Psychiatry & Mental Health
EMDR Therapy in Medical Lake
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a compassionate, proven approach to healing from trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress — without relying solely on medication. Whether you’re a veteran, first responder, or civilian coping with difficult memories, our team is here to support your recovery with evidence-based care in a safe, respectful environment.
● VA & TriCare Accepted ● In-Person & Telehealth ● Medical Lake, WA
EMDR helps with
✓ PTSD & Trauma
✓ Anxiety & Panic Attacks
✓ Grief & Loss
✓ Phobias
✓ Negative Self-Belief
✓ Emotional Dysregulation
✓ Veterans & First Responders
✓ Childhood Trauma
✓ Telehealth Appointments
✓ Anxiety & Panic Attacks
✓ Grief & Loss
✓ Phobias
✓ Negative Self-Belief
✓ Emotional Dysregulation
✓ Veterans & First Responders
✓ Childhood Trauma
✓ Telehealth Appointments
Our approach
Trauma-Informed Healing Through EMDR
At Essential Psychiatry, we offer EMDR therapy as a powerful, evidence-based tool for patients recovering from trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR targets how the brain stores and processes traumatic memories — often yielding faster results. Guided by a trained clinician, patients use bilateral eye movements to help the brain reprocess distressing experiences, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing healing to move forward.
Rapid Relief from Trauma
EMDR is clinically proven to reduce the intensity of distressing memories, often faster than traditional talk therapy alone. Patients frequently report feeling a significant shift in how they relate to past traumatic events — with less emotional charge and greater sense of control.
Eases Anxiety & Emotional Reactivity
EMDR helps regulate the nervous system and reduce intrusive thoughts, panic responses, and emotional reactivity. Over the course of treatment, patients typically experience a calmer, more grounded baseline — better able to manage stress and engage with daily life.
Breaks the Cycle of Negative Self-Belief
Trauma often leaves behind deeply held negative beliefs about oneself. EMDR works directly with these beliefs — reframing past experiences and replacing harmful thought patterns with healthier, more accurate perspectives. Many patients describe a profound shift in their sense of self-worth and identity.
Your questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR
Who is EMDR for?
While EMDR is well-known for treating PTSD, it is also highly effective for anxiety, grief, panic attacks, phobias, and emotional trauma of all kinds — in veterans, first responders, and civilians alike. If you’ve experienced a distressing event that continues to affect your daily life, EMDR may be right for you.
Is EMDR different from traditional therapy?
Yes. EMDR doesn’t rely on talk alone — it targets how the brain stores and processes traumatic memories using guided bilateral eye movements. This approach often yields faster results than traditional talk therapy, particularly for trauma and PTSD, because it works directly with the neurological roots of distress rather than just the cognitive narrative.
How long does EMDR therapy take?
Every patient is different. Some find meaningful relief in just a few sessions, while others with deeper or more complex trauma may benefit from a longer course of treatment. Your provider will work with you to set realistic expectations and monitor your progress throughout.
Do you work with veterans and first responders?
Absolutely. Essential Psychiatry is a VA preferred provider and specialises in care for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. Our lead provider, Dr. Candie Wellwood, DNP, PMHNP, is a retired USAF Staff Sergeant who brings both clinical expertise and personal understanding to this work. All you need is a referral from the VA.
What to expect
✓ Initial consultation to understand your history and goals
✓ Structured sessions guided by a trained EMDR clinician
✓ Bilateral eye movements to help reprocess traumatic memories
✓ No need to relive events in extensive detail
✓ Progress monitored and treatment adapted to your needs
✓ In-person and telehealth appointments available
✓ Compassionate, trauma-informed care throughout
✓ Structured sessions guided by a trained EMDR clinician
✓ Bilateral eye movements to help reprocess traumatic memories
✓ No need to relive events in extensive detail
✓ Progress monitored and treatment adapted to your needs
✓ In-person and telehealth appointments available
✓ Compassionate, trauma-informed care throughout
Why choose us
Why Choose Essential Psychiatry for EMDR?
Essential Psychiatry is part of Essential Health Group — a fully integrated clinic in Medical Lake where psychiatric and physical health care work together under one roof. Our team has extensive experience treating veterans, active-duty military, and first responders, and we understand the unique challenges they face. Our psychiatric services are led by Dr. Candie Wellwood, DNP, PMHNP, a retired USAF Staff Sergeant and VA preferred provider. Alongside her, Lance Anders, PMHNP, brings 15 years of nursing experience with a specialisation in trauma and first responder mental health. We provide ongoing support and therapy to ensure lasting results — not just short-term relief.
Your Journey to Emotional Freedom Starts Here.
We understand how difficult it is to seek help. Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, we are here and we can help. Our compassionate team combines clinical excellence with deep understanding to help you find clarity, resilience, and peace of mind.
Medical Lake, WA · (509) 299-6900 · In-Person & Telehealth