Therapists in Carmel, CA
Janie Rommel-Eichorn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Carmel, CA 93923
I am trained in and utilize the powerful technique of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Attachment Based EMDR to move more quickly through trauma.
I work with adolescents and adults in individual and conjoint therapy. I facilitate healing on deep levels with each client who enters my practice, specializing in anxiety issues, which have become so prevalent and acute during and in the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic. I bring a mature, experienced perspective to my work, integrating years of my own personal work and professional training. I view each person with whom I have the privilege to work as a unique being, utilizing client-centered, humanistic, transpersonal approaches, combined with a psychodynamic lens.
I am trained in and utilize the powerful technique of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Attachment Based EMDR to move more quickly through trauma.
I work with adolescents and adults in individual and conjoint therapy. I facilitate healing on deep levels with each client who enters my practice, specializing in anxiety issues, which have become so prevalent and acute during and in the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic. I bring a mature, experienced perspective to my work, integrating years of my own personal work and professional training. I view each person with whom I have the privilege to work as a unique being, utilizing client-centered, humanistic, transpersonal approaches, combined with a psychodynamic lens.
Mary Welschmeyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, BSN, MAPsych, RN, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carmel, CA 93923
Prior to becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist, I worked as an Intensive Care Nurse and Educator. I have witnessed the importance of integrating mind, body and spirit in the role of healing. In my work I utilize techniques from a variety of theories in an attempt to identify and resolve issues you are facing. To achieve your goals, I employ Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma, Guided Imagery, Expressive Arts and Sandtray. I help clients reclaim parts of self eclipsed by childhood woundedness. My focus is to empower you to find your authentic voice and inner wisdom.
Prior to becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist, I worked as an Intensive Care Nurse and Educator. I have witnessed the importance of integrating mind, body and spirit in the role of healing. In my work I utilize techniques from a variety of theories in an attempt to identify and resolve issues you are facing. To achieve your goals, I employ Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma, Guided Imagery, Expressive Arts and Sandtray. I help clients reclaim parts of self eclipsed by childhood woundedness. My focus is to empower you to find your authentic voice and inner wisdom.
Jennifer Neilson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carmel, CA 93923
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize a person-centered approach, and integrate a combination of EMDR therapy, ego state therapy, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis, and mindfulness-based approaches to tailor treatment to your needs to help you manage and heal your psychological wounds.
Are you feeling fulfilled and living the life you’ve always imagined for yourself? Are your relationships with yourself and others healthy? Are you experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and/or overwhelming emotions? Perhaps you struggle to make sense of what you're going through. Trauma and other labels do not define you. I can help you develop and uncover resources to cope with challenges, heal what’s stuck, and live a life you love. We all have a story to tell, and I'm here to help you make sense of yours. Let's work together.
I utilize a person-centered approach, and integrate a combination of EMDR therapy, ego state therapy, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis, and mindfulness-based approaches to tailor treatment to your needs to help you manage and heal your psychological wounds.
Are you feeling fulfilled and living the life you’ve always imagined for yourself? Are your relationships with yourself and others healthy? Are you experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and/or overwhelming emotions? Perhaps you struggle to make sense of what you're going through. Trauma and other labels do not define you. I can help you develop and uncover resources to cope with challenges, heal what’s stuck, and live a life you love. We all have a story to tell, and I'm here to help you make sense of yours. Let's work together.
Jennifer L Weiher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carmel, CA 92922
Working with adults 18 years and over, I integrate a variety of approaches customized to your personal needs, which may include IFS-informed EMDR, AEDP, narrative, somatic interventions, bibliotherapy, mindfulness-based interventions, CBT and SoulCollage.
Seeking therapy can be frightening, especially so if current or past trauma is begging to be addressed. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of love for oneself. I am awed daily by the resilience of the human spirit, and that I have the privilege to bear witness to my clients’ stories as a partner in their healing journeys. I have a background in community mental health clinics, hospice, and school-settings serving individuals affected by intergenerational, relational and sexual trauma, domestic violence, abuse, neglect, substance abuse, and involvement in the child welfare and foster care systems.
Working with adults 18 years and over, I integrate a variety of approaches customized to your personal needs, which may include IFS-informed EMDR, AEDP, narrative, somatic interventions, bibliotherapy, mindfulness-based interventions, CBT and SoulCollage.
Seeking therapy can be frightening, especially so if current or past trauma is begging to be addressed. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of love for oneself. I am awed daily by the resilience of the human spirit, and that I have the privilege to bear witness to my clients’ stories as a partner in their healing journeys. I have a background in community mental health clinics, hospice, and school-settings serving individuals affected by intergenerational, relational and sexual trauma, domestic violence, abuse, neglect, substance abuse, and involvement in the child welfare and foster care systems.
Leane Genstler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carmel, CA 93923
There are times in life when our paths lead us off course and we find ourselves struggling with serious issues like negativity, depression, worry, anxiety, interpersonal relational issues, difficulty with co-workers or unfulfilling marriages. Some of us struggle with unresolved trauma from our past, leaving us feeling distant, disconnected and alone. No matter how difficult your current situation seems, I believe that it is always possible to get back on track and feel better. In my years specializing in domestic violence, eating disorders and trauma related therapy, I have helped individuals, couples and families overcome multiple obstacles.
There are times in life when our paths lead us off course and we find ourselves struggling with serious issues like negativity, depression, worry, anxiety, interpersonal relational issues, difficulty with co-workers or unfulfilling marriages. Some of us struggle with unresolved trauma from our past, leaving us feeling distant, disconnected and alone. No matter how difficult your current situation seems, I believe that it is always possible to get back on track and feel better. In my years specializing in domestic violence, eating disorders and trauma related therapy, I have helped individuals, couples and families overcome multiple obstacles.
Gina Wind
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Carmel, CA 93921
I specialize in supporting women, college-aged individuals, young girls and teens. Together, we focus on your anxiety, depression and finding goals. All of these are quite treatable. Positive Psychology is a valuable tool for feeling supported and safe to talk about absolutely everything. A trusted psychologist reminds others of their strengths, how to center, self-regulate and feel more solid in oneself. For decades, I have treated ambiguous issues, offered compassionate therapy with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Additionally, I support families and LGBTQ+ individuals. Feel free to contact me about positively anything.
I specialize in supporting women, college-aged individuals, young girls and teens. Together, we focus on your anxiety, depression and finding goals. All of these are quite treatable. Positive Psychology is a valuable tool for feeling supported and safe to talk about absolutely everything. A trusted psychologist reminds others of their strengths, how to center, self-regulate and feel more solid in oneself. For decades, I have treated ambiguous issues, offered compassionate therapy with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Additionally, I support families and LGBTQ+ individuals. Feel free to contact me about positively anything.
Charlotte A. Sky
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Carmel, CA 93923
Not accepting new clients
I am trained in many treatment orientations, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic approaches, humanistic and existential psychotherapy, EMDR, stress-reduction techniques, creative visualization, and dreamwork.
My approach to my clients is warm, open, and accepting, and, at the same time, I am ready and willing to provide direct and honest feedback. I enjoy bringing a sense of humor and creativity, as well as strong professional ethics to my work. While my initial goal is to work together with my clients to relieve depression, anxiety, trauma, and other problems, ultimately I work with the whole person to develop and utilize his or her strengths to find balance and self-acceptance and to become more open to deeper experiences of love and joy.
I am trained in many treatment orientations, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic approaches, humanistic and existential psychotherapy, EMDR, stress-reduction techniques, creative visualization, and dreamwork.
My approach to my clients is warm, open, and accepting, and, at the same time, I am ready and willing to provide direct and honest feedback. I enjoy bringing a sense of humor and creativity, as well as strong professional ethics to my work. While my initial goal is to work together with my clients to relieve depression, anxiety, trauma, and other problems, ultimately I work with the whole person to develop and utilize his or her strengths to find balance and self-acceptance and to become more open to deeper experiences of love and joy.
Online Therapists
Micheen Levee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
I enjoy using my training in Art Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Relational Gestalt and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients in their healing process.
Sometimes in an effort to manage painful experiences in life, we end up getting stuck in roles and patterns that do not serve us. Sometimes we don't know where to start, but we know we want something else. I will listen with curiosity and compassion and offer support in your journey to understand what serves you now. I can help with anxiety, depression, history of abuse, lack of motivation and self destructive habits among other issues. I have a strong interest in healing the effects of trauma so clients can increase their sense of empowerment in the world.
I enjoy using my training in Art Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Relational Gestalt and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients in their healing process.
Sometimes in an effort to manage painful experiences in life, we end up getting stuck in roles and patterns that do not serve us. Sometimes we don't know where to start, but we know we want something else. I will listen with curiosity and compassion and offer support in your journey to understand what serves you now. I can help with anxiety, depression, history of abuse, lack of motivation and self destructive habits among other issues. I have a strong interest in healing the effects of trauma so clients can increase their sense of empowerment in the world.
Laurie Claire Gallagher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
I am certified in EMDR and highly trained in CBT, Hypnotherapy, Guided imagery, Mindfulness & Play/Art Therapy.
Let me help you process, heal and move beyond trauma, anxiety, depression, life challenges, and perceived limitations to improve quality of life, find peace, fulfillment and happiness in your life and relationships. I provide a comfortable, non judgmental environment for individuals, couples and children 9 and up. In person and virtual appointments available.
I am certified in EMDR and highly trained in CBT, Hypnotherapy, Guided imagery, Mindfulness & Play/Art Therapy.
Let me help you process, heal and move beyond trauma, anxiety, depression, life challenges, and perceived limitations to improve quality of life, find peace, fulfillment and happiness in your life and relationships. I provide a comfortable, non judgmental environment for individuals, couples and children 9 and up. In person and virtual appointments available.
Silvi Integrative Health
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
We are trauma focused therapists who specialize in ketamine assisted psychotherapy, EMDR, and internal family systems (IFS).
Frustrated with traditional therapy not working? Have you spent years in therapy with minimal improvement? At Silvi Integrative Health we believe that thriving occurs by treating the whole person. We offer trauma focused integrative psychotherapy that includes the body, mind, spirit, and community of every individual we have the opportunity to help. With this approach, we find that many of our client see results in a shorter period and have breakthroughs in goals that they were not able to achieve before. We are a compassionate team of therapists that want to see you thrive.
We are trauma focused therapists who specialize in ketamine assisted psychotherapy, EMDR, and internal family systems (IFS).
Frustrated with traditional therapy not working? Have you spent years in therapy with minimal improvement? At Silvi Integrative Health we believe that thriving occurs by treating the whole person. We offer trauma focused integrative psychotherapy that includes the body, mind, spirit, and community of every individual we have the opportunity to help. With this approach, we find that many of our client see results in a shorter period and have breakthroughs in goals that they were not able to achieve before. We are a compassionate team of therapists that want to see you thrive.
Timothy Malone
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I utilize EMDR, Mindfulness, Art Therapy and Eco Therapy, amongst others to help those I work with move into a life more free.
Currently Accepting New Clients: I help people who are going through life transitions work through the things that hold them back. If you feel like you just can't get out off a rut, maybe because you have a negative belief or experience that holds you back. If you the "not good enough" or like messages in your head, I can help. The fact is, you do deserve to live the life you want. I can help you work through these messages so you can leave them behind. I have been there myself. It's challenging to move forward sometimes, but it's so worth it, and you don't have to go it alone. I can. help Please feel free to reach out.
I utilize EMDR, Mindfulness, Art Therapy and Eco Therapy, amongst others to help those I work with move into a life more free.
Currently Accepting New Clients: I help people who are going through life transitions work through the things that hold them back. If you feel like you just can't get out off a rut, maybe because you have a negative belief or experience that holds you back. If you the "not good enough" or like messages in your head, I can help. The fact is, you do deserve to live the life you want. I can help you work through these messages so you can leave them behind. I have been there myself. It's challenging to move forward sometimes, but it's so worth it, and you don't have to go it alone. I can. help Please feel free to reach out.
Leilani Jefferies
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We are taught to constantly go, but sometimes we need to stop, look inside, and find what's keeping us from moving forward. I offer a safe container to do this. You have the knowledge within to choose the right path. It's my job to walk with you, lighting the way. Containment and clarity: this is what I can offer to you as my client. I offer therapy in English/Spanish to individuals, couples, and families. I have advanced training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also offer parenting support.
We are taught to constantly go, but sometimes we need to stop, look inside, and find what's keeping us from moving forward. I offer a safe container to do this. You have the knowledge within to choose the right path. It's my job to walk with you, lighting the way. Containment and clarity: this is what I can offer to you as my client. I offer therapy in English/Spanish to individuals, couples, and families. I have advanced training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also offer parenting support.
Heidi Poteet Marini
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, , LMFT, ALPCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
As an integrative psychotherapist, I have knowledge in a wide variety of therapeutic modalities including evidence-based practices like DBT, CBT, Somatic Experiencing, Brain-Spotting and EMDR.
Life can be hard but I'm guessing you already knew that. All the hard stuff can leave us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad. Sometimes life's challenges become too difficult to overcome alone. Finding a safe and collaborative place to explore and address what is troubling you is the first step toward healing. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or challenges within a relationship. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience in therapy, research shows that therapy helps people. It works. Psychotherapy can elevate feelings of self worth, purpose, and improve your overall quality of life.
As an integrative psychotherapist, I have knowledge in a wide variety of therapeutic modalities including evidence-based practices like DBT, CBT, Somatic Experiencing, Brain-Spotting and EMDR.
Life can be hard but I'm guessing you already knew that. All the hard stuff can leave us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad. Sometimes life's challenges become too difficult to overcome alone. Finding a safe and collaborative place to explore and address what is troubling you is the first step toward healing. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or challenges within a relationship. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience in therapy, research shows that therapy helps people. It works. Psychotherapy can elevate feelings of self worth, purpose, and improve your overall quality of life.
Jacquelyn Norris
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93454
I am well-versed in empirically proven therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness and meditation, as well as relaxation and visualization techniques.
Hi there, I am Dr. Jacquelyn Norris. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who offers personalized therapy from the comfort of your own home, in addition to evening and weekend appointments. I have been passionate about helping people since beginning my career in psychology in 2005. It brings me joy to help others achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Although life challenges can be troubling, they provide us with an opportunity to look inward and grow. Witnessing transformation and empowerment of my clients is an honor for me, and that is what makes me so passionate about the work I do.
I am well-versed in empirically proven therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness and meditation, as well as relaxation and visualization techniques.
Hi there, I am Dr. Jacquelyn Norris. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who offers personalized therapy from the comfort of your own home, in addition to evening and weekend appointments. I have been passionate about helping people since beginning my career in psychology in 2005. It brings me joy to help others achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Although life challenges can be troubling, they provide us with an opportunity to look inward and grow. Witnessing transformation and empowerment of my clients is an honor for me, and that is what makes me so passionate about the work I do.
Karen McGuffey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (Online Only)
I draw from a holistic mind/ body approach utilizing mindfulness (DBT), cognitive behavioral (CBT), Psychodynamic and EMDR therapy.
Are you seeking a safe therapeutic environment where you can resolve issues, deal with internal emotional conflicts, heal and move forward in life. In my practice, I provide my clients with real help and real hope so they can recover and discover the person they were meant to be.
I draw from a holistic mind/ body approach utilizing mindfulness (DBT), cognitive behavioral (CBT), Psychodynamic and EMDR therapy.
Are you seeking a safe therapeutic environment where you can resolve issues, deal with internal emotional conflicts, heal and move forward in life. In my practice, I provide my clients with real help and real hope so they can recover and discover the person they were meant to be.
Pearl Chaiyarat
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I believe healing happens with a holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit. I support each person to express their authentic selves and needs, through several therapeutic modalities, including Expressive Arts, Somatic Techniques, CBT, EMDR, Parts Work, and Mindfulness. I am also trained in Brief Therapy methods for those who want support with a specific challenge or prefer therapy in small pieces at a time. My style is directive- I give feedback, ask questions to evoke clarity of where/how current maladaptive reactions/patterns came from, utilize reflective and active listening, and give weekly homework assignments.
I believe healing happens with a holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit. I support each person to express their authentic selves and needs, through several therapeutic modalities, including Expressive Arts, Somatic Techniques, CBT, EMDR, Parts Work, and Mindfulness. I am also trained in Brief Therapy methods for those who want support with a specific challenge or prefer therapy in small pieces at a time. My style is directive- I give feedback, ask questions to evoke clarity of where/how current maladaptive reactions/patterns came from, utilize reflective and active listening, and give weekly homework assignments.
Margarita Garcia
Psychologist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
Atascadero, CA 93422 (Online Only)
I also offer EMDR and Brainspotting, which assist patients in adaptively processing trauma.
Margarita Garcia, Psy.D. a licensed psychologist. I have experience working with adults and couples. I aim to provide a client-centered, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment. I tailor therapy to the unique needs of each client, based on the problem, goals, and the individual's expectations and motivations. I have experience treating an array of diagnoses including depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic-related disorders.
I also offer EMDR and Brainspotting, which assist patients in adaptively processing trauma.
Margarita Garcia, Psy.D. a licensed psychologist. I have experience working with adults and couples. I aim to provide a client-centered, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment. I tailor therapy to the unique needs of each client, based on the problem, goals, and the individual's expectations and motivations. I have experience treating an array of diagnoses including depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic-related disorders.
Summer Sessions Counseling
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LPCC, LCSW, LCMHC, ACSW, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From EMDR, OCD treatment, addressing, anxiety, depression, life adjustment, couples and individuals needs, we're here to support it all!.
Finding a therapist can be difficult, and at Summer Sessions, we hope to cut down on the searching component of your journey. We know that the road "here," may have been difficult and we are here to support and listen. The goal of our team is to reflect our community with our own backgrounds and areas of expertise and support you. Whether experiencing a life stressor, ongoing anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma or more, you deserve support and we can help. Please see our website, www.SummerSessionsCounseling.org, for available providers and booking (www.therapyportal.com/p/summersessions/appointments/availability/)
From EMDR, OCD treatment, addressing, anxiety, depression, life adjustment, couples and individuals needs, we're here to support it all!.
Finding a therapist can be difficult, and at Summer Sessions, we hope to cut down on the searching component of your journey. We know that the road "here," may have been difficult and we are here to support and listen. The goal of our team is to reflect our community with our own backgrounds and areas of expertise and support you. Whether experiencing a life stressor, ongoing anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma or more, you deserve support and we can help. Please see our website, www.SummerSessionsCounseling.org, for available providers and booking (www.therapyportal.com/p/summersessions/appointments/availability/)
Cynthia Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Marina, CA 93933
As a clinician, I utilize an integrative approach including Person-Centered techniques, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Gestalt, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I like to take a comprehensive, collaborative approach to treatment and focus on building a professional and positive relationship versus treating a diagnosis. To me, it is important to build a genuine relationship based on trust, openness and honesty, that emphasizes meeting the client where they’re at. I believe the client is an expert in their own lives and my role is to help them become a healthier, happier version of themselves.
As a clinician, I utilize an integrative approach including Person-Centered techniques, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Gestalt, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I like to take a comprehensive, collaborative approach to treatment and focus on building a professional and positive relationship versus treating a diagnosis. To me, it is important to build a genuine relationship based on trust, openness and honesty, that emphasizes meeting the client where they’re at. I believe the client is an expert in their own lives and my role is to help them become a healthier, happier version of themselves.
Juno Groves
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Soquel, CA 95073
I have a broad spectrum of experience, from working at County Mental Health with the most serious cases, to doing EMDR with successful professionals for performance enhancement, to working in the school systems with children with autism.
Do you get the feeling that there are parts of yourself that are blocking you from the life you want to live? Do you feel like you over-react to common things? Do you sometimes feel that you just can't get past your past? I offer an opportunity for you to change how you see yourself. Challenges can be seen as opportunities for growth. Aspects of the self and experiences that are feared can be understood as windows to greater wisdom. Through this healing, past wounds are seen as openings for understanding to grow.
I have a broad spectrum of experience, from working at County Mental Health with the most serious cases, to doing EMDR with successful professionals for performance enhancement, to working in the school systems with children with autism.
Do you get the feeling that there are parts of yourself that are blocking you from the life you want to live? Do you feel like you over-react to common things? Do you sometimes feel that you just can't get past your past? I offer an opportunity for you to change how you see yourself. Challenges can be seen as opportunities for growth. Aspects of the self and experiences that are feared can be understood as windows to greater wisdom. Through this healing, past wounds are seen as openings for understanding to grow.
See more therapy options for Carmel
EMDR Therapists
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.