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In person in Natick and telehealth across Massachusetts
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Aurora Counseling Associates
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What we treat

EMDR Therapy in Natick, MA

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy for processing traumatic memories and other distressing experiences that the nervous system has not fully integrated. When offered at Aurora Counseling Associates, EMDR is delivered by clinicians trained in the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) protocol. We see EMDR clients in person at our Natick, MA office, with some elements of preparatory work available over telehealth.

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What EMDR is

EMDR is a structured therapy that helps the brain process memories that have remained "stuck" in their original distressing form. The protocol involves recalling a target memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, often eye movements following the clinician's hand, sometimes alternating taps or sounds. The mechanism is still being researched; what the research consistently shows is that this combination, in the hands of trained clinicians, helps memories become less emotionally charged and less intrusive.

  • History and treatment planning

    Understanding what you are working with and identifying targets for processing.

  • Preparation

    Building the regulatory resources needed before processing. Many clients spend substantial time in this phase, especially with complex trauma.

  • Assessment of the target memory

    Identifying the image, belief, emotion, and body sensation associated with the memory.

  • Desensitization

    The processing phase, where bilateral stimulation is paired with attention to the memory.

  • Installation

    Strengthening a more adaptive belief.

  • Body scan

    Checking that no residual disturbance remains in the body.

  • Closure

    Ensuring the client is regulated at the end of the session.

  • Reevaluation

    Reviewing progress at the next session and planning ahead.

What EMDR is good for

EMDR has strong research support for:

  • PTSD, particularly single-incident trauma (assault, accident, medical emergency, witnessing violence).
  • Complex and developmental trauma, with appropriate preparation and pacing.
  • Specific phobias.
  • Performance anxiety, including for performers, athletes, and clinicians.
  • Distressing memories that fall short of full PTSD but continue to intrude or affect functioning.
  • Grief that has not moved, especially when traumatic elements are part of the loss.

EMDR is also used adjunctively for anxiety disorders, depression, and chronic pain in some contexts.

EMDR is not for everyone

EMDR is a powerful intervention and not appropriate for every client or every clinical situation. Specifically:

  • Clients who do not have current safety and stability generally need foundational work first, sometimes a long stretch of it.
  • Clients in active substance use or eating disorder crisis typically need other care addressed first.
  • Some dissociative presentations require specialized training that goes beyond general EMDR training.
  • Some kinds of trauma are better addressed initially with other modalities, with EMDR introduced later in the work.

The first few sessions of any EMDR-oriented work are about whether it is the right fit and whether you are at a stable place to use it. We will be straight with you about this.

How EMDR works at Aurora

When EMDR is available with one of our clinicians, the process looks like:

  • Phases 1 and 2 (history and preparation) happen in the same way they would in any therapy with us: building the relationship, understanding the territory, developing the regulation resources needed for the work.
  • Phases 3 through 8 (the processing work) happen when you and the clinician agree you are ready and that EMDR is the right intervention.
  • Pacing. We do not rush. The preparation phase can take weeks or months, especially with complex trauma.
  • Sessions are 45 to 55 minutes for most EMDR work, with longer sessions occasionally appropriate for specific processing.
  • Telehealth. Some EMDR work can be done over telehealth with specific protocols. We generally start EMDR processing in person and may move some sessions to telehealth depending on the clinical fit.

Insurance and rates

Self-pay is $200 to $250 per session. EMDR is billed as standard psychotherapy under existing insurance benefits. In-network with BCBS, Tufts (HMO/PPO/GIC), Tufts Health Direct, Harvard Pilgrim, Point32Health, Optum, UBH, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, and Health Plans Inc. Some clinicians also accept Aetna and UHC; we confirm coverage at intake. HSA, FSA, and out-of-network superbills available. Rates and insurance.

EMDR does not ask you to relive what happened. It helps the memory settle so it takes up less room in the present.

What to expect during processing

A processing session typically involves bringing up a target memory and noticing what comes up (images, thoughts, emotions, body sensations) while engaging in bilateral stimulation. The clinician guides this in sets of about a minute each, checking in between sets about what shifted.

The work between sets is largely the client's. The clinician is a steady, attuned presence; the client is the one whose system is doing the integration.

Many clients find EMDR sessions tiring. You will often want to give yourself a quiet hour afterward when possible. Some clients notice continued processing happening in dreams and in the days after a session.

A therapist and client talking in armchairs beside a bright window

Questions

Common questions

Is EMDR scientifically supported?
Yes. EMDR is recognized as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, among others. The research is strong; the mechanism is still being investigated.
How long does EMDR take?
For a single-incident trauma, processing often takes 8 to 12 sessions after the preparation phase. For complex or developmental trauma, the work takes longer. Preparation phase length varies widely.
Does EMDR have to be eye movements?
The bilateral stimulation can be eye movements, alternating taps (often on the knees or shoulders), or alternating tones through headphones. We will figure out together which works best for you.
Will I have to talk in detail about what happened?
EMDR does not require the same kind of detailed verbal retelling that some other trauma therapies do. The processing work is more about noticing what comes up than about narrating. Many clients find this easier than other forms of trauma therapy for that reason.
Can EMDR retraumatize me?
Done well, EMDR is not retraumatizing. The preparation phase exists precisely to make sure you have the regulation resources for the processing. The work is paced. If processing becomes overwhelming, the clinician slows or stops.
Can I do EMDR over telehealth?
Some EMDR can be done over telehealth using specific protocols. We generally start in person and may move some sessions to telehealth depending on fit. Initial assessment and preparation can often happen over telehealth.
What if EMDR is not the right fit for me?
We have other trauma approaches at the practice, including trauma-informed CBT, somatic awareness, expressive arts therapy, and parts work. See our trauma therapy page.

Where to next

Related areas we work in

Get started

Ready when you are

If you are looking for EMDR for trauma processing, reach out or call (508) 650-0991. We will confirm current availability with an EMDR-trained clinician and figure out together whether EMDR is the right fit for what you are working on.

Book a free 15-minute consultCall 508-650-0991