FOY Wellness and Recovery is a licensed PHP and IOP program in Agoura Hills, California. Our clinical program is developed and overseen by Clinical Program Director Dr. Shannon Dobbs, a licensed clinical psychologist. EMDR is a core evidence-based trauma treatment offered at FOY for clients with PTSD and unresolved traumatic experiences.
What Is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro, using bilateral stimulation, most commonly guided eye movements, to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories that have not been fully integrated. EMDR is recognized by major health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association, as an effective treatment for PTSD.
How EMDR Works
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol. Clients briefly focus on a specific traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements, which appears to support the brain’s natural reprocessing of the memory into a less distressing, more integrated form. Unlike prolonged exposure therapies, EMDR does not require detailed verbal recounting of the traumatic event.
EMDR at FOY
EMDR is delivered through individual therapy sessions with a clinician trained and certified in the protocol, integrated into a client’s broader treatment plan alongside other clinical and holistic modalities as clinically appropriate.
Conditions EMDR Addresses
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Complex trauma
- Single-incident trauma
- Trauma-related anxiety and depression
- Trauma contributing to substance use
What to Expect
EMDR sessions follow a structured protocol, and your therapist will explain each phase before beginning. Clients are not required to verbally describe the traumatic event in detail, and sessions are paced according to individual readiness.
FAQs
Does EMDR require me to talk in detail about my trauma?
No. EMDR does not require detailed verbal recounting of the traumatic event, distinguishing it from some other trauma therapies.
Is EMDR only for combat veterans or major traumatic events?
No. EMDR is used for a wide range of traumatic experiences, from single-incident trauma to complex, ongoing trauma.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
This varies significantly by individual and type of trauma, and is reviewed as part of your ongoing treatment plan.
Is EMDR scientifically supported?
Yes, EMDR is recognized as an effective PTSD treatment by major health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association.
Will EMDR bring up difficult emotions?
It’s common to experience some emotional intensity during processing; your therapist paces sessions according to your readiness and provides grounding support as needed.
Can EMDR be used alongside other therapies like CBT or somatic work?
Yes, EMDR is often integrated alongside other clinical and holistic modalities as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Is EMDR appropriate during early substance use recovery?
Trauma work, including EMDR, is generally introduced once a client has some stability in early recovery; your clinical team will determine appropriate timing.
What does “bilateral stimulation” actually involve?
Most commonly, guided eye movements following the therapist’s hand or a light bar, though some protocols use alternating tapping or sound.
Is EMDR covered by insurance?
EMDR is delivered as part of FOY’s PHP and IOP clinical programming, billed as a level of care. Contact our admissions team about your specific plan.
Take the First Step
Call (805) 659-8429 or visit foywellnessandrecovery.com/contact for a free confidential assessment. We are in-network with Blue Shield, Cigna, and TRICARE through TriWest, and accept most other major PPO plans, including Anthem, Aetna, Multiplan, HMC HealthWorks, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, on an out-of-network basis.