EMDR Therapy

July 01, 2021

Written by Ross Cole, LCSW, Veterans Program - Primary Therapist 

PTSD Treatment Programs

One of the differentiators of HopeWay’s Veterans Program is that we offer all three of the most evidence-based and highly-recommended treatments for PTSD:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy
• EMDR

​Veterans who enter HopeWay’s program collaborate with our medical and clinical team to determine the most appropriate therapy to address their concerns and achieve their goals.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a popular treatment and its most scientifically-validated application is in the treatment of PTSD. Traumatic events can disrupt the functioning of the brain’s innate information processing system, causing the trauma memory to be stored dysfunctionally. As a result, the memory remains highly distressing, intrusive, and impacts emotions and beliefs.

EMDR Treatment 

In EMDR therapy, clients are guided to recall the most upsetting aspects of the trauma, then the information processing system is “kick-started” using eye movements, tactile stimulation, or auditory tones. As the system resumes adaptive processing, the memory becomes less disturbing, and more positive feelings and insights emerge. Reprocessing is complete when there is minimal distress, a healthier perspective on the event, and physical discomfort resolves. Through this process, EMDR files the once-present memory away in the past, alleviating the symptoms of PTSD.

Ross Cole, LCSW

Ross Cole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and serves as a Primary Therapist in HopeWay’s Veterans Program. His mental health career includes work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings. Prior to joining HopeWay, Ross  worked specifically with military Veterans at the Salisbury VA Medical Center providing specialized treatment for PTSD. He completed VA-credentialed training in evidence-based treatments for PTSD, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy, Written Exposure Therapy, and STAIR (Skills Training in Affective & Interpersonal Regulation). Ross completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UNC Chapel Hill.