Known as the “Gateway to the Rockies,” Aurora provides a good balance between urban living and natural beauty. But even in this exciting city, life can present challenges that feel overwhelming.
As an experienced therapist near Aurora, I am here to support you through life’s struggles. Whether you’re coping with trauma or anxiety, or navigating major transitions, I offer compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs.
My practice is conveniently located just a short drive from Aurora, and I also offer teletherapy for added flexibility. Let’s work toward healing, resilience, and a sense of peace in your life.
What Is EMDR Therapy
EMDR psychotherapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is an effective treatment designed to help you heal from emotional distress and overcome negative, destructive patterns caused by traumatic experiences. This innovative therapy is primarily used for trauma and PTSD, integrating cognitive and behavioral approaches to facilitate recovery.
EMDR therapy activates your brain’s natural healing processes, similar to how your body recovers from physical injuries. When traumatic memories are stored incorrectly, they can block emotional healing, but EMDR helps to remove these blocks.
During sessions, trained clinicians guide you through a structured process that includes identifying distressing memories and using bilateral stimulation—like guided eye movements—to process those memories. This technique encourages spontaneous thoughts and feelings, enabling you to confront and resolve emotional pain.
You’ll learn valuable skills for managing distress, making it easier to navigate difficult emotions. Through EMDR therapy, you can gain cognitive insights and eliminate emotional distress, paving the way for healing.
Whether you’re dealing with past trauma, anxiety, or other emotional challenges, EMDR offers a path to recovery that many find transformative
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Numerous benefits come with EMDR therapy, making it a popular choice for those seeking healing from trauma and emotional distress.
This innovative approach not only helps you process traumatic memories but also fosters resilience and emotional well-being.
Here are a few key advantages you can expect:
Faster Healing
EMDR therapy can provide significant relief in a relatively short period of time compared to other therapeutic approaches. Many clients notice improvements in just a few sessions, such as a reduction in distressing symptoms and a greater sense of calm. This quick progress allows you to feel more in control and empowered to face daily challenges sooner, accelerating your overall healing journey.
Holistic Healing
EMDR therapy goes beyond traditional talk therapy by addressing both emotional and physical responses to trauma. By targeting the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain, EMDR helps alleviate symptoms like anxiety, chronic pain, and other stress-related conditions. This holistic approach promotes comprehensive healing, allowing you to experience a sense of well-being that encompasses both mind and body.
Empowerment:
These coping strategies, often referred to as resources, are taught and used in therapy. They are also highly effective in everyday situations, giving you the tools to handle distressing feelings more effectively.
EMDR Therapy Process
The EMDR therapy process unfolds in distinct phases, each designed to guide you through trauma recovery effectively. Initially, your therapist will assess your readiness by taking a detailed history and identifying distressing memories. This is crucial for developing a personalized treatment plan.
During the process, you’ll engage in various phases that include:
- Learning emotional distress management techniques to maintain equilibrium.
- Discovery of parts of your personality which developed to help you cope
- Utilization of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps, to facilitate healing.
As you move through these phases, your therapist will support you by adjusting the focus as needed, encouraging spontaneous thoughts and feelings.
This dynamic approach not only helps you process traumatic memories but also promotes cognitive insights and emotional distress elimination.
The goal of EMDR therapy is to activate your brain’s natural healing processes, allowing you to move forward without being hindered by past experiences.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Counseling?
EMDR therapy can benefit a wide range of individuals, particularly those dealing with trauma and its aftermath. If you’ve experienced a distressing event, whether it’s a single traumatic incident or ongoing exposure to stress, EMDR therapy might be the right fit for you.
Many people struggling with anxiety, depression, or feelings of powerlessness due to past experiences find this therapy helpful. This approach isn’t limited to those with PTSD; anyone who feels stuck or overwhelmed by their memories might gain from EMDR therapy.
It can also assist individuals facing challenges related to low self-esteem or self-worth, as it addresses the root causes of these feelings.
Whether you’re a combat veteran, a survivor of abuse, or someone grappling with life transitions, EMDR therapy offers a structured path to healing. You don’t have to navigate your emotional distress alone; trained professionals can guide you through the process.
If you’re curious about how EMDR therapy can change your life, consider reaching out to a qualified therapist. You might discover the relief and empowerment you’ve been seeking.
Common Issues Addressed
Many individuals seeking healing from emotional distress find that EMDR therapy effectively addresses a variety of common issues.
This powerful therapy can help you process and overcome feelings that often stem from past experiences.
Here are a few issues an EMDR therapist near you can help with:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many clients experience significant relief from PTSD symptoms, often after just a few sessions.
- Relationship Challenges: Are you experiencing difficulties and disappointments in your adult relationships? EMDR helps you identify the root causes, and stop the re-experiencing of negative cycles.
- Post-partum Challenges: All genders can experience difficult adjustments when a child is added into their life. EMDR targets any depression, anxiety, trauma and loss that may be part of your experience.
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks: EMDR therapy can help reframe anxious thoughts and reduce panic, allowing you to feel more in control.
- Low Self-Esteem: If you struggle with feelings of worthlessness, EMDR can target the root causes, fostering a healthier self-image.
Finding a Clinician You Feel Comfortable With
Finding the right fit between therapist and client is essential for effective EMDR therapy. A successful therapeutic relationship starts with creating a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported.
When you step into a therapy session, you should feel like you can be yourself. It’s important that you and your therapist can establish a foundation of trust, so you feel comfortable exploring difficult memories and emotions without fear of judgment. The right fit means having a therapist who respects your boundaries, listens to your needs, and tailors their approach to what works best for you.
A good match allows for a collaborative partnership, where you can share your thoughts and experiences at your own pace. This alignment helps build a strong therapeutic alliance, which is the key to making EMDR therapy both effective and transformative. If you’re seeking a therapist who is dedicated to fostering this kind of environment, it’s important to find someone who resonates with you and your unique path to healing.
Debbie Carter: Denver Counseling and Trauma Therapy
Therapy is a process of profound transformation. It’s about making meaningful changes that go beyond the surface to create lasting impact. True transformation involves more than just addressing symptoms—it’s about cultivating a life filled with mindfulness, reflection, and self-awareness.
The journey of personal growth and healing is rarely simple or linear, and it looks different for everyone. But one thing is certain: change only happens when you take the first step! Each individual’s path is unique, yet there’s a shared thread among those who choose to pursue this work—the courage to seek support.
It’s not easy to reach out and ask for help, but doing so is a powerful act of self-care and strength. As your therapist, I am here to walk alongside you on this path, offering the professional guidance and support you need to achieve the transformation you envision for yourself.
Client Testimonials and Success Stories
Clients often find themselves transformed by their experiences with EMDR therapy, sharing powerful testimonials that highlight the profound impact of the treatment. Many individuals from my private practice have reported significant changes in their emotional well-being, leading to improved relationships and a renewed sense of self.
Here are some key themes from previous clients:
- Rapid Relief: Many clients express astonishment at how quickly they begin to feel relief from anxiety and trauma-related symptoms.
- Empowerment: Clients often describe feeling more empowered and in control of their emotions after sessions, which fosters a positive outlook on life.
- Lasting Change: Numerous testimonials emphasize that the benefits of EMDR therapy extend far beyond the sessions, leading to lasting improvements in quality of life.
These shared experiences validate the effectiveness of EMDR therapy, showcasing its ability to help individuals reclaim their lives from the shadows of trauma.
If you’re considering EMDR therapy, listen to these testimonials, as they may resonate with your journey and inspire hope for healing.
EMDR Therapy Techniques I Use
In 12+ years in private practice, I have researched and implemented a number of techniques well known within the academic community of EMDR practitioners. Among the ones I’ve found the most success with include:
- Guided Eye Movements – Guided eye movements involve following the therapist’s hand or a light bar from side to side. This technique helps the brain process distressing memories more adaptively, reducing the emotional charge and promoting healing.
- Tactile Taps – Tactile taps involve gentle, alternating taps on the hands or shoulders, providing bilateral stimulation. This approach can help bring up and process challenging emotions, allowing for a deeper sense of emotional release and integration.
- Auditory Sounds – Auditory stimulation uses alternating tones or sounds delivered through headphones. This method engages both sides of the brain, facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories and promoting emotional balance and clarity.
This type of stimulation helps your brain process memories in a more adaptive way, lessening the emotional intensity and making it easier to move forward.
What to Expect in Sessions
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy with Me
The EMDR process unfolds in several structured phases. Here’s what you can expect when we work together:
- History-Taking
- I’ll start by getting to know you, your history, and the specific distressing memories you want to address. This helps me create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
- Preparation
- Before diving into processing memories, we’ll work on developing emotional regulation skills. This might include breathing exercises, mindfulness, or grounding techniques to ensure you feel safe and supported throughout our sessions.
- Assessment
- During this stage, we’ll uncover parts of your personality that may have developed as coping mechanisms from your personal history. We’ll assess whether these coping mechanisms no longer serve you or if they serve some other purpose in your daily life.
- Desensitization and Reprocessing
- Using bilateral stimulation, I’ll guide you through the process of reprocessing the memory. During this phase, I encourage you to let spontaneous thoughts and feelings surface. My role is to support you as these emotions come up, making sure you stay grounded and comfortable.
- Installation and Body Scan
- As we move through reprocessing, we’ll work on reinforcing positive beliefs and ensuring that your body feels at ease.
- Closure
- Each session ends with techniques to bring you back to a state of calm. We’ll talk through your experience, and I’ll check in to make sure you feel settled before leaving.
- Reevaluation
- At the beginning of the next session, we’ll reevaluate to see how you’re feeling and if there’s any residual distress to address.
Throughout this journey, I’m here to guide and support you, making adjustments as needed to ensure your comfort and progress. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can process your experiences and move toward healing.
Why Choose Debbie Carter for EMDR Treatment?
As an expert in EMDR therapy, I am deeply passionate about helping individuals navigate their personal transformations. With me, you won’t just be another client—you’ll be truly seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.
My approach to EMDR goes beyond addressing symptoms. It’s about helping you explore your unique path to healing. I believe in diving deeper than surface-level changes, guiding you to unlock a life filled with mindfulness, self-reflection, and genuine self-awareness.
With my support, you’ll experience a transformative journey that allows you to move through past trauma, gain clarity on present challenges, and build resilience for the future. When you’re ready to show up for yourself, I’ll be here to walk alongside you—offering compassionate care, expertise, and unwavering support throughout your healing journey.
Debbie Carter Specializations
Trauma Counseling
I use techniques like EMDR to help you process past trauma, reclaim your sense of self, and find peace beyond the pain.
Depression
I provide a safe space to explore your emotions, challenge negative patterns, and discover renewed hope and resilience.
Postpartum Support
I offer empathetic support to new mothers, helping you navigate the unique emotional struggles of the postpartum period with care and understanding.
Early Childhood Issues
I address early developmental trauma and attachment issues, empowering you to heal from past wounds and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Get Started Today
You’re ready for therapy if you’re tired of feeling insecure, confused, or exhausted. You’ve tried everything you can think of but haven’t seen the changes you need. You’re willing to do the hard work because you know your well-being is worth it. You have the resources—the time, energy, and commitment—to invest in your inner life and create lasting change.
If this resonates with you, it’s time to take the next step. Reach out today or call 720 798-1400 to start your journey toward healing and transformation.
FAQs
Where Are You Located, and How Far Is It From Aurora?
My office is at 1325 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite B-108, Denver, CO 80222. It’s located near the southeast corner of the Colorado and Louisiana intersection in the Empire Park complex. The drive from central Aurora typically takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on your starting point. Parking is free for two hours, and you can enter the lot from Harrison Street, where you’ll see a ticket booth.
If you prefer, I also offer teletherapy, which allows you to access therapy from the comfort of your home in Aurora.
What Therapy Services Do You Provide to Aurora Residents?
I specialize in trauma-focused care, anxiety management, and support for life transitions. I use evidence-based approaches like EMDR combined with attachment theory and internal family systems. Whether you’re seeking in-person or teletherapy sessions, I am here to help you create meaningful change.
How Much Does Therapy Cost in Aurora?
For first-time clients, I offer a discounted package of three 60-minute sessions for $460, saving you $80. This package is an excellent way to begin therapy, as it allows us to establish a connection and start developing tools for your journey. After the initial package, individual 60-minute sessions are $180.
How Do I Know if You’re the Right Aurora Therapist for Me?
I offer a free 20-minute consultation to all new clients. During this call, we’ll discuss your goals and challenges, and you can determine if my approach feels like a good fit. Many of my Aurora clients have found this consultation helpful in taking the first step toward healing.