EMDR Throughout The Twin Cities
for children, teens, and adults struggling with the lasting effects of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and negative self-beliefs. Certified EMDR therapists at BHSI Clinics provide compassionate, evidence-based care across five locations in Brooklyn Center, Golden Valley, North St. Paul, Eagan, and Shakopee, as well as via secure telehealth statewide across Minnesota.
Quick Facts:
- Who it’s for: Children, teens, and adults in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota struggling with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, low self-esteem, and negative self-beliefs rooted in distressing past experiences
- Conditions treated: PTSD, childhood trauma, anxiety and panic attacks, depression, phobias, grief and loss, relationship and attachment wounds, and low self-esteem or negative self-beliefs
- Modalities offered: EMDR using guided bilateral stimulation including eye movements, tapping, and alternating audio tones; preparation and stabilization work completed before processing begins
- Sessions: Individual therapy; first appointment is 50 to 60 minutes; number of EMDR sessions varies by individual, with some clients noticing improvement in as few as 6 to 8 sessions and others benefiting from longer term treatment
- Providers: Certified EMDR therapists trained and credentialed through EMDRIA
- Telehealth: Available statewide across all of Minnesota via secure, HIPAA-compliant platform
- Locations: Brooklyn Center (651-769-6250), Golden Valley (651-769-6300), North St. Paul (651-769-6400), Eagan (651-769-6200), and Shakopee (651-769-6500)
- Insurance: Aetna, BHP, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Partners, Humana, Medica, Medicaid, Medicare, MinnesotaCare, Tricare and Triwest, United Health Care, UBH, UCare, Value Options, AmericasPPO, HealthEZ, SolarteHealth, Hennepin Health, and South Country Health Alliance; call 651-769-6565 to verify your specific plan
Heal from Trauma. Reclaim Your Peace.
If you’ve been struggling with the effects of PTSD, childhood trauma, or anxiety, you don’t have to carry it alone. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a proven, evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelming.
At BHSI, our certified EMDR therapists provide compassionate, personalized care to help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
How EMDR therapy works
1. Reach Out: Call BHSI at 651-769-6565 or fill out the form on the page to get started. The team will match you with a certified EMDR therapist at the nearest Twin Cities location or via telehealth statewide.
2. Intake and Paperwork: Complete intake forms before your first appointment, either at home by printing them from the BHSI forms page or in the clinic on the day of your visit. Bring a list of any current medications or the actual pill bottles if relevant to your care.
3. First Appointment (50 to 60 Minutes): Meet with your certified EMDR therapist who will get to know you, learn about the experiences and symptoms that brought you in, and begin developing a personalized EMDR treatment plan tailored to your unique history and goals.
4. Preparation and Stabilization: Before any memory processing begins, your therapist ensures you have the grounding and emotional regulation skills needed to engage with EMDR safely and comfortably. This stage is never rushed and moves entirely at your pace.
5. Identifying the Target: You and your therapist identify the specific memories, beliefs, or experiences causing distress and establish what healthier, more accurate beliefs would look like in their place.
6. Reprocessing: While holding the distressing memory in mind, your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation using eye movements, tapping, or alternating audio tones. Over time this reduces the emotional intensity of the memory and shifts negative beliefs into more adaptive, accurate ones.
7. Ongoing Support: Session frequency and total number of sessions is adjusted based on your progress and the complexity of your experiences, with flexible scheduling available at all five Twin Cities locations and via telehealth statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized form of therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic or distressing memories. It uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess painful experiences so they no longer feel as overwhelming.
How do I find an EMDR therapist near me?
You can start by searching for “EMDR therapy near the twin cities area” or using directories such as EMDRIA (the EMDR International Association). Many local therapy practices in areas like Eagan, Shakopee, St. Paul, and Minneapolis offer EMDR. Look for a therapist who is trained or certified in EMDR to ensure you’re receiving effective treatment.
What conditions does EMDR treat?
EMDR is most commonly used for PTSD and trauma, but it can also help with:
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Childhood trauma
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Anxiety and panic attacks
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Depression
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Phobias
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Grief and loss
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Relationship or attachment wounds
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Low self-esteem or negative self-beliefs
Is EMDR therapy effective for trauma and PTSD?
Yes. EMDR is one of the most researched and effective treatments for trauma and PTSD. Many clients experience significant relief after EMDR, as it helps reduce emotional intensity and triggers connected to traumatic memories.
How many EMDR sessions are needed?
The number of sessions varies depending on the individual and the complexity of their experiences. Some people notice improvement in as few as 6–8 sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term EMDR therapy. Your therapist will work with you to create a plan that fits your unique needs.
Brooklyn Center
Eagan
Golden Valley
North St Paul
Shakopee
Telehealth
Clinic Locations
Brooklyn Center
Clinic Director: Jen Pohl, PsyD, LP
651-769-6250 fax: 651-769-6299
Eagan
Clinic Director: Gary Muchow, PhD, LMFT
651-769-6200 fax: 651-769-6249
Golden Valley
Clinic Director: Rachel Giersdorf, PsyD, LP
651-769-6300 fax: 651-769-6349
North St Paul
Clinic Director: Molly McClure, MSW, LICSW
651-769-6400 fax: 651-769-6449
Shakopee
Clinic Director: Lisa Zietlow, MA, LMFT
651-769-6500 fax: 651-769-6549
Administrative Contacts
Administration hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30-5:00
2497 7th Ave. Suite 108
North St. Paul, MN 55109
Registration | Schedule first appointment
651-769-6565
651-769-6599 Fax
Traci Taylor 651-769-6432
Accounts payable, HR, Payroll
Yin May Aung 651-769-6438
651-769-6599 Fax
Supervisor of Coordinators,
Mary Palmer, 651-769-6424
651-769-6434
651-769-6599 Fax
Lynette Johnston 651-769-6434
Mark Lethert 651-769-6437