An Emerging Therapy: EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

By 7017444915 February 24, 2026
Home looks different for everyone. For Jon, home is now the place he shares with his sister, Shelly. Jon was already living in Shelly’s home when she became one of Hope Haven’s first Host Home providers. What started as a practical next step quickly grew into something far more meaningfu l. As Shelly shared, “Opening our home to Jon was a blessing we didn’t know we needed.” Through Hope Haven’s Host Home program, individuals with disabilities live in the homes of carefully selected providers who offer guidance, companionship, and everyday support. Host Homes are just one of several residential options at Hope Haven, alongside staffed community living homes, because no two individuals require the same level or style of care. What matters most is creating a place where people can live safely, grow their independence, and feel truly included. For Jon, that environment means being part of everyday family life, whether that’s grocery shopping and shared meals or being able to help with Shelly’s in-home daycare. “Living here makes me feel happy,” Jon says. For Shelly’s family, the experience has been transformative. “We’ve all become more patient and understanding,” she shares. “My boys have learned gratitude, acceptance, and what it means to truly welcome someone into your life.” That mutual impact is what makes Host Homes unique. “It doesn’t feel like a job,” Shelly explains. “It’s more of a relationship. You get to help someone feel independent, yet safe.” She was quick to add that the impact goes both ways. As she puts it, “You just might meet your best friend.” Because of supporters like you, individuals like Jon have the opportunity to live in a home where they are supported and valued — not just as clients, but as people. Your generosity makes it possible for Hope Haven to offer a range of residential supports, creating safe, stable, relationship-centered living options for individuals with disabilities right here in our communities. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10 If you wish to contribute, please 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.