Some experiences leave a deeper imprint than others—painful memories, moments of fear, or overwhelming events that seem stuck in the body and mind. If you're carrying the weight of trauma, EMDR therapy in Grand Rapids offers a way forward. Backed by decades of research and endorsed by the World Health Organization, EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related conditions that’s helping people reclaim their lives—one session at a time.

At Josh Colby Counseling, EMDR is offered as part of our trauma-informed, person-centered care. We believe healing happens when you’re met with respect, clarity, and a process that honors your pace.

What Is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro. It’s built on the understanding that sometimes the brain doesn’t fully process traumatic or distressing experiences, leaving us stuck in the emotional intensity of those moments—long after they’ve passed.

EMDR helps "unstick" those unprocessed memories, giving the brain a chance to reprocess them in a healthier way. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to describe the trauma in detail. Instead, it supports the mind’s natural healing process through a unique blend of memory recall and rhythmic, guided stimulation.

How EMDR Therapy Works

At the heart of EMDR is a process called bilateral stimulation—this might involve tracking a therapist’s finger with your eyes, hearing alternating tones, or experiencing gentle tapping. These movements help activate both sides of the brain while you briefly bring up the distressing memory.

This process taps into what’s known as the Adaptive Information Processing model. In simple terms, EMDR helps the brain store the memory differently—removing the “emotional charge” while preserving the facts. Over time, the memory becomes just that: a memory, no longer something that causes panic, shame, or fear when recalled.

Each EMDR therapy session is carefully paced to ensure you feel safe and supported throughout the experience.

Does EMDR Really Work?

Yes—and not just anecdotally. There’s substantial research showing that EMDR is one of the most effective treatments available for trauma. It’s recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies as a first-line treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In many studies, EMDR has been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms significantly—often more quickly than traditional methods. It’s also shown promise in treating anxiety, panic, grief, and distress linked to negative thoughts and traumatic memories.

What Can EMDR Help With?

You don’t need a PTSD diagnosis to benefit from EMDR. This approach can help with:

• PTSD from abuse, assault, accidents, or combat

• Emotional trauma from loss, bullying, or betrayal

• Chronic anxiety or panic attacks

• Persistent negative thoughts or inner criticism

• Nightmares or flashbacks

• Emotional shutdown or feeling “numb”

• Blocks in other therapy that feel hard to move past
  

We also use EMDR alongside other approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) when it fits your needs.

What to Expect in an EMDR Session

The first few sessions are focused on understanding your story, identifying target memories, and preparing you with grounding techniques. When you’re ready, we begin reprocessing one memory at a time using bilateral stimulation.

You won’t be asked to relive every detail. Instead, you’ll briefly bring the memory to mind and notice what comes up—thoughts, feelings, or body sensations—while your brain does the work of processing in the background.

After a series of sessions, clients often report feeling “lighter,” more in control, and less reactive to the things that used to trigger distress.

Start EMDR Treatment in Grand Rapids

If you’re ready to move past trauma—not by forgetting, but by healing—EMDR therapy in Grand Rapids may be right for you. Josh brings a calm, nonjudgmental presence to every session, and offers a clear, step-by-step process grounded in compassion and clinical integrity.

We offer in-person EMDR sessions at our Grand Rapids office, as well as telehealth sessions throughout Michigan when appropriate.

Take the next step toward healing. Contact us to schedule a consultation or ask any questions you have. We’ll meet you where you are—and move forward together