EMDR Therapy Pennsylvania – Expert Online & In-Person Trauma Treatment
Office Location & Hours (Lancaster)
Why Choose ACRS for EMDR Therapy in Pennsylvania?
- Expert EMDR Therapists – Fully trained and experienced clinicians
- Proven Results – Fast relief from trauma, PTSD, anxiety & phobias
- Statewide Access – Secure online EMDR across Pennsylvania + in-person in Lancaster
- Flexible Options – In-person or online EMDR sessions
- Free Consultation – 10-minute call with an EMDR specialist
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional charge — often in just a few sessions.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to talk in detail about the trauma. It uses guided bilateral stimulation to help you heal from PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, grief, phobias, and more.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR follows a structured 8-phase protocol developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. This proven framework ensures safety, thorough preparation, and lasting results. Here’s what each phase involves:
Phase 1: History Taking & Treatment Planning
Your therapist gathers your history and identifies target memories to create a personalized plan.
Phase 2: Preparation
You learn grounding and coping skills so you feel safe and in control throughout the process.
Phase 3: Assessment
You identify a specific target memory, rate distress, and choose positive beliefs to install.
Phase 4: Desensitization
The core reprocessing phase. Bilateral stimulation helps reduce the emotional charge of the memory.
Phase 5: Installation
Strengthen and install positive beliefs about yourself while using bilateral stimulation.
Phase 6: Body Scan
Check for any remaining physical tension and clear it with bilateral stimulation.
Phase 7: Closure
Every session ends with stabilization techniques so you leave feeling calm and grounded.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
At the next session we check progress and decide next steps.
Most clients notice significant relief within the first 3–6 reprocessing sessions. Single-event trauma often resolves faster, while complex trauma may require more sessions.
EMDR Therapy Effectiveness – Backed by Research
EMDR is one of the most thoroughly researched trauma treatments in the world. It is officially endorsed by major health organizations and supported by strong clinical evidence.
World Health Organization (WHO)
EMDR is recommended as a first-line treatment for PTSD in both adults and children.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Strongly recommended for PTSD. EMDR is considered a “gold standard” trauma therapy.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense
EMDR is one of only two therapies with the highest level of recommendation for PTSD.
Key Research Findings
A 2014 meta-analysis in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found EMDR significantly more effective than other trauma-focused therapies for reducing PTSD symptoms.
A large 2018 study published in Psychological Medicine showed that 77% of participants no longer met criteria for PTSD after just 8 sessions of EMDR.
Individual results may vary. While EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based treatment endorsed by major health organizations, it is not a guaranteed cure. We will discuss realistic expectations and whether EMDR is appropriate for your unique situation during your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy
How many EMDR sessions will I actually need? ▶
Will I have to talk about the trauma in detail? ▶
Is EMDR safe? Are there side effects? ▶
Does insurance cover EMDR in Pennsylvania? ▶
Can EMDR be done 100% online? ▶
Our EMDR Therapists
Cheryl Wilson-Smith, LPC – Chief Executive Officer
"I have over 20 years of experience in In-Person and Online EMDR Trauma and PTSD Therapy. I guarantee that the EMDR Therapy ACRS provides across Pennsylvania is of the highest quality in the state."
Take the First Step – Free Consultation
Secure • Confidential • No obligation