An Emerging Therapy: EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

By 7017444915 May 29, 2026
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23 For many years, Ryan made his living as a truck driver. It was work he knew well, but when health concerns made it necessary for him to make a change, he found himself facing an uncertain future. In March of 2024, Ryan was referred to Hope Haven through Vocational Rehabilitation Services for help finding meaningful employment. Like many people starting over, the path was not immediate or easy. Ryan and his employment specialist explored many different opportunities, but the right fit had not yet come along. Then, in April of 2025, BioVerse entered the picture. BioVerse had partnered with Hope Haven before, both through in-house production work and by welcoming individuals on-site to help with production needs. When they began looking for an office assistant, Ryan came to mind. Although he had never worked in an office role, he had basic computer knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. A work trial was arranged, and almost immediately, it became clear that Ryan and BioVerse were a perfect match. Since joining the team, Ryan has become an important part of BioVerse’s daily operations. His supervisor, Lori Henning, shared that Ryan has shown “a rare combination of technical curiosity and a can-do work ethic.” He has embraced new technology, including AI, to help solve software challenges, and when production needs increased, he stepped onto the manufacturing floor without hesitation. Lori wrote, “He hasn’t just filled a role; he has enriched our company culture and reminded us of the value of a truly dedicated partner.” For Ryan, this opportunity was not simply about finding a new job. It was about finding a place where his skills could shine in a new way. His story shows us that when people are connected with meaningful work, they do more than just fill a role. They strengthen an entire workplace. Your support helps open the door for people like Ryan. Because of your generosity, Hope Haven can continue building partnerships with local employers and help people find places where their skills and strengths are truly valued. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission.
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If you weren’t sure what EMDR stood for you’re probably not alone. This highly regarded type of therapy has been practiced since its invention in the 1980s but is continually gaining awareness for its effectiveness in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) treatment.

What exactly is EMDR? It stands for E ye M ovement D esensitization and R eprocessing. And what does that mean? Simply put EMDR is a type of therapy with an eight step process in which the individual is asked to recall traumatic images while the therapist creates a sensory input such as side-to-side eye movements or hand tapping.

Darci Grave a Mental Health Therapist with Hope Haven specializes in EMDR therapy. In order to offer this treatment Grave underwent extensive training and education to learn the proper methods – including 50 hours of training and nine months of EMDR consultation. “This is a deeper way to deal with trauma ” stresses Grave emphasizing that thorough training is crucial when identifying a therapist who is well qualified to practice EMDR.

How do you know if you’re a candidate for EMDR therapy? This treatment was developed specifically for individuals who have a trauma disorder or who struggle with their trauma experiences. Trauma is more common than often perceived so it’s well suited for a variety of people:  victims of any type of abuse witness to abuse or violence those dealing with loss or grief issues victims of natural or man-made disasters war veterans and more.

And how long does treatment typically take? Grave says it varies based on the individual “The actual reprocessing therapy can be short but it’s the preparation stages that can take some time.