What services does Carbajal Counseling & Consulting offer?

At Carbajal Counseling & Consulting, we provide evidence-based outpatient mental health services including anxiety therapy, depression therapy, EMDR therapy, child therapy, teen therapy, family therapy, and marriage counseling. Our goal is to help individuals, couples, and families across all ages find healing and strength.

Who can benefit from therapy at Carbajal Counseling?

We help people of all ages — children, teens, adults, couples, and families — who are facing emotional, behavioral, or relational challenges. Whether you're dealing with stress, life transitions, or deeper trauma, our team is here to support your emotional well-being.

What can I expect during my first therapy session?

In your first session, we will listen to your concerns, gather relevant history, discuss your goals, and begin creating a personalized treatment plan to support your mental health journey. We aim to make the first visit informative and comfortable.

How does anxiety therapy work at Carbajal Counseling?

Our anxiety therapy focuses on structured approaches that help you understand and address anxious thoughts and behaviors. We provide coping strategies, explore triggers, and tailor treatment to your specific needs so you can reduce worry and improve daily functioning.

Can Carbajal Counseling help with depression?

Yes, we offer compassionate support for depression that helps you understand how emotions and thoughts affect your mood, build coping skills, and work toward improved happiness and functioning.

What is EMDR therapy and how does it help?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process distressing memories and trauma. EMDR works by engaging both cognitive and emotional healing mechanisms, helping people integrate past experiences in a healthier way.

Do you offer therapy for children?

Yes, we provide child therapy that helps young clients express emotions, develop coping tools, and work through challenges like anxiety, behavioral issues, and school concerns in a safe, supportive environment.

What is teen therapy like?

Our teen therapy creates a nonjudgmental space for adolescents to explore stress, identity, peer relationships, and emotional challenges with support tailored to their developmental needs.

How can family therapy help my family?

Family therapy at our practice helps families improve communication, navigate conflict, support children's emotional needs, and rebuild connection. We work collaboratively with families to create healthier relational patterns.

Can therapy help with parent-child conflict?

Yes, family therapy is effective for reducing parent-child conflict by creating shared understanding, teaching communication skills, and involving children in ways that help them feel heard and supported.

Do you provide marriage counseling?

Yes, our marriage counseling services support couples in improving communication, resolving ongoing conflict, rebuilding trust, and strengthening intimacy within the relationship.

What kinds of mental health concerns do your therapists treat?

We treat a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral struggles, grief and loss, relationship issues, and life transitions. Our therapists are trained to approach each concern with evidence-based strategies.

What makes your therapists qualified?

Our team includes licensed clinicians with diverse training and expertise in trauma, play therapy, EMDR, cognitive behavior therapy, family systems approaches, and more. We match clients with therapists whose strengths align with their needs.

Do you offer therapy in-person and online?

Yes, we provide both in-office therapy at our Kaysville, Syracuse, and Ogden locations and secure telehealth sessions so clients can receive care in the way that works best for them.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, all therapy at Carbajal Counseling is private and confidential. We follow professional and legal standards to protect your privacy and create a safe space for healing.

How long does therapy typically take?

Duration varies based on personal goals and needs. Some people engage in short-term therapy to address specific issues, while others benefit from ongoing support as they work toward broader growth and resilience.

Can therapy help with trauma or past painful experiences?

Yes, trauma-informed approaches including EMDR and other evidence-based methods help clients process past distressing experiences and reduce their impact on present life and functioning.

How can play therapy help children at Carbajal Counseling?

We use play therapy to help children express and process complex emotions in a natural, nonverbal way. Through guided play, children can build emotional awareness and coping skills in a setting that feels safe and engaging.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule by calling our office at (801) 989-3488, emailing info@carbajalcounseling.com, or using the contact form on our website to begin your therapy journey.

Do you accept insurance and what are my options?

Rates and insurance acceptance vary by clinician and plan. We recommend contacting our office or your insurance provider to confirm coverage, out-of-network benefits, or self-pay options that suit your situation.

What to Expect During EMDR Therapy for Trauma

Trauma can leave a lasting impact, but Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers an effective way to heal and move forward.

For individuals in Northern Utah, this guide provides a clear overview of what to expect during EMDR therapy, from understanding the process to its benefits. Whether you’re considering therapy for the first time or exploring new options, this blog will help you feel prepared and informed.

Understanding EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is designed to help people heal from the effects of trauma. Let’s explore what it involves and how it stands apart from other forms of therapy.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a treatment approach used to reduce the emotional distress caused by traumatic memories. It helps individuals process painful experiences so they no longer feel overwhelmed.

This therapy works by using techniques like guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. These methods help the brain reframe how it perceives past events, reducing their impact on current emotions and behaviors.

How EMDR Differs from Other Therapy Methods

EMDR therapy focuses on addressing the root causes of trauma directly, rather than just managing the symptoms. While traditional talk therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), often works on changing thoughts and behaviors, EMDR uses a different approach to tackle unresolved memories.

This “bottom-up” method targets how memories are stored in the brain and body. It encourages healing from deep emotional pain, making it especially effective for people who have struggled with unresolved trauma for years.

The Initial Consultation and Preparation Phase

Starting EMDR therapy begins with creating a foundation of understanding and trust. The first steps are about learning your story and helping you feel ready for the process ahead.

Assessing Your Trauma History

The first session involves an open discussion about your background, symptoms, and goals. Your therapist will ask questions to understand your experiences and identify the memories that may need to be processed during EMDR therapy.

This step also includes learning about how trauma affects your mind and body. With the understanding of these patterns, both you and your therapist can develop a roadmap for your sessions.

Preparing for EMDR Therapy

Before diving into memory processing, the focus will be on building coping skills. You’ll be introduced to self-soothing techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization exercises, to help manage any distress that arises during therapy.

The therapist will also work with you to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore challenging memories without feeling overwhelmed. These steps are essential to ensure you feel empowered and in control throughout the process.

The EMDR Therapy Process Step by Step

EMDR therapy involves a structured approach that guides you through processing and healing from traumatic memories. Each step is designed to reduce emotional distress and help you move forward.

Identifying Target Memories

The process begins with identifying specific memories that need to be addressed during therapy. Your therapist will help you recall these events and focus on the thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations connected to them.

This step is about understanding how these memories have influenced your current feelings and behaviors. It sets the stage for reprocessing and relieving the burden they carry.

Bilateral Stimulation Techniques

Bilateral stimulation is a key part of EMDR therapy. It may involve guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds. These methods engage both sides of the brain to help reprocess the memory.

This technique encourages the brain to view the memory differently, reducing its emotional intensity and shifting it toward a neutral or positive perspective.

Moving Toward Resolution

As the therapy progresses, you’ll notice that the distress tied to the memory begins to diminish. The negative emotions and sensations are gradually replaced with more constructive and peaceful associations.

Resolution in EMDR therapy means reaching a point where the memory no longer triggers distress. Instead, it becomes a past event that no longer interferes with your present life.

What to Expect After an EMDR Session

EMDR therapy often leads to noticeable changes, both immediately after a session and over the long term. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the experience.

Immediate Emotional Reactions

It’s normal to feel tired, relieved, or introspective after a session. Processing memories can bring up strong emotions, and your body and mind may need time to adjust.

Taking time to rest, hydrate, and engage in calming activities can support your recovery after therapy. These simple practices can make a big difference in your overall experience.

Long-Term Benefits of EMDR

Over time, EMDR therapy can provide significant benefits that enhance your emotional well-being. These include:

Improved emotional regulation, making it easier to manage challenging feelings.
Reduction in symptoms like anxiety, fear, or distress tied to past events.
Increased confidence, as unresolved memories lose their power to disrupt daily life.
Enhanced focus and clarity, allowing you to live more fully in the present and plan for the future with peace of mind.

As memories are reprocessed and their emotional weight diminishes, you gain a greater sense of control over your life. These positive changes make it easier to move forward with stability and purpose.

How EMDR Therapy Supports Healing from Trauma

EMDR therapy offers a unique and structured process to help individuals heal from the effects of trauma. It provides a way to work through distressing memories and regain a sense of control over your emotions and thoughts.

Addressing the Root Causes of Trauma

EMDR therapy is designed to target the root causes of emotional pain rather than just focusing on surface-level symptoms. It works to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and impact on your daily life. As you address these unresolved memories, you can move forward with a greater sense of freedom and relief from the feelings of being “stuck.”

Building Emotional Strength and Confidence

As distress linked to past experiences begins to fade, many individuals experience a renewed sense of emotional balance. EMDR therapy helps replace negative beliefs tied to traumatic memories with positive, empowering thoughts.

Over time, this shift fosters greater self-confidence and a stronger foundation for emotional well-being, allowing individuals to approach life with a more positive mindset.

Supporting Overall Mental Health

While EMDR is primarily known for treating trauma, it can also help with other mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. The tools and strategies learned during therapy often lead to improved emotional regulation and healthier coping mechanisms.

As individuals progress in their healing journey, they feel more equipped to handle life’s difficulties with clarity and confidence.

Conclusion

EMDR therapy is a transformative approach to healing from trauma, offering relief from distressing memories and helping individuals regain emotional balance. By addressing the root causes of trauma and fostering emotional resilience, EMDR provides a path toward a healthier and more empowered life.

At Carbajal Counseling & Consulting, we offer expert EMDR therapy to individuals in Northern Utah, with convenient locations in Kaysville, Syracuse, and Ogden. Our compassionate therapists are here to guide you through your healing journey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a brighter and more peaceful future.

What to Expect During EMDR Therapy for Trauma in Northern Utah