At New Roads Behavioral Health, we believe that healing is possible when treatment is grounded in compassion, clinical excellence, and proven therapeutic approaches. Trauma, anxiety, and distressing life experiences can leave lasting emotional imprints, shaping how individuals see themselves, others, and the world around them. For many, traditional talk therapy alone may not fully address the deeper neurological impact of trauma.
That’s why we’re proud to share an important milestone in our commitment to high-quality mental health care.
Big News: Every Therapist at New Roads Is Now EMDR Trained
We are thrilled to announce that every therapist at New Roads Behavioral Health is now officially trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, thanks to the leadership and dedication of Megan Vernon, Chief Clinical Officer.
This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous professional development. By ensuring that all clinicians are EMDR trained, we are expanding access to one of the most effective trauma-informed therapies available today—allowing us to better serve individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, and complex emotional challenges.
EMDR is a powerful, research-backed approach that helps individuals process distressing memories in a safe, structured, and supportive way. For many clients, it can be a transformative part of their healing journey.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in the late 1980s as an evidence-based psychotherapy. EMDR helps individuals process unresolved traumatic memories that continue to cause emotional distress.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on how memories are stored in the brain. Traumatic experiences can become “stuck,” meaning they are not fully processed and remain linked to intense emotions, physical sensations, and negative beliefs. When triggered, these memories can cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, panic, or emotional numbness.
EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they can be integrated in a healthier way—reducing emotional charge and allowing individuals to move forward with greater clarity and resilience.
How EMDR Works
EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase, structured treatment model that prioritizes safety, stabilization, and gradual processing. A key component of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is bilateral stimulation, which often involves guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones.
While recalling a distressing memory, the client engages in bilateral stimulation, which helps the brain reprocess the memory similarly to how it processes experiences during REM sleep. Over time, the memory becomes less emotionally intense and no longer feels overwhelming or intrusive.
Importantly, EMDR does not require clients to relive trauma in detail or talk extensively about every aspect of the experience. Instead, it allows the brain to do the work of healing in a contained and supportive environment.
Conditions EMDR Can Help Treat
EMDR is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but its benefits extend far beyond trauma alone. At New Roads Behavioral Health, EMDR may be integrated into treatment plans for individuals experiencing:
- Trauma and complex trauma
- Anxiety disorders and panic attacks
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Childhood trauma or attachment wounds
- Substance use disorders with underlying trauma
- Disturbing life events such as accidents, abuse, or medical trauma
- Negative self-beliefs rooted in past experiences
Many individuals struggling with addiction, anxiety, or mood disorders have unresolved trauma beneath the surface. EMDR helps address these root causes, supporting more sustainable healing and long-term recovery.
EMDR and Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma affects the brain and nervous system, not just emotions or thoughts. Trauma-informed care recognizes that symptoms often develop as survival responses rather than personal failures. EMDR aligns seamlessly with this philosophy by honoring the brain’s natural ability to heal when given the right conditions.
At New Roads Behavioral Health, trauma-informed care means:
- Creating a sense of safety and trust
- Respecting each client’s pace and readiness
- Avoiding re-traumatization
- Empowering individuals throughout the healing process
EMDR supports these principles by offering a structured yet flexible approach that prioritizes emotional regulation and client autonomy.
Why EMDR Is Especially Powerful in Recovery
Many individuals in recovery discover that substance use began as a way to cope with unresolved pain, trauma, or emotional distress. While detoxification and behavioral change are essential, lasting recovery often requires deeper healing.
EMDR helps individuals:
- Reduce emotional triggers linked to substance use
- Process traumatic memories without becoming overwhelmed
- Develop healthier beliefs about themselves and their worth
- Strengthen emotional resilience and coping skills
By addressing trauma at its core, EMDR can reduce the likelihood of relapse and support long-term recovery success.
Our Commitment to Excellence in Clinical Care
By training every therapist in EMDR, New Roads Behavioral Health demonstrates a clear commitment to delivering the highest standard of care. Under the leadership of Megan Vernon, Chief Clinical Officer, our team continues to advance clinical excellence through ongoing education and evidence-based practice.
Ongoing professional development is essential in the ever-evolving field of mental health. By investing in advanced training, we ensure our clinicians are equipped with the most effective tools to support healing, growth, and transformation.
What Clients Can Expect from EMDR at New Roads
When EMDR is incorporated into treatment at New Roads Behavioral Health, clients can expect a thoughtful, individualized approach. Therapy begins with preparation and stabilization, ensuring clients have coping skills and emotional resources before processing trauma.
Clients are never rushed. EMDR is collaborative, with therapists guiding the process while respecting each individual’s comfort level and readiness. The goal is not to erase memories, but to reduce their emotional impact so they no longer control daily life.
Many clients report:
- Reduced emotional reactivity
- Greater sense of calm and clarity
- Improved self-esteem and self-compassion
- Increased emotional freedom
EMDR as Part of a Comprehensive Treatment Approach
At New Roads Behavioral Health, EMDR is not a standalone solution—it is integrated into a holistic, individualized treatment plan. Our approach may also include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Psychiatric care
- Life skills development
- Transitional living support
- Trauma-informed addiction treatment
By addressing the whole person—mind, body, and emotional health—we help individuals build sustainable paths toward wellness.
The Science Behind EMDR
EMDR is supported by decades of research and is endorsed by organizations such as:
- The American Psychological Association (APA)
- The World Health Organization (WHO)
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Numerous studies show that EMDR can significantly reduce symptoms of trauma in fewer sessions than traditional therapies for many individuals. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to engage the brain’s natural healing processes.
Healing Is Possible
Trauma does not define who you are—and it doesn’t have to dictate your future. With the right support, healing is not only possible, it is achievable.
At New Roads Behavioral Health, we proudly walk alongside individuals as they pursue recovery, build resilience, and rediscover hope. With every therapist now trained in EMDR, our team delivers more effective, meaningful care that supports lasting change.
We are excited about the healing and growth this advancement will bring to the patients we serve.
Learn More About EMDR at New Roads Behavioral Health
If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma, anxiety, or the lingering effects of distressing life experiences, EMDR may be an effective part of your healing journey. Our compassionate team is here to help you explore treatment options and take the next step toward wellness.
Contact New Roads Behavioral Health today to learn more about EMDR therapy and our comprehensive approach to mental health and recovery.