EMDR Therapists in Ponte Vedra, FL

Photo of Julie F Mangus, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ponte Vedra, FL
Julie F Mangus
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP, MS, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
I've completed training in EMDR Levels I & II, Brainspotting Level I & II and Internal Family Systems.
I believe that WE are in charge of the story we tell ourselves about the world around us...we get to decide. I use an eclectic, integrative approach to personalize therapy to fit your needs. I view it a privilege to join with you on your journey towards healing, growth & relief from whatever struggle you are facing. I aim to balance encouragement & support with effective therapy; working to help you remove the wreckage standing in your way. Life is tough enough & sometimes we need someone to help us regain our strength & confidence, and help us get back on track.
I've completed training in EMDR Levels I & II, Brainspotting Level I & II and Internal Family Systems.
I believe that WE are in charge of the story we tell ourselves about the world around us...we get to decide. I use an eclectic, integrative approach to personalize therapy to fit your needs. I view it a privilege to join with you on your journey towards healing, growth & relief from whatever struggle you are facing. I aim to balance encouragement & support with effective therapy; working to help you remove the wreckage standing in your way. Life is tough enough & sometimes we need someone to help us regain our strength & confidence, and help us get back on track.
(615) 274-4177 View (615) 274-4177
Photo of Shreders and Associates, PLLC, Counselor in Ponte Vedra, FL
Shreders and Associates, PLLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
I specialize in EMDR and Brainspotting for trauma related sessions.
I believe an individualized treatment plan tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. I specialize in depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, self-esteem, peer relationships, anger management, codependency, coping skills, eating disorders, grief, women’s issues, children, family conflict, gender identity, gender dysphoria, and military families. My belief is that therapy should be a positive experience of growth for each individual and I encourage clients to collaborate with me as treatment progresses.
I specialize in EMDR and Brainspotting for trauma related sessions.
I believe an individualized treatment plan tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. I specialize in depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, self-esteem, peer relationships, anger management, codependency, coping skills, eating disorders, grief, women’s issues, children, family conflict, gender identity, gender dysphoria, and military families. My belief is that therapy should be a positive experience of growth for each individual and I encourage clients to collaborate with me as treatment progresses.
(904) 615-8314 View (904) 615-8314
Photo of Amanda Payne, Counselor in Ponte Vedra, FL
Amanda Payne
Counselor, LMHC, NCC, CST
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Sex Therapist in Florida, and have worked in social services for over 20 years serving populations such as: at-risk youth, domestic violence survivors, couples, first responders, and veterans. In my private practice, I use mostly mindfulness and cognitive behavioral approaches including EMDR to treat Post Traumatic Stress, anxiety, sexual functioning, and relational problems. I am also a Certified Daring Way Facilitator. This is an intervention that aims to help people around concerns connected to vulnerability, shame, and courage.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Sex Therapist in Florida, and have worked in social services for over 20 years serving populations such as: at-risk youth, domestic violence survivors, couples, first responders, and veterans. In my private practice, I use mostly mindfulness and cognitive behavioral approaches including EMDR to treat Post Traumatic Stress, anxiety, sexual functioning, and relational problems. I am also a Certified Daring Way Facilitator. This is an intervention that aims to help people around concerns connected to vulnerability, shame, and courage.
(904) 474-5706 View (904) 474-5706
Photo of Katie Winham, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ponte Vedra, FL
Katie Winham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MSSW, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
I also offer EMDR a gold standard for trauma.
Sometimes we feel stuck in a personal or professional lives or overwhelmed by aspects of our lives. Our relationships too can feel stagnant at times, or sometimes worse, full of conflict and distance. My goal is to work with each person to find practical solutions to helping them get through difficult times in their relationships and lives. We all want to feel understood and close to those we care about the most. I focus on improving life in the here and now and realizing your life's possibilities. I am honored to work with clients on healing places of pain in their past or present using deep forms of therapy.
I also offer EMDR a gold standard for trauma.
Sometimes we feel stuck in a personal or professional lives or overwhelmed by aspects of our lives. Our relationships too can feel stagnant at times, or sometimes worse, full of conflict and distance. My goal is to work with each person to find practical solutions to helping them get through difficult times in their relationships and lives. We all want to feel understood and close to those we care about the most. I focus on improving life in the here and now and realizing your life's possibilities. I am honored to work with clients on healing places of pain in their past or present using deep forms of therapy.
(904) 337-6694 View (904) 337-6694
Photo of Angela Hainsworth, Counselor in Ponte Vedra, FL
Angela Hainsworth
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
I use EMDR and the Flash Technique to help people build more satisfying relationships and find more meaning in life.
Things look great on the outside, people think you have it all, but on the inside you are struggling. You can't sleep, you are anxious and depressed and your relationship is suffering. If the strategies that have always worked to help you hold it together aren't working anymore, I can teach you better ways of meeting your needs. By working with me, you can learn to eliminate trauma, reduce your anxiety, and overcome depression. I am a nonjudgemental therapist who works with adults who are struggling on the inside. To schedule an appointment, please send an email.
I use EMDR and the Flash Technique to help people build more satisfying relationships and find more meaning in life.
Things look great on the outside, people think you have it all, but on the inside you are struggling. You can't sleep, you are anxious and depressed and your relationship is suffering. If the strategies that have always worked to help you hold it together aren't working anymore, I can teach you better ways of meeting your needs. By working with me, you can learn to eliminate trauma, reduce your anxiety, and overcome depression. I am a nonjudgemental therapist who works with adults who are struggling on the inside. To schedule an appointment, please send an email.
(904) 674-8635 View (904) 674-8635
Photo of Patty Mohler, Counselor in Ponte Vedra, FL
Patty Mohler
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
Patty's approach will include cognitive behavior therapy, schema therapy, EMDR, and Gottman techniques.
Do you feel as if you can't do it alone? Feel trapped and as if there's nowhere to turn? Perhaps you worry all the time and never seem to find solutions to your problems or your feelings are affecting your sleep, eating, job and relationships. Have you tried to change, but things aren't getting better? If this sounds like you, it is time to get help! Together we will work to find the solutions.
Patty's approach will include cognitive behavior therapy, schema therapy, EMDR, and Gottman techniques.
Do you feel as if you can't do it alone? Feel trapped and as if there's nowhere to turn? Perhaps you worry all the time and never seem to find solutions to your problems or your feelings are affecting your sleep, eating, job and relationships. Have you tried to change, but things aren't getting better? If this sounds like you, it is time to get help! Together we will work to find the solutions.
(904) 337-5893 View (904) 337-5893
Photo of Jessie Huebner, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Ponte Vedra, FL
Jessie Huebner
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, LPC, CEDS-C, EMDR, QS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
I am a trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Therapist.
I started Restored Purpose Counseling with a passion, a dream, to inspire those hurting, broken, and struggling to identify their purpose and hope for the future. Have mental health, an eating disorder, trauma, or other life struggles hindered your ability to live your life to the fullest? I am an experienced clinician, licensed in the state of FL and NJ as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and have a heart to instill hope and restore purpose to your life. I have worked in all levels of care in both eating disorder and substance abuse centers in roles of therapist to clinical director.
I am a trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Therapist.
I started Restored Purpose Counseling with a passion, a dream, to inspire those hurting, broken, and struggling to identify their purpose and hope for the future. Have mental health, an eating disorder, trauma, or other life struggles hindered your ability to live your life to the fullest? I am an experienced clinician, licensed in the state of FL and NJ as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and have a heart to instill hope and restore purpose to your life. I have worked in all levels of care in both eating disorder and substance abuse centers in roles of therapist to clinical director.
(561) 425-9551 View (561) 425-9551
Photo of Amy Pope-Latham, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ponte Vedra, FL
Amy Pope-Latham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
While I am a trauma specialist (Certified in EMDR & intensively trained in Trauma-Focused CBT), and offer Somatic Therapy (mind/body approaches), it's my goal to help put people at ease when they come into my office.
You're having a hard time. I get it, I understand. And you're going to feel a little better just by taking a next step and reaching out, grabbing hold of a better tomorrow. Grief, trauma, anxiety, adjustment issues and the like can all be handled with awareness, kindness, and even a bit of humor.
While I am a trauma specialist (Certified in EMDR & intensively trained in Trauma-Focused CBT), and offer Somatic Therapy (mind/body approaches), it's my goal to help put people at ease when they come into my office.
You're having a hard time. I get it, I understand. And you're going to feel a little better just by taking a next step and reaching out, grabbing hold of a better tomorrow. Grief, trauma, anxiety, adjustment issues and the like can all be handled with awareness, kindness, and even a bit of humor.
(904) 395-2604 View (904) 395-2604
Photo of Jason Hosch, Counselor in Ponte Vedra, FL
Jason Hosch
Counselor, PhD, LCCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
I am trained in both EMDR and Brainspotting for working with trauma.
My ideal clients value honesty, responsibility, respect, and personal growth. They are self-motivated and ready to make lasting changes in their lives for their own benefit. They understand that counseling is a process - a journey - and that they will get out of it what they put into it. They understand that it may be uncomfortable at times, and that things may temporarily get worse before they get better, but they understand the need to stay committed to their own healing and recovery because by doing so, they will find freedom from bondage. Website: www.lifetransitions.cc
I am trained in both EMDR and Brainspotting for working with trauma.
My ideal clients value honesty, responsibility, respect, and personal growth. They are self-motivated and ready to make lasting changes in their lives for their own benefit. They understand that counseling is a process - a journey - and that they will get out of it what they put into it. They understand that it may be uncomfortable at times, and that things may temporarily get worse before they get better, but they understand the need to stay committed to their own healing and recovery because by doing so, they will find freedom from bondage. Website: www.lifetransitions.cc
(904) 386-9518 View (904) 386-9518
Photo of Abbey Lanford, Pre-Licensed Professional in Ponte Vedra, FL
Abbey Lanford
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, RMHCI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
I am a trained EMDR therapist and level one Gottman trained.
Hi there, I am Abbey, owner and primary therapist at Ataraxia Counseling. I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking solace, understanding, and personal growth. I believe in the transformative power of therapy and the resilience of the human mind. My therapeutic approach is rooted in an integrative approach tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. I believe therapy is for everyone, whether you want learn more about yourself, break free from old patterns, heal past and present trauma, process and understand your emotions, or simply have a listening ear- therapy is for you!​
I am a trained EMDR therapist and level one Gottman trained.
Hi there, I am Abbey, owner and primary therapist at Ataraxia Counseling. I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking solace, understanding, and personal growth. I believe in the transformative power of therapy and the resilience of the human mind. My therapeutic approach is rooted in an integrative approach tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. I believe therapy is for everyone, whether you want learn more about yourself, break free from old patterns, heal past and present trauma, process and understand your emotions, or simply have a listening ear- therapy is for you!​
(904) 320-2275 View (904) 320-2275
Photo of Monarch Counseling Group, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ponte Vedra, FL
Monarch Counseling Group, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081  (Online Only)
Now Accepting Clients in Florida and Virginia! Monarch Counseling Group LLC brings together experts in the field of Mental Health serving all of VA, FL and WA through virtual therapy. Our practice has licensed and experienced, fully virtual clinicians who hold certifications and additional trainings to work in their field. Additionally we offer EMDR therapists that can work in Washington, Virginia and Florida.
Now Accepting Clients in Florida and Virginia! Monarch Counseling Group LLC brings together experts in the field of Mental Health serving all of VA, FL and WA through virtual therapy. Our practice has licensed and experienced, fully virtual clinicians who hold certifications and additional trainings to work in their field. Additionally we offer EMDR therapists that can work in Washington, Virginia and Florida.
(786) 244-3342 View (786) 244-3342
Photo of Dr. Fonda E Mosal, Counselor in Ponte Vedra, FL
Dr. Fonda E Mosal
Counselor, DMFT, LMHC-QS, LMFT, NCC, CMCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082  (Online Only)
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), internationally recognized as effective treatment for trauma and other disorders.
Thank you for considering me to work as your therapist. I’d like to work collaboratively with you to assist in getting your life in harmony. I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida and a National Certified Counselor. I hold a doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Along with my formal educational training, I have 20 years of experience as a military officer with leadership, mentorship and counseling proficiency. My practice includes adolescents and adults, individual, couples and family therapy.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), internationally recognized as effective treatment for trauma and other disorders.
Thank you for considering me to work as your therapist. I’d like to work collaboratively with you to assist in getting your life in harmony. I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida and a National Certified Counselor. I hold a doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Along with my formal educational training, I have 20 years of experience as a military officer with leadership, mentorship and counseling proficiency. My practice includes adolescents and adults, individual, couples and family therapy.
(904) 474-3572 View (904) 474-3572
Photo of Palms Therapy Group, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ponte Vedra, FL
Palms Therapy Group, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
With a team of therapists trained in specific client specialties and different modalities, Palms Therapy Group, LLC, strives to match the client to the right therapist- not a one size fits all concept. We are a client centered, caring environment that wants to see results with our clients. Erika Weaver, LCSW, specializes in trauma, providing EMDR and NARM. Erika provides an environment that places importance on self-love. Erika is also a LGBTQ+ aligned therapist. Jessi Holesko, LMFT specializes in marriage and family therapy. She provides a strengths based future forward approach.
With a team of therapists trained in specific client specialties and different modalities, Palms Therapy Group, LLC, strives to match the client to the right therapist- not a one size fits all concept. We are a client centered, caring environment that wants to see results with our clients. Erika Weaver, LCSW, specializes in trauma, providing EMDR and NARM. Erika provides an environment that places importance on self-love. Erika is also a LGBTQ+ aligned therapist. Jessi Holesko, LMFT specializes in marriage and family therapy. She provides a strengths based future forward approach.
(904) 932-9395 View (904) 932-9395
Photo of Marcie Thomas, Counselor in Ponte Vedra, FL
Marcie Thomas
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
Life is hard. When you add anxiety, depression, school, and traumatic experiences to the mix, it can be difficult to cope. Life experiences can leave you with low self-esteem, lack of motivation, excessive negative thoughts, intrusive thoughts, feelings of detachment, negative mood, avoidance, and unhelpful behavior patterns. Together we can discover strategies to get unstuck and heal.
Life is hard. When you add anxiety, depression, school, and traumatic experiences to the mix, it can be difficult to cope. Life experiences can leave you with low self-esteem, lack of motivation, excessive negative thoughts, intrusive thoughts, feelings of detachment, negative mood, avoidance, and unhelpful behavior patterns. Together we can discover strategies to get unstuck and heal.
(904) 675-3773 View (904) 675-3773
Photo of Psych Ed Connections @ Nocatee, Psychologist in Ponte Vedra, FL
Psych Ed Connections @ Nocatee
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
Psych Ed Connections is a psychological and educational practice committed to integrating the best available research with clinical expertise. Owned by Dr. Abigail Levrini, leading ADHD expert and bestselling author, and operated by doctoral level clinicians, Psych Ed Connections desires to serve clients of all ages looking to achieve their educational and life goals, learn more about themselves, or reach their potential. We are experts in areas including ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, parenting, play therapy, and more. Psych Ed also conducts testing for Autism, ADHD, mood disorders, TBI and Giftedness.
Psych Ed Connections is a psychological and educational practice committed to integrating the best available research with clinical expertise. Owned by Dr. Abigail Levrini, leading ADHD expert and bestselling author, and operated by doctoral level clinicians, Psych Ed Connections desires to serve clients of all ages looking to achieve their educational and life goals, learn more about themselves, or reach their potential. We are experts in areas including ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, parenting, play therapy, and more. Psych Ed also conducts testing for Autism, ADHD, mood disorders, TBI and Giftedness.
(904) 342-1262 View (904) 342-1262
Photo of Heather H Stewart, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ponte Vedra, FL
Heather H Stewart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082  (Online Only)
My goal is to help you in the areas of life where you feel stuck, identify the areas of suffering you experience, and to come up with a plan to move you forward in your life. Every person is different as is every single plan for treatment. I am trained in a variety of therapies and specialize in anxiety, depression, relationships, and trauma. If I can help you figure out next steps, please don't hesitate to give me a call or send me an email.
My goal is to help you in the areas of life where you feel stuck, identify the areas of suffering you experience, and to come up with a plan to move you forward in your life. Every person is different as is every single plan for treatment. I am trained in a variety of therapies and specialize in anxiety, depression, relationships, and trauma. If I can help you figure out next steps, please don't hesitate to give me a call or send me an email.
(904) 837-6670 View (904) 837-6670
Photo of Kimberly J McGowan, Counselor in Ponte Vedra, FL
Kimberly J McGowan
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Ponte Vedra Counseling & Wellness is a private counseling and therapy practice dedicated to the goal of helping every client reach maximal happiness and wellness in all aspects of their life. Whether it be stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, conflicts, trouble with work or school, or simply needing a confidential source for guidance, our therapists welcome the chance to help find resolutions to your problems based on current and effective treatment protocols. We see children, teens and adults, in all types of counseling - individual, couple/marital, and family.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Ponte Vedra Counseling & Wellness is a private counseling and therapy practice dedicated to the goal of helping every client reach maximal happiness and wellness in all aspects of their life. Whether it be stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, conflicts, trouble with work or school, or simply needing a confidential source for guidance, our therapists welcome the chance to help find resolutions to your problems based on current and effective treatment protocols. We see children, teens and adults, in all types of counseling - individual, couple/marital, and family.
(904) 204-9645 View (904) 204-9645
Photo of Rose Zayco, Psychologist in Ponte Vedra, FL
Rose Zayco
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
As a clinical psychologist, people contact me for psychotherapy when experiencing emotional pain or distress, within themselves and sometimes their relationships. This pain can feel stuck and take on a life of its own, with ways of coping that no longer seem to be working. Yet the person feels ready for a change - ready to begin a process of growth and healing. Couples approach me for relationship therapy who struggle with disconnection, miscommunication, reactivity - couples stuck in negative patterns. These couples are ready for a change, ready for greater intimacy, security and connection in their most important relationship.
As a clinical psychologist, people contact me for psychotherapy when experiencing emotional pain or distress, within themselves and sometimes their relationships. This pain can feel stuck and take on a life of its own, with ways of coping that no longer seem to be working. Yet the person feels ready for a change - ready to begin a process of growth and healing. Couples approach me for relationship therapy who struggle with disconnection, miscommunication, reactivity - couples stuck in negative patterns. These couples are ready for a change, ready for greater intimacy, security and connection in their most important relationship.
(904) 834-9378 View (904) 834-9378
Photo of Lisa J Rotella, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ponte Vedra, FL
Lisa J Rotella
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
Most people who end up in my office are asking themselves, "What's wrong with me? Am I ever going to feel normal again?" Why am I having these negative or disturbing thoughts/feelings/behaviors? Many people are reluctant to seek help because they don't believe anything can work for them. They are afraid, or have gotten so accustomed to struggling through life. If you are having trouble regulating your emotions, behavior, thoughts, relationships or life in general, I can help. You can feel normal again. You can function successfully at your job. You can have meaningful relationships.
Most people who end up in my office are asking themselves, "What's wrong with me? Am I ever going to feel normal again?" Why am I having these negative or disturbing thoughts/feelings/behaviors? Many people are reluctant to seek help because they don't believe anything can work for them. They are afraid, or have gotten so accustomed to struggling through life. If you are having trouble regulating your emotions, behavior, thoughts, relationships or life in general, I can help. You can feel normal again. You can function successfully at your job. You can have meaningful relationships.
(904) 800-5120 View (904) 800-5120
Photo of Gabrielle Latorre, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Ponte Vedra, FL
Gabrielle Latorre
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
Waitlist for new clients
Bad habits do not form from fully bad intentions. I believe that most people do the best that they can with what they have available to them at the time. As a result, I often see people stuck in self-destructive or harmful patterns that they themselves don't know how they got there. Change begins when we start to have the feeling that these old patterns and ways of being are no longer working for us in the way that they used to. The feeling that something has to change, and maybe feeling lost or defeated in how to make a meaningful change, may have been what lead you here.
Bad habits do not form from fully bad intentions. I believe that most people do the best that they can with what they have available to them at the time. As a result, I often see people stuck in self-destructive or harmful patterns that they themselves don't know how they got there. Change begins when we start to have the feeling that these old patterns and ways of being are no longer working for us in the way that they used to. The feeling that something has to change, and maybe feeling lost or defeated in how to make a meaningful change, may have been what lead you here.
(904) 747-8163 View (904) 747-8163

See more therapy options for Ponte Vedra

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.