EMDR Therapy for Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) & Relational Trauma Recovery
You don’t have to stay trapped in old emotional patterns. Whether it’s panic attacks, anxiety, depression, or unresolved memories, EMDR helps your brain reprocess distress—so you can finally find relief.
How EMDR Helps You Move Forward
Traditional talk therapy helps you understand your struggles—but it doesn’t always change how you feel about them. That’s where EMDR is different.
EMDR helps your brain reprocess distressing memories, emotional patterns, and triggers so they lose their emotional charge.
The goal of EMDR is to decrease the intensity of distressing memories down to zero and replace them with something positive of your choosing. This reprocessing allows you to move forward without the weight of the past holding you back.
Whether it’s anxiety, panic attacks, Complex PTSD or past trauma, EMDR helps your nervous system move forward so you no longer react as strongly.
EMDR Treatment
Treatment Grounded in Research
At A.J.B. Counseling & Psychotherapy, our EMDR treatment for trauma and complex anxiety is anchored in rigorous scientific research. We draw on findings published in leading journals such as the Journal of Traumatic Stress and the European Journal of Psychotraumatology, where EMDR has consistently demonstrated strong efficacy for post-traumatic stress and related conditions.
Team Collaboration
While I oversee treatment planning, EMDR at our clinic is delivered by clinicians who have undergone specialized training and continue to refine their skills through supervision and consultation. Our collaborative structure ensures that each therapist follows a precise and evidence-based protocol while adapting sessions to the individual needs of the client.
Innovation
We view EMDR not as a static protocol but as a dynamic, evolving method. By integrating EMDR with advanced approaches such as attachment-informed modifications and mindfulness-based techniques, we extend its impact beyond trauma processing. This blend allows us to address the complexities of trauma, relational wounds, and anxiety with greater precision and depth.
Rapid and Lasting Improvement
Our treatment approach is supported by clinical trials showing that EMDR produces substantial reductions in PTSD symptoms within a relatively short timeframe. In a randomized clinical trial, EMDR patients sustained a 62% reduction in PTSD symptoms six months after treatment, compared with 48% for fluoxetine and 20% for placebo. Other studies have shown that EMDR can achieve improvement in fewer sessions than CBT, with clients reaching meaningful relief in about 6 sessions versus nearly 11. These findings underscore what we see in practice: EMDR delivers not only rapid improvement, but also durable change that endures long after treatment ends.
Figure 1 shows PTSD symptom reduction six months after treatment. EMDR maintained a 62% reduction, compared to 48% for fluoxetine and 20% for placebo. Unlike medication, EMDR’s benefits lasted beyond the treatment period.
Reference:
van der Kolk, B. A., Spinazzola, J., Blaustein, M. E., Hopper, J. W., Hopper, E. K., Korn, D. L., & Simpson, W. B. (2007). A randomized clinical trial of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), fluoxetine, and pill placebo in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: Treatment effects and long-term maintenance. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(1), 37–46. https://doi.org/10.4088/jcp.v68n0105
Figure 2 shows that EMDR delivers greater efficiency compared with CBT. Using average session data, EMDR achieved significant improvement in about 6 sessions, while CBT required nearly 11. When converted into an efficiency score, EMDR demonstrated roughly 1.7 times greater efficiency, meaning clients reached relief in less time and with less effort.
Reference:
Marcus, S. V., Marquis, P., & Sakai, C. (1997). Controlled study of treatment of PTSD using EMDR in an HMO setting. Psychotherapy, 34(3), 307–315.
Shapiro, F. (2014). The role of EMDR therapy in medicine. The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71–77.
Testimonials
“The friendliest, most caring provider I've met with after having a few poor experiences with past therapist. Chris really cared about what I had to say and asked really good questions that always made sessions engaging.”
“Adam is above all a wonderful person, who truly cares about improving the life of his patients. I am so glad I found Adam: he is a rare gem, an incredibly smart and approachable person. If you are lucky enough to work with him, I am certain you'll see rapid improvements, whatever your goals may be. I highly recommend Adam's practice.”
“Nathaniel has a gift for crisis intervention. In one of my darkest moments, he provided immediate support and tools to stabilize my emotions. His approach is compassionate yet effective. I'm so grateful!”
Reviews can be verified on Google and ZocDoc pages.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Better
EMDR has helped millions of people break free from anxiety, panic attacks, and unresolved emotional distress. If you’re ready to see if it’s right for you, let’s talk.