So, what exactly is EMDR?

You’ve likely heard of EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—as a powerful, research-supported approach to healing trauma. At Lucent Paths, our EMDR therapy in Denver (also available via secure telehealth across Colorado) is a compassionate and effective way to address PTSD, anxiety, OCD, addictions, and personality-related challenges. It was first designed by Francine Shapiro back in 1987 to help military veterans process the traumatic events they experienced on the battlefield. Shapiro noticed that when veterans were asked to recall a traumatic memory (or incident) while simultaneously looking from right to left (Bilateral Stimulation), veterans slowly reported a decrease in emotional intensity when recalling the same traumatic memory again! EMDR has evolved a lot since these humble beginnings. Through decades of research, it has expanded from exclusively treating veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to a structured therapeutic approach helping individuals who have experienced or struggle with:

• Trauma

• Depression

• Anxieties, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)

• Addictions

• Personality disorders

What to Expect During EMDR Sessions

EMDR therapy typically involves multiple sessions, as it's a gradual process. Like tending to a garden, with time and care, you may begin to experience and witness positive changes in your life. You'll collaborate with your therapist, who will guide you through the process, sharing only what you're comfortable with. 

EMDR isn't a one-time fix; it takes time. But as you progress, you may begin to feel lighter, more confident, and happier. Those once-overwhelming memories may begin to lose their power. EMDR isn’t about erasing the past—it’s not hypnosis or a magic fix. It’s a therapeutic tool that helps you revisit old chapters with safety and clarity. It’s about regaining your inner resilience to imagine a future that feels more hopeful, more manageable, and uniquely yours—your Lucent Path.