EMDR & Trauma Therapy in Knoxville, TN: Healing from the Past, Reclaiming the Present
EMDR and trauma therapy in Knoxville, TN. I help clients process and heal from trauma in a safe, supportive space at Elevated Counseling.
Trauma can shape the way you see yourself, others, and the world, often without you realizing it. You may feel anxious, emotionally reactive, disconnected, or overwhelmed. Certain people, places, or situations might trigger intense feelings or memories. Even if the traumatic event happened long ago, your body and brain may still be stuck in survival mode.
I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and trauma-focused therapy in Knoxville, TN, to help you process and heal from past experiences that continue to impact your daily life. Therapy can help you feel more regulated, present, and in control of your story, not defined by it.
At Elevated Counseling in Knoxville, I offer trauma therapy that is compassionate, personalized, and rooted in evidence-based practices like EMDR. With deep respect for your story and your resilience, I help you move forward without letting past pain define your future.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma isn’t just about one specific type of event. It can come from any experience that overwhelms your ability to cope—leaving you feeling powerless, unsafe, or changed.
Some common sources of trauma include:
- Childhood emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Neglect or abandonment
- Bullying or social exclusion
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Domestic violence
- Car accidents or medical trauma
- Grief or complicated loss
- Natural disasters or sudden life changes
- Ongoing toxic relationships or environments
Many people carry trauma without realizing it. You might have adapted by numbing your emotions, avoiding reminders of the past, or over-functioning to stay “in control.” These coping strategies may have helped you survive—but they can also keep you from fully living.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based, structured therapy that helps the brain process traumatic memories so they no longer feel emotionally charged or overwhelming.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to talk in detail about your trauma. Instead, we focus on the thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and beliefs that are still “stuck” and work to reprocess them using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This activates both sides of the brain and allows your nervous system to reprocess and integrate the traumatic memory.
How EMDR Works
EMDR is an 8-phase treatment that includes:
History Taking – We identify the past experiences, current symptoms, and patterns that need attention.
Preparation – I’ll teach you coping tools and help build a sense of safety and stability before we begin reprocessing.
Assessment – Together we’ll identify specific memories and beliefs that are causing distress.
Desensitization – This is where bilateral stimulation is used to help the brain reprocess traumatic material.
Installation – Positive, adaptive beliefs are strengthened.
Body Scan – We check for lingering physical sensations and complete processing.
Closure – Each session ends with stabilization and grounding.
Reevaluation – We revisit progress and identify any remaining distress to be processed.
Many people find EMDR helps them process trauma more quickly and thoroughly than traditional talk therapy alone.
How Trauma Therapy Can Help
Whether or not EMDR is the right fit for you, trauma therapy in general can help you:
Feel safer in your body and surroundings
Understand and reduce trauma triggers
Break free from shame, guilt, or fear
Improve relationships and set healthier boundaries
Rebuild trust in yourself and others
Reconnect with joy, purpose, and calm
I use a trauma-informed, compassionate approach that helps you feel seen, respected, and in control of your healing journey. You don’t have to relive every detail to feel relief—you just need a safe space to process and integrate your experiences.
Ready to Begin Healing?
If you’re carrying the weight of trauma—recent or long past—you don’t have to carry it alone. EMDR and trauma therapy can help you move forward, regain your sense of self, and feel more grounded in your present life.