EMDR Therapy in Sandy, Utah
For the memories that still feel like they're happening right now.
When the past doesn't stay in the past
You know it's over. You've talked about it, maybe a lot. You understand why it still affects you. And still, a certain smell, a tone of voice, a song, or a building can drop you right back into it like no time has passed.
That's not a willpower problem, and it doesn't mean therapy hasn't "worked" for you. Sometimes painful experiences get stored in the brain in a way that keeps them raw. Talking about them helps you understand them, but understanding alone doesn't always make them stop hurting.
That's where EMDR comes in.
So what is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. That's a mouthful, so here's the simple version:
When something overwhelming happens, your brain sometimes can't fully process it. The memory gets "stuck" with all the original emotions, body sensations, and beliefs still attached to it, like I'm not safe, it was my fault, or I'm not good enough.
EMDR helps your brain finish the job it couldn't finish back then. While you briefly bring up a memory, we use bilateral stimulation, like following my hand with your eyes, tapping, or alternating tones. This helps your brain reprocess the memory so it can finally be filed away as something that happened, instead of something that's still happening.
You'll still remember what happened. It just stops carrying the same charge.
EMDR is one of the most researched trauma therapies out there, and it's recommended by organizations like the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for treating PTSD.
What EMDR can help with
EMDR was originally developed for trauma and PTSD, but it's helpful for a lot of things that have painful experiences at their root:
Single traumatic events like accidents, assaults, or sudden loss
Complex trauma from growing up with ongoing stress, neglect, or emotional abuse
Religious trauma, including fear-based teachings, shame, and painful experiences with leaders or community
Anxiety and panic that seem bigger than the situation in front of you
Negative core beliefs like I'm broken, I'm too much, or I'm not enough
Grief that feels stuck instead of moving
What it's actually like
A lot of people worry EMDR means diving straight into the worst moments of their life. It doesn't. EMDR has eight phases, and a good chunk of the early work is about making sure you feel steady first.
First, we get to know each other. We talk about your history, what you're hoping for, and which memories or patterns feel most important to work on.
Then, we build your resources. Before we touch anything hard, I'll make sure you have tools to calm your nervous system and feel grounded, both in session and between sessions.
Then, we reprocess. We'll focus on one memory at a time. You stay in control the whole time, and you can pause whenever you need to. You don't have to describe every detail out loud. A lot of the work happens internally.
Finally, we check in on how things have shifted. We look at what's changed and decide what to work on next.
Some people notice a difference after just a few reprocessing sessions. With complex trauma, it usually takes longer, and that's okay. We'll go at a pace that feels right for you.
How I use EMDR
I'm EMDR trained, and I often combine it with Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS helps us get to know the different parts of you, like the part that's scared to go near a memory or the part that's been working overtime to keep you safe. When those parts feel heard, reprocessing tends to go more smoothly and feel a lot safer.
I'm also a big believer that you're the expert on your own life. I'll explain what we're doing and why, and you always get a say in where we go.
In person in Sandy, or online anywhere in Utah
EMDR works well in person and online. My office is in Sandy, and I also offer online EMDR for anyone in Utah. For online sessions, we usually use eye movements on screen, or self-tapping you do yourself.
I take commercial Select Health and commercial United Healthcare plans, and I can provide superbills if you're using out-of-network benefits.
Common questions
Is EMDR hypnosis?
No. You're awake, aware, and in control the whole time. You'll remember everything that happens in session.
Do I have to talk about every detail of what happened?
No. Unlike some other trauma therapies, EMDR doesn't require you to describe everything out loud. A lot of the processing happens internally.
What if I don't remember everything clearly?
That's really common, especially with childhood or complex trauma. We can work with whatever is there, including feelings, body sensations, or beliefs, even without a clear memory.
Will I feel worse before I feel better?
Sometimes sessions can stir things up for a day or two. That's why we spend time building coping tools first, and I'll check in on how you're doing between sessions.
Is EMDR right for teens?
Yes, EMDR can be adapted for adolescents. I work with teens and adults.
Ready to feel lighter?
If you're tired of carrying the same memories around, let's talk. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can ask questions about EMDR and see if we're a good fit. No pressure, no commitment.
Jared Barker, LCSW
White Willow Therapy · Sandy, UT · Online across Utah
(801) 380-2819