Understanding EMDR: A Trauma-Focused Approach to Counseling

Mertens Counseling in Kearney is highlighting Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a trauma-focused therapy that can help individuals process distressing or traumatic experiences.

Sometimes, people understand what happened to them but continue to experience strong emotional or physical reactions when something reminds them of the past. Trauma can affect how a person responds to situations, relationships, anxiety, stress, or everyday life long after an event has occurred.

EMDR is designed to help the brain process distressing experiences in a way that can reduce the intensity of the thoughts, emotions, and physical responses connected to them. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require clients to spend every session talking in detail about their experiences.

EMDR may be used with individuals who have experienced childhood trauma, complex trauma, a single traumatic event, or other distressing experiences. It may also be incorporated into treatment for concerns that can be connected to past experiences, including anxiety and emotional distress.

Mertens Counseling takes a trauma-informed approach to treatment and has therapists with training in EMDR. Emily Mertens has more than 10 years of EMDR training and experience, and Jessica Luttrell and Andrew “Drew” Fritson also have EMDR training.

Beginning EMDR is a process, and treatment is individualized based on each person's needs, history, goals, and readiness. Early sessions may focus on building a therapeutic relationship, understanding the client's history, developing coping skills, and preparing for trauma processing.

For individuals considering EMDR, finding a therapist who is appropriately trained and who feels like a good fit is an important part of the process.

Mertens Counseling provides trauma-informed counseling for teens and adults, with in-person services in Kearney and telehealth options throughout Nebraska. The practice also provides counseling for children, families, and individuals experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, parenting challenges, and life transitions.

To learn more about EMDR or request an appointment, visit www.mertenscounseling.com/bookings, call 308-270-4988, or email admin@mertenscounseling.com.