There are moments that stay with you longer than you expected. They show up quietly, in how you feel, how you respond, or in ways you cannot always explain.
You may notice something feels off, even if you cannot fully name it. It can be frustrating trying to move forward while part of you still feels stuck.
EMDR therapy in Huntsville offers a way to begin working through those experiences without having to force the process or figure everything out at once.
Back Porch Counseling is a place where EMDR can help you begin making sense of what you have been carrying and where you want to go from here.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help ease the distress connected to traumatic memories. It supports your brain in reprocessing those experiences so they feel less intense over time, often without needing to go into every detail of what happened.
Difficult moments do not always fully settle. They can stay close, showing up in your thoughts, your body, or your reactions. EMDR therapy creates space for those experiences to be worked through in a way that feels more manageable.
Through bilateral stimulation, your brain begins to organize what once felt overwhelming. EMDR does not erase what happened. It is helping you carry it differently.
Signs you may benefit from seeing an EMDR therapist
You may benefit from seeing an EMDR therapist if disturbing events or difficult relationships from your past continue to feel present and are affecting how you feel, think, or move through your day.
It may be hard to put into words, but you may begin to notice small shifts in how you experience everyday life.
Anxiety that feels hard to explain
A steady sense of anxiety can remain even when nothing obvious is wrong. It can feel like your body is holding onto something your mind cannot fully sort through.
Feeling easily overwhelmed or drained
Small things may start to feel like too much. You might notice your energy dropping faster than it used to.
Memories that still feel close
Even after time has passed, certain memories can still feel present. They may show up unexpectedly or carry the same emotional weight.
Difficulty feeling connected in relationships
You may find it harder to feel present with others, whether in close relationships or with couples. There can be a sense of distance that is difficult to explain.
Feeling stuck or unsure how to move forward
Sometimes, it can feel like you are not making progress, even when you are trying. That sense of being stuck can be frustrating and confusing.
These experiences are more common than you might think. Many individuals carry things quietly for a long time before reaching out.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR works by helping your brain process traumatic memories more completely so they no longer feel as overwhelming in the present.
As you briefly focus on parts of the memory, your therapist helps you stay grounded while your eyes follow a steady back-and-forth movement or another rhythm. This back-and-forth activity helps your brain begin to process the experience differently.
You are not asked to relive everything all at once. Instead, you move through it in small, supported steps while your mind begins to make new connections.
You may notice that the memory begins to feel different. It may still be there, but it no longer carries the same emotional weight or immediate reaction.
Benefits of working with Jan Owen, EMDR therapist
For the past seven years, I have been working with individuals as they move through grief, trauma, and different seasons of life.
I am trained and certified through the EMDR International Association, which helps guide how I approach EMDR trauma therapy in our work together.
Sessions are held in a warm, welcoming space where you can take your time, feel comfortable, and speak openly.
At times, meeting once a week may not feel like enough. In those cases, we may choose to work together in an EMDR Intensive Retreat for one or more days, where we:
- Spend up to 6 hours a day in EMDR sessions
- Stay with the work without stopping and restarting each week
- Process more in a shorter period of time
- Step away from daily responsibilities and distractions
- Have space to rest and reflect between sessions
We will move at a pace that feels right, with space to focus on what you need as you move forward.
Location details
In-person sessions are available in Huntsville, Alabama, at my office located at 475 Providence Main Street, Suite 303C, Huntsville, AL 35806.
I also offer virtual appointments for individuals across Alabama.
For shorter EMDR intensives, ranging from a half day to two days, can take place either at my Huntsville office or at The Sanctuary at Bluffhaven, my therapy cabin located on Gunter Mountain, about 45 minutes from Huntsville.
Longer EMDR intensives take place at The Sanctuary, a private therapy cabin where you can stay on-site while we work together over several days.
If you are looking to find EMDR therapy in Huntsville, I have options available that can fit your needs and comfort.
Start moving forward with EMDR therapy
If you have been looking for EMDR therapy in Huntsville, this is a place where you can begin to work through what has been weighing on you, at a pace that feels right.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you start. You can come as you are, and we can take the time to understand what you have been carrying and what you need moving forward.
When you feel ready, book a free consultation with me today.
Frequently asked questions
How long does EMDR trauma therapy take to work?
EMDR can begin to shift how something feels within a few sessions, though it looks different for each person. As a specialized therapy used in clinical settings, the pace depends on what you have been carrying and how your system responds.
What does EMDR feel like during a session?
EMDR often feels focused and steady, with your attention moving between memory and guided stimulation. This clinical process is designed to help you stay grounded while your mind begins to process things differently.
Does EMDR work for anxiety and panic?
Yes, EMDR is often used when anxiety or panic is connected to past experiences. This approved approach helps ease those responses by working through what may be underneath them.
Is EMDR covered by insurance?
I do not accept insurance. I can provide a superbill for all services, which you can submit to your provider to see if out-of-network benefits apply based on your plan.