EMDR Therapists in Hallam, PA

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Photo of Teresa A Mccord, LCSW, MSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Teresa A Mccord
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
York, PA 17401
Modalities include EMDR, DBT, psychodynamic and trauma informed therapy.
Now accepting new clients beginning September 3rd. I focus on treatment for LGBTQAI and Non Binary clients struggling with trauma, dissociative disorders, transitioning, depression and anxiety. I am trained in EMDR and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and use trauma informed therapy, internal systems, psychodynamic, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I have over 20 years experience and am compassionate and well informed. I also offer a tele group for transmen who are my clients. Age range is from 18 to 64.
Modalities include EMDR, DBT, psychodynamic and trauma informed therapy.
Now accepting new clients beginning September 3rd. I focus on treatment for LGBTQAI and Non Binary clients struggling with trauma, dissociative disorders, transitioning, depression and anxiety. I am trained in EMDR and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and use trauma informed therapy, internal systems, psychodynamic, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I have over 20 years experience and am compassionate and well informed. I also offer a tele group for transmen who are my clients. Age range is from 18 to 64.
(717) 229-9906 View (717) 229-9906
Photo of Melanie Bentzel, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Melanie Bentzel
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
York, PA 17403
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
I am interested in working with those that have a history of trauma and with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
I am interested in working with those that have a history of trauma and with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
(717) 483-8397 View (717) 483-8397
Photo of Catherine Fitzgibbons, LPC, NCC, EMDR, CCTP-II, Gottman, Licensed Professional Counselor
Catherine Fitzgibbons
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, EMDR, CCTP-II, Gottman
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
York, PA 17401  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR Certified Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2, and Certified Gottman Therapist.
Are you feeling alone or overwhelmed? Sometimes finding a neutral and healthy space to process things can make all the difference and help you find your emotional and mental balance. I am here to work with you as you reach for the life you want to live.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR Certified Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2, and Certified Gottman Therapist.
Are you feeling alone or overwhelmed? Sometimes finding a neutral and healthy space to process things can make all the difference and help you find your emotional and mental balance. I am here to work with you as you reach for the life you want to live.
(717) 229-0348 View (717) 229-0348
Photo of Mija Serrano, LPC, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mija Serrano
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
York, PA 17404  (Online Only)
I am also trained to provide EMDR for trauma & PTSD relief!.
For too long, you have been overwhelmed & burned out with what's happening in your life. You might be seeing it at home: you are feeling irritated with your partner, family and you don't feel good enough with your part of household responsibilities. Perhaps it’s at work: you can’t concentrate & it’s harder to keep up with all of your responsibilities like you used to. Maybe you are experiencing tension within your body & it is hard to relax. You are suffering & you are not sure how to get through it. No matter how these things are showing up for you, I am here to help you feel heard & to build the skills to get you through this!
I am also trained to provide EMDR for trauma & PTSD relief!.
For too long, you have been overwhelmed & burned out with what's happening in your life. You might be seeing it at home: you are feeling irritated with your partner, family and you don't feel good enough with your part of household responsibilities. Perhaps it’s at work: you can’t concentrate & it’s harder to keep up with all of your responsibilities like you used to. Maybe you are experiencing tension within your body & it is hard to relax. You are suffering & you are not sure how to get through it. No matter how these things are showing up for you, I am here to help you feel heard & to build the skills to get you through this!
(717) 510-1640 View (717) 510-1640
Photo of Lara Dietrich, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lara Dietrich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
York, PA 17403
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is also a tool we can use to help heal your brain from traumatic experiences as well as change limiting core beliefs to adaptive beliefs that will allow you to grow and change in the healthiest possible ways.
A person centered, strengths based approach to helping you discover a healthier emotional life is what guides my practice. A variety of hurts, traumas, relationships and experiences shape who you become. Sometimes you need someone to help process how to break free from the negative experiences and find a new path. I recognize that people benefit from being heard and validated. This becomes the basis of a supportive therapeutic relationship allowing for gentle, supportive challenges to change. This may include EMDR. I want to be able to meet you where you're at, helping you change your life in the way you feel would benefit you.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is also a tool we can use to help heal your brain from traumatic experiences as well as change limiting core beliefs to adaptive beliefs that will allow you to grow and change in the healthiest possible ways.
A person centered, strengths based approach to helping you discover a healthier emotional life is what guides my practice. A variety of hurts, traumas, relationships and experiences shape who you become. Sometimes you need someone to help process how to break free from the negative experiences and find a new path. I recognize that people benefit from being heard and validated. This becomes the basis of a supportive therapeutic relationship allowing for gentle, supportive challenges to change. This may include EMDR. I want to be able to meet you where you're at, helping you change your life in the way you feel would benefit you.
(717) 610-0649 View (717) 610-0649
Photo of Heather Venezia, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather Venezia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
York, PA 17401
I am currently only accepting new clients for EMDR Intensives.
You’ve read self-help books, listened to podcasts, and have been in therapy, but still feel stuck or like you are just trying to survive. You feel like your relationships are suffering because your traumatic experiences get in the way of connection. You continue to feel triggered by things that you thought you had worked through & by negative self-talk. You need help right now and you don’t want to continue to spend months or even years in weekly talk therapy. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, trauma, sexuality, high achiever burnout, or relationships, I’d love to hear your story & help you move forward with an EMDR Intensive.
I am currently only accepting new clients for EMDR Intensives.
You’ve read self-help books, listened to podcasts, and have been in therapy, but still feel stuck or like you are just trying to survive. You feel like your relationships are suffering because your traumatic experiences get in the way of connection. You continue to feel triggered by things that you thought you had worked through & by negative self-talk. You need help right now and you don’t want to continue to spend months or even years in weekly talk therapy. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, trauma, sexuality, high achiever burnout, or relationships, I’d love to hear your story & help you move forward with an EMDR Intensive.
(717) 922-5842 View (717) 922-5842
Photo of J V Enderle, LCSW, C-DBT, MPA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
J V Enderle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, C-DBT, MPA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
York, PA 17402
I use Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR with aspects of mindfulness to help you regulate emotions and process trauma.
Everyone deserves to slow down, connect, and grow. I believe therapy helps us do that. If you are feeling overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, depression or intense emotions, change is possible. I specialize in working with Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, and impulse control disorders including the overuse of technology when it interferes with your daily life. My goal is to help you gain insights into patterns and behaviors you want to change, live a life in line with your values, and be present for what matters most.
I use Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR with aspects of mindfulness to help you regulate emotions and process trauma.
Everyone deserves to slow down, connect, and grow. I believe therapy helps us do that. If you are feeling overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, depression or intense emotions, change is possible. I specialize in working with Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, and impulse control disorders including the overuse of technology when it interferes with your daily life. My goal is to help you gain insights into patterns and behaviors you want to change, live a life in line with your values, and be present for what matters most.
(610) 632-5352 View (610) 632-5352
Photo of Anna F Dean, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Anna F Dean
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
York, PA 17415  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with individuals and families around various struggles in our everyday lives, whether you are struggling with a serious mental illness, healing from grief or trauma or just looking to focus on your mentaI wellness. I am trained in EMDR, but use a number of different approaches to meet the needs of my clients including DBT, CBT, and Solution Focused. I offer non-judgmental counseling and education regardless of religious or cultural beliefs that may be different of my own. It is my view that the client/family are the experts on themselves rather than myself and I work with them together as a team.
I enjoy working with individuals and families around various struggles in our everyday lives, whether you are struggling with a serious mental illness, healing from grief or trauma or just looking to focus on your mentaI wellness. I am trained in EMDR, but use a number of different approaches to meet the needs of my clients including DBT, CBT, and Solution Focused. I offer non-judgmental counseling and education regardless of religious or cultural beliefs that may be different of my own. It is my view that the client/family are the experts on themselves rather than myself and I work with them together as a team.
(717) 915-5970 View (717) 915-5970
Photo of Nicolle A Tremitiere - Tremitiere Trauma Recovery LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tremitiere Trauma Recovery LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
York, PA 17401
Getting to EMDR is the ultimate goal after establishing safety using, Flash EMDR, Parts Work and or Attachment Focused EMDR for those who did not have heathy attachments growing up.
My ideal client is curious, internally motivated to change, looking for answers, and wanting to heal from their past or present. They are seeking connection with other's or themselves on a deeper level.
Getting to EMDR is the ultimate goal after establishing safety using, Flash EMDR, Parts Work and or Attachment Focused EMDR for those who did not have heathy attachments growing up.
My ideal client is curious, internally motivated to change, looking for answers, and wanting to heal from their past or present. They are seeking connection with other's or themselves on a deeper level.
(717) 883-5692 x17403 View (717) 883-5692 x17403
Photo of Kathyrn R Maz - Kathryn R, Maz, PsyD., PsyD, CSAT, Psychologist
Kathryn R, Maz, PsyD.
Psychologist, PsyD, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
York, PA 17406
I am EMDR trained through the EMDRA approved EMDR Basic Training Program, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and have completed the beginner level training in Somatic Experiencing.
For over 35 years I have been honored with the experience of helping individuals being held back by addictions, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. I seek to provide a judgement free, in-depth understanding of my clients' journeys, provide tools for increasing self esteem, understanding and effectively experiencing emotions, and challenging difficult behavioral patterns. I assist couples in reconciling the hurts of the past and moving towards shared unity and deeper intimacy. Some of the areas I specifically specialize in include: substance abuse, sexual addictions, anger, trauma, self injury, and LGBTQIA issues.
I am EMDR trained through the EMDRA approved EMDR Basic Training Program, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and have completed the beginner level training in Somatic Experiencing.
For over 35 years I have been honored with the experience of helping individuals being held back by addictions, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. I seek to provide a judgement free, in-depth understanding of my clients' journeys, provide tools for increasing self esteem, understanding and effectively experiencing emotions, and challenging difficult behavioral patterns. I assist couples in reconciling the hurts of the past and moving towards shared unity and deeper intimacy. Some of the areas I specifically specialize in include: substance abuse, sexual addictions, anger, trauma, self injury, and LGBTQIA issues.
(717) 208-8197 View (717) 208-8197
Photo of Kimberly McGhee - Kimberly McGhee EMDR - Trauma - Art Therapist, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kimberly McGhee EMDR - Trauma - Art Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
York, PA 17403
Are you feeling trapped or is your past casting a shadow over your present happiness? Does fear, anxiety, or past traumas hinder your ability to embrace joy and achieve the success you crave? As a clinically trained EMDR therapist, board-certified and registered art therapist, and licensed professional counselor in York, PA, I'm dedicated to supporting individuals just like you. Utilizing diverse trauma processing techniques, mindfulness practices, avenues for creative expression, and non-verbal/bottom-up approaches, I empower my clients to recognize their strengths, alleviate PTSD symptoms, gain insight, and improve self-esteem.
Are you feeling trapped or is your past casting a shadow over your present happiness? Does fear, anxiety, or past traumas hinder your ability to embrace joy and achieve the success you crave? As a clinically trained EMDR therapist, board-certified and registered art therapist, and licensed professional counselor in York, PA, I'm dedicated to supporting individuals just like you. Utilizing diverse trauma processing techniques, mindfulness practices, avenues for creative expression, and non-verbal/bottom-up approaches, I empower my clients to recognize their strengths, alleviate PTSD symptoms, gain insight, and improve self-esteem.
(717) 990-7741 View (717) 990-7741
Photo of Molly Stackhouse, LPC, NCSP, ABSNP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Molly Stackhouse
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCSP, ABSNP
Verified Verified
York, PA 17403  (Online Only)
PA Insurance clients - Contact me to be on my Waitlist! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in PA, MD, South Carolina, Idaho, and Florida. With 20 years of experience in mental health, I have worked extensively with individuals seeking to enhance their lives and manage stress/anxiety, depression, boost self-confidence, establish healthy boundaries, and improve relationships. I'm trained in several cutting-edge modalities like EMDR, Brainspotting, and IFS-informed EMDR, giving us a toolbox full of evolved resources to help you survive life's twists and turns, helping you thrive, and unlocking your full potential.
PA Insurance clients - Contact me to be on my Waitlist! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in PA, MD, South Carolina, Idaho, and Florida. With 20 years of experience in mental health, I have worked extensively with individuals seeking to enhance their lives and manage stress/anxiety, depression, boost self-confidence, establish healthy boundaries, and improve relationships. I'm trained in several cutting-edge modalities like EMDR, Brainspotting, and IFS-informed EMDR, giving us a toolbox full of evolved resources to help you survive life's twists and turns, helping you thrive, and unlocking your full potential.
(717) 619-8925 View (717) 619-8925
Photo of Debra Stambaugh, MA, MSW, LCSW, CT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Debra Stambaugh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW, CT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
York, PA 17403
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to PTSD, I have found EMDR to be successful in the treatment of other concerns including anxiety, complicated grief, relationship loss and disturbance, low self-view.
My experience includes working with grief, loss, anticipatory grief and trauma. Anxiety, panic and mood disorders. Lifestyle concerns and modifications including chronic illness, pain and co-occurring (mental health and substance abuse) disorders. I am certified in thanatology (death, dying & bereavement) from the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) from EMDRA.
In addition to PTSD, I have found EMDR to be successful in the treatment of other concerns including anxiety, complicated grief, relationship loss and disturbance, low self-view.
My experience includes working with grief, loss, anticipatory grief and trauma. Anxiety, panic and mood disorders. Lifestyle concerns and modifications including chronic illness, pain and co-occurring (mental health and substance abuse) disorders. I am certified in thanatology (death, dying & bereavement) from the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) from EMDRA.
(847) 278-9406 View (847) 278-9406
Photo of Dana Hampton, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dana Hampton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
York, PA 17406
Feeling stuck in life? Hesitant about therapy? I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor that uses a resiliency approach to therapy. I believe we all have the ability to heal and have the strength to overcome anything that life throws at us. I use behavioral, mind-body, relational, and trauma informed approaches tailored to the specific person. In addition, I am EMDR Certified through EMDRIA and have extensive training in trauma and mindfulness. I also hold certificates in Embodied Social Justice and Maternal Mental Health.
Feeling stuck in life? Hesitant about therapy? I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor that uses a resiliency approach to therapy. I believe we all have the ability to heal and have the strength to overcome anything that life throws at us. I use behavioral, mind-body, relational, and trauma informed approaches tailored to the specific person. In addition, I am EMDR Certified through EMDRIA and have extensive training in trauma and mindfulness. I also hold certificates in Embodied Social Justice and Maternal Mental Health.
(223) 218-2462 View (223) 218-2462
Photo of Dr. Debra Doubrava - Emdr Trauma And Play Focused, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Debra Doubrava - Emdr Trauma And Play Focused
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
York, PA 17403  (Online Only)
EMDR & tapping to clients without travel to an office & within your safe space.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.- John Watson...I am humbled & honored to have over 30 years experience working with clients of all ages & stages to lead more authentic, joyful, & peace-filled lives. I am an integrative, attachment focused & trauma-informed play therapist - inspired by theories grounded in client-centered, family systems, humanistic, Imago, mindfulness, & parts work. I enjoy working with a wide range of issues & diverse backgrounds in the human experience including LGBTQIA2S+. We all need to be truly seen and heard AND it is courageous and wise to seek help as we journey through life & love!
EMDR & tapping to clients without travel to an office & within your safe space.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.- John Watson...I am humbled & honored to have over 30 years experience working with clients of all ages & stages to lead more authentic, joyful, & peace-filled lives. I am an integrative, attachment focused & trauma-informed play therapist - inspired by theories grounded in client-centered, family systems, humanistic, Imago, mindfulness, & parts work. I enjoy working with a wide range of issues & diverse backgrounds in the human experience including LGBTQIA2S+. We all need to be truly seen and heard AND it is courageous and wise to seek help as we journey through life & love!
(717) 301-4263 View (717) 301-4263
Photo of Amanda Covalt, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Covalt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
York, PA 17403
Waitlist for new clients
Since graduating with my MSW, I have become an EMDR certified therapist and enjoy helping people heal from their traumas.
As an LCSW, I have worked in the mental health field for over a decade. I graduated from Widener University in 2020 with my MSW and a certification in trauma treatment. I attended Penn State University and graduated in 2011 and from there began working in the mental health field with adults in a residential setting. This is where I found my passion for helping people heal from traumas.
Since graduating with my MSW, I have become an EMDR certified therapist and enjoy helping people heal from their traumas.
As an LCSW, I have worked in the mental health field for over a decade. I graduated from Widener University in 2020 with my MSW and a certification in trauma treatment. I attended Penn State University and graduated in 2011 and from there began working in the mental health field with adults in a residential setting. This is where I found my passion for helping people heal from traumas.
(717) 294-8378 View (717) 294-8378
Photo of Theresa Baker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Theresa Baker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mountville, PA 17554
I am a certified EMDR therapist and use EMDR in much of my practice as it is proven to be highly effective.
Hi! Whether you are someone with past experience in counseling, or just beginning this process, I honor this important step you are taking toward help and healing. For over 24 years I have been helping clients navigate issues of grief and loss, adjustment and transition challenges, anxiety, and depression. In the past 7 years, my focus has expanded to clients struggling with PTSD, complex trauma, and stressor-related disorders. The debilitating effects of traumatic experiences can include symptoms of high anxiety, fears and phobias, anger reactions, avoidance, depression, sleep problems, nightmares and flashbacks.
I am a certified EMDR therapist and use EMDR in much of my practice as it is proven to be highly effective.
Hi! Whether you are someone with past experience in counseling, or just beginning this process, I honor this important step you are taking toward help and healing. For over 24 years I have been helping clients navigate issues of grief and loss, adjustment and transition challenges, anxiety, and depression. In the past 7 years, my focus has expanded to clients struggling with PTSD, complex trauma, and stressor-related disorders. The debilitating effects of traumatic experiences can include symptoms of high anxiety, fears and phobias, anger reactions, avoidance, depression, sleep problems, nightmares and flashbacks.
(717) 952-9724 View (717) 952-9724
Photo of Macy Stanley, MA, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Macy Stanley
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mount Joy, PA 17552
These include: EMDR, CBT, IFS, Sand Tray Therapy, and Play Therapy.
Pursuing counseling takes strength. You deserve a space to feel validated, seen, and safe as you process your experiences and pursue growth and healing. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, overwhelming life transitions, and/or trauma responses and memories; it would be my honor to support you through therapy.
These include: EMDR, CBT, IFS, Sand Tray Therapy, and Play Therapy.
Pursuing counseling takes strength. You deserve a space to feel validated, seen, and safe as you process your experiences and pursue growth and healing. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, overwhelming life transitions, and/or trauma responses and memories; it would be my honor to support you through therapy.
(223) 217-3112 View (223) 217-3112
Photo of Becca King, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Becca King
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mount Joy, PA 17552
With a focus on mind-body connection, I've practiced EMDR since 2015, using this in combination with Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, and Internal Family Systems.
Choosing to pursue therapy can be daunting. It takes effort and intention, things that don't come easily when experiencing stress or crisis. I understand this and want to support you in the step you're about to take. Perhaps you'd like to consider the "why's" behind certain decisions, or connect better with significant people in your life. Maybe you're struggling to keep the lid on hurtful or damaging experiences.
With a focus on mind-body connection, I've practiced EMDR since 2015, using this in combination with Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, and Internal Family Systems.
Choosing to pursue therapy can be daunting. It takes effort and intention, things that don't come easily when experiencing stress or crisis. I understand this and want to support you in the step you're about to take. Perhaps you'd like to consider the "why's" behind certain decisions, or connect better with significant people in your life. Maybe you're struggling to keep the lid on hurtful or damaging experiences.
(717) 696-0662 View (717) 696-0662
Photo of Tracie R Hassell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tracie R Hassell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Joy, PA 17552
I am EMDR trained and use EMDR to help clients process childhood trauma, recent trauma and other traumatic events.
In today’s society it is sometimes difficult to manage our mental health. We become anxious, depressed and sometimes our relationships suffer. Many of us suffer from traumatic experiences that we have not properly processed. It is important to find ways to cope with our anxiety, overcome our depression, process our trauma and learn to communicate in a positive manner in order to build healthy relationships with others as well as with ourselves.
I am EMDR trained and use EMDR to help clients process childhood trauma, recent trauma and other traumatic events.
In today’s society it is sometimes difficult to manage our mental health. We become anxious, depressed and sometimes our relationships suffer. Many of us suffer from traumatic experiences that we have not properly processed. It is important to find ways to cope with our anxiety, overcome our depression, process our trauma and learn to communicate in a positive manner in order to build healthy relationships with others as well as with ourselves.
(717) 820-9129 View (717) 820-9129

See more therapy options for Hallam

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.