Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
Mercy Family Counseling offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for depression that cannot be improved with medication alone.
What is EMDR?
- EMDR is a relaxed, noninvasive, outpatient treatment option.
- This treatment utilizes eye movements and rhythmic stimulation such as tones and taps to begin to process memories.
- One of our certified staff members guides the treatment, which is typically complete in less than 30 minutes as the patient actively participates in the therapy.
Who can EMDR help?
- This therapy is helpful for people who have traumatic memories and other adverse life experiences looking for an adaptive resolution.
- Insurance may require patients have trialed two antidepressant medications and psychotherapy.
How to schedule an appointment
Contact Mercy Family Counseling at (319) 398-6198 to schedule an initial evaluation with one of our EMDR certified providers who can help you determine if this treatment could be beneficial for you.
Susan Hoyler, LMHC
Susan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the State of Iowa working with adolescents and adults.
Special interests include: Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for emotional regulation; anxiety and stress management; and grief and loss issues.
Frances Levack, LISW
Special interests include: Coming soon!
Kelsey Holladay, LISW, PMH-C
Kelsey is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with the State of Iowa.
Special interests include: anxiety, depression, stress management, grief/loss, fertility struggles, parenting, perinatal mental health and birth trauma.
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Karen Samani, LISW
Karen is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with the State of Iowa. She works with adults.
Special interests include: multicultural population, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), systems training for emotional predictability and problem solving (STEPPS) trained, psychosis, trauma informed care and parental stress.
Brooke Stammeyer, LISW
Brooke is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of Iowa and works primarily with adults.
Areas of interest include depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma and issues related to adoption. Brooke is trained in EMDR and is currently working on her EMDR certification.
Shawn Stepp, LMHC, CADC
Shawn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Special interests include: Hypnotherapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with adults, addiction issues and stress reduction.
Rafah Alsabea, MFT
Rafah has a deep passion for supporting couples, families and adolescents through anxiety, relationship challenges, grief and trauma. Her dedication to mental health is rooted in her experience working with people from different cultural backgrounds who have experienced trauma. This has shaped her mission to create a supportive and empowering space for growth and healing. She is also trained in various therapy approaches and theories, allowing her to tailor treatment to each person's unique needs. She is dedicated to reducing stigma and increasing access to mental health resources.
Additionally, Rafah speaks Arabic, which helps her connect with and support a diverse range of clients.
Sierra Hale, LISW
Sierra is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with the State of Iowa who provides therapy for adolescents and adults.
She is passionate about helping clients navigate life's challenges and strengthen their connection to themselves and others. Sierra's clinical interests include anxiety, depression, attachment styles, emotional regulation, self-esteem and trauma. She integrates a compassionate, holistic approach in her work and often incorporates elements of somatic therapy to support healing and personal growth. Sierra is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and is currently working toward full certification.