Christian EMDR Therapy

If you’ve ever prayed for peace but still felt stuck in pain, I want you to know you’re not alone, and there is hope. My name is Mark Odland, and I’m the owner of Lion Counseling in Duluth, Minnesota. Over the years, I’ve walked alongside thousands of Christians on their healing journeys, offering therapy that honors both their emotional needs and their faith. With more than 15,000 therapy sessions behind me, I’ve seen firsthand the power of Christian EMDR therapy to help people process trauma and reconnect with the truth of who they are in Christ.

Below, I want to share what Christian EMDR therapy is, how it works, who it helps, and what you can expect when working with me, whether online or in person.

What Is Christian EMDR Therapy?

Christian EMDR therapy combines the scientifically supported process of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with the timeless truths of Christian faith. At its core, EMDR helps people process painful memories and emotional wounds that may still feel “stuck” in their nervous system, causing anxiety, fear, shame, or trauma responses long after the event has passed.

How Christian Values Are Integrated Into the Process

What makes Christian EMDR therapy unique is how we invite God into the healing process. For many clients, this includes prayer, Scripture reflection, and intentionally grounding our work in biblical truth. You won’t find judgment or rigid rules, just a safe space where your spiritual life is honored, and where the Holy Spirit is welcome to work alongside us.

Together, we’ll address the lies trauma may have planted (“I’m not worthy,” “I’m not safe,” “God has forgotten me”) and replace them with God’s truth and healing. It’s about rediscovering your identity in Christ.

Why Choose Christian EMDR Over Standard Therapy?

I’ve worked with many clients who’ve tried traditional therapy before but still felt like something was missing. Maybe it helped a little, but the deeper healing just didn’t happen. I believe that’s because we’re not just emotional or psychological beings, we’re spiritual, too. And when our faith isn’t part of the healing process, it can feel incomplete.

That’s why I’m so passionate about Christian EMDR therapy. It brings your whole self into the process, mind, body, and spirit. Instead of just focusing on symptoms, we dig deeper into the root of the pain, and we do it in a way that honors your walk with God.

Who Can Christian EMDR Therapy Help?

In my experience, Christian EMDR therapy can be life-changing for a wide range of people. Whether you’ve been through something recent or are carrying pain from the past, this approach creates space for both healing and spiritual restoration.

If any of the following sound familiar, this type of therapy might be a good fit:

• Christians struggling with trauma or PTSD

• Survivors of childhood abuse or neglect

• Individuals carrying church hurt or spiritual trauma

• People battling anxiety, shame, or guilt

• Those grieving a loss or life transition

• Men and women working through identity struggles or a loss of purpose

• Anyone who’s tried therapy before but felt their faith was missing from the process

• People wanting to align their emotional healing with their Christian beliefs

You don’t need to have all the answers or even know where to start. That’s what I’m here for. Together, we’ll explore how Christian EMDR therapy can support your healing journey and reconnect you with who God says you are.

What to Expect in a Session With Mark Odland

If you’ve never tried therapy before, let alone Christian EMDR therapy, it’s totally normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect. My goal is to make you feel safe, supported, and understood from the moment we begin. You don’t need to have everything figured out, just a willingness to show up as you are.

A Safe, Judgment-Free Space Grounded in Compassion

The therapy room, whether online or in person, is your space to be real. You can bring your doubts, your anger, your questions, and your faith. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life and with all kinds of stories, and I can tell you this: there’s nothing too big, too dark, or too complicated for God to heal.

Your Faith, Your Pace – You’re in Control

One of the most important things I tell every client: “you’re in charge.” This is your healing journey, not mine. Some people want prayer and Scripture woven into every session. Others prefer a more subtle integration of faith. Either way, we tailor the experience to your comfort level.

Online Therapy Options or In-Person

I offer Christian EMDR therapy both in-person at my Duluth, Minnesota office and online for clients across the state. Online therapy makes it easier for people with busy schedules to still access meaningful, faith-based support.

The results are just as powerful online as they are face-to-face, what matters most is showing up and being open to the process.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

If you’ve made it this far, something in you is ready for change. Maybe you’ve carried pain longer than anyone knows. Maybe you’ve prayed for peace but still feel stuck. Or maybe you’re just looking for a therapist who understands both your emotional wounds and your walk with God.

Whatever brought you here, I want you to know healing is possible. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Book a Free Christian EMDR Therapy Consultation With Mark

I offer a free consultation so we can talk about what’s been weighing on you, what your goals are, and how Christian EMDR therapy might help. There’s no pressure, no expectations, just a chance for us to connect and see if it feels like a good fit.

If you’re ready to take that next step, I’d be honored to walk with you.

Common Questions: EMDR Therapy Christian

What are the dangers of EMDR therapy for Christians?

The biggest “danger,” in my opinion, is working with someone who doesn’t understand or respect your emotions. EMDR can be intense, it stirs up emotions and memories that are often buried deep. But when done in a Christian context, with someone you trust, the process can actually feel incredibly grounding and safe. In Christian EMDR therapy, we lean on God’s truth, not just psychology. That makes all the difference.

Is EMDR therapy okay for Christians?

Yes, it is. EMDR doesn’t involve hypnosis or anything spiritually questionable, it’s a neuroscience-based method that helps your brain reprocess painful memories. When we bring our faith into the process, Christian EMDR therapy becomes not only okay, it becomes transformational. It’s a powerful way to invite Jesus into the parts of our story that still need healing.

Why is there a controversy with EMDR?

Some controversy exists because EMDR includes bilateral stimulation (often eye movements), and to those unfamiliar, that can seem odd or even unspiritual. But it’s actually rooted in how the brain naturally processes memories during REM sleep. EMDR is endorsed by many respected health organizations, and when used responsibly in a Christian EMDR therapy setting, it aligns well with our calling to seek healing, wholeness, and truth.

What does God say about going to therapy?

While the Bible doesn’t talk about therapy in modern terms, it has a lot to say about seeking counsel, bearing one another’s burdens, and renewing our minds (Proverbs 15:22, Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:2). I believe therapy is one way we can partner with God to heal what’s been broken and to live more fully in the identity He’s given us.

Who should not do Christian EMDR therapy?

There are some situations where EMDR may not be the best fit. This could include individuals who are in a state of active crisis, severe dissociation, or untreated psychosis. That’s why I always start with a consultation to make sure Christian EMDR therapy is a safe and appropriate next step for you.

Are there any negative effects of Christian EMDR therapy?

Processing trauma can bring up intense emotions, and some sessions may feel heavy, but that’s often where the healing begins. I’ll always guide you through it at a pace that’s right for you. Most of my clients report feeling more free, more connected to God, and more grounded after doing the work. Any discomfort is temporary, but the growth is lasting.

Is Faith Based EMDR therapy credible?

Yes, absolutely. Faith-based EMDR therapy combines clinical best practices with spiritual support. I’ve seen it change lives, not just symptom relief, but deep, soul-level transformation. It’s not a “watered down” version of EMDR. It’s EMDR anchored in truth, compassion, and a Christ-centered approach to healing.

Final Thoughts: EMDR Therapy Christian