EMDR Therapy in Missoula, MT

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

​

EMDR is a structured psychotherapy approach that helps people process distressing memories and experiences that continue to affect their emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, or behaviors.

​

During EMDR therapy, a trained therapist guides you through specific phases of treatment while using bilateral stimulation, which may include guided eye movements or other forms of alternating left-right stimulation.

​

The goal isn't to erase a memory or forget what happened.

​

Instead, EMDR can help reduce the emotional distress associated with a difficult experience so that you can remember what happened without feeling as overwhelmed by it.

 

EMDR is commonly used in therapy for trauma and PTSD, but it may also be helpful for anxiety, distressing memories, medical trauma, accidents, relationship trauma, and other experiences that continue to affect you.

Circe Vogel, LCPC, LAC is the only therapist at Peaks & Valleys Therapy who has completed an EMDRIA-approved EMDR basic training.

​

Her training included:

​

• 40 hours of EMDR workshop instruction and practicum

• 10 hours of EMDR consultation

• Completion of the full EMDR basic training program

• Training completed in May, June, and August 2026

• Training with Sadie Smith, LMFT

• A certificate of completion documenting completion of the EMDR basic training

 

EMDRIA's standards for basic training include 20 hours of instructional material, 20 hours of supervised practicum, and 10 hours of consultation. Clinicians who complete the full basic training are considered EMDR Trained Clinicians.

 

Circe's certificate of completion provides documentation of her completed EMDR basic training.

 

Important distinction: Completing EMDR basic training is different from holding the separate EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ credential. Circe has completed her EMDR basic training and is EMDR trained; she is not being represented as an EMDRIA Certified Therapist.

 

Meet Circe Vogel, LCPC, LAC →

EMDR may be worth exploring if you have experienced something difficult or traumatic and continue to feel affected by it.

​

You may notice:

​

• Intrusive memories or unwanted thoughts

• Nightmares related to past experiences

• Strong emotional reactions to certain situations

• Avoidance of people, places, or conversations

• Feeling easily triggered or overwhelmed

• Anxiety connected to past experiences

• Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on guard

• Shame, guilt, fear, or helplessness

• Physical sensations associated with difficult memories

• Relationship patterns connected to earlier experiences

• A sense that something from the past still feels unresolved

• Difficulty moving forward after a traumatic or distressing event

 

You do not need to have a PTSD diagnosis to explore whether EMDR may be appropriate.

 

You also don't need to know exactly what you need to work on before starting therapy.

EMDR is most commonly associated with trauma and PTSD, but trained clinicians may use EMDR therapy with a range of distressing experiences and concerns.

 

Circe provides EMDR-focused therapy for adults experiencing:

 

Trauma & PTSD

 

EMDR can be used to process traumatic experiences and the emotional, cognitive, and physical responses that may continue after the event.

 

Learn more about Trauma & PTSD Therapy in Missoula →

 

Anxiety & Fear

 

When anxiety is connected to past experiences, EMDR may help address memories and experiences that continue to contribute to fear, hypervigilance, or distress.

 

Learn more about Anxiety Therapy in Missoula →

 

Childhood & Developmental Trauma

 

Difficult childhood experiences can continue to influence relationships, self-worth, emotional responses, and a sense of safety into adulthood.

EMDR may be incorporated into therapy for adults working through these experiences.

 

Medical Trauma

 

Serious illness, medical procedures, injuries, hospitalization, or frightening medical experiences can sometimes leave people feeling distressed long after the event.

EMDR may be used to process memories associated with these experiences.

 

Accidents & Injuries

 

A car accident, workplace accident, fall, or other frightening event can leave lasting emotional and physical responses.

 

EMDR may help process the distress associated with these experiences.

​

Relationship Trauma

 

Betrayal, abuse, unhealthy relationships, or other painful relationship experiences can affect how you experience trust, safety, connection, and self-worth.

 

EMDR may be incorporated into therapy when past relationship experiences continue to affect you.

 

Distressing or Unresolved Memories

 

Not every difficult experience fits neatly into the word "trauma."

 

Sometimes a particular memory continues to feel unusually vivid, upsetting, or emotionally charged. EMDR may help reduce the distress associated with the memory and change how it affects you in the present.

 

Grief & Loss

 

Some experiences of loss can remain emotionally overwhelming or become connected to difficult memories, guilt, fear, or other painful emotions.

 

EMDR may be one approach considered as part of therapy when appropriate.

EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which proposes that some distressing experiences may not become fully processed and can remain connected to intense emotions, physical sensations, beliefs, or reactions.

​

Later situations may activate those responses even though the original event is over.

 

In EMDR therapy, you may briefly focus on aspects of a distressing experience while engaging in bilateral stimulation guided by your therapist.

 

EMDR follows a structured eight-phase treatment approach, including history and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, processing, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation.

 

The goal isn't to change what happened.

 

The goal is to help the experience become less emotionally disruptive so that you can respond to your present life from where you are now rather than feeling controlled by what happened in the past.

EMDR therapy is not simply sitting down and immediately talking through your most painful experiences.

​

Treatment begins with understanding your history, current concerns, goals, and readiness for EMDR.

​

Early sessions may include:

​

• Building a therapeutic relationship

• Understanding what brings you to therapy

• Identifying treatment goals

• Learning grounding and coping strategies

• Developing resources for emotional regulation

• Identifying memories or experiences that may be appropriate to address

• Assessing whether EMDR is the right approach

 

When you are ready and EMDR is clinically appropriate, Circe can guide you through the processing phases.

 

You remain an active participant throughout treatment.

 

You can communicate what you are experiencing, ask questions, take breaks, and work with Circe to determine an appropriate pace.

Not necessarily.

​

One of the questions people often have about EMDR is whether they will have to describe every detail of a traumatic experience.

​

EMDR does not require you to repeatedly tell the entire story of what happened.

 

Treatment may involve focusing on specific aspects of an experience, such as:

​

• An image

• A thought or belief

• An emotion

• A physical sensation

• A specific memory

 

Circe will work with you to determine what information is clinically useful and what level of detail is appropriate.

 

The goal is to process the experience, not repeatedly make you relive it.

Safety Before Processing

​

Circe does not expect clients to immediately begin processing traumatic memories.

 

Before EMDR processing begins, she can help you develop strategies for managing difficult emotions, stress, and triggers.

​

Individualized Treatment

​

EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all treatment.

​

Circe considers your history, current symptoms, goals, resources, readiness, and overall circumstances when determining how EMDR may fit into your treatment.

 

You Remain in Control

​

You are not forced to process something simply because it has been identified as a potential treatment target.

 

Therapy is collaborative, and Circe will work with you to determine what feels appropriate.

 

Connecting the Past to the Present

 

EMDR therapy isn't only about what happened in the past.

 

Treatment can also focus on how past experiences affect your relationships, confidence, emotional responses, sense of safety, and daily life now.

Your first session is not necessarily an EMDR processing session.

​

Instead, Circe will take time to understand:

​

• What's bringing you to therapy

• Your current symptoms and concerns

• Relevant personal history

• Experiences that may be contributing to your current difficulties

• Your current coping strategies

• Your goals for therapy

• Whether EMDR is an appropriate approach

​

Depending on your needs, early sessions may focus on stabilization, coping skills, treatment planning, and preparation before EMDR processing begins.

 

There is no expectation that you arrive knowing exactly what you want to work on.

EMDR may be a good fit if:

​

• Something from your past continues to affect you

• You experience intrusive memories or nightmares

• Certain situations trigger intense emotional responses

• You avoid reminders of a difficult experience

• You feel anxious or unsafe even when you're not currently in danger

• You experience strong physical reactions connected to certain memories

• You feel stuck around something that happened

• You want a structured approach to working through trauma

• You would like to explore trauma therapy without repeatedly describing every detail of what happened

 

EMDR isn't the right treatment for every person or every concern.

 

Circe will work with you to determine whether EMDR is appropriate or whether another therapeutic approach may better fit your needs.

Circe provides in-person EMDR therapy for adults in Missoula, Montana.

 

Peaks & Valleys Therapy has three Missoula office locations:

​

Mullan Road

2423 Mullan Rd
Missoula, MT 59808

​

Downtown Missoula

126 E. Broadway, Suite 9
Missoula, MT 59802

​

South Avenue

1008 South Ave W
Missoula, MT 59801

​

View Our Missoula Therapy Locations →

Circe also provides online therapy throughout Montana when telehealth is clinically appropriate.

​

Online therapy can be a convenient option if you:

​

• Live outside Missoula

• Live in a rural Montana community

• Prefer meeting from home

• Have transportation challenges

• Have a demanding work schedule

• Prefer the privacy and convenience of telehealth

 

Online EMDR is not appropriate for every client or situation. Circe can discuss whether telehealth is a good fit for your circumstances and treatment needs.

 

Learn More About Online Therapy in Montana →

EMDR-Trained Therapist in Missoula

​

Circe Vogel, LCPC, LAC provides individual therapy for adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, substance use, addiction recovery, mental health concerns, and major life transitions.

 

She completed an EMDRIA-approved EMDR basic training in 2026, including 40 hours of workshop instruction and 10 hours of consultation, and holds a certificate of completion documenting her training.

 

Before joining Peaks & Valleys Therapy, Circe worked as a Lead Clinician at New England Recovery Center, supporting clients receiving substance use treatment and working with a multidisciplinary clinical team.

 

She also has experience in a behavioral healthcare hospital setting supporting psychiatric stabilization, dual-diagnosis care, and other behavioral health needs.

 

Circe brings a person-centered, compassionate approach to therapy and works to create a space where clients can feel heard rather than judged.

 

Her areas of work include trauma, anxiety, addiction and recovery, co-occurring mental health concerns, and other challenges that can affect a person's sense of safety, connection, and well-being.

 

Meet Circe Vogel, LCPC, LAC →

 

Circe is currently accepting new adult clients.

 

If you're specifically looking for an EMDR-trained therapist in Missoula, you can request Circe through our Get Matched process.

 

Request Circe →

EMDR-Trained Therapist

​

Circe Vogel, LCPC, LAC has completed an EMDRIA-approved EMDR basic training and holds a certificate of completion.

​

Trauma-Focused Care

​

Circe works with adults experiencing trauma, PTSD symptoms, anxiety, difficult experiences, and other concerns connected to past experiences.

​

Individualized Treatment

​

EMDR is incorporated into treatment based on your individual history, goals, symptoms, and readiness.

​

A Collaborative Approach

​

You remain involved in decisions about what you work on and how therapy progresses.

 

Missoula & Montana Telehealth

​

Receive in-person therapy in Missoula or online therapy throughout Montana when clinically appropriate.

 

Insurance Options

 

Peaks & Valleys Therapy accepts many major insurance plans for individual therapy, although insurance participation varies by therapist.

​

Our care coordinator can help determine whether Circe is a fit for your insurance and needs.

What is EMDR therapy?

​

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured psychotherapy approach used to help people process distressing memories and experiences that continue to affect their thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, or behaviors.

 

Who provides EMDR therapy at Peaks & Valleys Therapy?

 

Circe Vogel, LCPC, LAC is currently the only therapist at Peaks & Valleys Therapy who has completed an EMDRIA-approved EMDR basic training. She provides EMDR therapy for adults in Missoula and online throughout Montana when clinically appropriate.

 

Is Circe certified in EMDR?

 

Circe has completed an EMDRIA-approved EMDR basic training and is an EMDR Trained Clinician. Basic training and EMDRIA Certified Therapist status are separate credentials. Circe is not being represented as an EMDRIA Certified Therapist.

 

Do you provide EMDR therapy in Missoula?

 

Yes. Circe provides in-person EMDR therapy for adults in Missoula, Montana, as well as online therapy throughout Montana when clinically appropriate.

 

Do I need PTSD to receive EMDR?

 

No. You do not need a PTSD diagnosis to explore whether EMDR may be appropriate. EMDR may be considered for trauma, distressing memories, anxiety connected to past experiences, medical trauma, accidents, relationship trauma, and other difficult experiences.

 

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

 

Not necessarily. EMDR can involve focusing on specific memories, images, thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations without requiring you to repeatedly provide a detailed narrative of everything that happened.

 

Is EMDR safe?

 

EMDR is a structured therapeutic approach, but processing difficult experiences can bring up strong emotions or physical sensations. Preparation, stabilization, pacing, and ongoing assessment are important parts of treatment.

 

How long does EMDR therapy take?

 

There is no standard number of sessions for EMDR. The length of treatment depends on your history, the concerns being addressed, your goals, and your individual circumstances.

 

Can EMDR be done online?

 

Online EMDR may be appropriate for some clients. Circe provides online therapy throughout Montana and can determine whether telehealth EMDR is appropriate based on your needs and circumstances.

 

Can EMDR help with childhood trauma?

 

Yes. EMDR may be incorporated into therapy for adults working through the effects of difficult or traumatic childhood experiences.

 

Can EMDR help with anxiety?

 

It can be helpful when anxiety is connected to distressing memories or past experiences. Circe will consider whether EMDR or another therapeutic approach is the best fit for your specific anxiety concerns.

 

Is EMDR hypnosis?

 

No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain awake, aware, and actively involved in the therapy process.

 

How do I start EMDR therapy in Missoula?

 

You can fill out our Get Matched form and request Circe. Our care coordinator will help connect you with the therapist who fits your needs, preferences, insurance, and availability.

If something from the past continues to affect how you feel, think, respond, or connect with others, you don't have to keep navigating it alone.

​

Circe Vogel, LCPC, LAC is currently accepting new adult clients for EMDR and trauma-focused therapy in Missoula and online throughout Montana.

​

You don't have to know exactly what you need before reaching out.

​

Get Matched with a Therapist

​

Tell us what you're experiencing, and we'll help you take the next step.

Trauma & PTSD Therapy in Missoul

Explore therapy for trauma, PTSD symptoms, difficult experiences, and the ways past experiences can affect your life today.

​

Anxiety Therapy in Missoul

Get support for anxiety, worry, fear, panic, and feeling overwhelmed.

 

Addiction Therapy in Missoula

​

Circe also works with adults navigating substance use, addiction recovery, and co-occurring mental health concerns.

 

Depression Therapy in Missoula

Explore individual therapy for depression, low motivation, disconnection, and other mood concerns.

 

Online Therapy in Montana

 

Learn about secure online therapy available throughout Montana.

​

Individual Therapy in Montana

 

Explore individual therapy services available through Peaks & Valleys Therapy.

 

Meet Our Therapists

 

Learn more about the therapists at Peaks & Valleys Therapy and find the right fit for your needs.