EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is a structured, eight-phase psychotherapy developed for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. It is recommended as a first-line PTSD treatment by the American Psychiatric Association, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the World Health Organization. At Cedar Hill Behavioral Health in Southborough, EMDR is delivered by trained clinicians as part of our outpatient continuum of care for adults.
This page explains what EMDR is, how it works clinically, who it is and isn’t appropriate for, and how it fits within Cedar Hill’s broader treatment offering.
What EMDR is and how it works
EMDR was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1987 and has since been studied in dozens of randomized controlled trials. It differs from talk-based trauma therapies in two important ways: it does not require the patient to verbally narrate the traumatic event in detail, and it uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements, sometimes alternating tactile taps or auditory tones — while the patient briefly attends to a target memory in a structured way.
The current clinical understanding is that bilateral stimulation engages working memory in a way that allows the brain to reprocess and integrate traumatic memories with reduced emotional charge. Patients often report that target memories remain accessible after treatment but no longer carry the same intensity, intrusiveness, or somatic distress.
EMDR is delivered in eight defined phases rather than as freeform conversation:
- History-taking and treatment planning. Identifying target memories, current triggers, and treatment goals.
- Preparation. Building stabilization skills, establishing trust, and explaining the process.
- Assessment. Identifying the specific image, negative belief, desired positive belief, emotion, and body sensation associated with each target memory.
- Desensitization. Bilateral stimulation while attending to the target memory until distress decreases.
- Installation. Strengthening the desired positive belief.
- Body scan. Identifying any remaining physical tension associated with the memory.
- Closure. Returning the patient to a stable state at the end of each session.
- Reevaluation. Reviewing progress at the next session and identifying what to target next.
This protocol is what distinguishes EMDR from less structured trauma counselling. The phases are not skipped or shortened.
What EMDR treats at Cedar Hill
At Cedar Hill, EMDR is used primarily for:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including PTSD related to combat, assault, accidents, medical trauma, and witnessing violence
- Subclinical trauma symptoms — patients whose symptoms don’t meet full PTSD criteria but who continue to experience intrusive memories, hypervigilance, or avoidance after distressing life events
- Anxiety conditions with a trauma component
- Complicated grief
EMDR’s strongest evidence base is for PTSD specifically. While research on EMDR for other conditions (panic disorder, phobias, OCD, eating disorders) continues to develop, we don’t position EMDR as a first-line treatment for those conditions. If you’re seeking treatment for OCD, depression, or another non-trauma condition, your assessment will help determine whether EMDR or a different evidence-based approach is the better fit.
Who EMDR is appropriate for — and who it isn't
EMDR has a strong safety profile, but it isn’t appropriate in every clinical situation. Standard contraindications and conditions that may require stabilization before processing include:
- Active substance dependence requiring withdrawal management
- Acute psychosis or severe untreated thought disorder
- Severe dissociative episodes
- Certain unstable medical conditions
- Patients in active crisis who need stabilization first
The initial assessment determines whether EMDR can begin immediately, after a period of stabilization work, or whether a different approach is more appropriate. We don’t push patients into EMDR processing before they’re ready; pacing is part of clinical safety.
Veterans and EMDR at Cedar Hill
Cedar Hill is veteran-owned, and our clinical approach is informed by direct experience with PTSD presentations common in the veteran population. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs identifies EMDR as one of three first-line PTSD treatments alongside Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure. Veterans seeking trauma treatment with us can discuss any of these approaches at intake; the right fit depends on the patient’s preferences, history, and clinical presentation.
How EMDR fits within our levels of care
Cedar Hill provides three levels of outpatient care, and EMDR can be delivered at any of them depending on the patient’s symptom severity and overall stability.
| Level of care | Schedule | EMDR within the program |
|---|---|---|
| Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) | 5 days per week | EMDR sessions integrated with daily therapeutic structure for patients with severe trauma symptoms requiring intensive stabilization |
| Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) | 3–4 days per week, ~3 hours per session | EMDR alongside group skills work for patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms maintaining work or family responsibilities |
| Outpatient Program (OP) | Weekly individual sessions | Standalone EMDR therapy for patients with stable functioning seeking trauma resolution |
The right level of care is determined by your assessment, not by your interest in EMDR specifically. EMDR processing within a more intensive setting can be appropriate when a patient’s overall stability would otherwise make outpatient processing unsafe or ineffective.
What to expect in your first sessions
Your first appointment focuses on assessment: presenting concerns, trauma history, current functioning, prior treatment, and treatment goals. Your clinician then determines whether EMDR is appropriate now or whether stabilization work needs to come first.
Stabilization (Phase 2) typically takes one or more sessions and includes building grounding and resourcing skills you’ll use during processing. Memory processing (Phases 3–6) doesn’t begin until both you and your clinician feel ready.
Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes. EMDR processing sessions are often longer than standard therapy sessions to allow time for full processing and proper closure.
How long does treatment take?
The number of sessions varies considerably. Single-incident traumas in adults without complicating factors can sometimes be addressed in 6 to 12 sessions of active processing, after the initial stabilization phase. Complex or repeated trauma — childhood abuse, chronic combat exposure, multiple traumatic events — typically requires significantly more time and a longer stabilization phase before processing begins.
Your clinician will discuss realistic expectations after the initial assessment and will revisit them as treatment progresses.
Insurance and same-day admissions
Cedar Hill accepts most major commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Beacon, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Cigna, Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Health Plan, and UMR. Our admissions team provides free insurance verification before your first appointment, including any prior authorization required.
For appropriate candidates, we offer same-day admissions. Calling our admissions line in the morning typically allows for an intake assessment the same day or the next business morning.
Why patients choose Cedar Hill for EMDR
- Trained EMDR clinicians. EMDR is a specialized protocol; not every therapist who lists it is fully trained in it. Our EMDR clinicians have completed recognized EMDR training programs.
- Veteran-owned, with experience treating combat-related and operational PTSD.
- Three coordinated levels of care. If you need more intensive structure than weekly outpatient EMDR can provide, you can step up to IOP or PHP without changing providers.
- Mental health specialty. Cedar Hill treats mental health conditions exclusively. Our clinicians aren’t dividing their attention across substance use programming.
- Located in Southborough, MA, accessible from the MetroWest area, Worcester, and Boston via I-90 and I-495.
- Medical reviewer oversight. Treatment standards are reviewed by Matthew Howe, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Who Benefits from Our EMDR Program
Cedar Hill’s EMDR program is ideal for:
Adults with PTSD from single or multiple traumatic events – including accidents, assault, combat, medical trauma, or witnessing violence who may benefit from specialized PTSD treatment at Cedar Hill Behavioral Health
Individuals with anxiety, depression, or panic attacks stemming from adverse life experiences or other distressing life experiences
Massachusetts residents needing flexible scheduling – our PHP and IOP programs accommodate work and family responsibilities while providing intensive trauma treatment
Those who haven’t found relief through other treatments – EMDR works differently than other therapies, making it effective for many who haven’t responded to previous approaches
If you want lasting freedom from trauma symptoms and ptsd symptoms without years of therapy, our EMDR practice was built for you, and our full sitemap of Cedar Hill Behavioral Health services can help you explore additional support options.
Treatment Options & Insurance Coverage
Choose the level of care that matches your current needs.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) with EMDR
Intensive daily treatment for severe trauma symptoms and mental health issues requiring structured support.
Includes:
Individual EMDR sessions multiple times weekly
Group therapy addressing trauma-related skills
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
Most Massachusetts insurance plans accepted
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) with EMDR
Flexible programming for those who need substantial support while maintaining work or family responsibilities.
Includes:
EMDR sessions integrated with supportive group therapy
Evening and weekend scheduling options
Coordination with existing mental health providers
Insurance verification assistance provided
Outpatient EMDR Therapy
Individual EMDR therapy for those with stable daily functioning seeking trauma resolution.
Includes:
Weekly or twice-weekly EMDR sessions with certified therapists
Medication management coordination when needed
Payment options for private pay patients
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does EMDR treat?
EMDR was developed for post-traumatic stress disorder and is recommended as a first-line PTSD treatment by the American Psychiatric Association and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is also used for related conditions including anxiety, panic disorder, complicated grief, and the lasting effects of difficult life experiences that don’t meet full PTSD criteria.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — while the patient briefly attends to a distressing memory in a structured way. The process is believed to support how the brain processes and integrates difficult experiences, reducing the emotional intensity those memories carry. EMDR is delivered in eight defined phases and is not a freeform conversation about the trauma.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number varies considerably. Single-incident traumas in adults without complicating factors can sometimes be addressed in 6 to 12 sessions. Complex or repeated trauma typically requires more time and may include extensive preparation phases before processing begins. Your clinician will discuss expectations after the assessment.
Will I have to describe my trauma in detail?
No. EMDR is not a narrative or “tell me what happened” approach. You identify a target memory and a few key elements — a worst image, a negative belief, a body sensation — and the processing happens largely internally during the bilateral stimulation phases. Many patients appreciate that EMDR reduces distress without requiring them to relive the event in detail.
Is EMDR safe for everyone?
EMDR has a strong safety profile, but it isn’t appropriate in every clinical situation. Patients in active substance withdrawal, acute psychosis, severe dissociative episodes, or with certain medical conditions may need stabilization before processing begins. Your initial assessment determines whether EMDR is appropriate now or after preparatory work.
How is EMDR different from talk therapy for PTSD?
Both can be effective. Talk-based approaches like Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure are also recommended first-line PTSD treatments. EMDR differs in that it relies on bilateral stimulation rather than detailed verbal processing of the trauma narrative, which some patients find more tolerable. The right approach depends on the patient’s preferences, history, and clinical presentation.
Start Your Trauma Recovery in Massachusetts Today
If you’re ready to stop struggling with trauma symptoms and start experiencing genuine healing, the next step is simple.
Our Massachusetts-based team is ready to verify your insurance, complete your clinical assessment, and—when appropriate—admit you the same day you call.
Making a Referral?
Medical Reviewer
Matthew Howe, PMHNP-BC
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Philosophy (Summa Cum Laude) from Plymouth State University, and MSN degrees from Rivier and Herzing Universities. Specializing in PTSD, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, with expertise in psychodynamic therapy, psychopharmacology, and addiction treatment. I emphasize medication as an adjunct to psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.
Insurance
Check if your insurance will cover the cost of treatment.
"*" indicates required fields
we are here for you
Get the help you need today.
Contact Us
We Are Here to Help
"*" indicates required fields
