Trusted Local Care for Healing After a Traumatic Event

At Downtown Psychological Services, PC, we provide evidence-based EMDR treatment designed for New Yorkers. With over 30 years of service in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and nearby neighborhoods, our clinicians have helped thousands of clients process traumatic memories and move forward. If you’re searching for EMDR therapy in NYC, our team of seasoned NYC therapists offers compassionate trauma therapy rooted in clinical expertise and real-world results.

What Is EMDR—and Why It Works

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, eight-phase trauma therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing experiences. Using guided eye movement or other forms of bilateral stimulation (taps or tones), a trained EMDR therapist activates the brain’s natural healing system. Over time, the emotional charge of traumatic memories decreases, and new, adaptive beliefs take root.

Who Benefits Most

We often recommend EMDR for clients experiencing:

• PTSD related to a single traumatic event (accident, assault, medical emergency).

• Complex or childhood trauma, including neglect and attachment wounds.

• Anxiety, panic, and performance blocks that feel “stuck.”

• Persistent triggers after grief, loss, or relationship ruptures.

• Depression that worsens around specific memories or seasons.

How EMDR Sessions Typically Unfold

• Assessment & Treatment Plan: We map symptoms, identify targets, and set clear goals with your therapist.

• Preparation: You’ll learn grounding, imagery, and regulation skills to stay steady during processing.

• Processing: Through therapy EMDR protocols and trauma EMDR techniques, we apply bilateral stimulation while you notice images, emotions, and body sensations.

• Installation & Body Scan: We reinforce adaptive beliefs and clear residual somatic tension.

• Closure & Future Template: You’ll rehearse healthy responses for future situations.

Timing, Frequency & Cost Considerations

Most clients attend weekly or twice-weekly EMDR sessions for 8–20 sessions, depending on history and goals. Some choose intensive formats for faster relief. We offer transparent pricing, superbills for out-of-network benefits, and flexible scheduling with evening options for busy NYC professionals.

Pro Tip

EMDR works best when your nervous system feels safe. Before deep processing, our clinicians prioritize stabilization—sleep, nutrition, gentle movement, and daily micro-practices—so your system is prepared to heal.

Local Expertise, Real NYC Accessibility

We proudly serve the Financial District, Tribeca, SoHo, Lower Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side, and Brooklyn neighborhoods including Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Williamsburg, and Park Slope. Whether you work in FiDi and live in Brooklyn, or commute from Queens (LIC), our locations and telehealth options make it easier to maintain momentum in treatment.

Our clinician team includes seasoned EMDR therapists with advanced training in integrative EMDR—combining EMDR with parts-work, somatic skills, and attachment-informed counseling. This clinical approach supports complex trauma, anxiety, and depression while honoring each client’s pace.

Choosing Your EMDR Path

OptionProsConsStandard EMDR (Weekly)Steady progress; easier to budget time/cost; integrates well with daily lifeSlower than intensives; may take longer to resolve multi-layered traumaIntegrative EMDR (Hybrid)Combines EMDR with somatic/parts work; highly personalized for complex casesRequires experienced therapist; session length may varyEMDR IntensivesAccelerated results; helpful when symptoms are urgent or schedules are limitedHigher upfront time/cost; requires robust stabilization beforehand

Expert Tip

Hidden cost to watch for: fragmented care. When counseling is split across multiple providers without coordination, progress stalls. Our team collaborates (with your consent) with psychiatrists, primary care, and allied clinicians so your treatment plan stays cohesive.

How to Evaluate EMDR Providers in NYC

Questions to Ask

• Are your therapists EMDR-trained and actively supervised by senior clinicians?

• Do you offer integrative EMDR for complex or childhood trauma?

• How do you ensure safety and stabilization before deep processing?

• Can we establish measurable goals and a clear session roadmap?

Credentials & Licenses to Check

• State licensure (e.g., PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT).

• Verified EMDR training; ask about advanced workshops and consultation hours.

• Trauma-informed and culturally responsive care experience in diverse NYC communities.

Proposal Red Flags

• Guarantees of “cure” in a fixed number of sessions.

• No plan for stabilization, aftercare, or relapse prevention.

• Minimal coordination with other providers when medication or specialty referrals are relevant.

Why Downtown Psychological Services, PC Stands Out

• Depth of Expertise: 30+ years serving NYC; senior supervisors guide each EMDR therapist and clinician.

• Personalized Roadmaps: Clear goals, regular outcome reviews, and practical skills between sessions.

• Integrated Care: We blend EMDR with somatic, attachment, and parts-based approaches for durable healing.

• Accessible Options: Evening/virtual sessions for Manhattan and Brooklyn clients.

Advanced Insights from Our EMDR Team

In our experience, clients who combine trauma EMDR with light skills-practice between sessions report faster relief from triggers tied to traumatic memories. Many also see downstream benefits—improved sleep, reduced avoidance, and more balanced mood where depression and anxiety once spiked. For those navigating PTSD after a traumatic event, EMDR helps uncouple the memory from the fight-flight-freeze response, so life in NYC feels manageable again.

Another Pro Tip

If you’re unsure whether to start weekly therapy or an intensive, schedule a consultation. We’ll consider your history, bandwidth, and readiness to recommend a pace that protects stability while accelerating healing.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or greater NYC, reach out to Downtown Psychological Services, PC—your local experts in EMDR treatment and trauma therapy. Our therapists offer same-week availability for new clients, thoughtful coordination with your care team, and a clear plan for sustainable progress.

Contact & Next Steps

• Book a 15-minute consult to explore the best format for you (weekly, hybrid, or intensive).

• Meet your dedicated EMDR therapist and outline goals for the first 4–6 weeks.

• Begin processing when you feel ready—at a pace that supports safety and lasting change.

Take the first step today. Schedule an appointment with our NYC therapists and start transforming how your mind and body hold difficult memories.

We also offer the following therapy:

• Marriage Counseling

• Couples Therapy

• CBT Therapy

• Somatic Therapy

• Trauma Therapy