By Linda Martin, LMHC, EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Therapist

If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other emotional wounds, you’re not alone—and healing is possible. At Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast, we’re proud to offer EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a research-backed, highly effective approach for helping individuals heal from the emotional impact of distressing experiences.

Whether you prefer the privacy and convenience of meeting online or the comfort of an in-person office setting, EMDR is now available through both telehealth and in-office sessions with our EMDRIA-approved therapists.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals heal from trauma and emotional distress by supporting the brain’s natural processing abilities. It was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro and has since become one of the most well-researched and widely recommended treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related concerns.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to talk at length about painful memories. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or audio tones—to help your brain reprocess stuck or distressing memories. This allows you to release the emotional charge associated with those experiences and begin to move forward.

What Can EMDR Help With?

While EMDR was originally developed for trauma and PTSD, it’s now widely used to address:

  • Anxiety and panic
  • Depression
  • Childhood trauma and attachment wounds
  • Grief and loss
  • Phobias and fears (including agoraphobia)
  • Performance anxiety
  • Negative self-beliefs
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Relationship challenges

Many clients report noticeable relief in just a few sessions, even after years of feeling stuck.

EMDR at Samaritan: In-Office and Telehealth Options

At Samaritan Counseling Services, we’re proud to have EMDRIA-approved therapists offering EMDR both in-person and via telehealth.

For those who prefer face-to-face interaction, we have therapists providing in-office EMDR sessions in a safe, private, and supportive environment.

For others, especially those with busy schedules, transportation challenges, or simply a preference for being in their own space, telehealth EMDR is an excellent alternative. I work primarily via telehealth and have seen firsthand how powerful this work can be—even when conducted entirely online.

How Does EMDR Work Remotely?

You might be wondering: Can EMDR really work over a screen? The answer is yes.

Using a secure, browser-based tool called BilateralStimulation.io, I’m able to guide clients through the EMDR process with the same level of clinical integrity and effectiveness as in-office sessions. This platform allows for customizable visual bilateral stimulation, right from your laptop or tablet, so you can engage in the therapy from anywhere you feel safe and comfortable.

Clients often find that working from home helps them feel more relaxed, which can enhance the therapeutic experience.

Why Choose EMDR?

If you’ve tried traditional talk therapy and still feel stuck…
If past experiences continue to affect how you feel, think, or relate to others…
If anxiety, depression, or grief are interfering with your daily life…

EMDR may be the right approach for you. It’s not about reliving trauma—it’s about freeing yourself from it.

And with multiple EMDRIA-approved therapists on our team, Samaritan offers a variety of ways to begin.

You Don’t Have to Wait to Feel Better

One of the most powerful things about EMDR is that relief can come more quickly than many expect. While everyone’s journey is different, many clients experience meaningful shifts in a matter of weeks or months—not years.

Whether you’re recovering from trauma, managing anxiety, or just feeling emotionally overwhelmed, EMDR can help you reconnect with your strengths and create lasting change.

Getting Started

We understand that choosing a therapist is an important decision. At Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast, we’re here to support you with compassion, clinical excellence, and flexibility. Whether you’re seeking in-person sessions with one of our office-based EMDR therapists, or you’re interested in telehealth sessions, you’ll be met with care and professionalism every step of the way.

If you’re curious about EMDR or ready to begin your healing journey, we invite you to reach out. You can learn more about our services and find the right therapist for you at  SamaritanGulfCoast.com or call (941) 926-2959.

Healing is possible. You don’t have to go through it alone—and now, you don’t even have to leave home.