When trauma stays stuck, it can surface as flashbacks, anxiety, or a body that won't relax. EMDR is a proven therapy that helps your brain reprocess painful memories so they lose their charge. You don't have to relive the past in detail to heal from it.
EMDR, short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured, well-researched therapy for trauma and PTSD. It's recognized by major health organizations as an effective treatment, and unlike traditional talk therapy, it doesn't require you to describe every detail of what happened.
During sessions, a trained clinician guides you through brief recall of a distressing memory while you follow a form of bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. This appears to help the brain reprocess the memory and file it away as something in the past, reducing the emotional charge it carries today.
EMDR follows a structured, paced protocol so you always feel in control.
Your clinician learns your history and teaches grounding skills before any reprocessing begins.
Together you identify a specific memory or belief to work on, at a pace that feels safe.
Using guided bilateral stimulation, you briefly focus on the memory as its emotional intensity gradually lowers.
You and your clinician reinforce calmer, more adaptive beliefs and confirm the memory feels more settled.
Your clinician will confirm fit during your first sessions.
Your treatment plan is directed by a board-certified psychiatrist, so your care is grounded in medical training, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
The region voted us Best Psychiatrist in 2023, a reflection of the trust patients and families place in our team.
Therapy, medication, and advanced treatments under one roof in St. George and Cedar City, plus telehealth across Utah.
We accept most major insurance for therapy, including EMDR, and verify your benefits before you begin.
Dr. Hendleman founded Better Balance Psychiatry to bring advanced, evidence-based care to southern Utah. He specializes in treatment-resistant depression, trauma in uniformed service members, and advanced treatments including TMS, Spravato, and IV ketamine.
Learn MoreEMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, research-supported therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel overwhelming, using guided bilateral stimulation such as eye movements.
No. One of the reasons people choose EMDR is that it doesn't require describing every detail of what happened. Your clinician guides the process at a pace that feels safe.
EMDR is best known for PTSD and trauma, and it can also help with trauma-related anxiety and panic. Your clinician determines whether it's a good fit for your situation.
It varies by person and by how much you're working through. Your clinician will discuss a realistic plan after the initial history and preparation phase.
EMDR can be offered in person at our St. George and Cedar City offices, and in some cases by telehealth. Your clinician will recommend the right format for you.
Your care stays coordinated under one roof. If another approach is a better fit, your psychiatrist can help you get there.
Reach out for a confidential consultation to learn whether EMDR is right for you. We'll go at your pace, with support every step. No referral required.
In-person care in St. George and Cedar City · Telehealth across Utah
