EMDR Therapy

Healing Trauma for Adults & Teens

Red Bank, NJ

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. While on a walk, Dr. Shapiro noticed that deliberate eye movements reduced the distress she felt when thinking about difficult memories. That discovery became one of the most researched trauma treatments in the world.

At Aspera Therapy, we use EMDR to help adults and teens release the negative beliefs, painful emotions, and body sensations that get stuck after overwhelming or traumatic life events. When trauma occurs, the brain can fail to process the experience fully — storing it in a way that keeps it raw and easily triggered. EMDR helps the brain finally finish processing what it couldn't at the time.

A woman with red hair and dark lipstick sitting on a white chair in a therapy room, holding EMDR tappers with a male client sitting in front of her.

How does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements or rhythmic tapping — to activate both sides of the brain alternately. This process is similar to what happens naturally during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is when the brain consolidates and processes experiences.

During an EMDR session at Aspera Therapy, your therapist will:

  1. Build a foundation — Understand your history, identify target memories, and establish coping resources before any reprocessing begins

  2. Target the memory — Guide you to hold the difficult memory in mind while engaging in bilateral stimulation

  3. Reprocess — Allow the brain to update how the memory is stored, reducing its emotional charge

  4. Install positive beliefs — Replace negative self-beliefs connected to the memory with healthier ones

After successful EMDR treatment, clients can recall difficult events without feeling hijacked by them in the moment. The memory remains, but it no longer controls you.

Is EMDR therapy effective?

Yes — EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD by the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Decades of clinical research support its use across a wide range of trauma presentations.

EMDR Therapist creating a unique treatment plan for client with anxiety, depression, phobias, addiction, panic attacks, pain disorders, and more in Red Bank, NJ

What Can EMDR Treat?

EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, but its applications have expanded significantly. At Aspera Therapy, we use EMDR to treat:

Trauma & PTSD

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and childhood trauma

  • Sexual assault and physical assault

  • Disturbing or intrusive memories

  • Complicated grief and loss

Anxiety & Mood

  • Generalized anxiety disorder

  • Panic attacks and panic disorder

  • Depression linked to past experiences

  • Negative self-talk and low self-worth

Other Conditions

  • Phobias and fears

  • Eating disorders and body image struggles

  • Chronic pain

Not sure if EMDR is right for you? Many clients don't initially think of their struggles as "trauma." Our therapists will explore your history with you and recommend the approach that fits your unique story.

Ready to Start?
Ready to Start?

Ready to start EMDR Therapy?

Stephanie Godwin performing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy on a man for anxiety and trauma healing in Red Bank, NJ near Asbury Park and Parsipanny.

Take the first step. Fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch within 24 hours to schedule your free 10-minute consultation.

What Are the Benefits of EMDR Therapy?

  • EMDR therapy helps alleviate symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression by reprocessing traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity and physical triggers.

  • By targeting unresolved trauma, EMDR therapy supports individuals in healing from past experiences which helps clients feel more at ease and empowered in their lives today.

  • EMDR can produce significant results in fewer sessions for certain trauma presentations

  • Through the EMDR process, clients often develop a deeper understanding of themselves which helps foster self- compassion and emotional healing.

  • Beyond PTSD, EMDR has been shown to be effective for various struggles, including anxiety, phobias, childhood trauma, and grief, making it a versatile therapy option for comprehensive mental health support.

  • EMDR therapy can be effectively done without giving your therapist all the difficult details of the event.