← Mental Health Services
EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION & REPROCESSING
(EMDR)
A powerful, evidence-based approach to processing trauma and freeing yourself from the past.
Bloom Women’s wellness
What Your Brain Couldn’t Process Then, It Can Process Now.
Traumatic experiences don’t always get filed away neatly in our memory — sometimes they get stuck, replaying as intrusive thoughts, emotional triggers, or physical sensations that show up long after the event has passed. EMDR helps your brain do what it couldn’t do at the time — fully process those experiences so they lose their grip on your present life. At Bloom, our EMDR-trained counselors guide this process with care, expertise, and deep respect for your story.
what emdr can do
Evidence-Based Healing That Goes Beyond Talk Therapy
EMDR works differently from traditional talk therapy. Rather than focusing primarily on discussing the past, it uses bilateral stimulation — guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues — to help your brain reprocess distressing memories at a neurological level. The result is that memories that once felt overwhelming begin to lose their emotional charge.
It sounds unconventional, but EMDR is one of the most researched and validated treatments available for trauma and PTSD — recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. At Bloom, it’s delivered by trained counselors who bring both clinical expertise and genuine warmth to every session.
How EMDR Can Help You
Process and reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories
Decrease symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Reduce triggers, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts
Heal from childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect
Release the shame, fear, or guilt connected to past experiences
Move forward with greater peace, clarity, and emotional freedom
What to Expect
Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes for EMDR processing sessions, though initial sessions are standard 45–55 minutes. EMDR is available both in person at our Urbandale clinic and via telehealth — bilateral stimulation can be adapted effectively for online sessions.
EMDR begins with preparation — your counselor will spend time getting to know your history, identifying target memories, and equipping you with grounding and coping tools before any processing begins. You will never be asked to move into processing before you feel ready and resourced.
During processing sessions, your counselor will guide you through sets of bilateral stimulation while you hold a target memory in mind. Many clients describe the experience as less distressing than they expected — and notice meaningful shifts in how they feel about past experiences, sometimes within just a few sessions.
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
If your question wasn’t answered here, or you’d like more information before booking an appointment please reach out via our contact form, or give us a call. We will make sure you have everything you need to make your decision.
What is EMDR and how does it work?
EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic or distressing memories. Using bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues, EMDR activates the brain’s natural healing processes and helps stored trauma lose its emotional intensity over time.
What does an EMDR session feel like?
Most clients find EMDR less distressing than they expect. During processing, you’ll hold a memory or image in mind while your counselor guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation. Many people notice that the emotional charge of the memory shifts and decreases as the session progresses. Your counselor will check in with you throughout and adjust the pace as needed.
Is EMDR safe?
Yes — EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy recognized by the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association. Your counselor will ensure you are thoroughly prepared and resourced before any trauma processing begins, and sessions always end with stabilization so you leave feeling grounded.
What conditions does EMDR treat?
EMDR is most commonly used for PTSD and trauma, but it is also effective for anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, performance anxiety, childhood trauma, abuse, birth trauma, and more. If you’re unsure whether EMDR is right for your specific concerns, our team is happy to help guide you.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the nature and complexity of what you’re working through. Some people experience significant relief in as few as 6–12 sessions, while others with more complex trauma may benefit from longer-term support. Your counselor will work with you to build a realistic plan.
Does Bloom accept insurance for EMDR sessions?
Yes — we accept Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Midland’s Choice, Cigna, Health Partners, and Tricare. We directly bill your insurance carrier and you’ll be responsible for any applicable copays or coinsurance. Visit our Payment Options page for more details.
What if I don't have insurance or my plan doesn't cover therapy?
We believe mental health care should be accessible to everyone. We offer a sliding fee scale whenever possible, private pay options, and accept CareCredit for out-of-pocket expenses. Reach out to our billing coordinator Mitch at mitch@bloomwomenswellness.org to discuss your options.
Contact Bloom Women’s Wellness
Payments Accepted
We accept Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Midland’s Choice, Cigna, Health Partners, and private pay clients. We believe that mental health care should be accessible and we’re happy to work with you on a sliding fee scale.
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Contact Bloom Women’s Wellness
Payments Accepted
We accept Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Midland’s Choice, Cigna, Health Partners, and private pay clients. We believe that mental health care should be accessible and we’re happy to work with you on a sliding fee scale.