EMDR THERAPY IN RALEIGH, WAXHAW, COLUMBIA AND ONLINE

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a structured psychotherapy approach that may help people process traumatic experiences and other distressing memories. Anew U Counseling Services offers EMDR therapy through clinicians serving Raleigh and Waxhaw, North Carolina; Columbia, South Carolina; and by secure telehealth. Every EMDR therapist listed below offers telehealth when it is clinically appropriate and the client is located in a state where that therapist is authorized to practice.

Every person’s needs are different. An Anew U therapist will first learn about your concerns, discuss your goals and explain whether EMDR may be an appropriate part of your treatment. Preparation, safety and a comfortable therapeutic relationship come before trauma processing.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR uses a carefully paced process to help clients notice and work through memories, thoughts, emotions and physical responses connected to difficult experiences. Sessions may include bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or other alternating sensory input, alongside established psychotherapy practices.

EMDR is not hypnosis, and you remain awake and in control throughout the session. You do not have to describe every detail of an experience for therapy to be meaningful. Your therapist will explain each step, answer questions and work at a pace that supports stability.

Concerns EMDR May Address

Depending on the client, therapist and treatment plan, EMDR may be considered for concerns related to:

• Trauma and post-traumatic stress
• Distressing memories
• Anxiety, fear or panic connected to past experiences
• Grief and loss
• Shame, negative beliefs or difficulty trusting
• Difficult life transitions
• Relationship or attachment experiences

EMDR is not the right approach for every person or every stage of therapy. Your therapist will assess readiness, coping resources, current safety and other clinical needs before beginning memory-processing work.

Meet Anew U’s EMDR Therapists

Availability, appointment format, populations served and insurance participation vary by clinician. Each therapist below is presented with equal visibility. Review their profile, then contact Anew U for help confirming current fit, availability and insurance participation.

All of the EMDR therapists listed below provide EMDR through secure telehealth. In-person availability varies by clinician and office.

Raleigh, North Carolina

• Ikeya Williams, LCSWA, LCASA — EMDR therapist serving Raleigh clients.
• Barry Wallace, LCMHC, LCAS — EMDR therapist serving Raleigh clients.
• Lakesha Means, LCSW — EMDR therapist serving Raleigh clients.
• Renee Best, LCMHCS, LPCS — EMDR therapist serving Raleigh clients.

Explore the Raleigh therapist team.

Waxhaw, North Carolina

• August Ormand, LCSW — EMDR therapist serving Waxhaw clients.
• Caroline Sampsell, LCSW — EMDR therapist serving Waxhaw clients.
• April Duritza, LCSWA — EMDR therapist serving Waxhaw clients.

Explore the Waxhaw therapist team.

Columbia, South Carolina

• Amanda Richardson, LCMHC, LPC — EMDR therapist offering in-person care in Columbia and secure telehealth.

Explore the Columbia therapist team.

Telehealth-Only

• Nina Cundiff, LCMHCA — EMDR therapist whose appointments are provided exclusively through secure telehealth.

Explore Anew U’s telehealth team.

What to Expect Before EMDR Processing

EMDR therapy begins with assessment and preparation. Your therapist may ask about your history, current symptoms, support system, coping skills and treatment goals. Together, you may practice grounding, emotional-regulation or calming strategies before deciding whether to begin processing a specific memory.

The timing is individualized. Some clients spend several sessions building trust and preparation skills, while others may be ready sooner. EMDR can also be used as one part of a broader treatment plan rather than the only therapy approach.

Insurance and Appointment Options

Anew U participates with many commercial and Medicaid insurance plans. Coverage depends on the exact plan, state, service and clinician, so insurance benefits and network participation must be verified before scheduling. Please review our Insurance & Fees page and contact the administrative team for clinician-specific verification.

All listed EMDR therapists offer secure telehealth; in-person options vary by therapist and location. Call (984) 212-0028 or send an appointment request and share:

• The state where you will be located during therapy
• Whether you prefer in-person or telehealth appointments
• Your scheduling needs
• Your insurance plan
• The concerns you would like support with

Our administrative team will help identify an appropriate available therapist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EMDR only for people with a PTSD diagnosis?

No. A formal PTSD diagnosis is not always required for a therapist to consider EMDR. The decision depends on your symptoms, history, goals, readiness and the therapist’s clinical assessment. Your therapist will discuss whether EMDR or another approach better fits your needs.

Will I have to tell my therapist every detail of what happened?

Not necessarily. EMDR does not require you to share every detail aloud. Your therapist still needs enough information to understand your needs, monitor safety and guide treatment, but the process can often focus on the memory, beliefs, emotions and body responses without a detailed retelling.

Can EMDR be provided through telehealth?

Yes. Every Anew U EMDR therapist listed on this page offers EMDR through secure telehealth when it is clinically appropriate and the therapist is authorized to practice where the client is physically located. The therapist will also consider privacy, technology, coping resources and safety before recommending remote EMDR sessions.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

There is no single number that fits everyone. Treatment length depends on the concerns being addressed, the number and complexity of experiences, current stability, personal goals and response to therapy. Your therapist will review progress with you and adjust the treatment plan as needed.