Introduction
Finding the right therapist for EMDR therapy can feel like a daunting task, filled with uncertainty and questions. Have you ever wondered what to look for when evaluating a potential therapist's background and approach? Together, we’ll explore four important questions that can help you make informed decisions, ensuring you find the compassionate support you deserve at The Emerald Couch, where healing is approached with expertise and care.
What Experience Do You Have as an EMDR Therapist?
Have you ever felt uncertain about choosing the right therapist for your healing journey? When considering eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy at The Emerald Couch, it’s important to ask about your practitioner’s experience with this approach. Look for therapists who have advanced qualifications and have completed specialized training, along with a proven track record of helping clients like you. Therapists with extensive experience are generally more skilled at navigating the complexities of trauma, allowing them to tailor the therapy to your unique needs.
It can feel daunting to navigate the world of therapy, especially when you're seeking someone who truly understands your unique experiences. Studies show that a therapist's expertise can significantly impact your healing. For instance, many combat veterans find relief from PTSD after just a few sessions of EMDR therapy. In Colorado, many practitioners have an average of 5-10 years of experience, which can enhance the effectiveness of the therapy. Furthermore, successful EMDR therapy cases often highlight the importance of a therapist's experience in trauma care, with evidence indicating that 100% of single-trauma victims attained remission after six sessions. Finding a skilled therapist can be the key to unlocking your path to healing and recovery.
At The Emerald Couch, we genuinely care about creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone who walks through our doors. We invite you to schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your needs and how we can support your healing journey. Your journey towards healing deserves the right support, and we’re here to help you find it.
How Will EMDR Therapy Be Structured for My Treatment?
Have you ever felt uncertain about what to expect from therapy? EMDR therapy unfolds in eight key phases, each designed to guide you through your healing journey. At The Emerald Couch, your counselor will start with an intake session to collaboratively create your personalized treatment plan, ensuring that it aligns with your unique goals and what success means for you. Understanding the structure will help you feel more comfortable and engaged in the process. Your counselor will gently walk you through each phase, making sure you feel safe and supported every step of the way.
In the history-taking phase, your therapist will listen to your story, gathering important details about your experiences and feelings to create a treatment plan that truly reflects your needs. In the preparation phase, a safe therapeutic alliance is established, and the EMDR process is explained to address any concerns you may have. The assessment phase involves identifying specific traumatic memories to target, allowing for focused reprocessing in subsequent phases.
As you progress, the installation phase helps you embrace positive beliefs tied to your memories, nurturing your inner strength and resilience. The body scan phase checks for any lingering physical tension related to the memory, ensuring a holistic approach to healing. Closure is essential at the end of each session, helping you return to a calm state, regardless of whether reprocessing is complete. Finally, the reevaluation phase at the start of the next session assesses your progress and determines future targets for treatment.
Your sessions may also include mindfulness practices, guiding you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, which is essential for your emotional growth and self-discovery. This comprehensive method not only improves the therapy process but also enables you to make informed decisions about your healing journey. By understanding each phase, you can approach your healing journey with confidence and clarity, knowing that support is always there for you.
What Should I Expect to Feel During and After EMDR Sessions?
Navigating the emotional landscape during EMDR sessions can be a profound journey, filled with both challenges and moments of relief. Individuals often experience a range of emotions, from sadness to relief, and even discomfort as they process traumatic memories. It’s important to discuss these feelings with your counselor beforehand to prepare for this psychological journey. It’s common to feel emotionally drained after a session, which can be challenging to navigate. Our caring professionals are here to share self-care strategies and coping mechanisms that can help you feel more at ease, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
The Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) plays a vital role in tracking feelings during therapy. Clients rate their distress on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no disturbance and 10 signifies extreme distress. This measure allows both you and your therapist at The Emerald Couch to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed. Many individuals experience significant symptom relief within just a few sessions of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, often reporting transformative outcomes like improved mood regulation and reduced anxiety. Notably, EMDR is recognized as a primary treatment for PTSD by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with up to 90% of individuals finding relief from PTSD and other mental health issues after completing the therapy.
At The Emerald Couch, our therapists help you prepare for emotional responses by providing you with the resources you need to manage your feelings. This guidance is especially crucial for those coping with OCD, as understanding your emotions can help you manage compulsions more effectively. Regularly evaluating your SUDS scores enhances self-awareness, allowing you to recognize your feelings and take action sooner to prevent anxiety from escalating. By understanding what to expect during and after eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, you can embrace your healing journey with confidence and support, reinforcing our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment for everyone seeking help.
How Will We Measure Progress in My EMDR Treatment?
Have you ever felt uncertain about how to measure your emotional progress in therapy? In EMDR therapy, the Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) scale can help you understand your feelings about traumatic memories. This scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 means no distress and 10 represents the highest level of distress. Discussing the SUD scale with your counselor at The Emerald Couch can clarify how they plan to evaluate your progress and what specific indicators will be used to assess the effectiveness of your treatment.
Regular check-ins with your therapist can make a big difference. They help adjust your treatment based on how you’re feeling, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. It’s normal to feel more distressed at times during therapy, but remember, you’re not alone. Open communication with your therapist can help you navigate these feelings together, promoting a sense of safety and allowing you to take an active role in your healing journey.
Before processing traumatic memories, stabilization is essential to ensure that you are emotionally prepared for the challenges that may arise. The four stages of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) provide a structured framework for this process:
- Education about PTSD and CPT
- Processing the trauma through a written narrative
- Learning to challenge thoughts about the trauma
- Addressing specific life areas impacted by trauma
Staying hydrated and nourished during EMDR is also important for your overall well-being.
Many clients find that using the SUD scale makes it easier to share their feelings, creating a more supportive and understanding therapeutic experience. Therapists at The Emerald Couch emphasize the importance of this scale in understanding mood fluctuations, leading to more tailored interventions. By keeping an open conversation about psychological distress, you can better prepare for possible challenges during EMDR sessions, ensuring a more effective and supportive therapeutic process. Mindfulness practices, integral to the therapy at The Emerald Couch, further enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation, allowing you to navigate your experiences with greater clarity and resilience. By embracing this collaborative approach, you can transform your healing journey into a more empowering experience.
Conclusion
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of your healing journey? As you navigate this path, understanding EMDR therapy can help you feel more in control of your mental health. Asking the right questions can light the way to recovery, helping you feel supported and understood during your therapy sessions. Talking with your therapist about their experience, how sessions work, and what to expect emotionally can help you build a stronger connection and make your treatment more effective.
This article shares important insights about:
- Finding the right EMDR therapist
- Understanding the therapy process
- Being aware of your feelings during and after sessions
The Subjective Units of Distress scale is a helpful way to track your feelings and see how your treatment is going, making it easier to share your experiences with your therapist. With the right support, many people find relief from the weight of trauma, showing just how important it is to be engaged in your healing journey.
Your healing journey is unique and thrives on the partnership between you and your therapist. Asking important questions helps you feel safe and builds trust in your therapy experience. If you're looking for support, The Emerald Couch offers a warm and welcoming space where you can feel safe to heal and grow. Scheduling a consultation is the first step toward a brighter, more hopeful future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to know a therapist's experience when seeking EMDR therapy?
Understanding your therapist's background in EMDR is crucial because more experienced therapists often have a better grasp of complex trauma, which significantly impacts your healing process.
What is the effectiveness of EMDR therapy for PTSD?
Research indicates that EMDR therapy can lead to a remarkable 78% decrease in PTSD symptoms after just 12 sessions.
Who is Dr. Mitra Lebastchi, and what qualifications does she have?
Dr. Mitra Lebastchi is a compassionate therapist at The Emerald Couch with a doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy. She specializes in evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure.
What age groups does The Emerald Couch serve?
The Emerald Couch provides therapy for adults and teens aged 15 and older.
How is EMDR therapy structured?
EMDR therapy typically follows an eight-phase structure: History-taking, Preparation, Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, Body scan, Closure, and Reevaluation.
How can I tailor the EMDR therapy phases to my unique experiences?
You are encouraged to share your thoughts and questions with your therapist about how these phases can be personalized to fit your individual journey.
How is progress measured during EMDR treatment?
Progress is measured using the Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) scale, which allows you to evaluate your emotional discomfort on a scale from 0 to 10 before and after sessions.
What is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and how does it relate to EMDR?
CPT is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD that helps you examine and change unhelpful thoughts and feelings related to trauma. It complements EMDR by providing a structured approach to understanding traumatic events.
What insurance does The Emerald Couch accept, and what are the session fees?
The Emerald Couch accepts Aetna and Lyra insurance plans and charges $220 for out-of-network sessions. They also offer a free 30-minute consultation.
Is therapy at The Emerald Couch confidential?
Yes, therapy at The Emerald Couch is 100% confidential, safeguarded by HIPAA, and built on trust, creating a secure environment for your healing journey.
List of Sources
- What Experience Do You Have as an EMDR Therapist?
- EMDR Therapy Statistics: Trust The Evidence - April Lyons Psychotherapy Group Boulder, Longmont, Denver (https://aprillyonspsychotherapygroup.com/blog/emdr-therapy-statistics)
- 23+ EMDR Therapy Statistics + Facts (Salary & Success Rates) (https://crowncounseling.com/statistics/emdr-therapy)
- EMDR Statistics 2026: Success Rates, Research & Effectiveness — South Denver Therapy (https://southdenvertherapy.com/blog/emdr-statistics-2026)
- What is the success rate of EMDR? (https://grigorecounselling.com/success-rate-of-emdr)
- How Will EMDR Therapy Be Structured for My Treatment?
- EMDR Therapy: What It Is, Procedure & Effectiveness (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy (https://apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing)
- The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough (https://scienceworkshealth.com/post/the-8-phases-of-emdr-therapy-what-actually-happens-in-each-session)
- The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy (https://emdria.org/blog/the-eight-phases-of-emdr-therapy)
- EMDR: What it is, How it works & its Phases (https://riverpointbehavioral.com/blog/emdr-what-it-is-how-it-works-and-its-phases)
- 23+ EMDR Therapy Statistics + Facts (Salary & Success Rates) (https://crowncounseling.com/statistics/emdr-therapy)
- What Should I Expect to Feel During and After EMDR Sessions?
- SUD Scale (Subjective Units Of Disturbance) In EMDR - Glossary - Leone Centre (https://leonecentre.com/glossary/sud-scale-subjective-units-of-disturbance-in-emdr)
- Understanding the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS): A Tool for Managing Anxiety - Mountain Valley Treatment Center (https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/suds)
- Understanding Subjective Units of Distress (https://edgewoodhealthnetwork.com/resources/blog/understanding-suds)
- EMDR Therapy Statistics: Trust The Evidence - April Lyons Psychotherapy Group Boulder, Longmont, Denver (https://aprillyonspsychotherapygroup.com/blog/emdr-therapy-statistics)
- EMDR Effectiveness: How EMDR Trauma Therapy Works (https://icanotes.com/2025/12/22/emdr-effectiveness-trauma-therapy)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy (https://apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing)
- 23+ EMDR Therapy Statistics + Facts (Salary & Success Rates) (https://crowncounseling.com/statistics/emdr-therapy)
- What is the success rate of EMDR? (https://grigorecounselling.com/success-rate-of-emdr)
- How Will We Measure Progress in My EMDR Treatment?
- Dangers of EMDR Therapy: Are They Real? (https://embarkbh.com/treatment/therapies/eye-movement-desensitization-and-reprocessing/dangers)
- Side Effects of EMDR Therapy | Salt Lake City — Salty Counseling (https://saltycounseling.com/blogs/what-are-the-side-effects-of-emdr-therapy)
- Is EMDR Therapy Safe? | Citizen Advocates (https://citizenadvocates.net/blog/is-emdr-therapy-safe)
- Risks of EMDR therapy: Exploring Side Effects and When It May Not Be Right for You (https://watersidebehavioralhealth.com/blog/risks-of-emdr-therapy)
- 23+ EMDR Therapy Statistics + Facts (Salary & Success Rates) (https://crowncounseling.com/statistics/emdr-therapy)
- EMDR Therapy Statistics: Trust The Evidence - April Lyons Psychotherapy Group Boulder, Longmont, Denver (https://aprillyonspsychotherapygroup.com/blog/emdr-therapy-statistics)
- Understanding Subjective Units of Distress (https://edgewoodhealthnetwork.com/resources/blog/understanding-suds)
-
- VA.gov | Veterans Affairs (https://ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/emdr_pro.asp)
- Efficacy - EMDR Institute - EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING THERAPY (https://emdr.com/efficacy)
- Emdr Quotes (10 quotes) (https://goodreads.com/quotes/tag/emdr)
-
- Francine Shapiro Quotes (Author of Getting Past Your Past) (https://goodreads.com/author/quotes/122519.Francine_Shapiro)
- EMDR Statistics 2026: Success Rates, Research & Effectiveness — South Denver Therapy (https://southdenvertherapy.com/blog/emdr-statistics-2026)
- 23+ EMDR Therapy Statistics + Facts (Salary & Success Rates) (https://crowncounseling.com/statistics/emdr-therapy)
-
- 23+ EMDR Therapy Statistics + Facts (Salary & Success Rates) (https://crowncounseling.com/statistics/emdr-therapy)
- How many EMDR sessions will I need? – PTSD UK (https://ptsduk.org/how-many-emdr-sessions-will-i-need)
- How effective is EMDR? – Page 6 – PTSD UK (https://ptsduk.org/how-effective-is-emdr/6)
- Benefits of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing | Danielle Rousseau (https://sites.bu.edu/daniellerousseau/2019/04/25/benefits-of-eye-movement-desensitization-and-reprocessing)
- Exploring the Success Rate of EMDR Therapy - AM Nelson Counseling Services (https://amnelson.com/exploring-the-success-rate-of-emdr-therapy)
-
- EMDR Effectiveness: How EMDR Trauma Therapy Works (https://icanotes.com/2025/12/22/emdr-effectiveness-trauma-therapy)
- Combining EMDR Therapy with Other Treatments: What You Need to Know — Sage Leaf Wellness (https://sageleafwellness.com/blog/combining-emdr-therapy-with-other-treatments-what-you-need-to-know)
- EMDR Statistics 2026: Success Rates, Research & Effectiveness — South Denver Therapy (https://southdenvertherapy.com/blog/emdr-statistics-2026)
-
- EMDR Therapy Statistics: Trust The Evidence - April Lyons Psychotherapy Group Boulder, Longmont, Denver (https://aprillyonspsychotherapygroup.com/blog/emdr-therapy-statistics)
- 23+ EMDR Therapy Statistics + Facts (Salary & Success Rates) (https://crowncounseling.com/statistics/emdr-therapy)
- EMDR Statistics 2026: Success Rates, Research & Effectiveness — South Denver Therapy (https://southdenvertherapy.com/blog/emdr-statistics-2026)
- 25 Therapy Quotes That Will Make You Think Differently (https://dorleemichaeli.com/25-therapy-quotes)
- Famous Therapy Quotes (https://gratitudecounselingservices.com/post/famous-therapy-quotes)
- Online EMDR: Research, Requirements & Effectiveness (https://drantoniodcosta.com/blog/online-emdr-therapy-effectiveness.html)
- Clinician and Patient Experience of Internet-Mediated Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy - PMC (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8812350)
- EMDR Statistics 2026: Success Rates, Research & Effectiveness — South Denver Therapy (https://southdenvertherapy.com/blog/emdr-statistics-2026)
- What is the success rate of EMDR? (https://grigorecounselling.com/success-rate-of-emdr)
- Virtual EMDR: How to Do it and How Effective is it? (https://paloaltou.edu/resources/business-of-practice-blog/virtual-emdr)
