EMDR Therapy in Arvada, CO

You know the past is over. But sometimes your body reacts like it isn't.

Maybe you've talked through what happened, understand why you feel this way, and still find yourself anxious, on edge, or stuck in the same painful patterns.

EMDR therapy can help you process what's still affecting you, without having to tell every painful detail of your story.

At AVOS Counseling Center in Arvada, Colorado, we offer trauma-informed EMDR therapy that combines attachment-focused treatment, somatic awareness, and a personalized approach to healing.

Our clinicians include Erica Bonham, an EMDRIA-approved consultant who also trains and consults other therapists.

You don't have to be ready for all of it. Just the first step.

In-person EMDR in Arvada • Medicaid options with eligible clinicians • Clear session fees

Why Choose AVOS?

• Your pace matters. We assess readiness and build coping skills before processing difficult memories.
• Experienced trauma care. Work with clinicians trained in EMDR, attachment, and body-focused approaches.
• More than one approach. EMDR can be combined with somatic therapy and parts work when appropriate.
• Know your options. Understand fees, treatment formats, and clinician availability before getting started.

You don’t have to let your past dictate your present or your future.
Positive change is possible. 

It’s not you, it’s your brain.

Your brain has been programmed to keep you in a state of stress. It has been trying to protect you. EMDR literally gets your brain unstuck and rewires how memories are stored.  

Is EMDR Safe, and Will I Have to Relive My Trauma?

We start with preparation, not your hardest memory.

It's common to worry that EMDR will bring up more than you can handle.

EMDR can involve uncomfortable emotions, but treatment includes preparation and assessment before memory reprocessing begins.

At AVOS, our trauma-informed approach emphasizes building trust, understanding your nervous system, and developing coping strategies before moving into difficult material.

You'll work with your therapist to:

• Recognize signs of emotional overwhelm.
• Practice grounding and calming techniques.
• Understand what to expect during treatment.
• Communicate when you need a pause or adjustment.

You don't have to describe every painful detail.

EMDR doesn't require a complete verbal retelling of your trauma. Your therapist will guide you through the process while respecting your comfort level and clinical needs.

What about side effects?

Some people experience temporary emotional distress, fatigue, vivid dreams, or new memories between sessions.

Your therapist can help you prepare for these possibilities and develop strategies for managing difficult feelings. If symptoms become overwhelming, it's important to let your clinician know.

EMDR may need to be adapted or delayed when someone is experiencing an acute mental health crisis or needs additional support with emotional regulation. Your therapist will assess this with you.

The clinicians at AVOS Counseling Center specialize in helping you rewire your brain, body and belief systems.

What Happens During an EMDR Session at AVOS?

We prepare you to face your hardest memory.

Your first appointments focus on understanding your experiences, discussing your goals, and deciding whether EMDR is appropriate.

Your therapist will ask about your concerns, relevant history, and what you'd like to change. You'll also have opportunities to ask questions and learn how the treatment works.

When you're ready for memory processing, your therapist may guide your eye movements or use handheld pulsers that alternate gentle sensations between your hands.

You'll briefly focus on aspects of a memory while noticing any thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations that arise.

You're awake, aware, and involved throughout the process. EMDR is not hypnosis, and you can ask to pause.

Not every appointment involves memory processing. Some focus on preparation, developing coping skills, or reviewing progress.

What If EMDR Didn't Work for Me Before?

A previous experience doesn't have to be the end of the conversation.

Maybe you tried EMDR and couldn't focus. Maybe it felt overwhelming, or you didn't notice the changes you hoped for.

That doesn't automatically mean EMDR can't help you.

Your readiness, therapeutic relationship, treatment approach, and the experiences being addressed can all affect how treatment goes.

EMDR is one of the approaches we offer as part of our broader trauma-informed counseling in Arvada, which also draws on somatic and attachment-focused work to support healing from difficult experiences.

These approaches can help you explore protective responses, difficult emotions, and patterns that may need attention alongside memory processing.

A different approach can't guarantee a different outcome. But understanding what didn't work before can help you and your therapist make a more informed plan.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

It depends on your history, goals, and response to treatment.

Someone addressing a single traumatic incident may need a shorter course than someone working through years of complex trauma.

Your therapist will discuss expectations, establish goals, and review progress with you.

AVOS also offers package-based and intensive treatment options with Erica Bonham for clients who may benefit from more concentrated appointments.

Who Provides EMDR Therapy at AVOS Counseling Center?

Trauma care from clinicians who understand more than the textbook.

Our approach combines EMDR with an understanding of attachment, the nervous system, and the ways difficult experiences can shape everyday life.

Specialized Trauma Support

AVOS also provides support for experiences that don't always fit traditional descriptions of trauma, including spiritual and religious trauma and the impact of racial trauma.

Our practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and committed to care that respects your identity, background, and experiences.

How Much Does EMDR Therapy Cost in Arvada?

Know your options before you commit.

EMDR costs at AVOS depend on your clinician and appointment format.

Visit our Fees page for additional details and appointment options.

Does AVOS accept Medicaid?

AVOS works with Colorado Medicaid through eligible clinicians. Coverage for EMDR depends on your plan, therapist, and treatment needs. Please confirm eligibility before scheduling.

What about other insurance?

AVOS is primarily fee-for-service and does not bill commercial insurance directly. Superbills may be available for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan.

Can I do EMDR online?

EMDR can sometimes be provided virtually. Ask our team about current telehealth availability and whether online treatment is appropriate for you.