Some experiences don’t fade with time. They linger in the nervous system, shaping how you think, feel, and respond—often long after the event has passed. At Daybreak Counseling, we offer EMDR therapy in Des Moines to help individuals gently process distressing memories and move forward with greater clarity and emotional relief.
EMDR allows healing without requiring you to relive or repeatedly retell painful experiences. It’s a structured, evidence-based approach designed to support real, lasting change.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy recognized for its effectiveness in treating trauma and PTSD. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess unresolved memories that remain “stuck” and continue to trigger emotional distress.
During EMDR sessions, your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or tones—while briefly focusing on specific memories or themes. This process supports the brain’s natural ability to heal, reducing emotional intensity and allowing experiences to be stored in a more adaptive way.
EMDR does not erase memories. Instead, it changes how they are experienced so they no longer feel overwhelming or intrusive.
At Daybreak Counseling in Des Moines, EMDR is used to support individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including:
You do not need to have a single defining traumatic event for EMDR to be helpful. Many clients seek EMDR therapy in Des Moines to address long-standing emotional patterns that feel difficult to shift through talk therapy alone.
Our approach to EMDR therapy is trauma-informed, collaborative, and paced to your needs. We prioritize safety, consent, and emotional regulation at every stage of the process.
Before beginning EMDR processing, your therapist will help you build coping strategies and grounding skills to ensure you feel supported and prepared. You remain in control throughout sessions, and EMDR is never forced or rushed.
Many clients appreciate that EMDR allows progress without needing to share every detail verbally. Sessions are structured, intentional, and respectful of your nervous system.
EMDR can be adapted for children and adolescents using developmentally appropriate methods, including play-based and creative techniques. It is often helpful for youth experiencing anxiety, trauma, behavioral changes, school-related stress, or difficulty expressing emotions.
Our Des Moines EMDR therapists are experienced in working with children and teens, meeting them where they are emotionally and developmentally while supporting healing in a gentle, effective way.
EMDR therapy at Daybreak Counseling is often integrated with other therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), play therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Rather than a standalone treatment, EMDR is part of a personalized care plan designed around your goals, strengths, and life circumstances. Progress may be gradual or noticeable early on—both are valid and respected.
When beginning EMDR therapy in Des Moines at Daybreak, you can expect:
An initial intake and assessment to understand your history and goals
Preparation and stabilization to support emotional safety
Targeted EMDR processing sessions
Ongoing integration of insights into daily life
Your therapist will guide the process at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.
Healing doesn’t require reliving every painful detail. Sometimes it begins by giving your brain the support it needs to finally release what it has been holding.
If you’re considering EMDR therapy in Des Moines, our team at Daybreak Counseling is here to answer your questions and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you or your child.
Contact Daybreak Counseling today to schedule an appointment or learn more about EMDR therapy in Des Moines.
