From Surviving to Thriving – Healing PTSD with EMDR and Neurofeedback
- Brainz Magazine
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
Melissa Micnhimer and Amanda Denney, Colorado-based founders of NeuroVista LLC, specialize in neurofeedback and trauma-informed counseling. They empower clients to regulate their nervous systems, fostering recovery from PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, and more with compassionate, evidence-based approaches.
Trauma can feel overwhelming, but innovative therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and neurofeedback offer hope for recovery. These evidence-based approaches harness the brain’s ability to process and regulate, helping people move beyond the pain of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By combining these therapies, we create a strong path to healing, resilience, and emotional balance. Below, we examine PTSD, how these therapies work, and why pairing them can transform lives.
What is PTSD? Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, such as abuse (physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual), near-death events, or natural disasters. While often associated with war veterans, PTSD can affect anyone. Symptoms include:
Flashbacks or intrusive memories
Nightmares and sleep disturbances
Chronic guilt, shame, or anxiety
Avoidance of trauma triggers
Hyper-alertness or heightened startle response
How EMDR helps trauma recovery
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy for trauma and PTSD. It uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) such as eye movements, tapping, or tones to mimic the brain’s natural processing during REM sleep. This reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, improves emotional regulation, and restores a sense of empowerment.
How neurofeedback helps the brain thrive
Neurofeedback, a type of biofeedback, trains the brain to self-regulate. Therapists monitor brainwave activity using EEG sensors on the scalp, providing real-time feedback. When brainwaves align with healthier patterns, individuals receive rewards (e.g., sounds or visuals), encouraging the brain to adopt these patterns.
Over time, this strengthens mood regulation, attention, and emotional balance, naturally leading to long-lasting and often permanent changes. During the sessions, all you have to do is sit and watch TV or play a game! Your brain makes the adjustments without you having to try actively.
Combining EMDR and neurofeedback for trauma recovery
At NeuroVista LLC, we tailor the combination of EMDR and neurofeedback to each client’s needs, leveraging their complementary benefits. EMDR processes and reframes trauma, while neurofeedback calms the nervous system, promoting safety and grounding. Together, they help clients address trauma with greater resilience and emotional stability.
We use two primary approaches:
Starting with neurofeedback: Neurofeedback builds a foundation of calming the central nervous system and helping people feel safer. Doing neurofeedback first can also help build trust in the therapeutic setting. Clients become comfortable before addressing trauma, often feeling more prepared for EMDR.
Concurrent EMDR and neurofeedback: Back-to-back sessions start with EMDR to reprocess trauma, followed by neurofeedback to regulate emotions. This helps clients leave sessions grounded and calm.
In our practice, we have observed that both approaches may enhance PTSD recovery. Clients combining EMDR and neurofeedback often report feeling safer, more ready to face difficult memories, and less stuck, fostering profound emotional shifts toward lasting healing.
What science says about EMDR and neurofeedback
Research supports EMDR and neurofeedback as effective trauma therapies. Studies show EMDR significantly reduces PTSD symptoms by helping individuals process traumatic memories.[1] Neurofeedback improves hyperarousal, sleep, and emotional regulation by training the brain to self-balance.[2]
While most studies examine these therapies separately, emerging case reports suggest unique benefits when combined. For instance, a client with complex PTSD no longer met PTSD criteria after integrating EMDR and neurofeedback. Though large-scale studies are ongoing, these findings align with client reports of feeling safer and more regulated, creating a comprehensive path to trauma recovery.[3]
What healing could look like for you
Healing from trauma is rarely a straight line, but with the right support, real change is possible. Many people begin therapy feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure if anything will ever work. They may have tried different treatments, medications, or coping strategies without lasting relief.
With EMDR and neurofeedback, the process looks different. A brain map (QEEG) helps us understand how your brain is functioning and guides us in creating a personalized plan. EMDR then allows you to safely reprocess painful memories, while neurofeedback trains your brain to find balance and calm. Step by step, you build resilience and stability.
Over time, clients often notice they sleep better, recover more quickly from stress, and feel less weighed down by the past. Many describe a renewed sense of focus, emotional balance, and the freedom to move forward with their lives, not just surviving, but thriving.
Take the next step with NeuroVista LLC
If trauma has left you feeling stuck, NeuroVista LLC in Englewood, Colorado, offers personalized EMDR and neurofeedback for trauma therapy. Our expert team, led by Melissa and Amanda, specializes in trauma-informed care to support your healing journey.
Book a free consultation to learn more and start your path to lasting recovery today.
Read more from Melissa Micnhimer & Amanda Denney
Melissa Micnhimer & Amanda Denney, Neurofeedback and Mental Health Counselors
Amanda Denney and Melissa Micnhimer are the co-founders of NeuroVista LLC, a Colorado-based practice specializing in neurofeedback, brain mapping, and trauma-informed counseling. With over six years of experience each, they help clients heal from PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, and sleep issues using evidence-based approaches. Their work blends neuroscience with compassion, offering personalized support for nervous system regulation and emotional resilience. Their goal is to help people feel more emotionally balanced and connected to themselves for greater well-being. They also provide consultations for other neurofeedback providers and are passionate about advancing modern mental health care.
References:
[1] Watts, B. V., Schnurr, P. P., Mayo, L., Young-Xu, Y., Weeks, W. B., & Friedman, M. J. (2013). Meta-analysis of the efficacy of treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(6), e541–e550.
[2] van der Kolk, B. A., et al. (2016). A Randomized Controlled Study of Neurofeedback for Chronic PTSD. PLOS ONE, 11(12), e0166752.
[3] Gerge, A. (2020). Integrating Neurofeedback and EMDR in Complex PTSD. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 4(3), 100128.
