Do I really need therapy, or is this just a rough patch?

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people start counseling because anxiety feels louder, they feel emotionally exhausted or numb, old patterns keep repeating in relationships, or something from the past keeps resurfacing. If your nervous system feels overwhelmed, stuck, or constantly “on edge,” therapy isn’t an overreaction—it’s support. You don’t have to wait until things get worse to ask for help.

Does online therapy actually work?

Yes. Online therapy (telehealth counseling) is effective for many people and can reduce barriers like travel and scheduling. For anxiety, trauma, and attachment-focused work, telehealth can be especially helpful because you can receive support from the comfort of your own space.

How can I find a licensed professional counselor in Missouri for online therapy?

To receive online therapy in Missouri, your therapist must be licensed in the state. When searching, look for clear Missouri licensure, explicit mention of telehealth/online counseling, and a focus that matches what you need (anxiety, trauma, attachment-focused therapy, or couples work). It’s also okay to ask questions before committing—feeling safe and understood matters.

How do I choose the right therapist for anxiety counseling?

When choosing a therapist for anxiety, look for someone who understands how anxiety shows up in the nervous system, takes a trauma-informed approach, and focuses on safety rather than pressure. The right fit helps you understand why anxiety shows up—not just how to cope—and supports you in building self-trust over time.

What are the benefits of EMDR therapy for trauma healing?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy helps the brain reprocess traumatic experiences so they feel less intense and less “stuck” in the present. Many people notice reduced reactivity to triggers, decreased anxiety and hypervigilance, and more clarity and self-compassion over time.

How EMDR Helps you Heal from Trauma and Anxiety

Trauma TherapyEMDR TherapyMissouri Online Counseling

Nov 26

Written By Mattracea Wendleton

A Missouri Therapist’s Guide to Understanding EMDR Therapy

What Is EMDR and How Does It Help You Heal?

If you’ve been carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or overwhelming emotional triggers, you may have heard about EMDR therapy — but might not fully understand how it works.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain process and resolve painful or stuck memories. Instead of spending years talking about what happened, EMDR allows you to heal the emotional charge, body sensations, and negative beliefs connected to a traumatic experience.

For many clients, EMDR provides relief from:

Childhood emotional wounds
Attachment trauma
Anxiety, panic, and intrusive thoughts
PTSD symptoms
Negative self-beliefs (like “I’m not enough” or “I can’t trust anyone”)
Relationship triggers
Shame, guilt, and fear

If you've ever felt like you logically know you're safe now… but your body still reacts like you're not — EMDR helps bridge that gap.

How EMDR Works: A Simple Breakdown

During EMDR, you and your therapist identify a memory that still feels emotionally charged. Through bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sound), your brain begins reprocessing the memory in a safe, controlled way.

Here’s what happens:

1. The brain becomes unstuck

Trauma freezes the nervous system in survival mode. EMDR helps your brain move the memory from the “threat center” into long-term storage — where it no longer feels dangerous.

2. The emotional intensity drops

Clients often report that the memory still exists, but the emotional charge becomes significantly lower.

3. Negative beliefs start to shift

(Example: “I’m powerless” → “I survived” or “I’m safe now.”)

4. The body finally relaxes

The nervous system releases stored tension, hypervigilance, and fear.

This is why EMDR is considered one of the most effective therapies for trauma and anxiety — because it targets the root, not just the symptoms.

Why EMDR Helps With Anxiety

Anxiety often comes from:

unresolved experiences
emotional overwhelm
fear of something happening again
chronic stress or inconsistent caregiving
attachment wounds

EMDR addresses the core drivers of anxiety by helping the brain update old information:

“Something bad is going to happen.”
TO → “I have the ability to handle what comes.”

Clients frequently say:

“My constant worrying feels quieter.”
“I react less to stress.”
“I don’t spiral like I used to.”
“I actually feel calm — not just think I should be calm.”

Learn more

What EMDR Feels Like: Realistic Expectations

Many people are nervous about EMDR because they imagine it will be overwhelming.
Here’s the truth:

EMDR does not erase memories.
You stay in control the entire time.
You don’t have to give every detail of what happened.
You process at a pace that feels safe, supported, and grounded.

Most clients describe EMDR as:

“Strangely calming.”
“I feel lighter.”
“It’s like the memory lost its power.”

Who EMDR Is For

You might benefit from EMDR if you:

struggle with childhood trauma or difficult upbringing
experience relationship anxiety, trust issues, or fear of abandonment
have panic attacks or persistent self-doubt
feel stuck in old patterns
have memories that still activate your body
avoid conflict or feel hypervigilant
feel “not enough,” “unlovable,” or “responsible for everything”

Whether your trauma was “big” or “small,” single-event or ongoing — EMDR can help you create safety, stability, and emotional balance.

EMDR Success Stories (Without Identifying Details)

(Written in general themes — HIPAA-safe)

Clients commonly report:

reduced emotional reactivity
fewer triggers in relationships
decreased anxiety
increased confidence
a greater sense of self-worth
improved communication with partners
more secure attachment
better stress tolerance

These shifts happen because EMDR helps your brain update old emotional learning and build new pathways for healing.

Why EMDR Works So Well in Online Therapy

EMDR works beautifully via telehealth — especially with tools like eye-movement software, tapping prompts, or audio bilateral stimulation.

Online EMDR is ideal for clients who want:

comfort from home
privacy
flexible scheduling
trauma-informed support without commuting
a therapist who is trained in attachment and trauma patterns

You can heal deeply even through a screen — and many clients feel safer opening up in their own space.

How to Start EMDR Therapy in Missouri

If you’re ready to begin healing from trauma or anxiety, EMDR may be exactly the support you need.

I offer:

EMDR for trauma
EMDR for anxiety
EMDR for attachment wounds
EMDR for panic, fear, or overwhelm
EMDR for relationship triggers

As a trauma-informed therapist specializing in EMDR, attachment wounds, and nervous system regulation, I help teens and adults heal deeply and create emotional safety in their lives and relationships.

Work With Me (Missouri Telehealth Counseling)

I offer online trauma therapy throughout Missouri, including:

Bolivar
Springfield
Polk County
Greene County
Kansas City
St. Louis
and surrounding Missouri areas

Whether you're healing from trauma, navigating anxiety, or rebuilding your sense of self-worth, you don’t have to do this alone.

Schedule a session or explore more resources

Fill out the form below if you are interested in counseling or have any questions.

EMDRtrauma healinganxiety supportPTSD recoveryOnline therapyMissouri TherapistBolivar CounselingSpringfield MO TherapyAttachment healingnervous system regulationtrauma treatmentemdr therapistpanic and anxietychildhood traumatelehealth counselingmental health tipstrauma processingEMDR explained

Mattracea Wendleton

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri. I provide individual counseling to children, teens, and adults online and provide couples therapy using EFT and Gottman methods.

https://www.serenitytherapyservices.org