EMDR Therapists in Pemberton, BC

Photo of Anne Languedoc, Counsellor, MSc, RCC, EXAT
Anne Languedoc
Counsellor, MSc, RCC, EXAT
Serves Area
I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR, Family Internal Systems, Solutions Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy.
My passion is helping people improve the quality of their relationships. My clients resolve their relational ruptures by experiencing safety, trust and compassion through a healing therapeutic relationship. I specialize in healing traumas that can be the root cause of many mental health challenges such as depression, substance use, PTSD, and anxiety. Trauma counselling will help you function more effectively in all domains of your life, be it at work, parenting, family, or friendships. You will gain insights, strength and solutions for setting healthier boundaries and learn coping strategies for overwhelming thoughts and emotions.
I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR, Family Internal Systems, Solutions Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy.
My passion is helping people improve the quality of their relationships. My clients resolve their relational ruptures by experiencing safety, trust and compassion through a healing therapeutic relationship. I specialize in healing traumas that can be the root cause of many mental health challenges such as depression, substance use, PTSD, and anxiety. Trauma counselling will help you function more effectively in all domains of your life, be it at work, parenting, family, or friendships. You will gain insights, strength and solutions for setting healthier boundaries and learn coping strategies for overwhelming thoughts and emotions.
(506) 701-6615 View (506) 701-6615
Photo of Ceilidh Smith, Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Ceilidh Smith
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have a Master's of social work and hold additional counselling certifications including emdr, somatic attachment, complex trauma cert, CBT, acceptance and commitment, narrative therapy & DBT.
Do you feel lost, burnt out, or that you're barely surviving and can't catch a break? I support clients through the messy and complicated periods of life. As humans we face all sorts of challenges - from your relationships dynamics or mood (like anxiety or depression), trauma from the past that keeps getting in your way, or just general "life" (like parenting, finances, health conditions). Therapy is the space to get some support, learn some tools and find some insight on the patterns which will help meaningful shifts in your life from surviving to thriving.
I have a Master's of social work and hold additional counselling certifications including emdr, somatic attachment, complex trauma cert, CBT, acceptance and commitment, narrative therapy & DBT.
Do you feel lost, burnt out, or that you're barely surviving and can't catch a break? I support clients through the messy and complicated periods of life. As humans we face all sorts of challenges - from your relationships dynamics or mood (like anxiety or depression), trauma from the past that keeps getting in your way, or just general "life" (like parenting, finances, health conditions). Therapy is the space to get some support, learn some tools and find some insight on the patterns which will help meaningful shifts in your life from surviving to thriving.
(548) 409-5822 View (548) 409-5822
Photo of Kayla Benbow - New Pathways Counselling, Counsellor, RCC, MA
New Pathways Counselling
Counsellor, RCC, MA
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Clients often decide to work through past experiences as well, through the use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy).
I work collaboratively with individual clients, families, and couples to support the unique needs and goals of each client. I place the safety of my clients first and foremost. Working from a strengths-based perspective, I help clients build from current strengths while also working to provide clients with new skills. Anxiety and depression are areas I commonly work to support clients with. Additionally, some clients choose to work through past trauma. If you are looking for support in an area not mentioned in my profile, please feel free to reach out and ask any questions you might have.
Clients often decide to work through past experiences as well, through the use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy).
I work collaboratively with individual clients, families, and couples to support the unique needs and goals of each client. I place the safety of my clients first and foremost. Working from a strengths-based perspective, I help clients build from current strengths while also working to provide clients with new skills. Anxiety and depression are areas I commonly work to support clients with. Additionally, some clients choose to work through past trauma. If you are looking for support in an area not mentioned in my profile, please feel free to reach out and ask any questions you might have.
(778) 860-4197 View (778) 860-4197

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Angela Ivy Leong, Counsellor, BA, MA
Angela Ivy Leong
Counsellor, BA, MA
9 Endorsed
Serves Area
Creator of The KISSS Method, a unique blend of Modern Psychology, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, and EMDR that delivers immediate, life-changing results.
You are a deep thinker, a seeker of truth, and you yearn for a life filled with meaning and authenticity. Whether you're exploring your sexual identity, navigating complex relationships, or seeking to understand your emotional patterns, you’ve likely felt the tension between your desires and the limitations placed on you by unconscious drives or societal expectations. You’re ready to break free from these constraints and live your fullest, most liberated life.
Creator of The KISSS Method, a unique blend of Modern Psychology, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, and EMDR that delivers immediate, life-changing results.
You are a deep thinker, a seeker of truth, and you yearn for a life filled with meaning and authenticity. Whether you're exploring your sexual identity, navigating complex relationships, or seeking to understand your emotional patterns, you’ve likely felt the tension between your desires and the limitations placed on you by unconscious drives or societal expectations. You’re ready to break free from these constraints and live your fullest, most liberated life.
(604) 800-9285 View (604) 800-9285
Photo of Sehleeah Schevers Rcc, Counsellor, RCC, CCC
Sehleeah Schevers Rcc
Counsellor, RCC, CCC
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
I’m so glad you are here. New Clients are welcome, both young and old (individuals, couples, families). Let’s talk about how therapy helps. There are so many ways we can feel better, we just need to take one step. Reaching out is the first, and often clients feel better after the first session. There are no waitlists for new clients, when you are ready to begin, we begin. Every moment is an opportunity to feel better, but sometimes we lose hope and stop trying. I encourage self love and self-compassion with playfulness and creativity. “Love has the intense ability to heal the wounds from the blows that life gives us.” Sue Johnson
I’m so glad you are here. New Clients are welcome, both young and old (individuals, couples, families). Let’s talk about how therapy helps. There are so many ways we can feel better, we just need to take one step. Reaching out is the first, and often clients feel better after the first session. There are no waitlists for new clients, when you are ready to begin, we begin. Every moment is an opportunity to feel better, but sometimes we lose hope and stop trying. I encourage self love and self-compassion with playfulness and creativity. “Love has the intense ability to heal the wounds from the blows that life gives us.” Sue Johnson
(249) 802-3584 View (249) 802-3584
Photo of Nicole Carothers, Counsellor, MA, RCC
Nicole Carothers
Counsellor, MA, RCC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
My counselling style is centered around the therapeutic relationship and collaborative goal setting, from a somatic attachment theory, and eye-movement desensitization & reprocessing ( EMDR) lens.
Hi there, I'm Nicole. I live in the stunning Sea to Sky corridor, offering online counselling services to clients throughout BC and in-person sessions at Peak Experience Counselling in Squamish, BC. Therapy holds the potential for profound self-discovery and understanding. Through introspection, individuals can cultivate greater self-compassion, understanding, and joy. Therapy is a supportive space to explore personal patterns that may hinder personal growth. Together, we work to release these patterns, while fostering supportive resources, acquiring new skills, and creating a personalized toolkit for moving forward.
My counselling style is centered around the therapeutic relationship and collaborative goal setting, from a somatic attachment theory, and eye-movement desensitization & reprocessing ( EMDR) lens.
Hi there, I'm Nicole. I live in the stunning Sea to Sky corridor, offering online counselling services to clients throughout BC and in-person sessions at Peak Experience Counselling in Squamish, BC. Therapy holds the potential for profound self-discovery and understanding. Through introspection, individuals can cultivate greater self-compassion, understanding, and joy. Therapy is a supportive space to explore personal patterns that may hinder personal growth. Together, we work to release these patterns, while fostering supportive resources, acquiring new skills, and creating a personalized toolkit for moving forward.
(587) 802-3720 View (587) 802-3720
Photo of Sara Warren, Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP, CCC, RCC
Sara Warren
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP, CCC, RCC
8 Endorsed
Serves Area
I draw upon various modalities, such as Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal-Informed Therapy, Somatic-Informed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and other trauma-focused interventions.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. My goal is to work collaboratively with you based on your specific goals and needs with an emphasis on building a strong therapeutic relationship and creating a safe environment. I provide psychotherapy services to explore concerns relating, but not limited to, various forms of trauma and abuse, dissociative disorders, interpersonal relationships/attachment difficulties, substance use, self-esteem, identity, depression, anxiety, and chronic illness.
I draw upon various modalities, such as Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal-Informed Therapy, Somatic-Informed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and other trauma-focused interventions.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. My goal is to work collaboratively with you based on your specific goals and needs with an emphasis on building a strong therapeutic relationship and creating a safe environment. I provide psychotherapy services to explore concerns relating, but not limited to, various forms of trauma and abuse, dissociative disorders, interpersonal relationships/attachment difficulties, substance use, self-esteem, identity, depression, anxiety, and chronic illness.
(226) 458-8416 View (226) 458-8416
Photo of Amanda Dewar - Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor, MEd, RSW, CCC, RCC, RP
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RSW, CCC, RCC, RP
Online Only
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
(438) 255-0983 View (438) 255-0983
Photo of Sandy Kirkwood - Integrate Counselling, Counsellor, MA, RCC
Integrate Counselling
Counsellor, MA, RCC
6 Endorsed
Serves Area
We are trained in evidence-based, trauma-informed therapies, such as EMDR, IFS, and AEDP, among others.
Hi, I’m Sandy Kirkwood, the founder of Integrate Counselling. I’m passionate about counselling because I know that with the right therapist at the right moment in your life, it can be both helpful and life changing. I know this because, over the years, I have witnessed so many clients move through their struggles to gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what they truly want. I have gathered this particular team of therapists together because I know how they work with clients. They have been either close colleagues of mine or past supervisees. I have witnessed their warmth, wisdom and effectiveness in working with clients.
We are trained in evidence-based, trauma-informed therapies, such as EMDR, IFS, and AEDP, among others.
Hi, I’m Sandy Kirkwood, the founder of Integrate Counselling. I’m passionate about counselling because I know that with the right therapist at the right moment in your life, it can be both helpful and life changing. I know this because, over the years, I have witnessed so many clients move through their struggles to gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what they truly want. I have gathered this particular team of therapists together because I know how they work with clients. They have been either close colleagues of mine or past supervisees. I have witnessed their warmth, wisdom and effectiveness in working with clients.
(778) 719-6671 View (778) 719-6671
Photo of Claire McMillan, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BSW
Claire McMillan
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BSW
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am an EMDR-trained and IFS-informed clinician, drawing from parts work, attachment theory, and somatic approaches.
My therapy approach is relational and collaborative. Feeling comfortable and connected is when therapy is most effective. My goal is to support you to understand yourself and what you need; to come back home to yourself. I tend to work with folks who aren’t feeling satisfied with their quality of life. This may show up as perfectionism, lack of motivation, hyper-independence, people pleasing tendencies, imposter syndrome etc. I have experience working in healthcare, not for profit, and private settings.
I am an EMDR-trained and IFS-informed clinician, drawing from parts work, attachment theory, and somatic approaches.
My therapy approach is relational and collaborative. Feeling comfortable and connected is when therapy is most effective. My goal is to support you to understand yourself and what you need; to come back home to yourself. I tend to work with folks who aren’t feeling satisfied with their quality of life. This may show up as perfectionism, lack of motivation, hyper-independence, people pleasing tendencies, imposter syndrome etc. I have experience working in healthcare, not for profit, and private settings.
(604) 774-2431 View (604) 774-2431
Photo of Carole Boivin, Counsellor, MEd, CCC, RCC
Carole Boivin
Counsellor, MEd, CCC, RCC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi, as an experienced Registered Counsellor (23 years) & as a Certified EMDR Therapist, I am passionate about helping others find resolution, healing & happiness in their lives.
My practice is evidence-based, action-oriented, holistic, interactive, flexible, and positive, and is conducted in a safe space where my clients feel understood & accepted. Beginning with the very first session, my clients learn tools and strategies to help them heal, grow, and flourish.
Hi, as an experienced Registered Counsellor (23 years) & as a Certified EMDR Therapist, I am passionate about helping others find resolution, healing & happiness in their lives.
My practice is evidence-based, action-oriented, holistic, interactive, flexible, and positive, and is conducted in a safe space where my clients feel understood & accepted. Beginning with the very first session, my clients learn tools and strategies to help them heal, grow, and flourish.
(778) 348-0820 View (778) 348-0820
Photo of Amanda Whippy, Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Amanda Whippy
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Reaching out for support can feel intimidating (and honestly, a bit overwhelming). A compassionate, supportive therapeutic relationship can make that first step feel less heavy. I’m a counsellor with a deep curiosity about the human experience and a genuine respect for each person’s unique story — no two are the same, and I don’t believe they should be treated that way. I take a collaborative approach, working alongside you rather than “fixing” you, to support a life that feels aligned with who you truly are. I support individuals in building lives that reflect balance, meaning, and purpose.
Reaching out for support can feel intimidating (and honestly, a bit overwhelming). A compassionate, supportive therapeutic relationship can make that first step feel less heavy. I’m a counsellor with a deep curiosity about the human experience and a genuine respect for each person’s unique story — no two are the same, and I don’t believe they should be treated that way. I take a collaborative approach, working alongside you rather than “fixing” you, to support a life that feels aligned with who you truly are. I support individuals in building lives that reflect balance, meaning, and purpose.
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Photo of Sue Perry, Counsellor, MA, CCC
Sue Perry
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Serves Area
My counselling practice combines a multicultural viewpoint, a client centred philosophy, humanistic values and cognitive behavioural strategies. I believe our culture influences the way people see the world and I will strive to understand your world view. I can offer you a safe, non-judgemental and genuine atmosphere to discuss your concerns. I believe you are the expert on your own life but that I may have some strategies to assist you. I am here as a guide, not to follow or lead but to walk beside you on your journey
My counselling practice combines a multicultural viewpoint, a client centred philosophy, humanistic values and cognitive behavioural strategies. I believe our culture influences the way people see the world and I will strive to understand your world view. I can offer you a safe, non-judgemental and genuine atmosphere to discuss your concerns. I believe you are the expert on your own life but that I may have some strategies to assist you. I am here as a guide, not to follow or lead but to walk beside you on your journey
(604) 740-2791 View (604) 740-2791
Photo of Mj Brownlee, Counsellor, MACP, CCC, PCP-IV
Mj Brownlee
Counsellor, MACP, CCC, PCP-IV
Online Only
I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and a certified EMDR therapist.
Does living in this world just seem too heavy sometimes? Do you want to connect with your deepest self? My focus is on healing the trauma of both our experiences in and our fractured relationship with the world we inhabit. Are you a frontline activist, first responder, or are you suffering from climate grief and anxiety/depression from living in uncertain times? I am here to act as a guide to help you find your highest self's purpose. I have lived experience in the 2SLGBTQ+ community and a background in youth support work, and have a trauma-informed, body-positive, intersectional practice.
I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and a certified EMDR therapist.
Does living in this world just seem too heavy sometimes? Do you want to connect with your deepest self? My focus is on healing the trauma of both our experiences in and our fractured relationship with the world we inhabit. Are you a frontline activist, first responder, or are you suffering from climate grief and anxiety/depression from living in uncertain times? I am here to act as a guide to help you find your highest self's purpose. I have lived experience in the 2SLGBTQ+ community and a background in youth support work, and have a trauma-informed, body-positive, intersectional practice.
(672) 648-0306 View (672) 648-0306
Photo of Amber Severinson - Huu-Miis Tuhmapt Counselling Services, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Huu-Miis Tuhmapt Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Serves Area
resourcing, regulating, etc; Somatic or EMDR to process memories; Sensate Focus for sexual anxiety.
Have you been to counselling and know the ropes, or are ready to continue the inner work you have been doing? Being able to identify and name your emotions and sensations are the groundwork for processing traumatic experience's. Moving forward in one’s healing journey often has ups, downs and what can feel like ‘slow’ progress. Finding the pace that is best for all your parts is what we do. Once you are identify your goal, usually by 3rd session, we go back to that goal each session. No worries if you realize you need to change your goal(s); Consent is ongoing.
resourcing, regulating, etc; Somatic or EMDR to process memories; Sensate Focus for sexual anxiety.
Have you been to counselling and know the ropes, or are ready to continue the inner work you have been doing? Being able to identify and name your emotions and sensations are the groundwork for processing traumatic experience's. Moving forward in one’s healing journey often has ups, downs and what can feel like ‘slow’ progress. Finding the pace that is best for all your parts is what we do. Once you are identify your goal, usually by 3rd session, we go back to that goal each session. No worries if you realize you need to change your goal(s); Consent is ongoing.
(236) 544-0464 View (236) 544-0464
Photo of Emily Johnston, Counsellor, MA, CCC
Emily Johnston
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Online Only
I most often use EMDR in my practice, although I take an integrative approach and often include other types of therapy in the process.
I believe that every client is unique and an expert in themselves. Sometimes, however, circumstances or events feel overwhelming and intrude on our ability to live the life we want. Having a person to support us on our journey to healing is necessary to feel capable of processing and transforming.
I most often use EMDR in my practice, although I take an integrative approach and often include other types of therapy in the process.
I believe that every client is unique and an expert in themselves. Sometimes, however, circumstances or events feel overwhelming and intrude on our ability to live the life we want. Having a person to support us on our journey to healing is necessary to feel capable of processing and transforming.
(705) 710-3990 View (705) 710-3990
Photo of Breeana Hogman, Counsellor, MA, RCC
Breeana Hogman
Counsellor, MA, RCC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Drawing from attachment-based, trauma-informed, and EMDR approaches, I offer a supportive space for healing, growth, and lasting change.
You may find yourself stuck in the same relationship patterns, constantly questioning yourself, or carrying the weight of everyone else's needs. Perhaps anxiety, self-criticism, overwhelming emotions, or past experiences are making it difficult to feel fully connected—to yourself, your relationships, or the life you want to create. If you're a teen, you may be struggling with friendships, family conflict, identity, school pressures, or feeling misunderstood and unsure where to turn. I believe healing happens in relationship, and meaningful change begins when we no longer carry things alone.
Drawing from attachment-based, trauma-informed, and EMDR approaches, I offer a supportive space for healing, growth, and lasting change.
You may find yourself stuck in the same relationship patterns, constantly questioning yourself, or carrying the weight of everyone else's needs. Perhaps anxiety, self-criticism, overwhelming emotions, or past experiences are making it difficult to feel fully connected—to yourself, your relationships, or the life you want to create. If you're a teen, you may be struggling with friendships, family conflict, identity, school pressures, or feeling misunderstood and unsure where to turn. I believe healing happens in relationship, and meaningful change begins when we no longer carry things alone.
(581) 804-0943 View (581) 804-0943
Photo of Jade Honce, Counsellor, MA, CCC, RCC, RDT, SEP
Jade Honce
Counsellor, MA, CCC, RCC, RDT, SEP
Serves Area
I integrate psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, CBT, CPT, and creative experiential work.
I support adult women who feel stuck in painful emotional patterns - whether that shows up as anxiety, self-doubt, relationship struggles, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or a sense of losing themselves in the needs of others. Many of my clients are navigating the impact of childhood experiences, unresolved attachment wounds, or long-standing behaviours that keep repeating in ways that no longer serve them. If you're wanting to understand yourself more deeply, build healthier boundaries, reconnect to your worth, heal old emotional patterns, or show up in relationships with more confidence and clarity, I can help get you there.
I integrate psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, CBT, CPT, and creative experiential work.
I support adult women who feel stuck in painful emotional patterns - whether that shows up as anxiety, self-doubt, relationship struggles, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or a sense of losing themselves in the needs of others. Many of my clients are navigating the impact of childhood experiences, unresolved attachment wounds, or long-standing behaviours that keep repeating in ways that no longer serve them. If you're wanting to understand yourself more deeply, build healthier boundaries, reconnect to your worth, heal old emotional patterns, or show up in relationships with more confidence and clarity, I can help get you there.
(855) 512-1114 View (855) 512-1114
Photo of Kendra Pomfret, Counsellor, BA, MC, RCC
Kendra Pomfret
Counsellor, BA, MC, RCC
6 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
All humans have the capacity for wellness, healing, and growth, despite the adversities we face. As a former national team athlete and current RCC, I have a unique understanding of the psychological pressures that coincide with sport-participation and managing difficult emotions. I also enjoy working with a diverse range of clients (16+) and couples to address a variety of concerns. These areas may include, but are not limited to, challenges with performance and social anxiety, depression, trauma/abuse, relational conflict, grief/loss, and disordered eating/RED-S.
All humans have the capacity for wellness, healing, and growth, despite the adversities we face. As a former national team athlete and current RCC, I have a unique understanding of the psychological pressures that coincide with sport-participation and managing difficult emotions. I also enjoy working with a diverse range of clients (16+) and couples to address a variety of concerns. These areas may include, but are not limited to, challenges with performance and social anxiety, depression, trauma/abuse, relational conflict, grief/loss, and disordered eating/RED-S.
(236) 301-2744 View (236) 301-2744
Photo of Molly McBride, Counsellor, MSc, RCC, RTC
Molly McBride
Counsellor, MSc, RCC, RTC
Serves Area
I offer a combination of EMDR, nervous system regulation techniques, and talk therapy methods like Internal Family Systems to help you rewire unhelpful patterns at the root.
You feel stuck. Your nervous system is in overdrive, and no matter what you try—self-care, distractions, pushing through—it feels like something keeps pulling you back. Maybe it’s anxiety, trauma, or depression that won’t loosen its grip. Perhaps you feel numb, disconnected, or constantly on edge. If your strategies haven't worked, it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough, it’s because your nervous system needs a different approach.
I offer a combination of EMDR, nervous system regulation techniques, and talk therapy methods like Internal Family Systems to help you rewire unhelpful patterns at the root.
You feel stuck. Your nervous system is in overdrive, and no matter what you try—self-care, distractions, pushing through—it feels like something keeps pulling you back. Maybe it’s anxiety, trauma, or depression that won’t loosen its grip. Perhaps you feel numb, disconnected, or constantly on edge. If your strategies haven't worked, it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough, it’s because your nervous system needs a different approach.
(343) 338-4612 View (343) 338-4612

Nearby EMDR Counsellors Searches for Pemberton

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EMDR Counsellors
Who is EMDR for?
EMDR was initially developed as a treatment for individuals with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for whom memories of a deeply distressing experience can be inadvertently triggered by random everyday events. The procedure has since been applied in the treatment of many other conditions. For example, it is used by some therapists to treat anxiety disorders including panic and phobias, depression, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and some personality disorders. It is suitable for adolescents and adults.

Why do people need EMDR?
People need EMDR as a way to manage distressing memories that in some way hamper the ability to function in the present. The procedure is believed to target the way memories are stored in the brain. Evidence indicates that past disturbing experiences cause ongoing distress because they were not adequately processed, and when such memories are triggered in the present, they are accompanied by all the emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations as the initial experience.

What problems does EMDR treat?
First and foremost, EMDR is intended as a treatment for PTSD, to defuse distressing memories that intrude on and impair everyday functioning. It is also often used to help those who are subject to panic attacks, phobias, and other forms of anxiety. In addition, EMDR has been used to treat individuals with depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders.

What happens in EMDR therapy?
First the therapist takes an individual’s history, and then the therapist and client decide which distressing experience(s) will be the target(s) of the exercise, delivered via a side-to-side visual stimulus requiring lateral eye movements. The client will be asked to activate thoughts, feelings, and any body sensations related to the troubling experience. The eye movements are said to reduce the emotional charge of the memory, so that the experience can then be safely discussed with the therapist and digested, minimising its ability to trigger anxiety.