EMDR Psychiatrists in Manhattan Beach, CA

Photo of Ana Jimenez | Bonmente, Physician Assistant in Manhattan Beach, CA
Ana Jimenez | Bonmente
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
Now welcoming new patients! We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Welcome!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
Now welcoming new patients! We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Welcome!
(310) 807-6694 View (310) 807-6694
Photo of Pacific Ketamine Group, Psychiatrist in Manhattan Beach, CA
Pacific Ketamine Group
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Pacific Ketamine Group approaches mental health and chronic pain using a wide range of evidence-effective treatments. We offer both traditional and new approaches guided by the principle of quality-of-life improvement and patient satisfaction, including: psychotherapy, TMS and Ketamine fusions. Over the years, science and medicine established Ketamine infusions as a safe effective treatment for people to not only treat patients with mood disorders, but we can also use Ketamine to relieve chronic pain conditions. Please proceed to this link for more information regarding Ketamine infusions within our office: pacificketaminegroup.com
Pacific Ketamine Group approaches mental health and chronic pain using a wide range of evidence-effective treatments. We offer both traditional and new approaches guided by the principle of quality-of-life improvement and patient satisfaction, including: psychotherapy, TMS and Ketamine fusions. Over the years, science and medicine established Ketamine infusions as a safe effective treatment for people to not only treat patients with mood disorders, but we can also use Ketamine to relieve chronic pain conditions. Please proceed to this link for more information regarding Ketamine infusions within our office: pacificketaminegroup.com
(424) 232-0889 View (424) 232-0889

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Ana Jimenez | Bonmente, Physician Assistant in Manhattan Beach, CA
Ana Jimenez | Bonmente
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
El Segundo, CA 90245
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
Now welcoming new patients! We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Welcome!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
Now welcoming new patients! We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Welcome!
(310) 349-3940 View (310) 349-3940
Photo of Vides Apresto, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Manhattan Beach, CA
Vides Apresto
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248  (Online Only)
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(424) 370-1429 View (424) 370-1429
Photo of Ana Jimenez | Bonmente, Physician Assistant in Manhattan Beach, CA
Ana Jimenez | Bonmente
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
Now welcoming new patients! We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Welcome!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
Now welcoming new patients! We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Welcome!
(310) 919-1545 View (310) 919-1545
Photo of Vides Apresto, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Manhattan Beach, CA
Vides Apresto
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90503  (Online Only)
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
Now welcoming new patients! We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Welcome!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
Now welcoming new patients! We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Welcome!
(424) 316-1646 View (424) 316-1646
Joshua Lichtman
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Dr. Josh Lichtman has been practicing psychiatry for the last decade. Dr. Lichtman is passionate about mindfulness practice and psychiatry and is constantly trying to blend the two. He is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and although he primarily focuses on psychopharmacology, he is trained in various therapy modalities including CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic therapy, and is currently in the middle of his EMDR certification. Dr. Lichtman is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and serves as a clinical instructor at UCLA, where he has been supervising doctors in training for the last 8 years.
Dr. Josh Lichtman has been practicing psychiatry for the last decade. Dr. Lichtman is passionate about mindfulness practice and psychiatry and is constantly trying to blend the two. He is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and although he primarily focuses on psychopharmacology, he is trained in various therapy modalities including CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic therapy, and is currently in the middle of his EMDR certification. Dr. Lichtman is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and serves as a clinical instructor at UCLA, where he has been supervising doctors in training for the last 8 years.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Joshua Flatow, Psychiatrist in Manhattan Beach, CA
Joshua Flatow
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90503
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. Our mental health treatment center in Long Beach provides a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness.
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. Our mental health treatment center in Long Beach provides a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness.
(844) 844-1654 View (844) 844-1654
Photo of Riz Ahmad, Psychiatrist in Manhattan Beach, CA
Riz Ahmad
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Lomita, CA 90717  (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(310) 736-2043 View (310) 736-2043
Photo of Bespoke Treatment, Psychiatrist in Manhattan Beach, CA
Bespoke Treatment
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Bespoke Treatment is a comprehensive facility that offers alternative treatments to depression that work. We specialize in TMS therapy, ketamine therapy, and online intensive outpatient program (IOP) for patients who are looking for effective and lasting solutions to their mental health challenges. Our treatments are safe, evidence-based, and personalized to each patient’s needs and goals. We also provide comprehensive support and follow-up to ensure lasting results.
Bespoke Treatment is a comprehensive facility that offers alternative treatments to depression that work. We specialize in TMS therapy, ketamine therapy, and online intensive outpatient program (IOP) for patients who are looking for effective and lasting solutions to their mental health challenges. Our treatments are safe, evidence-based, and personalized to each patient’s needs and goals. We also provide comprehensive support and follow-up to ensure lasting results.
(818) 960-7970 View (818) 960-7970
Photo of Jordan Blaine, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Manhattan Beach, CA
Jordan Blaine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
El Segundo, CA 90245  (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(747) 252-5393 View (747) 252-5393
Photo of Joshua Flatow, Psychiatrist in Manhattan Beach, CA
Joshua Flatow
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90501
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, psychotherapy, telemedicine, ketamine infusions, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. At Pacific Mind Health, treating mental illness in a modern society requires innovation, compassion, flexibility, and focus and we are committed to attaining these values and serving our patients.
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, psychotherapy, telemedicine, ketamine infusions, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. At Pacific Mind Health, treating mental illness in a modern society requires innovation, compassion, flexibility, and focus and we are committed to attaining these values and serving our patients.
(562) 269-3536 View (562) 269-3536
Photo of Riz Ahmad, Psychiatrist in Manhattan Beach, CA
Riz Ahmad
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248  (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(310) 861-2581 View (310) 861-2581
Photo of Pacific TMS Group, Psychiatrist in Manhattan Beach, CA
Pacific TMS Group
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Pacific TMS Group approaches mental health using effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA approved, non-invasive alternative treatment, using up-to-date technology for those experiencing symptoms pertaining to depression. Our clinic also offers both traditional and new approaches to mood disorders guided by the principle of quality-of-life improvement and patient satisfaction, including med-management, psychotherapy, and ketamine infusions. Please proceed to this link for a complimentary TMS informational session: https://tinyurl.com/3yhec2nx
Pacific TMS Group approaches mental health using effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA approved, non-invasive alternative treatment, using up-to-date technology for those experiencing symptoms pertaining to depression. Our clinic also offers both traditional and new approaches to mood disorders guided by the principle of quality-of-life improvement and patient satisfaction, including med-management, psychotherapy, and ketamine infusions. Please proceed to this link for a complimentary TMS informational session: https://tinyurl.com/3yhec2nx
(310) 340-1791 View (310) 340-1791
Photo of The Moment By Dr. Stacy Cohen, Psychiatrist in Manhattan Beach, CA
The Moment By Dr. Stacy Cohen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90230
I founded www.themomenthealth.com to create a safe space for our clients looking to both heal and grow. By using a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, we allow for holistic treatment that is tailored to the individual.
I founded www.themomenthealth.com to create a safe space for our clients looking to both heal and grow. By using a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, we allow for holistic treatment that is tailored to the individual.
(424) 581-0896 View (424) 581-0896
Photo of Cesca Medical Group inc, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Manhattan Beach, CA
Cesca Medical Group inc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP -
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lawndale, CA 90260
My primary goal is the relief of mental suffering associated with disorder and improvement of mental well-being. the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental illness. keep my goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. To practice on self-love and self-compassion. Take care of and be kind to your body. Make time for mindfulness. My objectives also aim to improve health and quality of life for people affected by these conditions. Mental disorders affect people of all age and racial/ethnic groups, but some populations are disproportionately affected.
My primary goal is the relief of mental suffering associated with disorder and improvement of mental well-being. the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental illness. keep my goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. To practice on self-love and self-compassion. Take care of and be kind to your body. Make time for mindfulness. My objectives also aim to improve health and quality of life for people affected by these conditions. Mental disorders affect people of all age and racial/ethnic groups, but some populations are disproportionately affected.
(323) 616-2979 View (323) 616-2979

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Alix Nassiri, Psychiatrist in Manhattan Beach, CA
Alix Nassiri
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Burbank, CA 91505
Dr. Nassiri practices Integrative Behavioral Medicine, and is board-certified in Addiction Medicine, Anesthesiology & EMDR trained. His approach is trauma and attachment informed. His cutting-edge approach made him the first doctor in Los Angeles to introduce Ketamine Infusion and Psychedelic therapy to a comprehensive treatment approach managing everything from addiction and co-occuring disorders, ranging from substance/alcohol use disorders, to depression, PTSD, anxiety, pain, OCD, and treatment resistant disorders. He provides outpatient & inpatient medical detox, as Medical Director of Huntington Hospital's CDRC Department.
Dr. Nassiri practices Integrative Behavioral Medicine, and is board-certified in Addiction Medicine, Anesthesiology & EMDR trained. His approach is trauma and attachment informed. His cutting-edge approach made him the first doctor in Los Angeles to introduce Ketamine Infusion and Psychedelic therapy to a comprehensive treatment approach managing everything from addiction and co-occuring disorders, ranging from substance/alcohol use disorders, to depression, PTSD, anxiety, pain, OCD, and treatment resistant disorders. He provides outpatient & inpatient medical detox, as Medical Director of Huntington Hospital's CDRC Department.
(323) 498-3689 View (323) 498-3689
Photo of Thomas M Brod, Psychiatrist in Manhattan Beach, CA
Thomas M Brod
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Shame and anxiety (hidden or tormentingly on the surface) are key discomforts in each person; however, everyone is miraculously unique. In my practice, we aim to pinpoint the help you need and offer the quickest and most lasting treatment appropriate. Sometimes that is intensive psychotherapy that can be short-term or go on for years if appropriate; sometimes it is a few sessions of a technique like EMDR that sort-of resets the brain after an emotional trauma. Often I recommend brainwave biofeedback (EEG neurofeedback). Always I'm seeking the most naturalistic treatment, with the least amount of medication practical.
Shame and anxiety (hidden or tormentingly on the surface) are key discomforts in each person; however, everyone is miraculously unique. In my practice, we aim to pinpoint the help you need and offer the quickest and most lasting treatment appropriate. Sometimes that is intensive psychotherapy that can be short-term or go on for years if appropriate; sometimes it is a few sessions of a technique like EMDR that sort-of resets the brain after an emotional trauma. Often I recommend brainwave biofeedback (EEG neurofeedback). Always I'm seeking the most naturalistic treatment, with the least amount of medication practical.
(424) 570-2120 View (424) 570-2120
Photo of Jordan Blaine, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Manhattan Beach, CA
Jordan Blaine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Paramount, CA 90723  (Online Only)
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy (CBT and EMDR), and telepsychiatry appointments.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(562) 512-6651 View (562) 512-6651
Photo of Jacqueline D Bredehoft, Psychiatric Nurse in Manhattan Beach, CA
Jacqueline D Bredehoft
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Do you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning, feel hopeless, or can't stop binging on food, TV, and alcohol? Are you having problems in your personal or professional relationships? Do you feel "stuck," unable to get ahead, afraid to set and achieve goals? Have you ever taken an honest look at your childhood, teen years, or any other time in your history to see what might be holding you back? Have you ever been heartbroken because of a major loss to death, divorce, or a lifetime of painful experiences like childhood traumas? Regardless of the cause, you know it doesn't feel good and you want joy and freedom in your life.
Do you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning, feel hopeless, or can't stop binging on food, TV, and alcohol? Are you having problems in your personal or professional relationships? Do you feel "stuck," unable to get ahead, afraid to set and achieve goals? Have you ever taken an honest look at your childhood, teen years, or any other time in your history to see what might be holding you back? Have you ever been heartbroken because of a major loss to death, divorce, or a lifetime of painful experiences like childhood traumas? Regardless of the cause, you know it doesn't feel good and you want joy and freedom in your life.
(657) 237-2258 View (657) 237-2258

See more therapy options for Manhattan Beach

EMDR Psychiatrists

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, minimizing its ability to trigger anxiety.