EMDR
Heal Trauma at the Source
You don't have to keep carrying what happened to you. If painful memories, flashbacks, anxiety, or a sense of being "stuck" are making everyday life harder than it should be, you are not alone — and real, lasting help is available. At Living Waters Counseling LLC, our clinicians offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in Murray, UT, one of the most well-researched, highly effective treatments for trauma and PTSD in the world. Whether your wounds are recent or go back many years, EMDR can help your mind finally process and release what it has been holding.
Our team includes Dr. Ron Llewelyn, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with deep expertise in complex trauma and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and Dax Johnson, CMHC, a trained EMDR clinician who brings compassion and clinical skill to every session. Together, they create a warm, non-judgmental space where healing is not only possible — it is expected. Located in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley at 5296 S Commerce Drive in Murray, we serve clients from Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, and the surrounding communities.
Our team includes Dr. Ron Llewelyn, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with deep expertise in complex trauma and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and Dax Johnson, CMHC, a trained EMDR clinician who brings compassion and clinical skill to every session. Together, they create a warm, non-judgmental space where healing is not only possible — it is expected. Located in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley at 5296 S Commerce Drive in Murray, we serve clients from Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, and the surrounding communities.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Originally designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR has since been validated for a wide range of trauma-related conditions. It works differently from traditional talk therapy — and for many people, it works faster and more deeply.
At the heart of EMDR is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. The AIP model proposes that when we experience something overwhelming — an accident, abuse, loss, or any event that exceeds our capacity to cope — the memory of that event can become "stuck" in the brain. Unlike ordinary memories, these unprocessed memories retain the original emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs from the moment the trauma occurred. That's why a trauma survivor might feel as though the past is still happening in the present — because for the nervous system, it is.
EMDR gently activates these stuck memories while simultaneously engaging the brain through bilateral stimulation (rhythmic left-right eye movements, alternating taps, or audio tones). This process appears to "unstick" the memory, allowing the brain to reprocess it into a more adaptive, less distressing form — much the way the brain naturally processes ordinary experiences during sleep.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Originally designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR has since been validated for a wide range of trauma-related conditions. It works differently from traditional talk therapy — and for many people, it works faster and more deeply.
At the heart of EMDR is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. The AIP model proposes that when we experience something overwhelming — an accident, abuse, loss, or any event that exceeds our capacity to cope — the memory of that event can become "stuck" in the brain. Unlike ordinary memories, these unprocessed memories retain the original emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs from the moment the trauma occurred. That's why a trauma survivor might feel as though the past is still happening in the present — because for the nervous system, it is.
EMDR gently activates these stuck memories while simultaneously engaging the brain through bilateral stimulation (rhythmic left-right eye movements, alternating taps, or audio tones). This process appears to "unstick" the memory, allowing the brain to reprocess it into a more adaptive, less distressing form — much the way the brain naturally processes ordinary experiences during sleep.
Why Choose Living Waters Counseling for EMDR in Utah?
Dr. Ron Llewelyn is a Licensed psychologist with a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.). He brings advanced clinical expertise in complex trauma, PTSD, and Dissociative Identity Disorder — conditions that require specialized, nuanced care. His approach is thorough, evidence-based, and deeply compassionate.
Dax Johnson, CMHC A trained clinical mental health counselor with specialized training in EMDR therapy. Dax brings warmth and skill to each session, creating a safe space for clients to explore and process difficult experiences at their own pace.
How is EMDR different from talk therapy?
Traditional talk therapy typically helps you understand and reframe your experiences through conversation. EMDR works differently — it directly targets the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain using bilateral stimulation. You don't need to talk through every detail of what happened. Instead, EMDR helps your brain naturally complete the processing that was interrupted at the time of the trauma. Many people find it more efficient and less emotionally exhausting than extended verbal processing.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the nature and complexity of your trauma. For a single-incident trauma (such as a car accident or a specific assault), many clients experience significant relief in as few as 6 to 12 sessions. Complex or longstanding trauma — including childhood trauma, C-PTSD, or DID — typically benefits from a longer course of treatment. Your therapist will regularly review your progress and discuss the treatment timeline with you throughout your care.
Is EMDR therapy safe?
Yes. EMDR is one of the most extensively researched psychotherapy approaches in the world. It is considered safe when delivered by a trained clinician. At Living Waters Counseling, every EMDR session is paced carefully, and your therapist will ensure you have robust stabilization and coping tools before any trauma processing begins. You are always in control of the pace of therapy, and sessions always end with grounding techniques to ensure you feel safe before leaving.
Can EMDR be done via telehealth?
Absolutely. Telehealth EMDR has been studied extensively and is shown to produce results comparable to in-person sessions. Our therapists are experienced in adapting bilateral stimulation for virtual delivery — using on-screen visual tools or therapist-guided self-tapping techniques. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions for clients across Utah who prefer or require remote care.
Does EMDR work for childhood trauma?
Yes — and it is especially powerful for it. Childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and developmental trauma can leave deep imprints that shape how we feel about ourselves and the world long into adulthood. EMDR is specifically designed to target these early experiences. Dr. Llewelyn's specialization in complex trauma and DID means Living Waters Counseling is exceptionally well-equipped to support adults healing from childhood wounds.
What does EMDR feel like?
Most clients describe EMDR as surprisingly gentle. While you may feel some emotional or physical activation when briefly focusing on a difficult memory, the bilateral stimulation tends to produce a natural distancing effect — many people report that the memory starts to feel further away, less vivid, or less emotionally charged as processing progresses. Between and after sets of stimulation, your therapist will check in with you. Most clients leave sessions feeling calmer and lighter than when they arrived.
Does Living Waters Counseling accept insurance for EMDR therapy?
Yes. We accept a broad range of insurance plans including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Deseret Mutual, EMI Health, Medicare, Select Health, TRICARE, UnitedHealthcare, and others. We recommend calling us at (385) 235-3799 to verify your specific benefits before your first appointment. Our team is happy to help you understand your coverage.