EMDR Therapy: Transforming Lives Through Trauma Recovery

Want to know more about EMDR?

Scientifically Proven Benefits of EMDR on Brain Function and Trauma Recovery

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence based therapy technique that integrates elements from various therapeutic modalities. Its primary aim is to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories or adverse life experiences. EMDR operates on the premise that trauma-related symptoms stem from unprocessed memories, and by reprocessing these memories, individuals can experience relief and psychological healing.

EMDR's effectiveness is supported by scientific research, which has shown its impact on the brain and nervous system. Studies using neuroimaging techniques have shown that EMDR can lead to significant changes in brain activity, promoting the reconsolidation of traumatic memories and the establishment of new neural pathways. This process contributes to the reduction of distress and the resolution of traumatic symptoms.

How EMDR Therapy Works to Alleviate Trauma and Stress Symptoms

EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements and tapping), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. EMDR therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR therapy has even been superior to Prozac in trauma treatment (Van der Kolk et al., 2007). Shapiro and Forrest (2016) share that EMDR therapists in 130 countries have successfully treated millions.

View EMDR Research & Sources >

Amanda Marks: EMDR Therapist

Amanda is trained in and has been providing EMDR for several years. She participates in ongoing EMDR consultation and training in advanced topics such as complex trauma, attachment, somatics and dissociation. She has treated several therapists around Atlanta with issues related to Imposter Syndrome and trauma with the use of EMDR. She is also an active member of EMDRIA.

Amanda takes a unique and individualized approach with EMDR. She incorporates various other modalities including the use of yoga, art, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Therapy and Attachment Therapy in her EMDR sessions.

She collaborates with each client on developing a plan to best implement EMDR, and if working as a part of a treatment team, she is highly collaborative with other professionals, including physicians, dietitians and other therapists.  

Pricing & Details

Half Day
Intensive
$1,400

  • 6-hour program

  • Included in the program is a customized workbook designed to help you prepare for the Intensive

  • More Information below

Full Day
Intensive
$2,000

  • 9-hour program

  • One-hour lunch break (off-site)

  • Included in the program is a customized workbook designed to help you prepare for the Intensive

  • More Information below

Do you already have a therapist but want to explore EMDR therapy?

Read more about my Adjunctive EMDR therapy package. It is designed for individuals who already have a primary therapist but are seeking supplemental support.

Learn more >

Explore Our EMDR Intensive Programs and Flexible Financing Options

About EMDR Intensives

EMDR Intensives offer two program lengths:

  • Half-day program lasting 6 hours

  • Full-day program lasting 9 hours

Each program begins with a 90-minute intake session scheduled at least one week prior to the main session. After completing either a 3-hour or 6-hour intensive session, you will have a 90-minute follow-up approximately one week later to discuss progress, make future recommendations, and more. Included in the program is a customized workbook designed to help you prepare for the Intensive. This workbook contains assessments and activities and serves as a record of your treatment goals and progress before, during, and after the sessions.

Program Options and Pricing:

  • Half-Day Intensive (6 hours): $1400 for the initial half-day.

    • Additional Half-Day Weekday Sessions: $650 for an additional 3-hour session

    • Additional Evening or Weekend Sessions: $800 for an additional 3-hour session

  • Full-Day Intensive (9 hours): $2000 for the full day, including a one-hour lunch break (off-site)

    • Additional Full Day Weekday Sessions: $1200 per day (6 hours each)

    • Additional Full Day Weekend Sessions: $1500 per day (6 hours each)

These programs are available in-person in Georgia, or virtually, with a hybrid option combining both. Sessions can be scheduled during weekends and evenings to accommodate your needs.

Financing Options

Special financing is available through CareCredit and PayPal.

CareCredit Financing:

  1. 6 Months Deferred Interest: Deferred interest if paid in full within 6 months.

  2. Reduced APR with Fixed Monthly Payments: Available for purchases of $1,000 or more, with fixed monthly payments until paid in full.

Please note that clients must apply for a CareCredit credit card or PayPal Credit, and terms are set by CareCredit and/or PayPal. We accept CareCredit and PayPal for the above financing options.

Customized Payment Estimates: We can provide a customized payment estimate to help you determine the best financing option for your needs.

EMDR Frequently Asked Questions

  • EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy used to treat a variety of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, feeling not good enough, attachment and relationship wounds from childhood and adult, among other issues.

  • No! EMDR and hypnosis are very different. With EMDR, you are completely awake and aware during the entire session. You are also in complete control of the session and can start and stop at any time. There is no altered state and it just facilitates the natural healing process of your brain, releasing of what we don’t want or need and strengthening what we do want and need!

  • Yes, you can find more EMDR resources and research, here.

  • No, you want to make sure someone providing EMDR is fully trained or certified in EMDR by an EMDRIA approved training. This is a specialized treatment.

  • Like all types of therapies, things can often get more difficult and challenging before they get better. The same can happen with EMDR. It can be difficult to face the things that we have been trying to forget for so long and that can result in some distressing or unpleasant feelings, but only for a short time.

  • No! That is a great thing about EMDR! We don’t have to share our trauma story… "Reprocessing" means setting up a learning state that will allow experiences causing problems to be "digested" and stored appropriately in your brain. That means that what is useful to you from an experience will be learned and stored with appropriate emotions in your brain and can guide you positively in the future. The distressing emotions, beliefs, and body sensations will be discarded. Negative emotions, feelings, and behaviors are generally caused by unresolved earlier experiences pushing you in the wrong direction. The goal of EMDR therapy is to leave you with the emotions, understanding, and perspectives that will lead to healthy and useful behaviors and interactions.

Preparing and Engaging in EMDR: What to Expect in Your Therapy Sessions

EMDR has 8 phases: initial history discovery and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation.

  • In the initial sessions, we'll discuss your goals and work on improving your ability to manage distress. Amanda will use the "window of tolerance" concept to help you expand your capacity to handle stress. You'll also receive education about trauma. This phase, called "resourcing," ensures you're prepared for the later stages of EMDR.

  • When you're ready, you'll focus on a specific event. We'll address a negative image, belief, emotion, and body feeling related to the event, and then shift to a positive belief indicating resolution.

  • While you focus on the upsetting event, Amanda will guide you through sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. You'll notice what comes to mind after each set, experiencing shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs regarding the event.

  • Yes, you have complete control and can stop at any point if necessary. The sets are repeated until the event becomes less disturbing.

  • Yes, EMDR therapy can be used within standard talking therapy, as adjunctive therapy with your current primary therapist, or in an intensive format.