, PMH-C, EMDRIA Certified

Allison Koos Fox

LPC, PMH-C, EMDRIA Certified

Licensed Professional Counselor

CounselingPerinatal Mental HealthEMDR
View profile

Certified care

EMDRIA-certified

EMDR is most effective with a properly trained clinician. Our EMDRIA-certified therapist has met the EMDR International Association's standards for training and consultation — ask our office to be matched for EMDR care.

Call 907-929-4009 Request an appointment

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Existing patients can use the secure AdvancedMD portal to view appointments, message the office, and access records. New here? Call us at 907-929-4009 to get started.

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