EMDR Therapy on Long Island with Long Island Counseling

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Trauma, Anxiety, and Emotional Healing

Trauma can leave lasting effects on the mind and body. Even after the event has passed, certain memories, sounds, or sensations can continue to cause emotional distress, anxiety, or physical tension. EMDR therapy helps you reprocess these experiences so they no longer feel overwhelming or “stuck.”

At Long Island Counseling, our EMDR-trained therapists provide structured, evidence-based treatment for trauma, anxiety, and related emotional challenges. We offer EMDR therapy to individuals throughout Long Island, helping clients move beyond distressing memories and experience greater peace, clarity, and emotional balance.

Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment for EMDR therapy on Long Island.

What Is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy that helps the brain process distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity. It uses gentle, guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation—such as tapping or sound—to help both sides of the brain work together while recalling a difficult memory.

During EMDR therapy, the client remains fully awake and aware. The therapist helps you focus on specific memories or sensations while using eye movements or other stimuli to assist the brain in processing what it could not process at the time of the event.

Over time, this allows the memory to be re-stored in a healthier way, meaning you can remember what happened without feeling the same physical or emotional pain.

What EMDR Helps Treat

EMDR is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but its applications extend beyond trauma. Our Long Island therapists use EMDR to help clients manage a range of mental health and emotional concerns, including:

Trauma and PTSD – Processing distress from abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or violence
Anxiety and Panic Attacks – Reducing fear responses to specific triggers or situations
Depression – Addressing negative core beliefs and unresolved emotional pain
Grief and Loss – Easing the weight of painful memories connected to loss
Phobias and Fears – Calming the body’s conditioned response to specific fears
Performance or Work-Related Stress – Building confidence and emotional control under pressure
Childhood or Family-Related Trauma – Healing from early experiences that continue to affect adult relationships

EMDR can also be effective for people who feel “stuck” in patterns of worry, guilt, or self-doubt that haven’t improved through traditional talk therapy alone.

Who EMDR Is For

EMDR therapy can be helpful for adults, teens, and some older children who are experiencing ongoing emotional reactions to past events. It is often recommended for individuals who:

Continue to feel distress about experiences that happened long ago
Experience flashbacks, nightmares, or physical reactions when reminded of something painful
Struggle with anxiety or avoidance linked to specific memories or fears
Have difficulty trusting others, relaxing, or feeling safe
Have tried traditional therapy but still feel emotionally stuck or triggered

Because EMDR does not require extensive discussion of the trauma itself, it can be particularly helpful for clients who find it difficult to talk about painful experiences in detail.

How EMDR Therapy Works

EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase process designed to ensure safety, stability, and effective reprocessing. Sessions move at your pace, and your therapist will help you stay grounded throughout.

History and Preparation – Your therapist learns about your experiences and helps you develop coping and grounding techniques before beginning EMDR.
Target Identification – You and your therapist identify the memories or triggers that cause distress.
Desensitization and Reprocessing – Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds), your therapist helps your brain reprocess the memory while staying calm and in control.
Integration – The memory becomes less distressing and begins to feel like part of your past rather than something happening in the present.
Stabilization – The session ends with grounding techniques and reflection to ensure emotional balance before leaving therapy.

This process continues across sessions, with your therapist adjusting pacing and focus as you gain comfort and resilience. Many clients begin to notice change within a few sessions as emotional intensity decreases and new insights emerge.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

Clients who complete EMDR therapy often report:

Feeling calmer and less reactive when remembering distressing events
Improved sleep and focus
A stronger sense of emotional control
Relief from chronic anxiety or tension
Fewer physical symptoms linked to stress or trauma
Greater confidence and self-trust

These benefits extend beyond trauma recovery—EMDR can help anyone seeking emotional clarity, balance, and relief from persistent stress.