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Top-Rated EMDR Therapy | Asheville, NC
Heal from the root with the power of EMDR therapy.
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Over two decades of clinical experience
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Trained in other specialized modalities including EFT and IFS
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Available for in-person walk and talk sessions in Asheville
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Intensive therapy options so you can experience rapid results
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Experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community
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Expertise in working with people practicing Ethical Non-Monogamy
Meet your EMDR therapist
Sarah J. Thompson, LCMHC, LPC
As a licensed therapist, I'm passionate about helping people heal from traumatic memories, build a hopeful future after loss, transform their relationships with themselves and others, and more.
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My journey began with a strong desire to explore how individual-level issues impact larger systems (and vice-versa). I've been lucky to do that through extensive formal education and varied clinical practice. Now, I use my advanced training in EMDR therapy to help people find deep, lasting transformation.
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At my practice, I combine a methodical, systematic approach with genuine warmth and care for my clients. Therapy with me goes beyond treating surface-level symptoms. Together, we'll partner to create a customized treatment plan that gets to the root of your challenges and helps you build a life you love.
My approach to EMDR therapy
EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), is a structured psychotherapy treatment that consists of eight phases:
Phase 1
History taking & treatment planning
Phase 2
Preparation
Phase 3
Assessment
Phase 4
Desensitization
Phase 5
Installation
Phase 6
Body scan
Phase 7
Closure
Phase 8
Reevaluation
We'll discuss what brings you into therapy and what you hope to get out of our work together.
We'll build our rapport and make sure you have the coping mechanisms you need to navigate this process effectively.
We'll hone in on which traumatic memories or unhelpful beliefs we'll focus our work on.
We'll engage in bilateral stimulation techniques (such as side-to-side eye movements) while you focus on a particular memory or mental image.
We'll work on replacing the negative beliefs associated with that memory with a more positive, helpful belief.
We'll explore what physical sensations come up for you when holding both the negative thought, belief, or image in your mind alongside the positive one.
We'll get you back to a solid baseline before wrapping up our session.
We'll check back in at the beginning of each EMDR session to see how you're doing.
While EMDR was created as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can also be used to help people heal from grief, substance abuse issues, stress, anxiety, and more.
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In addition to EMDR, I'm also trained in other specialized therapy techniques, including internal family systems (IFS) and emotionally-focused therapy (EFT). When appropriate, I'll weave these methods into our work together.
How to get started
Common reasons why people seek EMDR therapy
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Process traumatic memories
Whether you're dealing with a single, specific traumatic event or complex trauma from your past, EMDR can help your brain reprocess these memories in a safe, controlled environment. Through proven techniques, we can work together to help your nervous system release stored trauma and develop new, healthier ways of responding.
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Quiet anxiety and panic
If you find yourself caught in cycles of anxiety or experiencing panic attacks, EMDR can help you break those patterns. This approach helps address both the surface-level symptoms and the deeper roots of anxiety, allowing you to move through life with a greater sense of peace.
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Navigate life transitions and relationship changes
Major life changes—whether it's a career shift, a relationship ending, or moving to a new city—can stir up unexpected emotions and old patterns. EMDR can help you process these transitions, release old beliefs that no longer serve you, and step confidently into your next chapter.
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Process grief and loss
Grief doesn't always follow a predictable path, and sometimes we find ourselves stuck in particular aspects of the grieving process. EMDR provides a gentle way to process grief, helping you honor your loss while moving toward healing and acceptance.
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Healing from childhood experiences
Even if you can't pinpoint specific traumatic events, childhood experiences shape our beliefs about ourselves and the world. EMDR can help you identify and transform these early patterns, helping you foster greater self-acceptance and understanding.
FAQs about EMDR therapy
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How do I know if EMDR is right for me?EMDR might be right for you if you're experiencing emotional distress that feels bigger than the current situation, finding yourself highly reactive to certain triggers, or holding beliefs about yourself that you intellectually know aren't true. While EMDR is particularly helpful for trauma recovery, you don't need to have experienced a major traumatic event to benefit—it can help with anxiety, relationship patterns, life transitions, or any emotional pain where you feel blocked from moving forward. The best way to determine if EMDR is a good fit is to schedule a free phone consultation with me. We'll discuss your specific situation and explore whether this approach aligns with your needs and goals.
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Is EMDR usually covered by insurance?Yes, EMDR therapy is usually covered by insurance. As an out-of-network provider, I'm happy to provide you with detailed documentation and superbills so you can request reimbursement from your insurance provider. I recommend checking with your insurance company about their specific out-of-network mental health benefits and EMDR coverage.
