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632 people sought EMDR therapy help in Colorado in the last year

Discover how starting EMDR therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +15 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, ADHD, +7 more

As a creative individual, I know seeing things differently can be a challenge or a strength.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +18 more
Military / Veteran, Domestic Abuse, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +16 more

Working several years with clients who have endured trauma, it is not uncommon to feel yourself comparing your past experiences with other people's pa... Working several years with clients who have endured trauma, it is not uncommon to feel yourself comparing your past experiences with other people's past experiences. Read more

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Starting EMDR therapy

What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on assisting individuals in processing these traumatic memories, diminishing their emotional intensity, and facilitating the integration of the traumatic experience into their past, enabling them to progress in their lives. This process follows four steps: history-taking, preparing the client, assessing the target memory, and processing the memory and finding an adaptive resolution. After this, Thriveworks EMDR therapists in Colorado Springs will continue to help individuals process the memory and evaluate the results of the treatment to ensure its effectiveness.

Who could benefit from EMDR?

EMDR is primarily employed to aid individuals who have endured trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other distressing life events.

Who should not do EMDR?

EMDR therapy is generally less suitable for individuals currently experiencing acute trauma or those who have not yet acquired fundamental coping and distress tolerance skills. To engage in EMDR therapy effectively, one must possess a certain degree of distress tolerance.

What is the success rate of EMDR therapy?

EMDR tends to be very effective in relieving the negative symptoms associated with trauma. In a study performed by Francine Shapiro called The Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Medicine: Addressing the Psychological and Physical Symptoms Stemming from Adverse Life Experiences (2014), results showed that after just three EMDR sessions, 84% of participants reported a remission of PTSD diagnosis. EMDR will often have a higher success rate for survivors of a single traumatic event than for those who have experienced repeated or multiple instances of trauma when EMDR is performed for the same amount of time. This is due to the increased intensity of the trauma and the need to process multiple events.

How much does EMDR therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network. Because of the shorter duration, EMDR services alone can cost less than ongoing therapy.

Is EMDR therapy usually covered by insurance?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, accepting 575+ insurance plans and covering 1 in 2 insured Americans across the country. This means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, we also offer self-pay options for those who are out-of-network.

Is EMDR therapy conducted in person or online?

If you’re looking for EMDR therapists in Colorado Springs, CO, you’re in luck. EMDR therapy at Thriveworks can be conducted both in person at one of our many offices around the U.S. and online via remote video conferencing. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How many sessions is EMDR usually?

Generally, EMDR is a shorter-term therapy, typically encompassing multiple sessions. While some individuals may make substantial progress within just a few sessions, others may opt for an extended treatment period, particularly if dealing with complex or severe trauma or conditions.

Need more help deciding?

Just as traumas to our body can leave scars that last a lifetime, it has been long believed that our mind can sustain similar life-altering damage. Although that belief holds some truth- if large parts of the brain are significantly damaged, there will be major effects on psych and personality – it’s important to remember, the brain has a remarkable ability to heal itself.

This healing and adapting is called neuroplasticity and is the brain’s ability to reform or form new connections and wiring (the nerd term is synaptic connections).

The counselors at Colorado Springs Thriveworks know that it can feel like there is no winning a battle with mental illness, especially when you walk away from your counselor’s office day after day, week after week, maybe even year after year. It is an arduous struggle that reflects the true strength of human nature.

And it can be won.

EMDR is a rather new psychotherapy technique that can speed up the process of therapy and unlock healing that was buried too deep in mental illness to get to. It can harness the power of neuroplasticity, the power to heal the brain, and bring control back into your life.

What is EMDR? How does it work?

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It was originally used to unlock traumatic memories that haven’t been processed by the brain due to their traumatic nature.

The brain wants to protect itself, and it doesn’t want to relive past abuses. However, without processing through those memories, mental illness like PTSD, depression and anxiety can take root. Colorado Springs Thriveworks believes it is important to not ignore past traumas, but to work through them, and that can be very difficult when your brain wants to keep them hidden.

Processing memories is what occurs during the most important cycle of sleep- REM sleep. REM stands for rapid eye movement, and it is the stage where the eyes dart rapidly from left to right.

There is something powerful about connecting the left and right hemispheres of your brain. The brain harnesses that power to process through memories. It decides which ones are important, storing those away, and which ones can be disregarded (although no memories are ‘thrown out’, they all live somewhere, some are just harder to find than others).

EMDR seeks to recreate this healing stage of sleep. Some therapists will literally have you follow their finger as they move it from the right side to the left side of your vision. Others will tap your left leg followed by your right leg, or have you listen to sequential left-right beeping.

There are many ways to connect the left hemisphere to the right hemisphere, however, simply sitting on your couch moving your eyes back and forth will not suddenly make mental illness go away.

EMDR is a tool, but all tools need to be used carefully and with a purpose. The goal of EMDR is to unlock a painful memory or scenario where you feel a lack of control and then insert control into the memory or scenario. (The nerd term is ‘Positive Cognition”.)

For example, say you are struggling with PTSD because of physical abuse as a child:

A Colorado Springs Thriveworks EMDR counselor will first help you calm your body and mind, becoming ‘mindful’. They will begin to connect the left and right hemispheres and ask you to recall that traumatic event as best as you can. It’s ok if you don’t think you can remember everything, or anything at all, the brain is remarkable in the memories it has hidden and eventually the right one will surface.

Experiencing physiological effects to reliving a trauma are to be expected, but our counselors will help you maintain calm and in control, as that is vital for the next step: ‘installation’.

It sounds like something out of The Matrix, but it is really the act of bringing control into that situation. Maybe you bring in your favorite dog, or a best friend, into the memory with you so you have that support.

Once control is regained, healing can begin.

This may sound like brainwash, or mind control, or plain hippy-dippy hogwash. But there is scientific evidence and personal testimonies stating the reliability of this method.

We aren’t trying to change who you are or your memories. We are taking away the control the memory has over you and allowing you to regain control over the memory.

Who can benefit from EMDR?

Our therapists will often hear a client say they are ‘too broken’ to be fixed, and that they can never truly live a happy life because of their mental illness.

We want to make it clear that you can recover; the brain and human soul is very resilient. An astonishing example is the story of Simon Lewis. He was hit in a brutal car accident, resulting in the loss of a third of his right brain hemisphere, a 24-week coma and an IQ score that dropped to below 50.

He has made almost a complete recovery. His IQ has climbed to 151, nearing a ‘genius level’, he can function on his own and is enjoying life once again.

If the brain can adapt to recover from that much physical damage, it can recover from past trauma and abuse.

Although originally used to treat traumas, EMDR can be used to treat many mental illnesses. Some examples include:

  • PTSD
  • Depression
  • Dissociative disorders (or if one of your symptoms is frequent dissociation)
  • Eating disorders
  • Pain disorders
  • Social anxiety
  • Specific phobias
  • Personality disorders
  • Many, many more!

If you struggle with distressing situations or memories- such as impulses to binge eat, or intense fear of driving- then EMDR may work for you.

EMDR is also very helpful for clients who frequently dissociate in a regular talk therapy session.

Want to try EMDR?

EMDR is not magic, it can’t suddenly make all your struggles go away, but it can be a very useful tool in the healing process.

It is best used in conjunction with talk therapy. Although it can speed up the healing process, it will still take longer than one session. Most people complete EMDR therapy after 5-15 sessions, however, it is very subjective upon personal psych and the severity of trauma or scenario.

Colorado Springs Thriveworks is here to help you through your battle in anyway we can. If you think EMDR will work for you, talk to your counselor about giving it a try or call us to set up an appointment today. We have no waitlist and are excited to walk with you through this healing! Call us today if you’d like to schedule: 719-266-3919

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Colorado Springs therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Colorado Springs
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★
Excellent therapist who listens deeply and engages in thoughtful caring dialogue . With helpful analysis and suggestions .
Read more Excellent therapist who listens deeply and engages in thoughtful caring dialogue . With helpful analysis and suggestions .
Sreedevi Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I feel heard, and understood. I have trust in my therapist that she is guiding me into take the right path and actions towards me healing old wounds and trauma from the past
Read more I feel heard, and understood. I have trust in my therapist that she is guiding me into take the right path and actions towards me healing old wounds and trauma from the past
Sharon Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Marie Beltran is such a wonderful therapist. She’s patient very caring and understanding. She truly a joy to talk to ? Thankful to have such a great therapist in my life ❤️
Read more Marie Beltran is such a wonderful therapist. She’s patient very caring and understanding. She truly a joy to talk to ? Thankful to have such a great therapist in my life ❤️
Colorado Springs Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Jerry was amazing! Jerry uses choice theory in order to help his patients grow and work through their problems. Choice theory was helpful through my relationship counseling but also could be used individually to helps each person grow themselves. Jerry used real scenarios in order to water down the theory, making it less scientific and more geared toward individual use. Jerry was patient, helpful, and very understanding.
Read more Jerry was amazing! Jerry uses choice theory in order to help his patients grow and work through their problems. Choice theory was helpful through my relationship counseling but also could be used individually to helps each person grow themselves. Jerry used real scenarios in order to water down the theory, making it less scientific and more geared toward individual use. Jerry was patient, helpful, and very understanding.
Colorado Springs Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My therapist Rachel is the perfect therapist for me and the first one who I've told almost everything to and I could never ask for a better therapist thank you Rachel for changing my life and making a difference in my life and protecting me as well as helping and encouraging me even when I didn't wanna do your challenges cuz I didn't think I could do it and thanks for not letting me do whatever I want and helping me be a better person and thanks for your funny spider stories that cheer me up and when you were Sarcastic sometimes I love everything about you and thanks for being an Angel and for your kindness and Compassion I too have your back and care about you!
Read more My therapist Rachel is the perfect therapist for me and the first one who I've told almost everything to and I could never ask for a better therapist thank you Rachel for changing my life and making a difference in my life and protecting me as well as helping and encouraging me even when I didn't wanna do your challenges cuz I didn't think I could do it and thanks for not letting me do whatever I want and helping me be a better person and thanks for your funny spider stories that cheer me up and when you were Sarcastic sometimes I love everything about you and thanks for being an Angel and for your kindness and Compassion I too have your back and care about you!
Colorado Springs Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Cassie has done wonders for my daughter. She has come so far in this past year. I am so thankful for the relationship my daughter and I have now. Before Cassie we were a wreck. We love so Cassie so much. I couldn't ask for a better councilor/ therapist/ mentor.
Read more Cassie has done wonders for my daughter. She has come so far in this past year. I am so thankful for the relationship my daughter and I have now. Before Cassie we were a wreck. We love so Cassie so much. I couldn't ask for a better councilor/ therapist/ mentor.
Colorado Springs Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thrive has helped my husband so much. He has vestibular issues and it creates bad balance problems. It also has created left side weakness and he has had to use a cane to assist him with walking and stairs. Since being treated at Thrive, he only uses his,cane with stairs now and on occasion when he isn't feeling that well. His balance has improved abiut 65% also. His moods are much better now also since he can get around better by himself! Thank you Thrive for all you have done for my husband and our family!
Read more Thrive has helped my husband so much. He has vestibular issues and it creates bad balance problems. It also has created left side weakness and he has had to use a cane to assist him with walking and stairs. Since being treated at Thrive, he only uses his,cane with stairs now and on occasion when he isn't feeling that well. His balance has improved abiut 65% also. His moods are much better now also since he can get around better by himself! Thank you Thrive for all you have done for my husband and our family!
Colorado Springs Jun 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I love going here every Monday it's the best thing to talk to someone that I connect with and helping me through my challenges.
Read more I love going here every Monday it's the best thing to talk to someone that I connect with and helping me through my challenges.
Colorado Springs Jun 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Colorado Springs is located at the corner of Chancellor and Channel Drive. Our building is across from Sassy Tan, next to Pikes Peak Dental, and slightly north of Fairfax Ridge Park. We share a building with Brothers Dental, and have parking available directly outside our main entrance.

Phone number

(719) 259-4585

Languages spoken by CO providers

  • English
  • Spanish
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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