EMDR Therapy: A Path to Healing Trauma, Anxiety, and PTSD
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps people heal from painful experiences, anxiety, and PTSD. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR targets how memories are stored in the brain—reducing emotional distress and reshaping negative beliefs.
At Matt McNutt Therapy, EMDR sessions are tailored to help clients in California and Utah move beyond feeling “stuck” and toward lasting emotional freedom.
How EMDR Therapy Works
During EMDR therapy sessions, bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) is used while recalling difficult experiences. This allows the brain to “reprocess” traumatic memories, lessening their intensity and replacing them with healthier beliefs.
Many clients notice that after EMDR treatment:
Triggers feel less overwhelming
Anxiety and depression symptoms decrease
They feel more present in daily life
Negative self-beliefs shift to empowering ones
The EMDR Therapy Process at Matt McNutt Therapy
1. Intake & Treatment Planning
Identify traumatic memories, triggers, and treatment goals.
2. Preparation & Coping Skills
Learn grounding tools and self-regulation strategies to feel safe before processing trauma.
3. Targeting Memories
Select a specific memory and identify the emotions, thoughts, and body sensations linked to it.
4. Bilateral Stimulation & Processing
Use guided eye movements or tapping to reprocess the memory.
5. Positive Belief Installation
Replace negative beliefs with empowering, realistic ones.
6. Body Scan
Release remaining physical tension tied to the trauma.
7. Closure & Integration
End each session with grounding and stability.
8. Reevaluation
Check progress and identify future treatment goals.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Trauma Healing: Helps reprocess painful memories without re-traumatizing.
PTSD Treatment: Recommended by the American Psychological Association for PTSD.
Anxiety & Depression Relief: Reduces intrusive thoughts and overwhelming emotions.
Fewer Sessions: EMDR can often create meaningful shifts faster than talk therapy.
Holistic Approach: Addresses mind, body, and emotions.
EMDR Therapy vs. Certified EMDR Therapist
Not all EMDR providers are certified. At Matt McNutt Therapy:
EMDR Therapist – Completed training in EMDR.
Certified EMDR Therapist – Completed advanced clinical hours, consultation, and ongoing training for the highest standard of care.
Working with a certified EMDR therapist ensures expertise, safety, and best practices.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy?
EMDR can help with:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Childhood trauma & complex trauma
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression & negative self-beliefs
Grief, loss, and emotional overwhelm
Substance use recovery & relapse prevention
If you feel weighed down by past experiences, EMDR may help you move forward.
Meet Matt McNutt, LMFT, Certified EMDR Therapist
Matt McNutt is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California and Utah, specializing in trauma-informed care, EMDR therapy, and anxiety treatment. He is also Clinical Director at Lotus Recovery, where he integrates trauma and addiction treatment.
Licensed in California & Utah
Certified EMDR Therapist
Clinical Director at Lotus Recovery
Compassionate, direct, and client-centered approach
Start EMDR Therapy in California or Utah
If you’re ready to explore how EMDR therapy can help with trauma, anxiety, or PTSD, reach out today.
👉 Schedule a consultation with Matt McNutt Therapy to begin your healing journey.