EMDR Therapy in Wichita: 7 Signs Trauma Is Holding You Back

How Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing can help you heal from trauma and reclaim your life

You’ve tried traditional talk therapy. You’ve read the self-help books. You practice deep breathing and mindfulness. Yet memories of past trauma still intrude on your daily life—disrupting your sleep, triggering anxiety, affecting your relationships.

If traditional therapy hasn’t resolved your trauma symptoms, EMDR therapy might be the breakthrough you’ve been searching for.

At Resolutions Therapy in Wichita, Kansas, we have experienced therapists trained in EMDR who specialize in trauma and PTSD treatment. Shonda Moore, LSCSW, is one of our therapists offering EMDR therapy. With over 23 years of experience in trauma treatment, Shonda uses this powerful, evidence-based approach to help clients achieve lasting change when other methods have fallen short.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has since become one of the most researched and effective treatments for trauma and PTSD.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to discuss traumatic events in extensive detail. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements—to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer trigger overwhelming emotional responses.

How EMDR Differs from Talk Therapy

Traditional Talk Therapy:

• Focuses on discussing and analyzing trauma
• Can take months or years to see results
• Requires verbal processing of painful memories
• May keep trauma “alive” through retelling

EMDR Therapy:

• Focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories at a neurological level
• Often produces results in 6-12 sessions
• Doesn’t require detailed verbal descriptions of trauma
• Allows the brain to heal naturally without reliving trauma

According to the American Psychological Association, EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma and is recommended for the treatment of PTSD.

7 Signs Trauma Is Holding You Back

Trauma doesn’t always look like what you see in movies. Many people don’t realize they’re living with unprocessed trauma because their symptoms have become their “normal.” Here are seven signs that trauma may be affecting your life:

1. Intrusive Memories or Flashbacks

Traumatic memories appear without warning—often triggered by sounds, smells, places, or situations that remind you of past events. These aren’t just occasional thoughts; they feel vivid, overwhelming, and impossible to control.

Examples:

• Sudden, vivid images of traumatic events
• Feeling like you’re reliving a past experience
• Physical sensations associated with past trauma
• Nightmares about traumatic events

2. Emotional Numbness or Disconnection

You feel emotionally flat—unable to experience joy, connection, or genuine emotion. You’re going through the motions of life without really feeling present.

This emotional numbing is often the brain’s protective response to overwhelming trauma, but it prevents you from experiencing life fully.

3. Hypervigilance and Startle Response

You’re constantly on edge, scanning for danger, easily startled by sudden movements or sounds. Your nervous system is stuck in “threat mode,” making it difficult to relax even in safe environments.

This might look like:

• Jumping at unexpected noises
• Constantly checking doors and windows
• Difficulty concentrating because you’re always “on alert”
• Feeling unsafe even in familiar places

4. Avoidance of Triggers

You organize your entire life around avoiding people, places, or situations that might remind you of trauma. While avoidance provides temporary relief, it keeps you trapped and prevents healing.

You might avoid:

• Specific locations or routes
• Conversations about certain topics
• Social situations where you might feel vulnerable
• Activities you once enjoyed

5. Relationship Difficulties

Trauma affects how you connect with others. You might struggle with trust, have difficulty maintaining close relationships, or find yourself repeatedly attracting unhealthy dynamics.

Unprocessed trauma can manifest as:

• Difficulty trusting others
• Fear of intimacy or vulnerability
• Pushing people away when they get close
• Repeating relationship patterns from your past

6. Physical Symptoms Without Medical Explanation

Your body holds trauma even when your mind tries to forget. Many trauma survivors experience chronic physical symptoms that medical tests can’t explain:

• Chronic pain or tension
• Digestive issues
• Headaches or migraines
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Sleep disturbances

7. Negative Beliefs About Yourself

Trauma often leaves behind deeply ingrained negative beliefs: “I’m not safe,” “I’m powerless,” “I’m broken,” “It was my fault.” These beliefs shape how you see yourself and the world, keeping you stuck in patterns of shame and self-blame.

How EMDR Therapy Works: The 8 Phases

EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach. Here’s what you can expect when working with an EMDR therapist at Resolutions Therapy:

Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning

Your therapist will gather information about your trauma history and current symptoms. Together, you’ll identify target memories for reprocessing and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Phase 2: Preparation

Your therapist will explain how EMDR works and teach you coping skills to manage distress. This phase ensures you feel safe and prepared before beginning memory reprocessing.

Phase 3-6: Assessment and Reprocessing

This is where the “eye movement” part happens. While focusing on a traumatic memory, you’ll follow your therapist’s hand movements with your eyes (or use other forms of bilateral stimulation like tapping or sounds).

This bilateral stimulation activates both hemispheres of your brain, allowing it to reprocess the memory in a healthier way. The memory doesn’t disappear, but it loses its emotional charge—becoming a neutral part of your past rather than a trigger in your present.

Phase 7-8: Closure and Reevaluation

Each session ends with techniques to ensure you feel calm and stable. Follow-up sessions assess progress and address any remaining trauma material.

What Conditions Can EMDR Treat?

While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, research shows it’s effective for many conditions rooted in traumatic experiences:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – combat trauma, assault, accidents
• Complex Trauma – childhood abuse, neglect, ongoing traumatic situations
• Anxiety Disorders – panic attacks, phobias, generalized anxiety
• Depression – especially when rooted in past trauma
• Grief and Loss – traumatic loss, complicated bereavement
• Performance Anxiety – work, sports, or social performance fears
• Chronic Pain – when physical symptoms have psychological components

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, EMDR has demonstrated effectiveness across various trauma-related conditions in numerous clinical studies.

EMDR Therapy at Resolutions Therapy in Wichita

At Resolutions Therapy, we’re committed to providing evidence-based trauma treatment in a safe, compassionate environment. Our practice offers EMDR therapy through trained therapists who specialize in trauma recovery.

One of our experienced EMDR therapists is Shonda Moore, LSCSW, who has over 23 years of experience and specializes in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Shonda has worked extensively with trauma survivors, including military veterans, domestic violence survivors, and individuals dealing with childhood abuse, accidents, and other traumatic experiences.

Why Choose Resolutions for EMDR Therapy

Expert Trauma Therapists: Our EMDR-trained therapists, like Shonda Moore with her 23+ years of experience, bring deep expertise in trauma treatment. We’ll match you with a therapist whose background and approach fit your specific needs.

Holistic Approach: We combine EMDR with other evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to provide comprehensive care.

Convenient Locations: We offer EMDR therapy at all three of our Wichita locations:

• West Wichita: 982 N. Tyler Suite B, Wichita, KS 67212
• Downtown Wichita: 807 N Waco Ave, Ste 11, Wichita, KS 67203
• East Wichita: 8080 E. Central Suite 230, Wichita, KS 67206

Flexible Options: We offer both in-person and telehealth sessions to accommodate your schedule and comfort level.

What to Expect in Your First EMDR Session

Many people feel nervous about starting EMDR therapy. Here’s what typically happens in your initial sessions:

Initial Consultation

Your first session focuses on understanding your history and goals. You’ll discuss:

• What brought you to therapy
• Your trauma history (at a comfortable level of detail)
• Current symptoms affecting your daily life
• What you hope to achieve through EMDR

Building Safety and Stability

Before beginning memory reprocessing, your therapist will ensure you have:

• Coping skills to manage distress
• A sense of safety in the therapeutic relationship
• Understanding of how EMDR works
• A treatment plan you feel comfortable with

The Reprocessing Sessions

When you’re ready, you’ll begin reprocessing target memories. Sessions typically last 50-90 minutes. You’ll remain in control throughout—you can pause or stop at any time.

Many clients report feeling:

• Relief that they don’t have to describe trauma in detail
• Surprised by how quickly emotional charges decrease
• Empowered by the process
• Hopeful about healing

How Long Does EMDR Take?

The length of EMDR treatment varies based on:

• Type of trauma: Single-incident trauma (like a car accident) often resolves faster than complex childhood trauma
• Number of traumatic memories: More target memories require more sessions
• Your current stability: Building coping skills takes time if needed
• Individual processing speed: Everyone processes at their own pace

General Timeline:

• Single-incident trauma: 3-6 sessions
• Multiple traumas: 8-12 sessions
• Complex trauma: 12+ sessions (sometimes ongoing)

The good news? EMDR often produces results faster than traditional long-term therapy, with many clients experiencing significant relief within the first few reprocessing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR

Is EMDR therapy safe?

Yes. EMDR is recognized as a safe, evidence-based treatment by major health organizations including the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization. While processing traumatic memories can be temporarily uncomfortable, EMDR is designed to keep you within your “window of tolerance”—not overwhelming you.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail during EMDR?

No. One of EMDR’s advantages is that you don’t need to describe traumatic events in detail. Your therapist needs to know enough to target the memory, but you don’t have to relive it verbally. This makes EMDR particularly helpful for people who find traditional talk therapy retraumatizing.

Will EMDR erase my memories?

No. EMDR doesn’t erase memories—it changes how your brain stores and responds to them. The memory remains, but it loses its emotional intensity and power to trigger you. It becomes a part of your past rather than something that feels present and threatening.

What if I can’t do the eye movements?

Eye movements are just one form of bilateral stimulation. Your therapist can use alternating sounds or tapping instead. The key is the bilateral (left-right) stimulation of the brain, which can be achieved through multiple methods.

Does insurance cover EMDR therapy in Wichita?

Many insurance plans cover EMDR therapy when it’s provided by a licensed therapist for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Resolutions Therapy accepts most major insurance providers. Contact us at (316) 721-8118 to verify your specific coverage.

Can EMDR be done through telehealth?

Yes. While traditionally done in-person, EMDR can be effectively adapted for telehealth sessions using online tools for bilateral stimulation. Your therapist at Resolutions can discuss whether telehealth EMDR is appropriate for your situation.

Start Your Healing Journey with EMDR Therapy

If trauma is holding you back from living the life you want, EMDR therapy at Resolutions Therapy can help you find lasting change and fulfillment.

Our EMDR-trained therapists offer compassionate, expert care. Therapists like Shonda Moore, LSCSW, with over 23 years of trauma treatment experience, specialize in helping clients work through PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, and the lingering effects of past experiences. Whether you’re dealing with recent trauma or long-held wounds, our team can help you reprocess those memories and reclaim your life.

Ready to Begin Your Journey of Self-Discovery?

Call Resolutions Therapy Today

Phone: (316) 721-8118

Three Convenient Wichita Locations:

West Wichita: 982 N. Tyler Suite B, Wichita, KS 67212
Downtown Wichita: 807 N Waco Ave, Ste 11, Wichita, KS 67203
East Wichita: 8080 E. Central Suite 230, Wichita, KS 67206

Healing from trauma is possible. EMDR therapy can help you achieve lasting change.

Related Services at Resolutions Therapy

• Trauma and PTSD Treatment
• Anxiety Therapy
• Depression Counseling
• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
• Grief Counseling
• Individual Therapy

About This Article: Written by the team at Resolutions Therapy to help Wichita residents understand how EMDR therapy can support trauma recovery and lasting change.

Trauma doesn’t have to define your future. Call (316) 721-8118 to start your healing journey today.