EMDR Therapists in San Diego, CA
Vanessa Jane Cardin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116
I am also EMDR trained by the EMDR International Association which is the leading approach for PTSD.
Do you find yourself feeling fearful and not knowing why? Do you question your behavior and feel like your reactions are abnormal? Does it feel like no one understands and that life is too overwhelming sometimes? You're not alone, and it's time to talk about it.
I am also EMDR trained by the EMDR International Association which is the leading approach for PTSD.
Do you find yourself feeling fearful and not knowing why? Do you question your behavior and feel like your reactions are abnormal? Does it feel like no one understands and that life is too overwhelming sometimes? You're not alone, and it's time to talk about it.
Stronger Together Community Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92123
STCS is a non profit organization dedicated to helping individuals, couples and families build lasting bonds with those around them. We have a holistic approach to healing and believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to grow! We offer a variety of treatment approaches including EMDR, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Reiki, Yoga and and have a uniquely designed physical wellness program to accompany our mental health services.
STCS is a non profit organization dedicated to helping individuals, couples and families build lasting bonds with those around them. We have a holistic approach to healing and believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to grow! We offer a variety of treatment approaches including EMDR, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Reiki, Yoga and and have a uniquely designed physical wellness program to accompany our mental health services.
Sesen Negash
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92182
Further, I have advanced training in three evidence-based models of psychotherapy ( emotionally focused therapy, internal family systems, and EMDR).
Acute and long-standing stress can trigger emotions, thoughts, and reactions that shape our sense of self and our relationships. If you find it increasingly difficult to cope with stressors, stay emotionally regulated, and connect to others, I can help. My approach to therapy is compassionate, culturally responsive, collaborative, and non-pathologizing. Further, I am informed by multiple evidence-based perspectives and believe that societal influences significantly contribute to the way people receive, process, and respond to stress, problems, trauma, and relationships.
Further, I have advanced training in three evidence-based models of psychotherapy ( emotionally focused therapy, internal family systems, and EMDR).
Acute and long-standing stress can trigger emotions, thoughts, and reactions that shape our sense of self and our relationships. If you find it increasingly difficult to cope with stressors, stay emotionally regulated, and connect to others, I can help. My approach to therapy is compassionate, culturally responsive, collaborative, and non-pathologizing. Further, I am informed by multiple evidence-based perspectives and believe that societal influences significantly contribute to the way people receive, process, and respond to stress, problems, trauma, and relationships.
Jennifer Rickard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
I utilize psychotherapy, EMDR, meditation and mindfulness practices and other holistic modalities to facilitate the growth and change you seek.
Are you seeking support in moving through a life or relational challenge? Sometimes we all need support in finding creative solutions or building strong relationships. As a couple and family therapist, I have a strong conviction in the healing power of healthy relationships. Connecting to your authentic self and fostering wellness in all relationships in your life is a primary focus of my work. I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy for youth and adults of all family and relationship constellations, and I create a supportive space in which to explore gender, sexuality, sexual expression and relationship styles.
I utilize psychotherapy, EMDR, meditation and mindfulness practices and other holistic modalities to facilitate the growth and change you seek.
Are you seeking support in moving through a life or relational challenge? Sometimes we all need support in finding creative solutions or building strong relationships. As a couple and family therapist, I have a strong conviction in the healing power of healthy relationships. Connecting to your authentic self and fostering wellness in all relationships in your life is a primary focus of my work. I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy for youth and adults of all family and relationship constellations, and I create a supportive space in which to explore gender, sexuality, sexual expression and relationship styles.
Courtney Funk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
I utilize a trauma informed, cognitive behavioral framework while incorporating mindfulness and if appropriate, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).
Welcome, I'm glad you're here! Finding time for yourself can be a daunting task, especially with the heavy demands of school/work. My client's are primarily college students or recent graduates, seeking balance in their lives and a space to process life events. I strive to create a genuine, warm, trusting and collaborative space where my clients feel empowered to explore, process and heal.
I utilize a trauma informed, cognitive behavioral framework while incorporating mindfulness and if appropriate, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).
Welcome, I'm glad you're here! Finding time for yourself can be a daunting task, especially with the heavy demands of school/work. My client's are primarily college students or recent graduates, seeking balance in their lives and a space to process life events. I strive to create a genuine, warm, trusting and collaborative space where my clients feel empowered to explore, process and heal.
Kendall Stewart
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
My training includes teachings in DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Training), trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EMDR, and play therapy techniques.
Hi, Glad you found me! Let’s work together. I specialize in working with a variety clients – children, women, families, and mothers. If you or your loved ones are navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, or trauma, you've come to the right place. I provide a safe and supportive space where you can learn, express, and develop the tools to overcome these hurdles. Together, we'll embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether it's finding peace, building resilience, or mending relationships, my goal is to help you or your family on the path to a brighter and healthier future. It is an honor to support you.
My training includes teachings in DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Training), trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EMDR, and play therapy techniques.
Hi, Glad you found me! Let’s work together. I specialize in working with a variety clients – children, women, families, and mothers. If you or your loved ones are navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, or trauma, you've come to the right place. I provide a safe and supportive space where you can learn, express, and develop the tools to overcome these hurdles. Together, we'll embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether it's finding peace, building resilience, or mending relationships, my goal is to help you or your family on the path to a brighter and healthier future. It is an honor to support you.
Lodovica Guidarelli
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92192 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I integrate somatic/body-based approaches (EMDR, IFS, Brainspotting, Mindfulness) with strength-based and client-centered ones.
Do you feel constrained by the demands of your problem? Is it affecting your relationships, your profession, or your overall satisfaction with life? You hold the power to bring the change you seek. I work collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families on a wide variety of issues, including relationship issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD, parenting, academic/work-related stress, identity development, acculturation, couple and family dynamics.
I integrate somatic/body-based approaches (EMDR, IFS, Brainspotting, Mindfulness) with strength-based and client-centered ones.
Do you feel constrained by the demands of your problem? Is it affecting your relationships, your profession, or your overall satisfaction with life? You hold the power to bring the change you seek. I work collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families on a wide variety of issues, including relationship issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD, parenting, academic/work-related stress, identity development, acculturation, couple and family dynamics.
Dr. Ruth Millican Neurodiversity Infomed Therapist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
I am trained in EMDR therapy, which helps to address deeply ingrained beliefs from traumatic experiences.
Welcome! My client’s often tell me that I am genuine, kind and put them at ease, while also challenging them at the times when they need to be pushed. I strike a balance between therapy always feeling safe and comfortable, but also a place where you can be pushed to re-evaluate you needs and actions. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, as I am a part of this community and this is a passion of mine. The primary focus of my practice is trauma therapy, neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), and the LGBTQIA+ community. I am also an affirming provider of all relationship configurations (polyamory, ENM, kink, BDSM).
I am trained in EMDR therapy, which helps to address deeply ingrained beliefs from traumatic experiences.
Welcome! My client’s often tell me that I am genuine, kind and put them at ease, while also challenging them at the times when they need to be pushed. I strike a balance between therapy always feeling safe and comfortable, but also a place where you can be pushed to re-evaluate you needs and actions. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, as I am a part of this community and this is a passion of mine. The primary focus of my practice is trauma therapy, neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), and the LGBTQIA+ community. I am also an affirming provider of all relationship configurations (polyamory, ENM, kink, BDSM).
Heather Murray
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117 (Online Only)
I specialize in EMDR, multiple trauma approaches, LBGTQIA+, and working with people of military affiliation or families.
First and foremost I want to congratulate you on taking the first step towards healing. I use a person-centered approach to help ensure all feel welcomed and safe to be themselves, including all individuals in the LBGTQIA+ community. I have over 10 years of experience in the field with a Master’s of Science degree in Forensic Psychology and a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
I specialize in EMDR, multiple trauma approaches, LBGTQIA+, and working with people of military affiliation or families.
First and foremost I want to congratulate you on taking the first step towards healing. I use a person-centered approach to help ensure all feel welcomed and safe to be themselves, including all individuals in the LBGTQIA+ community. I have over 10 years of experience in the field with a Master’s of Science degree in Forensic Psychology and a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Claudia Orsi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
I utilize EMDR and Brainspotting to help clients reprocess traumatic experiences.
Our story affects the way we define our identities and give meaning to our lives. Sometimes our stories become a barrier to living our lives to the fullest and finding fulfillment in our relationships. I focus on empowering you to re-story your experiences so you can move out of limiting interpretations and arrive at, or renew, your preferred identity that is congruent with your values.
I utilize EMDR and Brainspotting to help clients reprocess traumatic experiences.
Our story affects the way we define our identities and give meaning to our lives. Sometimes our stories become a barrier to living our lives to the fullest and finding fulfillment in our relationships. I focus on empowering you to re-story your experiences so you can move out of limiting interpretations and arrive at, or renew, your preferred identity that is congruent with your values.
Janet Carrasco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of trauma recovery and anxiety.
I work with clients in helping them free themselves from their past, and into a healthy and productive present. I attain this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan to fit your needs. I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17 years of experience. My clinical experience is working with adults and families. I use an eclectic therapy approach that incorporates a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies. I tailor sessions to each individual's needs.
I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of trauma recovery and anxiety.
I work with clients in helping them free themselves from their past, and into a healthy and productive present. I attain this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan to fit your needs. I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17 years of experience. My clinical experience is working with adults and families. I use an eclectic therapy approach that incorporates a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies. I tailor sessions to each individual's needs.
15 Second Videos
Hayley Eglash
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Nancy Phung-Smith
Kim Foskett Counseling
Alan Acre
Rebecca Ching
Daniel Fuller
Kim Kuskovsky
Davida Price -Rhythm And Resolve Therapy Services
Married to Navy Counseling Services
Leah Aguirre
Sheena Moore
Ashley Cox
Katelyn Kivett
Cynamon Weston
Victoria Johnk
Heather Johns
Susan Stennis Layton
Katherine Pica
Shay DuBois
Claire Fox
Julie H Morrell, MFT Online, Phone, & Telehealth
Amanda Newman
Grace Catherine Mickle
B. Andrea Vielma
Oasis Counseling Group
Waves, A Psych Co - Centering LGBTQI mental health
Amber McKinney-Morgan
Reina Remy
Melissa McCormick
Angel Chou
Karen Lese-Fowler
Laurie J Hall
Bernard And Priscilla Chen
Janina Scarlet
Alyssia Cruz
Freedom Within Therapy and Wellness Center
Olga Goodman
Amy Anderson, LCSW
Diana Lozoya
Heather Fuller- Emdr And Brainspotting Therapist
Julia Kamp
Shannon Little
Kathryn O'Brasky
Carol Susan Carr
Laura Christofferson Celnar
Jennifer V Kulka
Cardiff Counseling Center
Silvi Integrative Health
Mindful Therapy Practice
Johanna Johanna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Not Verified Not Verified
San Diego, CA 92111
I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) treatment for trauma-related symptoms and in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for the development of the ability to fully experience the present moment, effective management of emotions, and fulfilling relationships.
The therapy experience is a unique and dynamic process for each individual toward self-realization. From a client-centered strengths-based orientation, it is my goal to create a safe environment with unconditional positive regard where each person can feel welcomed, understood, and accepted as their true self. I specialize in working with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have completed the Level II Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) treatment for trauma-related symptoms and in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for the development of the ability to fully experience the present moment, effective management of emotions, and fulfilling relationships.
The therapy experience is a unique and dynamic process for each individual toward self-realization. From a client-centered strengths-based orientation, it is my goal to create a safe environment with unconditional positive regard where each person can feel welcomed, understood, and accepted as their true self. I specialize in working with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have completed the Level II Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
Hayley Eglash
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92110
Let me help you process core negative beliefs and patterns to alleviate anxiety, depression, & stressful negative emotions using EMDR (a big “T” and little “t” trauma modality), IFS (a framework to bring awareness to different parts of yourself), and emotion-focused approaches to cultivate compassion toward the part of you that needs it most.
I’m Hayley, an AMFT, experienced in working with individuals and couples. Many of my clients struggle with perfectionism, high-achievement, hyper-independence, or trauma. They may notice a pattern of not feeling good enough, adequate, or worthy no matter how hard they try. This tends to impact their ability to rely on others, feel connected in their relationships, or authentically connect to themselves. Often my couples feel stuck in miscommunication, conflict, and disconnection. They feel alone even when together, angry, or perhaps sad that their relationship isn't what they imagined. Don't worry, there's hope.
Let me help you process core negative beliefs and patterns to alleviate anxiety, depression, & stressful negative emotions using EMDR (a big “T” and little “t” trauma modality), IFS (a framework to bring awareness to different parts of yourself), and emotion-focused approaches to cultivate compassion toward the part of you that needs it most.
I’m Hayley, an AMFT, experienced in working with individuals and couples. Many of my clients struggle with perfectionism, high-achievement, hyper-independence, or trauma. They may notice a pattern of not feeling good enough, adequate, or worthy no matter how hard they try. This tends to impact their ability to rely on others, feel connected in their relationships, or authentically connect to themselves. Often my couples feel stuck in miscommunication, conflict, and disconnection. They feel alone even when together, angry, or perhaps sad that their relationship isn't what they imagined. Don't worry, there's hope.
Mary Ann Fornes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101
Sessions include exploring your past and present, EMDR tapping, calming exercises, and connecting with parts that carry pain, loneliness, abandonment.
I work with clients who are dealing with lingering effects of childhood trauma, from bullying to abuse, and experiencing anger, anxiety, avoidance and depression. Clients who might have PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks or nightmares, triggers and problems with trust. Clients who have consistently formed bad relationships and unhealthy attachments.
Sessions include exploring your past and present, EMDR tapping, calming exercises, and connecting with parts that carry pain, loneliness, abandonment.
I work with clients who are dealing with lingering effects of childhood trauma, from bullying to abuse, and experiencing anger, anxiety, avoidance and depression. Clients who might have PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks or nightmares, triggers and problems with trust. Clients who have consistently formed bad relationships and unhealthy attachments.
Jessica Hattersley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
For those individuals working to heal from trauma, manage anxiety, or to establish a deeper connection to self, I utilize EMDR and attachment based practice with focus on family systems.
I am passionate about working with individuals and couples, specifically those struggling with anxiety, trauma, and relational challenges. I believe each individual’s lived experience shapes who they are, and because of that, sometimes we get stuck in challenging patterns or with negative beliefs about ourselves. My aim is to help clients explore their past to inform their present and future, in order to bring clarity and relief to their life and their relationships.
For those individuals working to heal from trauma, manage anxiety, or to establish a deeper connection to self, I utilize EMDR and attachment based practice with focus on family systems.
I am passionate about working with individuals and couples, specifically those struggling with anxiety, trauma, and relational challenges. I believe each individual’s lived experience shapes who they are, and because of that, sometimes we get stuck in challenging patterns or with negative beliefs about ourselves. My aim is to help clients explore their past to inform their present and future, in order to bring clarity and relief to their life and their relationships.
Luann Skolnik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92122
Hi there, I'm LuAnn, a licensed clinical social worker. I have been in practice for over 20 years. I help individuals with issues like depression, anxiety, relationship issues, aging, life coaching, and more. I utilize CBT, IFS, Therapeutic Tapping for anxiety, EMDR, and supportive and empowering treatment modalities. One of my goals is not to create blame but to open up to self-compassion as a way to move forward. I help people explore their past as a way of providing information that will help you create new possibilities. The past does not have to define you; your actions, dreams, and hopes will move you forward on your journey.
Hi there, I'm LuAnn, a licensed clinical social worker. I have been in practice for over 20 years. I help individuals with issues like depression, anxiety, relationship issues, aging, life coaching, and more. I utilize CBT, IFS, Therapeutic Tapping for anxiety, EMDR, and supportive and empowering treatment modalities. One of my goals is not to create blame but to open up to self-compassion as a way to move forward. I help people explore their past as a way of providing information that will help you create new possibilities. The past does not have to define you; your actions, dreams, and hopes will move you forward on your journey.
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
Joe Isaac Sasson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), AIT (Advanced Integrative Therapy), Parts Work, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), genuine curiosity, and empathy.
My goal as a therapist is to help you recognize your strengths, your ability to evolve. I would rather assist you in uncovering and learning how to use your own power than you feeling you are seeing me because I have all the answers. Your inner guiding intelligence has better answers and the ability to heal. We just have to connect you to that. Sometimes there are blockages inside us too, like boulders in the middle of our path. I can help you learn how to clear them so you can walk your own path and lead a more joyful, fulfilling life. I'm looking forward to meeting the wonderful you that you are.
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), AIT (Advanced Integrative Therapy), Parts Work, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), genuine curiosity, and empathy.
My goal as a therapist is to help you recognize your strengths, your ability to evolve. I would rather assist you in uncovering and learning how to use your own power than you feeling you are seeing me because I have all the answers. Your inner guiding intelligence has better answers and the ability to heal. We just have to connect you to that. Sometimes there are blockages inside us too, like boulders in the middle of our path. I can help you learn how to clear them so you can walk your own path and lead a more joyful, fulfilling life. I'm looking forward to meeting the wonderful you that you are.
Nancy Deutsch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
I have discovered that EMDR is a wonderful tool to facilitate this process.
Life can be challenging and we all have experienced loss, disappointments and trauma, both large and small. These may have caused us to feel depressed or anxious or lead to feeling of inadequacy. In order to overcome these self- defeating, life - limiting thoughts and feelings, and to grow emotionally, we all need a guiding hand to teach us how to heal and grow. My goal is to provide you with that guiding hand within a safe, respectful and nurturing environment, where you are free to express your feelings
I have discovered that EMDR is a wonderful tool to facilitate this process.
Life can be challenging and we all have experienced loss, disappointments and trauma, both large and small. These may have caused us to feel depressed or anxious or lead to feeling of inadequacy. In order to overcome these self- defeating, life - limiting thoughts and feelings, and to grow emotionally, we all need a guiding hand to teach us how to heal and grow. My goal is to provide you with that guiding hand within a safe, respectful and nurturing environment, where you are free to express your feelings
Jasna Smanja
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
I am trained in EMDR and enjoy helping clients heal from trauma.
***evening and weekend appointments available. Entering therapy can be difficult and it is very important to find a therapist with whom you connect well. My goal in therapeutic relationship is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment to honor vulnerability required to make changes in one's life. My approach is collaborative. I believe everyone has a unique story and inherent wisdom. I hope to be able to help uncover that and assist with teaching necessary skills to cope and to make changes needed to get desired results.
I am trained in EMDR and enjoy helping clients heal from trauma.
***evening and weekend appointments available. Entering therapy can be difficult and it is very important to find a therapist with whom you connect well. My goal in therapeutic relationship is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment to honor vulnerability required to make changes in one's life. My approach is collaborative. I believe everyone has a unique story and inherent wisdom. I hope to be able to help uncover that and assist with teaching necessary skills to cope and to make changes needed to get desired results.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Imperial Beach
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lemon Grove
- National City
- Santee
- Spring Valley
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.