EMDR at Third Wave

You understand what happened. You just wish understanding made it hurt less.

Maybe you’ve talked about it. You recognize your patterns. You know what triggers you. You can remind yourself that what happened is over.

And yet, your body doesn’t always get the message.

A memory brings back an old feeling. You feel on edge when you want to relax. Your reaction feels bigger than the moment in front of you.

Knowing why you feel this way can help. Sometimes, you need another way to work through it.

At Third Wave Psychotherapy, our EMDR-trained therapists help you explore the experiences that still feel unresolved, at a pace that works for you.

what is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured psychotherapy that helps you work through distressing memories and the thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations connected to them.

During EMDR, your therapist guides you to briefly focus on aspects of a memory while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tapping.

The goal isn’t to erase what happened. It’s to help the memory feel more like something that happened then, rather than something you’re still reacting to now.

That might mean remembering an experience without the same rush of fear, shame, or distress. Or feeling more able to respond to the present without being pulled back into the past.

Your experience and progress will be your own. Your therapist will help you understand what to expect.

You don’t have to tell the whole story over and over.

If the thought of explaining everything again makes you hesitate, you’re not alone.

With EMDR, you don’t necessarily have to describe every detail of an experience out loud. And your first appointment won’t mean jumping straight into your hardest memory.

We start with you: what’s bringing you in, what you want to change, and what you need to feel supported.

Your therapist will help you:

• Identify the experiences or patterns you want to work on.

• Determine whether EMDR is appropriate for your needs.

• Build tools to help you stay grounded.

• Decide together when you’re ready to begin processing.

You can ask questions, pause, or slow down. You have a say in every step.

Could EMDR be right for you?

You may be seeking help with trauma or PTSD. You may also be noticing that a painful experience still affects how you feel about yourself, your relationships, or the world around you.

Our clinicians may incorporate EMDR when working with concerns connected to:

• Trauma and PTSD

• Difficult childhood experiences

• Relationship trauma

• Medical trauma

• Anxiety or panic

• Grief and loss

• Painful or distressing memories

• Shame

• Fears and phobias

Maybe you avoid reminders of what happened. Maybe you feel responsible for something you couldn’t control. Maybe you keep thinking, “I should be over this by now.”

You don’t have to decide whether your experience was “bad enough” to ask for help. And you don’t have to know which treatment you need.

We’ll help you explore what fits.

Why choose Third Wave for EMDR?

The right approach matters. So does the person helping you use it.

You deserve a therapist you feel comfortable with, who understands what you’re working through and helps you move at a manageable pace.

Third Wave has a team of clinicians with different specialties, personalities, schedules, and approaches. Our team helps you find a fit based on your needs and preferences, so you don’t have to choose from a list of profiles on your own.

We offer EMDR therapy in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Garner. We also offer online therapy throughout North Carolina. If you’re looking for virtual EMDR, tell us so we can confirm a clinician who provides it.

Share your preferred location, schedule, and whether you plan to use insurance. We’ll help you explore available options.

Getting started is simple.

1. Tell us what’s going on.
Complete our inquiry form. A few sentences are enough. You don’t need to explain your whole history.

2. We’ll help you find your fit.
Our team will recommend a clinician based on your needs, schedule, and preferences.

3. Build a plan together.
Your therapist will get to know you, answer your questions, and help you decide whether EMDR makes sense for your goals.

Want more focused time for EMDR?

A regular therapy appointment may be the right fit for you. But sometimes you want a longer block of time to focus on a specific concern, or weekly appointments are difficult to work into your schedule.

An EMDR intensive offers extended time for preparation, processing, and integration.

Some people choose an intensive alongside ongoing therapy. Others want dedicated time to work toward a particular goal. You and your therapist will discuss your needs, readiness, and support before deciding whether an intensive is appropriate.

Frequently asked questions about EMDR

Can I receive EMDR therapy online?

Ask our team about virtual EMDR for clients located in North Carolina. We’ll confirm which clinicians offer it, and your therapist will help you determine whether online sessions are appropriate for your needs.

Where does Third Wave offer in-person EMDR therapy?

We offer EMDR therapy at our Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Garner offices. Clinician schedules and availability vary by location. Tell us which office works best for you, and we’ll help you explore your options.

Does insurance cover EMDR therapy?

Regular EMDR sessions may be covered by eligible Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your benefits and clinician. Our team can help you check coverage before scheduling.

EMDR intensives are a separate private-pay service.

Do I have to describe every detail of what happened?

Not necessarily. EMDR can involve working with a memory without telling every detail out loud. Your therapist will explain the process and help you decide what you feel comfortable sharing.

Will we start processing memories at my first appointment?

Your first appointment focuses on getting to know you and understanding your needs. Preparation is part of EMDR. You and your therapist will work on grounding tools and readiness before beginning memory processing.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

There isn’t one number that fits everyone. The time needed depends on your history, goals, readiness, and what you’re working through. Your therapist will discuss a plan with you and check in about your progress along the way.

What makes an EMDR intensive different from a longer therapy session?

An EMDR intensive is a planned, focused appointment built around a specific concern or treatment goal.

A longer psychotherapy session can provide additional time for ongoing support and therapeutic work. An EMDR intensive uses that extended time within a structured EMDR treatment plan, including preparation, processing as appropriate, and time to get grounded before you leave.

We won’t spend two hours continuously processing difficult memories. Your therapist adjusts the pace to your needs, with space for breaks, questions, and support throughout.

The difference is the focus and structure of the care, rather than the length of the appointment alone.

How do I get started?

Contact us and mention that you’re interested in EMDR. Include your preferred location, schedule, whether you want in-person or virtual appointments, and whether you plan to use insurance. We’ll help you find the next step.

You don’t have to know exactly what you need to start.

Maybe EMDR is the right fit. Maybe another approach would serve you better.

You don’t have to figure that out alone.

Tell us what’s been feeling stuck. We’ll help you find a therapist and a way forward.