EMDR Therapy in Asheville & Hendersonville, NC
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Heal What Words Alone Can't Reach
Sometimes the things that hurt us most don’t just live in memory — they live in the body. You might find yourself reacting to situations in ways that feel out of proportion. Or carrying weight from the past that no amount of talking about it seems to lighten. If that sounds familiar, you’re not broken. You’re human. And EMDR might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a research-backed therapy that helps your brain do what it was actually designed to do: process and heal from difficult experiences.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to relive or deeply analyze every painful detail. Instead, we use bilateral stimulation — like guided eye movements or tapping — to help your nervous system loosen the grip that old experiences have on your present life. Many clients are surprised by how much shifts, often in ways they didn’t expect.
Who Is EMDR For?
EMDR can be incredibly effective for a wide range of experiences, including:
- Trauma and PTSD — whether from a single event or years of accumulated pain
- Anxiety, panic, and overwhelming stress
- Grief and loss
- First responders and high-stress professionals carrying secondary trauma
- Childhood experiences that still show up in your adult life
- Feeling stuck, even when you’ve “already done the work”
You don’t have to have a diagnosable trauma history to benefit. If something is weighing on you and traditional therapy hasn’t fully gotten you there, EMDR is worth exploring.
Related: Grief counseling · Therapy for first responders & military · OCD therapy
In Colorado? See virtual EMDR therapy in Colorado.
What to Expect
We go at your pace. Always. EMDR is a structured process, but that doesn’t mean rigid. Our first sessions are about building trust, understanding your history, and making sure you feel safe and grounded before we dive into deeper work.
EMDR sessions at Born to Bend are offered in person or via telehealth — which means you can do this healing work from the comfort of our safe therapeutic office environment or in the privacy of your own space.
You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again
Healing isn’t about erasing your past — it’s about making sure your past no longer runs your present. At Born to Bend, we believe everyone deserves access to real, meaningful support. Whether you’re a parent trying to show up better for your kids, a professional burning out from what you’ve seen on the job, or someone who’s just been carrying something heavy for too long — you’re welcome here.
Frequently asked questions
Who provides EMDR at Born to Bend?
Our EMDR-certified therapists are Dr. Allison Becker (Hendersonville, and virtual for Colorado clients), Cat Dismukes (Asheville), Dylan Ledford (Asheville) and Maria Perry-Ogg (virtual across North Carolina).
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps your brain reprocess painful memories so they feel less overwhelming. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, while you briefly focus on a memory.
What does EMDR help with?
It’s best known for trauma and PTSD. It’s also used for anxiety, panic, grief and distressing memories that talk therapy alone hasn’t resolved.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. EMDR doesn’t require you to describe every detail out loud. Your therapist will go at your pace and help you build coping skills before any memory work begins.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what you’re working on. Some people notice a change within a few sessions, and complex trauma takes longer. Your therapist will talk this through with you at the start.
Can EMDR be done virtually?
Yes. Maria Perry-Ogg offers virtual EMDR anywhere in North Carolina, and Dr. Allison Becker sees Colorado clients virtually.
Does insurance cover EMDR?
EMDR is usually billed as regular therapy, so it’s often covered. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna (including the NC State Health Plan) and NC Medicaid plans: Healthy Blue, Carolina Complete Health, AmeriHealth Caritas, Vaya and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Coverage and copays depend on your plan, so please check your benefits before your first session.