EMDR therapy · Louisville, KY and online
EMDR therapy in Louisville, at a pace that feels safe
Some memories keep hitting with the same force, no matter how long ago they happened. EMDR helps your mind and body stop reacting as though the danger is still here.
- Usually seen the same week
- You stay in control of the pace
You might be here because
- A memory still feels present, in your body or your reactions.
- Reminders bring back the same fear, shame, or panic every time.
- Memories or nightmares come back without warning.
- Talking about it hasn't made it lose its grip.
- You've heard of EMDR and want to know if it could help.
- You'd rather not have to describe everything in detail.
How EMDR therapy works
EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is a structured, well-researched therapy for trauma. While you briefly bring a painful memory to mind, your counselor guides you through eye movements or another back-and-forth rhythm. Over time, the memory tends to lose its emotional charge. It stays a memory, but it stops running your present.
You don't have to describe everything that happened in detail, the way some talk therapy asks you to.
The EMDR process, step by step
- Getting to know you. Your counselor learns your story and what you'd like to change, and you plan together which memories to work on.
- Building steadiness first. You learn tools to calm your body and stay grounded, so you feel ready before any memory work.
- Choosing a memory to work on. You notice the image, the belief about yourself that goes with it, and where you feel it in your body.
- Reprocessing. While you briefly hold the memory in mind, your counselor guides you through eye movements or another back-and-forth rhythm. Over several sets, the memory tends to lose its charge.
- Strengthening a healthier belief. For example, "I'm safe now" in place of "I'm in danger."
- Checking your body. Noticing any tension that's left, and working with it.
- Closing every session steady. Each session ends with grounding, whether or not the memory is finished.
- Checking in next time. You look at what's changed and decide together what's next.
Faith at the center, never forced
When someone was hurt, questions about safety, trust, and where God was are natural. If you want them, your counselor will hold those questions with care, pray with you, and bring in Scripture in a way that never rushes you toward forgiveness or easy answers. If church or a faith leader was part of the hurt, we'll go at your pace.
If you'd rather leave faith out, your counselor's care is just as thorough, and they follow your lead. How faith works at Freedom
How long it takes
Sessions are 50 minutes. How many you'll need depends on what you're working on: a single upsetting memory often takes fewer sessions than trauma that built up over years. The first few sessions focus on getting to know you and building steadiness, and your counselor will talk with you about a realistic plan once you've started.
After an EMDR session
It's common to feel tired, emotional, or a little stirred up for a day or two, and some people have vivid dreams. What helps: rest, gentle movement, the grounding tools you've practiced, and noticing (not analyzing) what comes up. Jot it down for your next session. If you feel unsafe at any point, call or text 988.
You stay in control
Before any memory work begins, your counselor helps you build safety and steadiness: tools to calm your body and stay grounded. You set the pace, and you can pause at any time. The goal is healing, never re-living the trauma.
If EMDR isn't the right fit
EMDR is one way to heal from trauma, not the only one. Our counselors also work with trauma through other approaches, including internal family systems and acceptance and commitment therapy. See trauma counseling.
Counselors who offer EMDR
- Staci Harrub LPCA, EMDR-trained EMDR in person or online, for trauma, grief, and painful memories, with a psychodynamic, trauma-focused approach. $100 per session
- Kasie Secrest LPCA, EMDR-trained EMDR in person or online, for women and older teens working through trauma, grief, and painful memories. $100 per session
EMDR is offered by Staci and Kasie, both EMDR-trained. If EMDR isn't the right fit for you, trauma counseling with Tony or Luke is another path.
Your first session
Your first session focuses on getting to know you and building safety, not on the trauma itself. You won't be asked to go into detail before you're ready. EMDR sessions are in our Middletown office or online.
What it costs
$100
per 50-minute session
$100 per session with either counselor. We don't bill insurance, but you can pay with an HSA or FSA card, and we'll give you a superbill to submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Common questions
What is EMDR, and how does it work?
A structured, well-researched therapy that uses guided eye movements or another back-and-forth rhythm while you briefly focus on a memory, so it carries less emotional charge over time.
Do I have to describe my trauma in detail?
No, not to reach out or to begin.
Will EMDR make me relive the trauma?
You stay in control of the pace and can pause at any point. Safety and grounding come first.
Are there side effects?
Some people notice stronger emotions, vivid dreams, or tiredness between sessions for a while. Your counselor prepares you for this and helps you stay steady.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes, for clients in Kentucky, with Staci or Kasie.
Can EMDR include faith?
Yes, if you want it.
How much does EMDR therapy cost per session?
At Freedom, $100 per 50-minute session with Staci or Kasie. HSA and FSA cards work, and we provide a superbill.
Can EMDR help with emotional trauma, not just one big event?
Yes. Research on EMDR is strongest for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it's also widely used for painful experiences that don't fit a single event, like a hard childhood, a painful relationship, or memories tied to shame.
How long does an EMDR session last?
50 minutes.
What should I do after EMDR?
Rest, use your grounding tools, and jot down what comes up for next time. Feeling tired or emotional for a day or two is common.
Healing can start at your pace
Request an appointment in about a minute, or call (502) 523-2970. Most people are seen the same week.
Prefer to talk? (502) 523-2970