Photo of Cameron Cready-Pyle, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Cameron Cready-Pyle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Havertown, PA 19083
I am an EMDR-certified clinician offering comprehensive help with your trauma, negative self-talk, and boundary-setting.
No matter what you do, it never feels like success. When you aren't overwhelmed, it feels like you aren't doing enough, for yourself or your family. You came here because you know that this pattern of thinking is not what you want, but sometimes it feels like you might not deserve to feel better. I'm here to ask you one thing: doesn't every person deserve to live a life that centers around joy? I can help you to reach the potential of the life that you envision for yourself. Working with me, you can begin to notice hope about your future and confidence in your actions.
I am an EMDR-certified clinician offering comprehensive help with your trauma, negative self-talk, and boundary-setting.
No matter what you do, it never feels like success. When you aren't overwhelmed, it feels like you aren't doing enough, for yourself or your family. You came here because you know that this pattern of thinking is not what you want, but sometimes it feels like you might not deserve to feel better. I'm here to ask you one thing: doesn't every person deserve to live a life that centers around joy? I can help you to reach the potential of the life that you envision for yourself. Working with me, you can begin to notice hope about your future and confidence in your actions.
(215) 273-9423 View (215) 273-9423
Photo of Charles Zeiders, Psychologist in Havertown, PA
Charles Zeiders
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Havertown, PA 19083
Dr. Zeiders furnishes very discreet consulting to professionals valuing confidentiality. Patients may consult with Dr. Zeiders either via phone or in person. His book The Clinical Christ may be obtained through Amazon.com.
Dr. Zeiders furnishes very discreet consulting to professionals valuing confidentiality. Patients may consult with Dr. Zeiders either via phone or in person. His book The Clinical Christ may be obtained through Amazon.com.
(610) 915-8469 View (610) 915-8469
Photo of Stephen Milburn, Licensed Professional Counselor in Havertown, PA
Stephen Milburn
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Havertown, PA 19083  (Online Only)
Employed in the field of social and mental health services for 30 years. Working in a variety of settings has offered me the opportunity to understand human behavior and in general what makes people tick. This may sound odd to the lay person but my vast working experiences in places like foster care, drug and alcohol, mobile mental health services to children in their own home has truly prepared me to get a really good sense of how to get to the root of the problem and provide the necessary support to clients not strictly coming from an academic viewpoint.
Employed in the field of social and mental health services for 30 years. Working in a variety of settings has offered me the opportunity to understand human behavior and in general what makes people tick. This may sound odd to the lay person but my vast working experiences in places like foster care, drug and alcohol, mobile mental health services to children in their own home has truly prepared me to get a really good sense of how to get to the root of the problem and provide the necessary support to clients not strictly coming from an academic viewpoint.
(267) 327-4624 View (267) 327-4624
Photo of Springfield Psychological of Havertown, Psychologist in Havertown, PA
Springfield Psychological of Havertown
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Havertown, PA 19083
We are a friendly and professional mental health practice that has been providing outstanding and affordable therapy for adults, couples, families, teens, and children since 1985. With seven locations in Havertown, King of Prussia, North Wales, Philadelphia, Sinking Spring, Springfield, and West Chester as well as flexible scheduling options, we are able to offer appointments during the daytime, evening and weekends for your convenience. Additionally, we offer psychiatric services and medication management for all ages.
We are a friendly and professional mental health practice that has been providing outstanding and affordable therapy for adults, couples, families, teens, and children since 1985. With seven locations in Havertown, King of Prussia, North Wales, Philadelphia, Sinking Spring, Springfield, and West Chester as well as flexible scheduling options, we are able to offer appointments during the daytime, evening and weekends for your convenience. Additionally, we offer psychiatric services and medication management for all ages.
(610) 421-0506 View (610) 421-0506
Photo of Kathy Grander Clarke, Licensed Professional Counselor in Havertown, PA
Kathy Grander Clarke
Licensed Professional Counselor, MBA, LPC, (PA, NJ, FL)
Verified Verified
Havertown, PA 19083  (Online Only)
“Life is Difficult”. One of my favorite opening sentences from M. Scott Peck’s book, The Road Less Traveled. But…it does not always have to be. I applaud and welcome anyone seeking help with therapy and embrace the opportunity in getting to know, witness, and work with you as we join in this process and journey together. I am honored to work with clients who are willing to challenge life's situations to find that road less traveled. I have worked extensively with addiction(s), dual diagnosis, trauma, anxiety, stress, depression, grief and loss, women's issues, relationships, codependency, parenting, and life changes.
“Life is Difficult”. One of my favorite opening sentences from M. Scott Peck’s book, The Road Less Traveled. But…it does not always have to be. I applaud and welcome anyone seeking help with therapy and embrace the opportunity in getting to know, witness, and work with you as we join in this process and journey together. I am honored to work with clients who are willing to challenge life's situations to find that road less traveled. I have worked extensively with addiction(s), dual diagnosis, trauma, anxiety, stress, depression, grief and loss, women's issues, relationships, codependency, parenting, and life changes.
(215) 486-0448 View (215) 486-0448
Photo of Main Line Counseling & Wellness Center, Inc., Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Main Line Counseling & Wellness Center, Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Havertown, PA 19083
Welcome! We are an experienced group of licensed, masters-level clinicians and holistic providers who work to help you through difficult times and make positive, long-lasting changes in your life. We offer a caring, safe, and comfortable environment complete with a range of wellness services (counseling, acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition, therapeutic massage, yoga) and we pride ourselves on providing respectful, client-centered treatment using the latest in evidenced-based and integrative care. Please visit us at http://www.mlcwellness.com for our profiles and complete the "request an appointment" form to schedule!
Welcome! We are an experienced group of licensed, masters-level clinicians and holistic providers who work to help you through difficult times and make positive, long-lasting changes in your life. We offer a caring, safe, and comfortable environment complete with a range of wellness services (counseling, acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition, therapeutic massage, yoga) and we pride ourselves on providing respectful, client-centered treatment using the latest in evidenced-based and integrative care. Please visit us at http://www.mlcwellness.com for our profiles and complete the "request an appointment" form to schedule!
(610) 365-1775 View (610) 365-1775
Photo of Cinda L Cooper, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Cinda L Cooper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Havertown, PA 19083
Life can be difficult. Have you been feeling overwhelmed? Do you find yourself repeating the same patterns, with the same painful results? We can work to find the source of these patterns and understand the messages impacting your life. As a therapist, my goal is to create a collaborative relationship in which you find the support, warmth and safety to challenge the thoughts, beliefs and behaviors that may be holding you back. I would be honored to hear your story and work with you towards change and healing.
Life can be difficult. Have you been feeling overwhelmed? Do you find yourself repeating the same patterns, with the same painful results? We can work to find the source of these patterns and understand the messages impacting your life. As a therapist, my goal is to create a collaborative relationship in which you find the support, warmth and safety to challenge the thoughts, beliefs and behaviors that may be holding you back. I would be honored to hear your story and work with you towards change and healing.
(484) 209-0572 View (484) 209-0572
Photo of Harriet Zilber, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Harriet Zilber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Havertown, PA 19083
Not accepting new clients
I believe that psychotherapy is best done as a collaborative process. I have the training and experience and you, the client, bring all you know about yourself and your life. Together, we develop goals, both long and short term, that hopefully will lead to active awareness, emotional relief and behavioral changes.
I believe that psychotherapy is best done as a collaborative process. I have the training and experience and you, the client, bring all you know about yourself and your life. Together, we develop goals, both long and short term, that hopefully will lead to active awareness, emotional relief and behavioral changes.
(610) 915-8690 View (610) 915-8690

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Vicki Tornetta Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Havertown, PA
Vicki Tornetta Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ardmore, PA 19003
If you are experiencing increased stress, anxiety, depression, or mood changes please contact me. I am an EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist and have extensive experience with eating disorders and body image issues. I am interested in helping the whole person, paying attention to the intersection of spiritual, physical, and emotional health-to encourage overall well-being. I believe that the counseling relationship is critical to the healing process, so I strive to create a warm, genuine, understanding, and safe environment, while using evidence-based treatments.
If you are experiencing increased stress, anxiety, depression, or mood changes please contact me. I am an EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist and have extensive experience with eating disorders and body image issues. I am interested in helping the whole person, paying attention to the intersection of spiritual, physical, and emotional health-to encourage overall well-being. I believe that the counseling relationship is critical to the healing process, so I strive to create a warm, genuine, understanding, and safe environment, while using evidence-based treatments.
(610) 756-0518 View (610) 756-0518
Photo of Sarah Espenshade, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Sarah Espenshade
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Haverford, PA 19041
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Founder of a full-service concierge outpatient behavioral health practice with over 15 years of experience working in residential, outpatient and community-based settings treating adolescents and adults. I specialize in treating complex individuals and families employing a comprehensive, multi-systematic treatment approach utilizing evidence-based practices: motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, EMDR and experiential therapy. Services include: Interventions, coaching, crisis management, comprehensive evaluation, individual & family counseling, treatment consultation and case management.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Founder of a full-service concierge outpatient behavioral health practice with over 15 years of experience working in residential, outpatient and community-based settings treating adolescents and adults. I specialize in treating complex individuals and families employing a comprehensive, multi-systematic treatment approach utilizing evidence-based practices: motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, EMDR and experiential therapy. Services include: Interventions, coaching, crisis management, comprehensive evaluation, individual & family counseling, treatment consultation and case management.
(484) 380-9197 View (484) 380-9197
Photo of Kristin Marie Iannuzzelli, Licensed Professional Counselor in Havertown, PA
Kristin Marie Iannuzzelli
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, eRYT
Verified Verified
Haverford, PA 19041  (Online Only)
I have training in EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and counter-productive behaviors/thoughts in older adolescents, and adults in their 20s and 30s. As a licensed professional counselor and long-time yoga instructor, I offer a holistic and eclectic approach to counseling, viewing each client as an individual with unique life stories, areas of strength and areas of needed growth. My goal is to help my clients feel empowered in their lives so they can build - or get back to - a happy, conflict-free and fulfilling life, day-to-day.
I have training in EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and counter-productive behaviors/thoughts in older adolescents, and adults in their 20s and 30s. As a licensed professional counselor and long-time yoga instructor, I offer a holistic and eclectic approach to counseling, viewing each client as an individual with unique life stories, areas of strength and areas of needed growth. My goal is to help my clients feel empowered in their lives so they can build - or get back to - a happy, conflict-free and fulfilling life, day-to-day.
(484) 474-5553 View (484) 474-5553
Photo of Nina Yashin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Nina Yashin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Haverford, PA 19041
I'm Certified in EMDR, and use CBT, DBT, as well as traditional talk therapy.
Feeling stagnant or stuck? Do you feel lost, overwhelmed, unfulfilled, or isolated? Do you find yourself repeating the same behaviors, even though you know they are not helping you get to where you want to be? You want things to be different with your entire being, but for whatever reason just cant seem to get there. You've turned to addictive behaviors or developed an unhealthy relationship with food to cope. Self sabotage and self criticism turns into a vicious cycle. You have tried therapy before, but didn't feel like you got what you needed because you were listened to but not challenged or pushed out of your comfort zone.
I'm Certified in EMDR, and use CBT, DBT, as well as traditional talk therapy.
Feeling stagnant or stuck? Do you feel lost, overwhelmed, unfulfilled, or isolated? Do you find yourself repeating the same behaviors, even though you know they are not helping you get to where you want to be? You want things to be different with your entire being, but for whatever reason just cant seem to get there. You've turned to addictive behaviors or developed an unhealthy relationship with food to cope. Self sabotage and self criticism turns into a vicious cycle. You have tried therapy before, but didn't feel like you got what you needed because you were listened to but not challenged or pushed out of your comfort zone.
(484) 715-0773 View (484) 715-0773
Photo of Myriam Rosefort, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Myriam Rosefort
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW , LBSC
Verified Verified
Lansdowne, PA 19050
In addition, I am trauma informed and Iam trained in EMDR.
Doesn't it feel like life can be so unpredictable sometimes. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? I’m a firm believer that it is important to meet clients where they are at and to be culturally sensitive. My therapeutic style is holistic and eclectic. I take great pride in assuring my clients that this is a safe space where they can vent, express themselves freely, feel validated, and not be judged. I specialize in individual therapy, marriage and family therapy. My objective is to create a safe space for you to assist you with processing your traumas, challenges, and areas in which you feel stuck.
In addition, I am trauma informed and Iam trained in EMDR.
Doesn't it feel like life can be so unpredictable sometimes. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? I’m a firm believer that it is important to meet clients where they are at and to be culturally sensitive. My therapeutic style is holistic and eclectic. I take great pride in assuring my clients that this is a safe space where they can vent, express themselves freely, feel validated, and not be judged. I specialize in individual therapy, marriage and family therapy. My objective is to create a safe space for you to assist you with processing your traumas, challenges, and areas in which you feel stuck.
(484) 261-1380 View (484) 261-1380
Photo of Aurelio García, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Aurelio García
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010  (Online Only)
Hola! I'm Aurelio. I provide IFS-informed EMDR and relationship therapy in English and Spanish for adults, including those who identify as people of color, polyam/non-monog, neurodiverse, kinky, LGBQ+, and trans/gender expansive. I also support folks exploring identities, and those healing from trauma and emotional pain. My liberation and healing are bound up with yours. I see healing as an ongoing process that we do for ourselves, our community, our ancestors, and the ones who will come after us. A process where we collectively hold space for each other, tend to our wounds, laugh, and strengthen our capacity to survive and thrive.
Hola! I'm Aurelio. I provide IFS-informed EMDR and relationship therapy in English and Spanish for adults, including those who identify as people of color, polyam/non-monog, neurodiverse, kinky, LGBQ+, and trans/gender expansive. I also support folks exploring identities, and those healing from trauma and emotional pain. My liberation and healing are bound up with yours. I see healing as an ongoing process that we do for ourselves, our community, our ancestors, and the ones who will come after us. A process where we collectively hold space for each other, tend to our wounds, laugh, and strengthen our capacity to survive and thrive.
(484) 669-7028 View (484) 669-7028
Photo of Nadine Hollander Slavitt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Nadine Hollander Slavitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW, PCC
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
I’m EMDR certified, Level 2 trained in IFS and I am compassionate and action oriented.
You’re working hard, wanting a good life, but you find yourself feeling anxious, dissatisfied and unfulfilled. Perhaps you’re unhappy at work - feeling overwhelmed and burned out, with no end in sight or path forward to greater satisfaction. Or perhaps you are struggling with strong emotions, feeling anxious and depressed, having conflict in your important relationships, or feeling lonely and disconnected. And so many of us are experiencing major life transition - getting divorced, having children, starting a new job, becoming an empty nester, or retiring from a career.
I’m EMDR certified, Level 2 trained in IFS and I am compassionate and action oriented.
You’re working hard, wanting a good life, but you find yourself feeling anxious, dissatisfied and unfulfilled. Perhaps you’re unhappy at work - feeling overwhelmed and burned out, with no end in sight or path forward to greater satisfaction. Or perhaps you are struggling with strong emotions, feeling anxious and depressed, having conflict in your important relationships, or feeling lonely and disconnected. And so many of us are experiencing major life transition - getting divorced, having children, starting a new job, becoming an empty nester, or retiring from a career.
(484) 999-3243 View (484) 999-3243
Photo of Alyson Kessler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Alyson Kessler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CAADC, ACRPS, CCTP
Verified Verified
Haverford, PA 19041
I specialize in helping those grow and heal from traumatic experiences through talk therapy and EMDR treatment.
I am a licensed clinical social worker committed to providing superior clinical care to adults who are looking for support in mental wellness. My primary goal is to help maintain a balanced lifestyle by allowing individuals to focus developing the best version of themselves in order to show up for the demands of everyday life.
I specialize in helping those grow and heal from traumatic experiences through talk therapy and EMDR treatment.
I am a licensed clinical social worker committed to providing superior clinical care to adults who are looking for support in mental wellness. My primary goal is to help maintain a balanced lifestyle by allowing individuals to focus developing the best version of themselves in order to show up for the demands of everyday life.
(610) 810-1325 View (610) 810-1325
Photo of Aviva Rosenberg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Aviva Rosenberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ardmore, PA 19003  (Online Only)
I am also trained in EMDR therapy and EFT couple’s therapy and have experience supporting couples and families with familial trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions.
It is my honor to collaborate with clients as they access their strengths and resilience to make and maintain meaningful change. I work to create a warm, non-judgment, and trauma-informed therapy space, so we can develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your personal values and needs. We then partner together as we explore the many facets and layers of you, your family, and your environment in order to help you learn more about yourself, understand your struggles, and make concrete changes in your life. I believe in a person’s ongoing ability to grow and change and it is my pleasure to partner with you on that journey.
I am also trained in EMDR therapy and EFT couple’s therapy and have experience supporting couples and families with familial trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions.
It is my honor to collaborate with clients as they access their strengths and resilience to make and maintain meaningful change. I work to create a warm, non-judgment, and trauma-informed therapy space, so we can develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your personal values and needs. We then partner together as we explore the many facets and layers of you, your family, and your environment in order to help you learn more about yourself, understand your struggles, and make concrete changes in your life. I believe in a person’s ongoing ability to grow and change and it is my pleasure to partner with you on that journey.
(610) 724-7010 View (610) 724-7010
Photo of Mija Serrano | Anxiety | Perinatal | Trauma | Pennsylvania |, Licensed Professional Counselor in Havertown, PA
Mija Serrano | Anxiety | Perinatal | Trauma | Pennsylvania |
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wynnewood, PA 19096  (Online Only)
I am also trained to provide EMDR for trauma & PTSD relief!.
For too long, you've felt overwhelmed & burned out with what's happening in your life. You might be seeing it at home: you are feeling irritated with your family & don't feel good enough with your share 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 feels so 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've felt overwhelmed & burned out with what's happening in your life. You might be seeing it at home: you are feeling irritated with your family & don't feel good enough with your share 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 feels so 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 Sadé Graves, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Havertown, PA
Sadé Graves
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Wynnewood, PA 19096
I blend approaches like MI, CBT, TFCBT, Play Therapy & EMDR to dismantle the unhelpful & challenging sensations, thoughts or feelings held in the body & mind.
Do you have an Invisible disability like Anxiety, Migraines or Learning Disorder. Traumatic experience & stress will leave you feeling at a loss, especially in the Black & Brown disAbility community. If "Carrying it all" while presenting for others is draining you, then its time to be heard seen & valued while healing at your own pace Life doesn't come with a manual neither do you, but with patience & individualized plan the journey to evolution is limitless. Being a parent or student trying to balance life has its struggles when you are trying to advocate & positively learn about you! Take back control & emit your MAGIC!
I blend approaches like MI, CBT, TFCBT, Play Therapy & EMDR to dismantle the unhelpful & challenging sensations, thoughts or feelings held in the body & mind.
Do you have an Invisible disability like Anxiety, Migraines or Learning Disorder. Traumatic experience & stress will leave you feeling at a loss, especially in the Black & Brown disAbility community. If "Carrying it all" while presenting for others is draining you, then its time to be heard seen & valued while healing at your own pace Life doesn't come with a manual neither do you, but with patience & individualized plan the journey to evolution is limitless. Being a parent or student trying to balance life has its struggles when you are trying to advocate & positively learn about you! Take back control & emit your MAGIC!
(267) 573-8639 View (267) 573-8639
Photo of Derek Li, Licensed Professional Counselor in Havertown, PA
Derek Li
Licensed Professional Counselor, MPhilEd, MSEd, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
My approach includes Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), cutting-edge neuroscience-informed interventions and EMDR.
“Sleep won’t help when it’s your soul that’s tired.” Have you ever faced moments in life where it seems like no one understands you? Perhaps you find yourself caught in a loop of meaninglessness, defeat, and imperfection, unsure of how to break free. Whether it's challenging interpersonal relationships, major life changes, struggles with self-identity, or feeling unable to function at your best, I'm here to help you discover answers and solutions in the safest space imaginable, offering unconditional support towards your personal goals and the pursuit of lasting happiness, peace, and fulfillment.
My approach includes Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), cutting-edge neuroscience-informed interventions and EMDR.
“Sleep won’t help when it’s your soul that’s tired.” Have you ever faced moments in life where it seems like no one understands you? Perhaps you find yourself caught in a loop of meaninglessness, defeat, and imperfection, unsure of how to break free. Whether it's challenging interpersonal relationships, major life changes, struggles with self-identity, or feeling unable to function at your best, I'm here to help you discover answers and solutions in the safest space imaginable, offering unconditional support towards your personal goals and the pursuit of lasting happiness, peace, and fulfillment.
(484) 263-8631 View (484) 263-8631
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.