EMDR Therapy for Adults
In person EMDR trained therapist in Salt Lake City and online across Utah
You may understand where certain reactions, beliefs, or patterns come from and still find yourself affected by them. A past experience may feel emotionally present even when you know the situation has changed.
I’m Cody Merrell, LCSW, the therapist at New Heights Counseling. I’m trained in EMDR and provide individual therapy for adults. Together, we can consider whether EMDR fits what you’re experiencing and what you want to work on.
Have a question or can’t find a time that works? Contact me.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured approach to psychotherapy that involves working directly with distressing memories and the responses connected to them.
During processing, you may bring an aspect of an experience to mind and notice related emotions, beliefs, or physical sensations while following guided eye movements or another form of alternating left-right stimulation.
We pause periodically to discuss what you notice and consider how to continue. The aim is to reduce distress connected to the experience and work toward changes in how you feel about it and yourself.
EMDR is a recommended treatment for PTSD. It may also be considered for other trauma-related distress, depending on your experiences, symptoms, and treatment goals.
For more about the broader service, visit Trauma and PTSD Therapy.
What EMDR involves
How we approach the work
We begin by understanding your current concerns, relevant history, and what you hope will be different. We discuss your preferences and available support, explain EMDR, and consider which experiences to address. Preparation is tailored to your needs and may include identifying ways to manage distress.
I guide the work with questions and observations. I can be direct when that’s helpful, and I welcome your questions and feedback. During processing, you bring aspects of an experience to mind, but generally don’t need to describe everything that happened aloud.
We decide together when to begin processing and review how the work is affecting you, both during appointments and in daily life. Your goals and responses help guide the pace, including when to pause or adjust the approach.
I welcome adults of different identities and backgrounds. My approach is LGBTQIA+ affirming, and much of my work is with gay men.
Ways we could include EMDR in therapy
EMDR can be organized in several ways, depending on your clinical needs, preferences, and appointment availability.
As part of ongoing individual therapy
EMDR may be incorporated into therapy that also addresses current concerns, relationships, and practical changes in daily life.
Appointments focused on EMDR
Regular appointments may focus primarily on EMDR, including assessment, preparation, processing, and review.
Extended EMDR sessions
Longer appointments may be an option when clinically appropriate. They provide more time for the work within an appointment, with preparation and follow-up guided by your needs. Processing may continue across several appointments. Extended EMDR sessions are typically self-pay.
We discuss which format fits your situation and review that decision as treatment develops. Visit Fees & Insurance for standard session fees and payment information, or contact me for pricing on extended EMDR sessions.
Getting Started
A free 15-minute consultation, by video or in person, gives us a chance to discuss your concerns, answer questions about EMDR and my practice, and consider whether working together feels like a good fit. It’s an introductory conversation rather than a therapy appointment.
Have a question or can’t find a time that works? Contact me.