Therapists in Westminster, CO
Counseling For You Colorado
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Westminster, CO 80234
Utilizing therapeutic approaches like DBT, CBT, Trauma informed care, and EMDR every therapist individualizes care to assist the client achieve their goals in the most effective way.
Counseling For You Colorado is a group of therapists that have a passion for helping others. They are devoted to helping people through difficulties they are experiencing and are nonjudgemental, supportive and knowledgeable about the issues people face in the world today. Whether you are dealing with trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, or any other issues that cause stress or get in the way of leading a healthy and happy life, there is someone here to help you.
Utilizing therapeutic approaches like DBT, CBT, Trauma informed care, and EMDR every therapist individualizes care to assist the client achieve their goals in the most effective way.
Counseling For You Colorado is a group of therapists that have a passion for helping others. They are devoted to helping people through difficulties they are experiencing and are nonjudgemental, supportive and knowledgeable about the issues people face in the world today. Whether you are dealing with trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, or any other issues that cause stress or get in the way of leading a healthy and happy life, there is someone here to help you.
Brandon J Roth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Westminster, CO 80031
I also offer EMDR therapy for trauma.
Are you struggling with relationships? Do you feel judged unfairly? Are depression and/or anxiety causing you difficulties?
I also offer EMDR therapy for trauma.
Are you struggling with relationships? Do you feel judged unfairly? Are depression and/or anxiety causing you difficulties?
KidStuff Child and Family Counseling, PC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westminster, CO 80031
Our therapists utilize many effective modalities including art and dance therapy, play therapy, EMDR therapy, and engaging talk therapy.
KidStuff Child & Family Counseling, P.C. specializes in helping kids, families and adults navigate life's challenges and improve overall wellness. LifeStuff, HardStuff, AdultStuff: whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, our therapists will collaborate with you to create a therapeutic experience to meet your needs. Our therapists are open and welcoming while supporting clients through their healing process. If you have Medicaid health insurance, commercial insurance, or are looking for a reasonably affordable cash-pay option, we have options for in-office and telehealth services.
Our therapists utilize many effective modalities including art and dance therapy, play therapy, EMDR therapy, and engaging talk therapy.
KidStuff Child & Family Counseling, P.C. specializes in helping kids, families and adults navigate life's challenges and improve overall wellness. LifeStuff, HardStuff, AdultStuff: whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, our therapists will collaborate with you to create a therapeutic experience to meet your needs. Our therapists are open and welcoming while supporting clients through their healing process. If you have Medicaid health insurance, commercial insurance, or are looking for a reasonably affordable cash-pay option, we have options for in-office and telehealth services.
KidStuff Child and Family Counseling, PC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Westminster, CO 80031
Waitlist for new clients
Our therapists utilize many effective modalities including art and dance therapy, play therapy, EMDR therapy, and engaging talk therapy.
Currently a waitlist in CO Springs. Hiring Soon! KidStuff Child & Family Counseling, P.C. specializes in helping kids, families and adults navigate life's challenges and improve overall wellness. LifeStuff, HardStuff, AdultStuff: whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, our therapists will collaborate with you to create a therapeutic experience to meet your needs. Our therapists are open and welcoming while supporting clients through their healing process. If you have Medicaid health insurance, commercial insurance, or are looking for a reasonably affordable cash-pay option, we have options for in-office and telehealth services.
Our therapists utilize many effective modalities including art and dance therapy, play therapy, EMDR therapy, and engaging talk therapy.
Currently a waitlist in CO Springs. Hiring Soon! KidStuff Child & Family Counseling, P.C. specializes in helping kids, families and adults navigate life's challenges and improve overall wellness. LifeStuff, HardStuff, AdultStuff: whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, our therapists will collaborate with you to create a therapeutic experience to meet your needs. Our therapists are open and welcoming while supporting clients through their healing process. If you have Medicaid health insurance, commercial insurance, or are looking for a reasonably affordable cash-pay option, we have options for in-office and telehealth services.
Thriveworks
Counselor, PMHNP, LPC, PsyD, APRN, LCSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Westminster, CO 80031
We have a group of 22 great Counselors, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, and Psychologists that can see you tomorrow! Our counselors offer a wide range of specialties, and therapeutic styles. Thriveworks believes that the best time to seek counseling is right now. For this reason, we decided that our offices would not operate on a waiting list. Instead, we do the best we can to get you scheduled in the next 24 hours.
We have a group of 22 great Counselors, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, and Psychologists that can see you tomorrow! Our counselors offer a wide range of specialties, and therapeutic styles. Thriveworks believes that the best time to seek counseling is right now. For this reason, we decided that our offices would not operate on a waiting list. Instead, we do the best we can to get you scheduled in the next 24 hours.
Life's Hope Therapeutic Services PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CPP
Verified Verified
Westminster, CO 80030
Welcome to Life's Hope Therapeutic Services PLLC, your sanctuary for trauma-informed care, founded in 2014 to address the pressing need for mental health services among Medicaid and private insurance recipients in Colorado. Recognizing the limited options available to this community, we're committed to bridging this gap in healthcare. Rest assured, if you're a Colorado Medicaid client, you've found your haven here. Our team of counselors are seasoned professionals with rich experience in treating a wide range of mental health conditions. Choose Life's Hope and take a step toward wellness and balance.
Welcome to Life's Hope Therapeutic Services PLLC, your sanctuary for trauma-informed care, founded in 2014 to address the pressing need for mental health services among Medicaid and private insurance recipients in Colorado. Recognizing the limited options available to this community, we're committed to bridging this gap in healthcare. Rest assured, if you're a Colorado Medicaid client, you've found your haven here. Our team of counselors are seasoned professionals with rich experience in treating a wide range of mental health conditions. Choose Life's Hope and take a step toward wellness and balance.
Stephanie Bryan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAS, NCAC, II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, CO 80020
I have several passions: 1) I help women struggling with depression and self esteem, especially as they age, to find meaning in their lives. 2) I help parents raise kids who will want to come home for Thanksgiving...and you'll want to see them. 3) I help parents who have made a decision not to work to be full-time stay-at-home parents feel confident and validated in their choice. There is no more important work than successfully raising the next generation. 4) I help seniors dealing with aging issues, depression, and addictions. 5) I help all adults dealing with addictions, depression, and anxiety.
I have several passions: 1) I help women struggling with depression and self esteem, especially as they age, to find meaning in their lives. 2) I help parents raise kids who will want to come home for Thanksgiving...and you'll want to see them. 3) I help parents who have made a decision not to work to be full-time stay-at-home parents feel confident and validated in their choice. There is no more important work than successfully raising the next generation. 4) I help seniors dealing with aging issues, depression, and addictions. 5) I help all adults dealing with addictions, depression, and anxiety.
More Therapists Nearby
Dr. Jennifer Abbott
Psychologist, PhD, LAC, EMDR, DBT
Verified Verified
Broomfield, CO 80020
I am also certified in EMDR and Intensively Trained in DBT.
Hope is not something that everyone has, but it is something everyone deserves. I work successfully with adolescents and adults to overcome difficult problems including addiction, substance abuse, trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship problems, and overwhelming emotions. My expertise in both psychotherapy and addictions counseling allows me to help people resolve compounding problems though an integrative and effective approach. My passion is working with complex trauma, extremely intense emotions, and addiction. I am committed to helping you feel better, uncover your potential, and achieve meaningful goals.
I am also certified in EMDR and Intensively Trained in DBT.
Hope is not something that everyone has, but it is something everyone deserves. I work successfully with adolescents and adults to overcome difficult problems including addiction, substance abuse, trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship problems, and overwhelming emotions. My expertise in both psychotherapy and addictions counseling allows me to help people resolve compounding problems though an integrative and effective approach. My passion is working with complex trauma, extremely intense emotions, and addiction. I am committed to helping you feel better, uncover your potential, and achieve meaningful goals.
Paige Harris
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, EMDR-T
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Broomfield, CO 80020 (Online Only)
My name is Paige, MA, LPC, NCC (she/they, Black/Mixed). YOU are the expert of your story! Together, we can co-create an authentic, safe, and equitable space that cultivates more curiosity and self-compassion. I am passionate about holistic wellness, honoring and integrating the unique wisdom of your identities and experiences in the pursuit of healing and wholeness. LGBTQIA2S+ & ENM welcomed and celebrated! I offer virtual talk therapy and EMDR.
My name is Paige, MA, LPC, NCC (she/they, Black/Mixed). YOU are the expert of your story! Together, we can co-create an authentic, safe, and equitable space that cultivates more curiosity and self-compassion. I am passionate about holistic wellness, honoring and integrating the unique wisdom of your identities and experiences in the pursuit of healing and wholeness. LGBTQIA2S+ & ENM welcomed and celebrated! I offer virtual talk therapy and EMDR.
Jamie Herring
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SSP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80202 (Online Only)
Using proven therapies like EMDR and a humanistic approach, I create a safe space for lasting transformation.
Hi, thanks for being here! I work with individuals seeking compassionate therapy to overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and familial conflicts. I will provide a safe space to express yourself with whatever comes up for you and you choose to share without judgment. I am a great listener who empathizes and provides effective strategies for personal growth. By fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and collaboration, I strive to empower clients in their journey towards healing and positive transformation.
Using proven therapies like EMDR and a humanistic approach, I create a safe space for lasting transformation.
Hi, thanks for being here! I work with individuals seeking compassionate therapy to overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and familial conflicts. I will provide a safe space to express yourself with whatever comes up for you and you choose to share without judgment. I am a great listener who empathizes and provides effective strategies for personal growth. By fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and collaboration, I strive to empower clients in their journey towards healing and positive transformation.
Kiani Mitchell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, EMDR, Trained
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203
My counseling services are based on a compassionate, client-centered approach grounded in evidence-based such as ACT and EMDR and practices and lesser-known practices, such as psychodynamic and movement-based approaches.
Are you feeling held back by experiences of low motivation, loss of interest, constant worrying, and being inauthentic to yourself and others? Do you struggle with past experiences that no longer serve you, and are you searching for a more fulfilling path where you can shine as your most authentic self? If so, I am honored to support and guide your personal growth and fulfillment journey. I specialize in working with diverse communities, and I'm committed to an anti-racist, decolonial, sex, body-positive, queer, and trans-affirming stance.
My counseling services are based on a compassionate, client-centered approach grounded in evidence-based such as ACT and EMDR and practices and lesser-known practices, such as psychodynamic and movement-based approaches.
Are you feeling held back by experiences of low motivation, loss of interest, constant worrying, and being inauthentic to yourself and others? Do you struggle with past experiences that no longer serve you, and are you searching for a more fulfilling path where you can shine as your most authentic self? If so, I am honored to support and guide your personal growth and fulfillment journey. I specialize in working with diverse communities, and I'm committed to an anti-racist, decolonial, sex, body-positive, queer, and trans-affirming stance.
Center for Valued Living, PLLC
Psychologist, PsyD, LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LAC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80204
Common Issues or Specialties: Adults, Children/Adolescents/Teens, Family, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Bipolar, Relationship problems, Couples, EMDR, CBT, DBT, play therapy, work/school stress; Identity issues; panic, grief/loss, work comp.
We are a group of highly-qualified mental health therapists serving all over CO via telehealth and in-person (offices in Aurora). Our licensed therapists and supervised LPCC/SWC/intern providers take most insurances including Medicaid. See c4vl.com or photo gallery for details on our clinicians, & specialties, insurances. We are committed to anti-racist, neurodivergent-affirming, and GLBTQIA+ allied practice. We have providers who speak Spanish, French, and Russian. Hablamos Espanol tambien!
Common Issues or Specialties: Adults, Children/Adolescents/Teens, Family, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Bipolar, Relationship problems, Couples, EMDR, CBT, DBT, play therapy, work/school stress; Identity issues; panic, grief/loss, work comp.
We are a group of highly-qualified mental health therapists serving all over CO via telehealth and in-person (offices in Aurora). Our licensed therapists and supervised LPCC/SWC/intern providers take most insurances including Medicaid. See c4vl.com or photo gallery for details on our clinicians, & specialties, insurances. We are committed to anti-racist, neurodivergent-affirming, and GLBTQIA+ allied practice. We have providers who speak Spanish, French, and Russian. Hablamos Espanol tambien!
C.J. Malament
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203
Waitlist for new clients
I use an eclectic approach that draws from other evidence-based therapies such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems, as well as here-and-now activities that might utilize art, mindfulness, play, writing, drama, or animal-assisted activities.
I believe that everyone deserves to live a deeply engaged, fiercely connected and meaningful life. I offer a neurodiversity-affirming, mind-body approach for people who need to reset from shame, blame, or negativity; who want to increase their confidence and self-esteem; who want to heal from difficult experiences; who want to get unstuck; who want to find connection with others; who want to find their voice and find peace.
I use an eclectic approach that draws from other evidence-based therapies such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems, as well as here-and-now activities that might utilize art, mindfulness, play, writing, drama, or animal-assisted activities.
I believe that everyone deserves to live a deeply engaged, fiercely connected and meaningful life. I offer a neurodiversity-affirming, mind-body approach for people who need to reset from shame, blame, or negativity; who want to increase their confidence and self-esteem; who want to heal from difficult experiences; who want to get unstuck; who want to find connection with others; who want to find their voice and find peace.
Ashley Moore (E-M-D-R Trained)
Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, MA, MFTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80215
Schedule instantly through my website! Link in bio. Hello, I'm Ashley! I graduated from CU-Denver with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I then went on to earn a MS in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. I spent four years working in mental health in varying capacities before completing a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. Since graduating, I have completed additional training and courses - I am EMDR trained, a Board Certified Clinical Sexologist. I am now a Clinical Sexology Ph.D. Candidate with a specialization in kink-conscious therapy. I focus on identity development and authentic acceptance.
Schedule instantly through my website! Link in bio. Hello, I'm Ashley! I graduated from CU-Denver with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I then went on to earn a MS in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. I spent four years working in mental health in varying capacities before completing a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. Since graduating, I have completed additional training and courses - I am EMDR trained, a Board Certified Clinical Sexologist. I am now a Clinical Sexology Ph.D. Candidate with a specialization in kink-conscious therapy. I focus on identity development and authentic acceptance.
Luís Merced
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, CCTP-II, AF-EMDR
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80299 (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR and Attachment-Focused-EMDR disciplines in treating trauma-related issues by assisting individuals to overcome distress, trauma, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms.
My preferred initial communication is email. Serving in the army for 10 years, I have worked with many different cultural backgrounds, as well as those with differing spiritual beliefs. Since attaining my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I have pursued many therapeutic techniques to help my clients. My clinical interests include treating trauma, neuroaffirming as well as providing LGBTQIA+ affirmative psychotherapy to sexual minorities. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression or past experiences are negatively affecting you, feel free to reach out to see if we are a good fit to work together.
I am trained in EMDR and Attachment-Focused-EMDR disciplines in treating trauma-related issues by assisting individuals to overcome distress, trauma, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms.
My preferred initial communication is email. Serving in the army for 10 years, I have worked with many different cultural backgrounds, as well as those with differing spiritual beliefs. Since attaining my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I have pursued many therapeutic techniques to help my clients. My clinical interests include treating trauma, neuroaffirming as well as providing LGBTQIA+ affirmative psychotherapy to sexual minorities. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression or past experiences are negatively affecting you, feel free to reach out to see if we are a good fit to work together.
Anastasia Mitchell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80211
I am trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR), as well as Art Therapy.
You may be struggling with anxiety and/ or a traumatic experience; it can be debilitating. You may feel alone and worried about whether or not you will ever have relief. Oftentimes, you might feel isolated from those you care for; feel lost and uncertain; unsure if you can have a quality life. You can navigate this with a therapist who is able to build a strong therapeutic relationship anchored in trust and safety. I have been able to help many as they embark upon a journey of health addressing some of their greatest fears in order to improve their standard of life and grapple with the anxiety and trauma holding them back.
I am trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR), as well as Art Therapy.
You may be struggling with anxiety and/ or a traumatic experience; it can be debilitating. You may feel alone and worried about whether or not you will ever have relief. Oftentimes, you might feel isolated from those you care for; feel lost and uncertain; unsure if you can have a quality life. You can navigate this with a therapist who is able to build a strong therapeutic relationship anchored in trust and safety. I have been able to help many as they embark upon a journey of health addressing some of their greatest fears in order to improve their standard of life and grapple with the anxiety and trauma holding them back.
Evans Counseling Group
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80211
Therapists are inclusive, diverse and use methods such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Sensorimotor, Gestalt, Existential, and Solution-Focused.
Empower Yourself and Relationships! Evans Counseling is a group private practice focused on providing quality care in the Denver Community. We are dedicated to providing care to a multiculturally diverse population. We strive toward maintaining fresh techniques and ideas, using directive styles of therapy and focus on the clients desired successful outcome. Our goal is to make therapy accessible.
Therapists are inclusive, diverse and use methods such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Sensorimotor, Gestalt, Existential, and Solution-Focused.
Empower Yourself and Relationships! Evans Counseling is a group private practice focused on providing quality care in the Denver Community. We are dedicated to providing care to a multiculturally diverse population. We strive toward maintaining fresh techniques and ideas, using directive styles of therapy and focus on the clients desired successful outcome. Our goal is to make therapy accessible.
Ubuntu Wellness LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80211
I offer a range of modalities including EMDR, CBT, CPT, DBT, EDI, Somatic Experiencing, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy.
Welcome to Ubuntu Wellness. I am so happy you are here! This is a space to heal, celebrate who you are, and discover where you would like to go. However, we live in a world that sometimes doesn’t "see you" – something that can wear on the mind and the spirit. Ubuntu Wellness is a space for people to come together within an environment where your comfort is paramount as we work together to explore personal and collective issues and what it means to move beyond trauma and anxiety “stuck points” in order to live fully.
I offer a range of modalities including EMDR, CBT, CPT, DBT, EDI, Somatic Experiencing, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy.
Welcome to Ubuntu Wellness. I am so happy you are here! This is a space to heal, celebrate who you are, and discover where you would like to go. However, we live in a world that sometimes doesn’t "see you" – something that can wear on the mind and the spirit. Ubuntu Wellness is a space for people to come together within an environment where your comfort is paramount as we work together to explore personal and collective issues and what it means to move beyond trauma and anxiety “stuck points” in order to live fully.
Dr. Jennifer Abbott
Psychologist, PhD, LAC, EMDR, DBT
Verified Verified
Broomfield, CO 80020
Certified in EMDR and Intensively Trained in DBT, I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology from Fielding University, and a master's in Counseling Psychology and Wilderness Therapy from Naropa University.
Hope is not something that everyone has, but it is something everyone deserves. I work successfully with adolescents and adults to overcome difficult problems including addiction, substance abuse, trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship problems, and overwhelming emotions. Most people suffer from more than one problem at once. My expertise allows me to help people resolve compounding problems though an integrative and effective approach. My passion is working with complex trauma, intense emotions, and addiction. I am committed to helping you feel better, uncover your potential, and achieve meaningful goals.
Certified in EMDR and Intensively Trained in DBT, I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology from Fielding University, and a master's in Counseling Psychology and Wilderness Therapy from Naropa University.
Hope is not something that everyone has, but it is something everyone deserves. I work successfully with adolescents and adults to overcome difficult problems including addiction, substance abuse, trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship problems, and overwhelming emotions. Most people suffer from more than one problem at once. My expertise allows me to help people resolve compounding problems though an integrative and effective approach. My passion is working with complex trauma, intense emotions, and addiction. I am committed to helping you feel better, uncover your potential, and achieve meaningful goals.
Billie Jo McIntire
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LAC, CHTT, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80216 (Online Only)
SFBT, MI, EMDRIA/Basic EMDR, Certified in the Treatment of Human Trafficking survivors, Sex Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, Couples and Trauma and Abuse Therapy.
Telehealth available! Are you seeking answers to your life and ready to get to work in therapy? Do you feel as if you are very alone in your thoughts and life? Maybe you have been so abused and abandoned that you think you deserve it. Maybe your isolation or emotions have even helped you stay safe! Believe me, there is more about your life to discover and I am here for you to work on this together! I have been unanimously approved of as Adjunct Faculty at the Colorado School for Family Therapy. "She is a consummate professional and expert in this field and brings her passion and life long dedications to all involved".
SFBT, MI, EMDRIA/Basic EMDR, Certified in the Treatment of Human Trafficking survivors, Sex Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, Couples and Trauma and Abuse Therapy.
Telehealth available! Are you seeking answers to your life and ready to get to work in therapy? Do you feel as if you are very alone in your thoughts and life? Maybe you have been so abused and abandoned that you think you deserve it. Maybe your isolation or emotions have even helped you stay safe! Believe me, there is more about your life to discover and I am here for you to work on this together! I have been unanimously approved of as Adjunct Faculty at the Colorado School for Family Therapy. "She is a consummate professional and expert in this field and brings her passion and life long dedications to all involved".
See more therapy options for Westminster
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for Westminster
- Arvada
- Broomfield
- Commerce City
- Denver
- Edgewater
- Federal Heights
- Lafayette
- Louisville
- Northglenn
- Superior
- Thornton
- Wheat Ridge
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.