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  • Crestview EMDR Therapy

    Trauma & PTSD Specialists in Okaloosa County

    Crestview EMDR Therapy for Trauma Recovery

    Specialized Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) designed to help you process painful memories, reduce trigger reactivity, and restore peace.

    🩺 Specialized Clinical Leadership: Clinically supervised by Colleen Wenner, LMHC (#MH16185), our Crestview office provides advanced Level 2 EMDR and trauma-informed outpatient care across Northwest Florida.

    📱 What Is EMDR Therapy?

    Think of your brain like a smartphone.

    Under normal circumstances, when you experience something day-to-day, your phone’s operating system processes the data smoothly. It saves photos, organizes messages, and files everything away so your phone keeps running fast and clear.

    But when something overwhelming, scary, or painful happens, it is like downloading a massive, corrupted file.

    ⚠️ Background App Glitch:

    Your system cannot process it. Instead of getting filed away neatly, that memory stays open in the background, consuming all your processing power and draining your battery. Because that app is stuck running 24/7, any small trigger—a notification, a tone of voice, a familiar place—causes your screen to freeze, lag, or crash into sudden anxiety, anger, or panic. You end up running on 1% battery just trying to get through the day.

    How EMDR Updates Your Brain's Operating System

    📱 BEFORE EMDR

    Corrupted File Open: Memory stays stuck in active RAM. Drains battery (fatigue) and freezes your system (panic, stress, anxiety) when triggered.

    ⚡ AFTER EMDR

    System Update Complete: Bilateral stimulation unlocks the stuck data. The memory is fully reprocessed, compressed, and archived into long-term memory where it belongs.

    Restored System Performance: You still remember what happened, but the emotional charge, physical panic, and background lag disappear—restoring daily energy, mental clarity, and peace.

    What Does EMDR Help With?

    Many people think EMDR is only for soldiers returning from war or people who survived terrible accidents. While it is incredible for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it helps with many everyday challenges, including:

    ✓ Past Trauma & PTSD Unlocking painful childhood memories, past abuse, or single traumatic events.
    Learn More About Crestview Trauma Therapy →
    ✓ Anxiety & Panic Attacks Calming racing thoughts, sudden fears, and physical feelings of panic.
    Learn More About Crestview Anxiety Therapy →
    ✓ Depression & Low Self-Worth Changing harsh beliefs like "I am not safe" into positive truths like "I am safe now."
    Learn More About Crestview Depression Counseling →
    ✓ Grief & Loss Processing heavy loss when sadness feels impossible to move through.
    Learn More About Crestview Grief Counseling →
    🎖️ Military & Veteran Care Supporting active-duty personnel, veterans, and military families connected to Eglin AFB, Duke Field, and 7th Special Forces Group with combat trauma, PCS moves, and operational stress.
    Learn More About Crestview Military Counseling →
    🚑 First Responder Trauma Support Confidential trauma care for police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers facing critical incidents and cumulative occupational stress.
    Learn More About Crestview First Responder Counseling →

    Why Choose New Heights in Crestview?

    You do not have to drive far away to Destin or Pensacola to find specialized mental health care. Our Crestview office brings advanced trauma therapy right to your neighborhood.

    🎓 Advanced Level 2 EMDR Training

    Our Crestview clinicians—Helena Castaneda, Shareen Ancog, and Hillary Anthony—have completed specialized Level 2 EMDR training.

    🤝 A Dedicated Team Approach

    Because we have multiple trained providers in one location, we match you with the therapist who best fits your personality, schedule, and goals.

    📍 Safe, Private & Local

    Conveniently located at 550 N Main St. (Suite F) in Crestview, providing confidential local care for families across North Okaloosa.

    What to Expect During Your EMDR Sessions

    STEP 1

    Getting to Know You

    Your counselor builds trust, answers your questions, and teaches you grounding tools so you feel completely safe.

    STEP 2

    Targeting the Problem

    Together, you pick the specific memory, feeling, or negative belief you want to heal.

    STEP 3

    Bilateral Processing

    Your therapist uses gentle eye movements or light taps while you focus on the memory for short periods.

    STEP 4

    Finding Peace

    Over time, the memory loses its painful intensity. You leave sessions feeling lighter, calmer, and in control.

    Meet Our Level 2 EMDR Trained Therapists

    Licensed mental health professionals skilled in bilateral stimulation and trauma recovery.

    Helena Castaneda, LCSW-QS #SW22296

    Helena Castaneda

    LCSW-QS #SW22296

    ✓ Level 2 EMDR

    Helena specializes in EMDR trauma reprocessing, complex grief, and anxiety recovery for adults and military families.

    View Bio →
    Shareen Ancog, LMHC #MH23973

    Shareen Ancog

    LMHC #MH23973

    ✓ Level 2 EMDR

    Shareen guides individuals through depression, life transitions, and panic relief using CBT and trauma-informed tools.

    View Bio →
    Hillary Anthony, LMHC #MH23483

    Hillary Anthony

    LMHC #MH23483

    ✓ Level 2 EMDR

    Hillary offers compassionate support for depression, burnout, grief, and emotional healing for adults and teens.

    View Bio →
    🎖️

    Dedicated Military, Veteran & First Responder Care

    Our Level 2 EMDR therapists have extensive experience supporting active-duty military, veterans, and local emergency personnel connected to Duke Field, Eglin AFB, and 7th Special Forces Group (A).

    Crestview Baker Laurel Hill DeFuniak Springs Niceville Fort Walton Beach
    📞 Call (850) 331-7339 to Get Started →

    A Welcoming Space for Healing and Support

    From the time you arrive for your EMDR session, our goal is for you to feel calm and at ease. If there’s anything we can do to make your visit more comfortable, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

    New Heights Counseling Crestview Lobby
    New Heights Counseling Crestview Therapy Room
    New Heights Counseling Crestview Counseling Office
    New Heights Counseling Crestview Conference Room
    New Heights Counseling Office on Main Street Suites in Crestview FL

    Visit Our Crestview Office

    New Heights Counseling & Consulting

    Address: 550 N Main St. (Suite F), Crestview, FL 32536

    Phone: (850) 331-7339

    Conveniently serving Crestview, Baker, Laurel Hill, and military personnel from Eglin AFB & Duke Field.

    📍 Get Directions on Google Maps →

    Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR in Crestview

    Common questions about trauma reprocessing and EMDR therapy

    Do I have to talk about my traumatic event in detail?

    No. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe every painful detail out loud. You simply hold the memory in your mind while focusing on bilateral stimulation (gentle eye movements or taps).

    How long does EMDR therapy take to work?

    While single traumatic events can sometimes be processed in just a few sessions, complex trauma or long-standing anxiety may take longer depending on your individual goals.

    Can EMDR therapy be done online, or do I need to come in person?

    While we love welcoming clients to our Crestview office on Main Street, our Level 2 EMDR-trained therapists can also deliver highly effective bilateral stimulation sessions virtually via secure telehealth across Florida.

    What happens if I get emotional or overwhelmed during a session?

    Feeling emotional is completely natural. Before we ever begin processing heavy memories, your therapist will spend time teaching you grounding techniques and relaxation tools so you always feel safe and in complete control.

    Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

    Not sure which therapist is the right fit? Schedule a free consultation with Whitnie, our intake coordinator, and we’ll match you with the perfect Crestview EMDR specialist for your goals.

    📍 550 N Main St Ste F, Crestview, FL 32536 | 📞 (850) 331-7339