Our Process

Comprehensive Trauma Treatment

EMDR has a reputation of being thorough and efficient.

However, because EMDR works in large part by revisiting distressing memories, it has been described as “intense” by many clients.

The first step of our process is for interested clients to schedule an initial evaluation with one of our licensed therapist. This serves to understand the needs of the client, including recommendations regarding the frequency of the appointments, time duration, and readiness to begin EMDR.

After the evaluation is complete, if it is determined the issues are within our scope, our intake staff will place the clients with a trained EMDR clinician to begin the steps needed to process the trauma. Depending on the needs of the client, most recommendations call for 1-2 hours of EMDR sessions per week.

Many EMDR cases require several hours of preparation before we begin revisiting the distressing memories, which usually includes creating a trauma timeline and thoroughly understanding the psychological impact of the trauma.

It is not uncommon for clients to need additional preparation prior to beginning - or in conjunction with - EMDR.

Every client’s journey is different, and we are equipped to offer other types of therapy in-house that complement EMDR, including:

  • Brainspotting

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy,

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

  • Hypnotherapy

  • Yoga Therapy

  • Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

Note: For clients who demonstrate a significant need to develop stronger coping skills prior to beginning EMDR, we refer them to our friends and colleagues at Recovery DBT*, one of the only fully adherent intensive DBT programs in Georgia that accepts health insurance.

The Atlanta Center for EMDR is a strong advocate for EMDR Intensives. Intensive sessions typically last between 2-6 hours. Intensives can capture about a months worth of work in a morning or afternoon. They are also considerably easier from a logistics point of view. Furthermore, research has shown that intensives lead to faster decrease in symptoms.

We would be honored to discuss your case to see how our services overlap with your needs. We do offer ten minute phone consultations.

To schedule a consultation, contact:

welcome@atlantaemdr.org

or call us at 770-421-5721.

*Recovery DBT is located approximately five minutes down the road from our East Cobb office; they also have an office in Suwanee, which is easily accessible from Decatur and Lawrenceville. Recovery DBT also offers virtual options.