Benchmark Transitions accepts most major insurance plans, making quality care accessible and straightforward for patients. They also proudly accept Medicaid, ensuring individuals and families with government-sponsored coverage can get the support they need.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing at Benchmark Transitions
At Benchmark, EMDR helps clients safely process the memories and trauma that have kept them stuck, opening the door to genuine healing.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Get Help TodayEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized, evidence-based psychotherapy developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. EMDR uses guided bilateral stimulation — typically rhythmic eye movements — to help the brain reprocess distressing memories that have become stuck and continue to drive emotional pain. Rather than requiring clients to discuss trauma in extensive detail, EMDR works by gently activating the brain’s natural healing processes.
EMDR is widely recognized as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, anxiety, depression, and phobias. Sessions involve the therapist guiding a client’s attention through a specific memory or emotion while simultaneously directing their eye movements, helping to reduce the emotional charge attached to that experience. Over time, clients often find that previously overwhelming memories feel more distant and manageable.
EMDR Therapy at Benchmark
At Benchmark, EMDR is practiced by clinicians with specialized training in trauma-informed care. Sessions are conducted in a safe, supportive environment where clients move at their own pace, exploring past experiences without feeling overwhelmed by them. Benchmark integrates EMDR alongside other evidence-based modalities including CBT and DBT, creating a comprehensive approach that addresses trauma from multiple angles.
Our clinical team uses EMDR to help clients understand the root causes of their emotional struggles, not just manage the symptoms. Clients who complete EMDR therapy at Benchmark frequently report improved self-awareness, reduced anxiety, better sleep, stronger emotional regulation, and a deeper sense of peace with their past.
Key Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Trauma Processed at the Root
EMDR addresses the source of emotional pain — unprocessed memories — rather than managing symptoms alone, leading to deeper and more durable healing.
No Detailed Retelling Required
Unlike some trauma therapies, EMDR does not require clients to verbally recount their experiences in detail, making it more accessible for those who find talking about trauma difficult.
Rapid, Measurable Results
Many clients experience significant symptom relief in fewer sessions than traditional therapy, particularly when addressing specific traumatic events.
Reduces Anxiety and Hypervigilance
By reprocessing the memories driving chronic anxiety and hyperarousal, EMDR helps restore a genuine sense of calm and safety.
Supports Addiction Recovery
Unresolved trauma is a major driver of substance use. EMDR helps address this underlying layer, strengthening the foundation of long-term recovery.
Integrated with Whole-Person Care
At Benchmark, EMDR is never used in isolation. It is part of a coordinated treatment plan that supports emotional, psychological, and physical healing together.
Is EMDR Therapy Right For You?
If past trauma, painful memories, or unresolved emotional experiences are affecting your daily life or fueling substance use, EMDR may be a powerful part of your healing. Trauma responses are deeply ingrained neurological patterns, and while time can soften some of the edges, professional EMDR treatment is specifically designed to help the brain complete the healing process it wasn’t able to finish on its own.
At Benchmark, your EMDR treatment is personalized to your history, your pace, and your goals. Our clinicians conduct a thorough assessment before beginning EMDR and continue to check in throughout the process, ensuring the work always feels safe, appropriate, and aligned with where you are in your recovery journey.
Client Testimonials
The voices of those who have walked this path speak louder than anything we could say.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our programs or how treatment works? Find answers to the most common questions below to help you feel informed and confident in your next steps toward recovery.
Benchmark Transitions offers Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and soon Residential Treatment and Detox.
Benchmark Transitions offers Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and soon Residential Treatment and Detox.
At Benchmark Transitions, you can bring comfortable clothing, personal hygiene items, and any prescribed medications in their original bottles. Bringing a journal or meaningful personal items can also help you stay grounded and focused on your recovery.
Yes, at Benchmark Transitions family involvement is encouraged as part of the recovery process. When appropriate, loved ones can participate in therapy and support planning to help strengthen connection and long-term healing.