Trauma lives in the nervous system, not just in memory, which is why talk therapy alone is sometimes not enough. EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and neurofeedback are body-aware, evidence-informed approaches that help the brain and body process and settle after trauma. At Heights Behavioral Health in Houston, these are delivered one-on-one and woven into our Individualized Intensive Programming for adults with trauma, PTSD, and co-occurring conditions.
Many people come to us after years of therapy that helped them understand their trauma but not feel better in their body. They still startle, still cannot sleep, still feel on edge. These approaches target exactly that gap, working with the nervous system rather than only the story.
EMDR: Reprocessing Stuck Memories
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, well-researched therapy for trauma. Using guided bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, it helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their charge and stop intruding on the present. It is recognized by major bodies as an effective treatment for PTSD, and many people experience relief without having to retell every detail of what happened.
Somatic Experiencing: Releasing Trauma From the Body
Somatic Experiencing focuses on the physical residue of trauma, the tension, freeze, and survival energy that stays trapped in the body. Working gently and gradually, it helps the nervous system complete its stress response and return to a regulated state. It is especially useful for people who feel chronically anxious, numb, or disconnected from their bodies.
Neurofeedback: Training the Brain to Settle
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive approach that gives the brain real-time feedback about its own activity, helping it learn to regulate more effectively over time. People often use it to support better sleep, calmer focus, and steadier emotional regulation, alongside their core therapy. We are honest that it is a supportive tool, used as part of a broader plan rather than a standalone cure.
How We Combine Them
No single approach fits everyone, which is the whole point of our model. After a careful assessment, we match you to the right combination, and pair these one-on-one therapies with group work such as Shame Resilience, Mindfulness, and skills groups in DBT and CBT. This is the heart of trauma-informed care, and it connects directly to our broader trauma and PTSD treatment.
Still carrying trauma in your body after years of talking about it?
One confidential call with our Houston team can help you find an approach that actually reaches it.
Trauma, Addiction, and Mental Health
Unresolved trauma sits underneath a great deal of addiction, depression, and anxiety, and the behaviors are often attempts to cope with it. Treating the trauma is frequently what finally allows the rest to heal, which is why our dual diagnosis care and our behavioral addiction treatment rely on these tools.
Why Individualized Intensive Programming Fits
Trauma recovery cannot be rushed or standardized. Our flagship Individualized Intensive Programming builds the pace and combination of therapies around your nervous system and your goals, at PHP or IOP intensity.
How Payment Works at Heights Behavioral Health
Heights Behavioral Health is a private-pay, out-of-network provider and is not in network with insurance plans. Some clients have out-of-network benefits that can offset part of the cost, and we are upfront about pricing before you commit. See our out-of-network guide.
When You Need More Than Outpatient Care
If you are in crisis or at significant risk, a higher level of care comes first, and we will help you find it. For non-clinical support, our sister practice Heights Mentoring may be a fit.
If this is an emergency or you are thinking about harming yourself, call 911, or call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Heights Behavioral Health is an outpatient program and is not a 24-hour crisis service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EMDR evidence-based?
Yes. EMDR is a well-researched therapy recognized by major health bodies as effective for PTSD. Many people experience meaningful relief, often without retelling every detail of the trauma.
What is the difference between EMDR and Somatic Experiencing?
EMDR focuses on reprocessing specific distressing memories, while Somatic Experiencing focuses on releasing the physical, nervous-system residue of trauma. They complement each other, and we often use both.
Does neurofeedback really work?
Neurofeedback is a supportive tool that helps the brain learn to regulate, and many people find it helps sleep, focus, and calm. We use it as part of a broader plan, not as a standalone cure, and we are honest about that.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Not necessarily. These approaches are designed to reduce the need to relive every detail. We go at a pace that feels safe for your nervous system.
Do you take insurance?
We are a private-pay, out-of-network provider and are not in network with insurance plans. Some clients use out-of-network benefits to offset part of the cost. We are upfront about pricing before you decide.
Healing That Reaches the Body, Not Just the Story
EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and neurofeedback can reach trauma that talk therapy alone has not. One confidential call is the first step.
