EMDR Therapy in Charlotte NC
for individuals living with the lasting effects of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, phobias, and other distressing experiences. Available in person and online across North Carolina, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps the brain reprocess stuck memories, reduce emotional intensity, and replace harmful beliefs with healthier, more accurate ones.
EMDR Therapy in Charlotte NC
Quick Facts
- Who this is for: Adults and children in Charlotte, NC and across North Carolina experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, childhood emotional neglect, performance anxiety, or chronic pain with a psychological component
- Conditions treated: PTSD, trauma and complex trauma, anxiety and panic disorders, childhood trauma and emotional neglect, depression, phobias, grief and complicated loss, performance anxiety, and some chronic pain or psychosomatic symptoms
- Modalities offered: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) using bilateral stimulation including eye movements, audio tones, and tapping; preparation and stabilization work completed before processing begins
- Session types and lengths: First appointment is 60 minutes; ongoing frequency is flexible based on client needs
- Online EMDR: Available statewide across all of North Carolina via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms using on-screen visuals, alternating audio tones, or guided tapping
- In-person locations: Durham, NC (3710 University Drive, Suite 302) and Cary, NC (570 New Waverly Place, Suite 210)
- Insurance: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, NC State Health Plan, and Medicaid plans including Healthy Blue, Carolina Complete, and Wellcare; out-of-network superbills and private pay also accepted
What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma-focused therapy that helps people heal from distressing experiences by allowing the brain to process them in a more adaptive, less emotionally charged way. It’s based on the idea that trauma or overwhelming experiences can get “stuck” in the nervous system, causing distress long after the event.
How it works:
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The therapist helps you identify a memory or issue that still causes distress.
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While you focus on the memory, the therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation (usually side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or sound).
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This stimulation helps the brain “reprocess” the memory—reducing emotional intensity and shifting negative beliefs (like “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault”) into healthier, more accurate ones.
Over time, people report that these memories become less painful and stop interfering with daily life.
What disorder is EMDR most commonly used to treat?
EMDR is most commonly used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. It’s one of the most evidence-based and widely recommended treatments for trauma.
It’s also been shown to help with:
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Childhood trauma and emotional neglect
- Depression
- Phobias
- Grief and complicated loss
- Performance anxiety
- Some chronic pain or psychosomatic symptoms
EMDR doesn’t erase memories—it helps your brain file them away so they no longer feel like they’re happening now.
Can you do online EMDR therapy in Charlotte NC?
Yes, EMDR can be done in-person or online—and many therapists have adapted it successfully for virtual care. Instead of tracking finger movements in person, therapists use:
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On-screen visuals (dots or lights moving left to right)
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Audio tones alternating in headphones
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Tapping or buzzers through guided instruction
Online EMDR is effective and safe when conducted by a trained EMDR therapist using secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms. For many clients, virtual sessions also feel more comfortable and convenient, especially when dealing with anxiety or trauma.
Who is EMDR not appropriate for?
EMDR may not be suitable in some situations, especially if a client:
- Is currently highly unstable (e.g., severe dissociation, psychosis, or suicidal crisis)
- Has untreated substance dependence that disrupts focus or memory
- Lacks basic emotional regulation skills (e.g., grounding, self-soothing)
- Has serious heart conditions or neurological concerns (discussed on a case-by-case basis)
However, many therapists begin with preparation and stabilization work before starting EMDR to make sure it’s safe and supportive. A trauma-informed provider can assess whether it’s a good fit and will never force or rush the process.
How EMDR Therapy Works
1. Reach Out: Call or email to ask questions and find the right therapist fit before committing to anything.
2. Intake: Complete electronic forms before your first appointment. Insurance and scheduling details are confirmed at this stage.
3. First Session (60 Minutes): Share what brought you in, discuss your history and current symptoms, and begin building a personalized EMDR treatment plan with your therapist.
4. Preparation and Stabilization: Before any memory processing begins, your therapist ensures you have the grounding and emotional regulation skills needed to engage with EMDR safely and comfortably. This stage is never rushed.
5. Identifying the Target: You and your therapist identify the specific memory, belief, or experience that is causing distress and establish what a healthier, more accurate belief would look like in its place.
6. Reprocessing: While holding the distressing memory in mind, your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation using eye movements, audio tones, or tapping. Over time this reduces the emotional intensity of the memory and shifts negative beliefs into more adaptive ones.
7. Integration and Ongoing Support: As memories become less charged and stop interfering with daily life, therapy shifts toward integration and consolidation of progress. Session frequency is adjusted as you move forward, with flexible scheduling available throughout.
How Do You Get Started?
STEP ONE: CONTACT US
At any point in your decision to pursue therapy or assessment, feel free to contact us with questions. We will gladly talk with you over the phone to determine if one of us will be a good fit. Visit our Contact Page.
STEP TWO: INTAKE
Once you have scheduled an appointment, you will be emailed forms to complete electronically prior to your first appointment. If we are in-network with your Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or State Health Plan insurance benefits will be processed.
STEP THREE: FIRST SESSION
Your first appointment will be 60 minutes. In this first appointment, we will discuss what brought you in, your history, and will develop a “game plan” with you to work toward your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a trauma-focused therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories that have become stuck in the nervous system. Over time, targeted memories become less emotionally intense and stop interfering with daily life.
What conditions does EMDR treat?
EMDR is most commonly used to treat PTSD and trauma-related conditions but is also effective for anxiety and panic disorders, depression, phobias, grief, childhood emotional neglect, performance anxiety, and some chronic pain or psychosomatic symptoms.
Does EMDR erase memories?
No. EMDR does not erase memories. It helps the brain file them away so they no longer feel like they are happening in the present moment. The memory remains but loses its emotional charge and disruptive power over daily life.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. Online EMDR is effective and safe when conducted by a trained therapist using secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms. Instead of in-person eye movements, therapists use on-screen visuals, alternating audio tones in headphones, or guided tapping to deliver bilateral stimulation virtually.
Is EMDR available in Charlotte, NC?
Yes. Acacia Collaborative offers EMDR therapy to Charlotte residents via telehealth across all of North Carolina. In-person sessions are available at the Durham and Cary offices for clients who prefer face-to-face care.
Contact Acacia Collaborative
Ask a question or book an appointment below.
Hours
Monday through Friday
9AM-8PM
Saturday: 9AM-3PM
Durham Office:
3710 University Drive #302, Durham, NC 27707
Cary Office:
570 New Waverly Pl #210, Cary, NC 27518
Online Therapy
All of North Carolina
Insurance
Accepting Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, State Health Plan, Out-of-Network Superbills & Private Pay. We are credentialed with the following Medicaid plans: Healthy Blue, Carolina Complete, and Wellcare.
Services
Mental Health Therapy & Psychological Assessments