The state of Utah has many wonderful qualities and resources. In Utah you’ll have approximately 300 sunny days a year. You can zip through 5 must-see national parks (known as “The Mighty Five”): Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion National Park. And, you have access to EMDR therapists in every major city in the state.

Thank goodness, because Utah is no stranger to depression, anxiety and PTSD / trauma. Before we talk specifically about finding EMDR therapy with a certified EMDR therapist in Utah, let’s talk about the need for trauma and PTSD treatment. Let’s begin with understanding what trauma looks like for Utah women like you and what makes childhood trauma so unique.

Utah, Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences

Trauma is a bit of a buzz word these days, but not without reason. We know now that far more people are impacted by trauma than we once thought. You might also be personally aware that the impact of trauma is deep, life-changing and unpredictable. In other words – your experience of wellness, balance and health can be radically shifted due to a traumatic experience.

Did you experience trauma during childhood? Perhaps you experienced one or more “adverse childhood experiences,” also known as ACEs. ACEs include things such as:

• Emotional Abuse
• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Witnessing Domestic Violence
• …and more

Utah’s Department of Health did an amazing report in 2020 that explains why ACEs are so
important. They note:

As the number of ACEs increases, so does the risk of injury, sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), mental health problems, maternal and child health problems, teen pregnancy, involvement in sex trafficking, a wide range of chronic diseases, and dying from one of the leading causes of death (such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and suicide). ACEs can also negatively impact education, employment, and earnings potential…

Have You Experienced Emotional Abuse?

If you have experienced emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse or other ACEs you are not alone. We have the numbers to prove it. In fact, the Utah Department of Health goes on to report these statistics in their 2020 report:

• 61.4% of Utah adults surveyed experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) and 24.3% experienced three or more.
• Emotional Abuse was identified as the most common ACE experienced by Utahns (36.9%).
• Utah women and people who are American Indian/Alaska Native are affected by statistically higher prevalence of four or more ACEs than Utah as a whole.

How Do We Cope With Stress In Utah?

Perhaps it is because of these experiences that we are looking for ways to cope with the pain, shame, secrecy and PTSD symptoms. It’s important to know that in Utah, we are not alone in our struggles with drug abuse and addiction. Our own Utah state government had this to say in 2020:

Drug poisoning deaths are a preventable public health problem; they are the leading cause of injury death in Utah, outpacing deaths due to firearms, falls, and motor vehicle crashes. Ten Utah adults die each week from drug overdose; eight of which are a result of opioids; and four due to prescription opioids, specifically.

Can EMDR Therapy Help Me?

Drug use isn’t the only unhealthy way that we cope. Many women come to the Guided Wellness Counseling office to address other ways of “getting by.” These can include:

• People pleasing
• Walking on eggshells
• Perfectionism
• Poor Boundaries / No Boundaries
• Feelings Of Shame
• Difficulty saying “no”
• And so much more…

EMDR therapy can support you in addressing these patterns. Not only that, EMDR is incredibly effective in addressing these issues!

Why Is EMDR Therapy Effective?

There are many reasons why EMDR is effective but there is one reason above all others why it seems to help so many. The reason is that EMDR therapy helps your head, your heart and your body all address the issue. This is so important!

Would you agree with this statement: I know nobody’s perfect. How about this one: I know I don’t have to be perfect every day. If you can agree with these statements then good for you! But now we need to bring your heart and your body on board. These are the parts of you that stress when you make a mistake (even though you know everybody makes mistakes / nobody is perfect). These are the parts of you that send anxiety or defensiveness coursing through your body when someone corrects you or sees you at less than your best. EMDR addresses all of these parts to help you move forward.

How Do I Find An EMDR Therapist In Utah?

One of the fastest and reliable ways to find a well trained EMDR therapist in Utah is to go to the source – the organization that certifies them. The EMDR International Association is the organization that approves EMDR training, along with EMDR education and certification around the world. If a therapist has been trained by them, they can sign-up to be on their EMDRIA database.

Not all EMDR therapists want to be on the EMDRIA database (likely, because it does cost money to be listed). Also, EMDR training is a long and rigorous process and a therapist might not qualify for the registry yet – but be very capable and skilled nonetheless.

Knowing this, this still may be the easiest way to find someone that is certain to have received excellent training and is up to date on how to best provide you care with EMDR therapy. On the EMDRIA “Find An EMDR Therapist” page you can search by state, city and zip code. You can also search by name; try searching for Melissa Spaulding and you’ll find our information to work with her at Guided Wellness Counseling in St. George, UT.

PTSD Treatment In St. George UT | 84780 | 84790 | 84770 | 84720

Have you considered trauma therapy for yourself? Have you ever googled, “EMDR therapy near me” to see what your options are… only to get overwhelmed or distracted by life before you can make that first appointment? Does help for your PTSD symptoms feel too scary and unpredictable? It doesn’t have to be this way.

At Guided Wellness Counseling you have your choice of skilled, compassionate EMDR therapists. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD / trauma or relationship issues (e.g. low self esteem, people pleasing, boundaries, etc), you can take the next step forward – getting information – so you can make an empowered choice for yourself.

“There Is An EMDR Therapy Near Me!” Your Next Step Is Simple.

The adventurous women that come to our office want options in their life. They want to be taken seriously and they also need a place to be vulnerable and deal with what is causing them pain. Our EMDR therapists are here and ready to begin working past the things that hurt you.

The first step is to call and take advantage of a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation. In fact, often in less than 15 minutes we’ll discuss (1) what has you interested in counseling, (2) which therapists would be best for you and why and (3) your options for payment and scheduling – including free text message reminders for all your appointments.

How would your life change if you didn’t feel so anxious? If you weren’t so reactive and angry around your family? What would it be like if you set boundaries that are assertive and clear (not avoidant or approval-seeking). When you are ready call us at (435)767-1424, or book your complimentary consultation ahead of time using the link below.