blue chip counseling & EMDR
EMDR Therapy in St. George, UT
Helping adults and teens (12+) heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Visit us in St. George or virtually across Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Arizona.
Process and manage trauma with expert guidance
Reduce PTSD symptoms including flashbacks and panic
Reclaim peace, power, and self-acceptance
It’s not all in your head.
You’re exhausted from explaining how you feel—how your heart races, your body tenses, or your mind spirals—only to be told, “it’s all in your head.” You’ve tried to power through, maybe even tried talk therapy, but it didn’t get to the root of the pain. Deep down, you just want to feel normal again—to live your life without being hijacked by fear, panic, or memories you didn’t ask for.
At Blue Chip Counseling, our EMDR therapists in UT understand that trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. EMDR helps process stuck experiences so you can finally move forward, feeling more in control, grounded, and hopeful about life again.
EMDR therapy | St. george, UT.
You may find yourself feeling:
- Constantly anxious or panicky, even without a clear reason
- Full of self-doubt or like you're never good enough
- Overcome by sadness that doesn’t seem to lift
- Burdened by the sense that everything falls on you
- Gripped by fear, causing nightmares, or restless sleep
- Hit with sudden waves of anger, tears, or emotional overwhelm
- Physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or sweating
- Ongoing tension in your body, including headaches or stomach pain
EMDR therapy can help you process the root of these painful experiences, so you can finally feel calmer in your body, clearer in your mind, and more in control of your life.
Meet Our Team
Match With An EMDR Therapist In St. George
Browse our Blue Chip team of therapists or contact us to get matched. Our team is available for in-person therapy in St. George, UT., or virtually across Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Arizona.
EMDR Therapy | St. George, UT
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful therapy designed for when traditional talk therapy just isn’t enough to heal deep wounds. Trauma and overwhelming experiences can get “stuck” in your brain and body, frozen in the moment with all their raw intensity still alive. Unlike regular memories that soften over time, these traumatic moments stay vivid and heavy because trauma disrupts the brain’s natural way of processing, keeping you locked in the emotional pain as if it’s happening right now.
EMDR uses gentle bilateral stimulation, like guided eye movements, to help your brain reprocess those stuck memories. This unlocks your body’s own healing power, allowing those painful memories to settle into the past instead of controlling your present. Over time, the emotional weight lifts, freeing you from old pain and helping you regain balance, control, and peace in your life.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy
EMDR is for people who are carrying the invisible weight of trauma, anxiety, or past experiences that won’t let go, no matter how much they try to move on. It’s for those who’ve been told “it’s all in your head,” but know what they’re feeling is real. You might have tried talk therapy and felt like it didn’t go deep enough, or you may find yourself overwhelmed by flashbacks, nightmares, panic, or a constant sense of dread. EMDR is especially helpful for people who feel stuck in survival mode, tired of feeling like they’re never entirely safe, calm, or in control. If you’re ready to stop reliving the past and start reclaiming your life, EMDR therapy offers a path toward peace, clarity, and relief.
EMDR Can Help You Or Your Teen With:
Trauma
Trauma can leave you feeling overwhelmed and frozen in painful memories; EMDR helps you gently process these experiences and find relief.
PTSD
PTSD often traps you in a cycle of fear and flashbacks, and EMDR supports your brain in rewiring those memories for greater calm and safety.
Grief And Loss
Grief can feel heavy and unending; EMDR offers a path to honor your loss while easing the emotional weight over time.
Emotional Dysregulation
When your emotions feel out of control, EMDR helps restore balance by addressing the root of those intense feelings.
Anxiety
Anxiety can make everyday life exhausting; EMDR provides tools to quiet racing thoughts and soothe physical symptoms.
Feeling Stuck In Cycling Negative Thoughts
Repetitive negative thoughts can feel like a trap. EMDR helps break that cycle and open space for new perspectives.
Low Self-Image
If you are struggling with self-worth, EMDR can help you heal those deep-seated beliefs so you can see your true value.
Insecurity
Insecurity can hold you back from connection and confidence; EMDR helps you build inner safety and trust in yourself.
Control Issues
When control feels like a constant battle, EMDR guides you to release the need for control and find peace in uncertainty.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain isn’t just physical, and EMDR can help untangle the emotional layers that worsen your experience and promote healing.
At Blue Chip Counseling in St. George, our therapists combine expertise in EMDR with a down-to-earth, compassionate approach that makes you feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for.
Our Approach
How EMDR Therapy Works
At Blue Chip Counseling in St. George, EMDR therapy typically unfolds in three stages. If you decide to begin EMDR with us, here’s a simple overview of what to expect, so you can feel prepared, supported, and informed every step of the way.
Stage 1: Building Safety
& Making a Plan
Before we begin processing any difficult memories, we take the time to understand your story. We’ll discuss your history and what’s bringing you in, and then spend time strengthening your emotional foundation to feel grounded and safe. This often includes learning simple mindfulness tools you can use both in and outside the session to support your nervous system.
Once we’ve established a strong starting point, you and your therapist will create a Target Sequence Plan—a personalized roadmap that outlines the experiences, beliefs, and triggers you’d like to work through. We often use tools like core belief clusters to help pinpoint the areas holding the most weight. Depending on your needs, we might spend extra time here helping your brain and body connect with positive beliefs before moving forward. We always go at your pace.
Stage 2: Processing
Trauma
This is the phase most people think of when they hear “EMDR.” Using a technique called bilateral stimulation— often guided eye movements, tapping, or small hand-held buzzers—we help you gently access and process painful or stuck memories.
You won’t have to relive your trauma. Instead, your therapist will guide you in staying connected and present, helping you move through any emotions or sensations that arise, while keeping you within your “window of tolerance.” If anything feels too overwhelming, we’ll pause, regroup, and use the calming tools you’ve already practiced. You’re in control at every step, and your safety is our priority.
Stage 3: Integration
As processing begins to take effect, we move into integration.
This part is about weaving changes into your daily life so you feel more balanced, clear, and connected. We’ll explore how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors shift and build on that progress. This may include learning new coping strategies, reflecting on changes, or continuing to process other target areas.
EMDR Therapy | St. George, UT.
Questions About EMDR Therapy
How does EMDR work?
EMDR is a fascinating and powerful process. When we experience something highly stressful or traumatic, our brains can sometimes get overwhelmed and aren’t able to fully process what’s happening. As a result, certain memories—especially the ones packed with strong emotions—can get “stuck.”
EMDR helps to unstick them by using bilateral stimulation, like guided eye movements. This activates the limbic system—the same part of your brain that’s busy during REM sleep (that dream state where your brain is naturally sorting through emotions and memories).
In a way, EMDR allows your brain to do that same deep, healing work, but while you’re awake and consciously choosing what you want to work through. It’s a gentle but powerful way to help your mind clear out what no longer serves you. And for many people, the shift can happen surprisingly quickly.
Does EMDR involve eye movement in every session at Blue Chip Counseling & EMDR?
No, the eye movement isn’t used in every session, even though it’s the most well-known part of EMDR. This therapy is all about you, so you and your therapist will work together to decide the best way to meet your goals and support you throughout the process.
How long are the sessions and how often do I need to come in for EMDR to be most effective?
Our EMDR sessions are scheduled on the hour and usually last about 50 minutes. Research shows that coming weekly is best, but every other week can work too if that fits your schedule better. We generally recommend starting EMDR only if you can commit to sessions at least every two weeks, since longer gaps can slow down the healing momentum.
What does the term “3 Pronged Approach” mean?
EMDR uses a three-part approach that helps you process (1) memories, (2) how those memories affect you in the present, and (3) any fears or worries about the future. For example, suppose you’ve had a painful experience. In that case, you’ll work through the original memory and emotions, then explore how it’s impacting your life now, and finally address any concerns about how it might continue to affect you down the road. This is often where people struggling with anxiety find surprising and powerful relief through EMDR.
What if I wear glasses or don’t feel comfortable with the rapid eye movement. Can I still participate?
Yes, absolutely. Some people prefer not to use rapid eye movement and achieve similar results through bilateral tapping or other types of bilateral stimulation. These methods activate the brain’s limbic system—the part responsible for processing emotions and memories and managing the body’s stress response. Interestingly, research shows that bilateral auditory stimulation can most effectively ease chronic pain. When this is the focus, clients wear headphones during the session.
What if I start and I don’t like EMDR? Would that be a waste of time and resources?
No, not at all. The early stages of EMDR—before any bilateral stimulation begins—offer valuable skills and techniques that can help, whether or not you choose to continue with processing. If you start processing and find it’s not the right fit for you, our therapists at Blue Chip Counseling & EMDR are skilled at adapting and can easily shift to other approaches. We believe in a truly client-centered approach—seeing you as the hero of your story, with us as guides supporting you every step. We’re here to listen closely and honor what you want and need throughout your journey.
How long will it take to feel better?
Everyone’s past is different, and so is every person’s healing journey. Some people notice real relief after just one EMDR processing session. When that happens, it often sparks hope and motivation to keep working through other challenges and experience even more positive change. That said, EMDR usually works best when you commit to a few months of consistent sessions. While true healing takes time, many people feel the benefits sooner than expected.
Do you offer virtual EMDR therapy? And if so, which states?
Yes, we offer virtual EMDR therapy across Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Arizona. Or, you can attend therapy at our St. George location at 75 South 100 East #2-D St. George, Utah 84770.
EMDR Therapy | St. George, UT
Some Possible Outcomes From EMDR Therapy
Though each path is unique, with dedication and consistent effort in therapy, you can begin to experience:
- A boost in self-esteem and confidence
- Deeper, more satisfying intimacy
- A feeling of lightness and empowerment
- Fewer or no panic attacks
- A stronger sense of control over your thoughts and feelings
- The ability to recall past negative events without the overwhelming emotions and physical pain
- A reduction in anxiety and relief from related physical symptoms like chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, panic, tearfulness, overwhelm, and regret
- Healthier, more rational thoughts that replace negative, distorted beliefs from the past
- Freedom from the fear of triggers and less reactivity, leading to greater ease and confidence in daily life
blue chip counseling & emdr | st george
How To Get Started
If you’re ready to get started, you can book online using our secure booking platform.
Have questions? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation, submit a message via our contact form, or call us.
435-553-8908
435-553-8908
admin@bluechipcounseling.com
75 S 100 E #2D, St. George, UT 84770, United States