Photo of Jessica Ope-Oluwadare, MS, LPC, PA & DE, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Ope-Oluwadare
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, PA & DE
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19143  (Online Only)
e creative mindfulness approach, CBT, EMDR and a lot of positive unconditional regards.
Are you confused as to what direction you are going or what steps to take? Is every other decision feeling overwhelming to make? Are you second guessing every action or decision you have ever made? Let's work through those times together and help you regain your confidence. Navigating life decisions required a mindful assessment of where we currently are and where we are going.
e creative mindfulness approach, CBT, EMDR and a lot of positive unconditional regards.
Are you confused as to what direction you are going or what steps to take? Is every other decision feeling overwhelming to make? Are you second guessing every action or decision you have ever made? Let's work through those times together and help you regain your confidence. Navigating life decisions required a mindful assessment of where we currently are and where we are going.
(215) 515-0790 View (215) 515-0790
Photo of Tara M Wiker, LCSW, CCTP-II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tara M Wiker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
Lancaster, PA 17603  (Online Only)
Helping clients navigate trauma and it's impact on our lives is my passion! I am an EMDR Certified Therapist and hold a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Level 2 Certification.
Are you having difficulty managing tough emotions? Do you find that past stuff is getting in your way of living life to the fullest? I can help! I am a Bilingual (English/ Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years experience in the therapy domain. I received my Bachelor's in Social Work from Temple University in 2004 and my Master's in Social Work from Millersville University in 2012.
Helping clients navigate trauma and it's impact on our lives is my passion! I am an EMDR Certified Therapist and hold a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Level 2 Certification.
Are you having difficulty managing tough emotions? Do you find that past stuff is getting in your way of living life to the fullest? I can help! I am a Bilingual (English/ Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years experience in the therapy domain. I received my Bachelor's in Social Work from Temple University in 2004 and my Master's in Social Work from Millersville University in 2012.
(223) 226-1270 View (223) 226-1270
Photo of Christy M. Yohn, LCSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christy M. Yohn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lebanon, PA 17042
I am excited to be able to offer EMDR to clients as of 2023-I am an EMDR Certified Clinician.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. I am committed to helping individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma, substance use disorders, and various other stresses that affect all of us at some time in our lives. I come from a Strength’s Perspective and believe that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment.
I am excited to be able to offer EMDR to clients as of 2023-I am an EMDR Certified Clinician.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. I am committed to helping individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma, substance use disorders, and various other stresses that affect all of us at some time in our lives. I come from a Strength’s Perspective and believe that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment.
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Photo of Adam Kleinman - Choices Clinical Counseling-Accepting New Clients!, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Choices Clinical Counseling-Accepting New Clients!
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Johnstown, PA 15904
Experience specialized care at Choices with outpatient therapists skilled in CBT and EMDR therapies.
Start your healing journey with Choices. Experience top-tier care from the best clinical staff in the area. Whether it's depression, anxiety, or trauma, our family-owned practice is committed to guiding you towards your goals. Make the right choice for your mental health. Feel the difference that personalized, high-quality therapy can make. You matter to us because your mental health is our top priority.
Experience specialized care at Choices with outpatient therapists skilled in CBT and EMDR therapies.
Start your healing journey with Choices. Experience top-tier care from the best clinical staff in the area. Whether it's depression, anxiety, or trauma, our family-owned practice is committed to guiding you towards your goals. Make the right choice for your mental health. Feel the difference that personalized, high-quality therapy can make. You matter to us because your mental health is our top priority.
(814) 258-1500 View (814) 258-1500
Photo of Roxanne E Kerstetter, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Roxanne E Kerstetter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
I use a combination of psychodynamic, CBT, meditation, mindfulness, and EMDR therapy to help my clients achieve their goals.
As a therapist, it is my goal to create a safe and welcoming environment for individuals to explore any concerns they may be experiencing. My approach is tailored to each individual client, and I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance can provide a safe and healing space. It is important for me to explore my client's personal history and background to help them understand how it is currently affecting their present situation and how we can collaborate to improve it.
I use a combination of psychodynamic, CBT, meditation, mindfulness, and EMDR therapy to help my clients achieve their goals.
As a therapist, it is my goal to create a safe and welcoming environment for individuals to explore any concerns they may be experiencing. My approach is tailored to each individual client, and I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance can provide a safe and healing space. It is important for me to explore my client's personal history and background to help them understand how it is currently affecting their present situation and how we can collaborate to improve it.
(412) 615-3390 View (412) 615-3390
Photo of Molly Roberts, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Molly Roberts
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19147
I am passionate about working with people who suffer from substance use disorders and other behavior addictions that lead to daily interference in one’s life. Some other areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD and self-esteem issues. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and EMDR interventions while maintaining a mind-body-spirit therapist standpoint. In our sessions, I apply a person-centered, trauma-informed approach to create a safe, comfortable space for you to practice self-exploration and achieve better wellness.
I am passionate about working with people who suffer from substance use disorders and other behavior addictions that lead to daily interference in one’s life. Some other areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD and self-esteem issues. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and EMDR interventions while maintaining a mind-body-spirit therapist standpoint. In our sessions, I apply a person-centered, trauma-informed approach to create a safe, comfortable space for you to practice self-exploration and achieve better wellness.
(267) 448-3128 View (267) 448-3128
Photo of Thanh Nguyen, LCSW-PA, LCSW-NJ, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Thanh Nguyen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-PA, LCSW-NJ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Swarthmore, PA 19081  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR and love supporting my clients in healing from their trauma(s).
Hi, my name is Thanh Nguyen. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Greater Philadelphia Area. I specialize in perinatal mental health and have a passion in supporting women through their journeys. I provide individual therapy for those struggling with trauma/PTSD, postpartum depression/anxiety, and general depression and anxiety due to life stressors and transitions.
I am trained in EMDR and love supporting my clients in healing from their trauma(s).
Hi, my name is Thanh Nguyen. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Greater Philadelphia Area. I specialize in perinatal mental health and have a passion in supporting women through their journeys. I provide individual therapy for those struggling with trauma/PTSD, postpartum depression/anxiety, and general depression and anxiety due to life stressors and transitions.
(610) 549-1076 View (610) 549-1076
Photo of Anita Devine, MSS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anita Devine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19119
I have extensive training in EMDR Therapy and Parts Work ( IFS informed).
You are more than the painful experiences you have endured. You may feel triggered in everyday situations or feel alone and isolated. You may struggle with perfectionism, anxiety, or guilt. However, you have a sense of your life purpose — and long to live your life more authentically. You are ready for relief. You're ready to love who you truly are and face your future with a sense of hope. In our work together, you will gain a deeper respect for what makes you unique. Through connecting with your core, authentic self, you can experience greater ease, freedom, and self-acceptance.
I have extensive training in EMDR Therapy and Parts Work ( IFS informed).
You are more than the painful experiences you have endured. You may feel triggered in everyday situations or feel alone and isolated. You may struggle with perfectionism, anxiety, or guilt. However, you have a sense of your life purpose — and long to live your life more authentically. You are ready for relief. You're ready to love who you truly are and face your future with a sense of hope. In our work together, you will gain a deeper respect for what makes you unique. Through connecting with your core, authentic self, you can experience greater ease, freedom, and self-acceptance.
(215) 461-3925 View (215) 461-3925
Photo of Maegon Crader, MA, LPC, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Maegon Crader
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Exton, PA 19341
From play therapy & activity-based therapy to sandtray therapy & EMDR, I adapt my methods to suit individual needs.
Are you or your child going through a challenging time due to a difficult experience? It's not uncommon to feel stuck in intense emotions like anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness. Seeking a bit of extra support can make a significant difference in helping you or your child not just cope but thrive. We all desire a way forward, a path to navigate through these often overwhelming feelings. Whether it's a recent traumatic event or past issues that persistently resurface, various therapeutic approaches are available to guide you on this journey.
From play therapy & activity-based therapy to sandtray therapy & EMDR, I adapt my methods to suit individual needs.
Are you or your child going through a challenging time due to a difficult experience? It's not uncommon to feel stuck in intense emotions like anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness. Seeking a bit of extra support can make a significant difference in helping you or your child not just cope but thrive. We all desire a way forward, a path to navigate through these often overwhelming feelings. Whether it's a recent traumatic event or past issues that persistently resurface, various therapeutic approaches are available to guide you on this journey.
(484) 292-2480 View (484) 292-2480
Photo of Michele Lynn Becker - Best Life Wellness Center - Michele Becker, LCSW, LCSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Best Life Wellness Center - Michele Becker, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Treatment techniques include: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy and motivational interviewing (MI).
NOW Accepting NEW Clients! Hello and welcome! I practice with the belief that YOU are the expert of your own life and the person who knows what is best for you. That said, sometimes we all get a little stuck along the way. Since you're here, you (or a loved one) are likely contemplating making some positive changes and could benefit from some help and guidance. Whether you are challenged with anxiety, depression, PTSD, past trauma, or something else, I believe we can work together to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. My sessions are goal oriented and future focused, guided by you, working at a comfortable pace.
Treatment techniques include: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy and motivational interviewing (MI).
NOW Accepting NEW Clients! Hello and welcome! I practice with the belief that YOU are the expert of your own life and the person who knows what is best for you. That said, sometimes we all get a little stuck along the way. Since you're here, you (or a loved one) are likely contemplating making some positive changes and could benefit from some help and guidance. Whether you are challenged with anxiety, depression, PTSD, past trauma, or something else, I believe we can work together to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. My sessions are goal oriented and future focused, guided by you, working at a comfortable pace.
(412) 754-7379 View (412) 754-7379
Photo of Lucy Heggenstaller, MSW, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lucy Heggenstaller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Loganton, PA 17747
Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) is a body/mind clinical tool that I have used for over 15 years to help people shift their perceptions about themselves and the formative events in their life.
I enjoy helping people bring their best into the world. Whether that means to be a better partner, a more effective parent or simply to release negative beliefs that hold you back from using your talents to their fullest, I am honored to help. My warmth and curiosity can help you face whatever gets in your way. Sometimes that is grief, or trauma, sometimes unfinished business from childhood. I believe that everyone can tap into inner strength and wisdom, gaining confidence and greater joy in the process. A shift in consciousness can make a world of difference.
Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) is a body/mind clinical tool that I have used for over 15 years to help people shift their perceptions about themselves and the formative events in their life.
I enjoy helping people bring their best into the world. Whether that means to be a better partner, a more effective parent or simply to release negative beliefs that hold you back from using your talents to their fullest, I am honored to help. My warmth and curiosity can help you face whatever gets in your way. Sometimes that is grief, or trauma, sometimes unfinished business from childhood. I believe that everyone can tap into inner strength and wisdom, gaining confidence and greater joy in the process. A shift in consciousness can make a world of difference.
(570) 763-4607 View (570) 763-4607
Photo of Keli Schroeffel Ballard, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Keli Schroeffel Ballard
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
I provide trauma informed treatment and use many modalities including EMDR, DBT, CBT, ACT, and mind-mapping.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. I have a firm belief that “Everyone is doing the best they can, with what they have.” You are using your resources and the skills that you currently have to the best of your current ability. Therapy provides more resources and skills; this allows for more opportunities to make different choices. Learning a new skill or seeing a different perspective can be the key to unlock the potential that you currently have but have not been able to use. It is important to look at therapy as a learning experience and a way to have support in attempting new ways of living.
I provide trauma informed treatment and use many modalities including EMDR, DBT, CBT, ACT, and mind-mapping.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. I have a firm belief that “Everyone is doing the best they can, with what they have.” You are using your resources and the skills that you currently have to the best of your current ability. Therapy provides more resources and skills; this allows for more opportunities to make different choices. Learning a new skill or seeing a different perspective can be the key to unlock the potential that you currently have but have not been able to use. It is important to look at therapy as a learning experience and a way to have support in attempting new ways of living.
(412) 385-0121 View (412) 385-0121
Photo of Michelle M Cooley, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle M Cooley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Irwin, PA 15642  (Online Only)
l am Michelle Cooley and Im a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and co-owner of Living in Confidence Counseling Services. At LIC we focus on empowering those looking to overcome life's challenges and achieve holistic well-being through compassionate, personalized care in the state of PA. I specialize in Trauma focused care, Boundary setting, Self-care and the overall development of healthy coping mechanisms to live a full life. Modalities I use include CBT, DBT, EMDR and Talk therapy. I currently accept Aetna, United, Optum,Cohn and self pay. I look forward to joining you on your wellness journey.
l am Michelle Cooley and Im a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and co-owner of Living in Confidence Counseling Services. At LIC we focus on empowering those looking to overcome life's challenges and achieve holistic well-being through compassionate, personalized care in the state of PA. I specialize in Trauma focused care, Boundary setting, Self-care and the overall development of healthy coping mechanisms to live a full life. Modalities I use include CBT, DBT, EMDR and Talk therapy. I currently accept Aetna, United, Optum,Cohn and self pay. I look forward to joining you on your wellness journey.
(724) 952-3062 View (724) 952-3062
Photo of Jennifer Costa Hutchinson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Costa Hutchinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Therapeutic Approaches include: Trauma Focused Interventions, EMDR, CBT, DBT and family systems.
Accepting new clients with morning and afternoon openings. No evening appointments. I believe therapy is a rewarding and challenging journey. Therapy can support you with overall health and wellness. Are you seeking more balance in your life? Would you like to be able to learn and utilize healthier coping skills to manage stress/anxiety/depression? The therapeutic process can meet you with where YOU are at in your life at this time. As you may be seeking a way to resolve a conflict within family or marriage or maybe you have never resolved issues from your past that are still causing you negative emotions in the present.
Therapeutic Approaches include: Trauma Focused Interventions, EMDR, CBT, DBT and family systems.
Accepting new clients with morning and afternoon openings. No evening appointments. I believe therapy is a rewarding and challenging journey. Therapy can support you with overall health and wellness. Are you seeking more balance in your life? Would you like to be able to learn and utilize healthier coping skills to manage stress/anxiety/depression? The therapeutic process can meet you with where YOU are at in your life at this time. As you may be seeking a way to resolve a conflict within family or marriage or maybe you have never resolved issues from your past that are still causing you negative emotions in the present.
(412) 818-8537 View (412) 818-8537
Photo of Teisha Brown, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CGS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Teisha Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CGS
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19143
A great deal of my professional practice has been working with individuals, groups, couples and families, substance abuse, and LGBTQIA+ populations. I understand that no single approach is the right one for everyone & it is important to meet each person where they are. I believe it is important to tailor the therapy approach to each individual. As such, I use various approaches, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Humanistic Therapy, EMDR, Person-Centered, & Gottman Method for couples therapy. Let me help you get unstuck & develop skills to improve in the ways you would like.
A great deal of my professional practice has been working with individuals, groups, couples and families, substance abuse, and LGBTQIA+ populations. I understand that no single approach is the right one for everyone & it is important to meet each person where they are. I believe it is important to tailor the therapy approach to each individual. As such, I use various approaches, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Humanistic Therapy, EMDR, Person-Centered, & Gottman Method for couples therapy. Let me help you get unstuck & develop skills to improve in the ways you would like.
(484) 218-2590 View (484) 218-2590
Photo of Max St. John, Licensed Professional Counselor
Max St. John
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19144  (Online Only)
I work through a trauma focused lens, and I am trained in EMDR Therapy.
My goal as a therapist is to create an environment, and to foster a relationship in which my clients feel seen, heard, and safe to express their full range of emotions. Life is complicated, and much of the time people are burdened with meeting others’ expectations; in my practice I hope people feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable, and entirely themselves. Once our relationship is fostered through trust, honesty, and safety, a client and I will unpack and process negative self-beliefs, explore the importance of past and present relationships, and implement strategies to promote long term wellness.
I work through a trauma focused lens, and I am trained in EMDR Therapy.
My goal as a therapist is to create an environment, and to foster a relationship in which my clients feel seen, heard, and safe to express their full range of emotions. Life is complicated, and much of the time people are burdened with meeting others’ expectations; in my practice I hope people feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable, and entirely themselves. Once our relationship is fostered through trust, honesty, and safety, a client and I will unpack and process negative self-beliefs, explore the importance of past and present relationships, and implement strategies to promote long term wellness.
(215) 999-8933 View (215) 999-8933
Photo of Christy Sherman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christy Sherman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Greensburg, PA 15601
I am trained in EMDR and utilize this highly effective evidence based protocol for treating trauma based issues.
Now accepting new clients! As a therapist I believe all people have the inherent strength to make positive life changes and often just need empowered through compassionate support. We all have times in our lives when we get stuck in our relationships and just need new effective ways of coping and communicating. I practice from a trauma focused and structural family perspective. I have been very successful in helping couples, families, individuals, and adolescents make positive changes that have lead to feelings of peace, healing, a sense of personal accomplishment, and problem resolution.
I am trained in EMDR and utilize this highly effective evidence based protocol for treating trauma based issues.
Now accepting new clients! As a therapist I believe all people have the inherent strength to make positive life changes and often just need empowered through compassionate support. We all have times in our lives when we get stuck in our relationships and just need new effective ways of coping and communicating. I practice from a trauma focused and structural family perspective. I have been very successful in helping couples, families, individuals, and adolescents make positive changes that have lead to feelings of peace, healing, a sense of personal accomplishment, and problem resolution.
(724) 565-8584 View (724) 565-8584
Photo of Ryan D. Henry, MSCP, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ryan D. Henry
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16506
I have completed trainings in trauma informed care and EMDR.
You are here because you have something in your life that you want to change; I am here to help you make that change. Therapy is about developing the skills necessary to enact change and increase your quality of life.
I have completed trainings in trauma informed care and EMDR.
You are here because you have something in your life that you want to change; I am here to help you make that change. Therapy is about developing the skills necessary to enact change and increase your quality of life.
(814) 200-0315 View (814) 200-0315
Photo of Carlos Eduardo Golfetto, PhD, LPC, CST, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carlos Eduardo Golfetto
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CST
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
I am a certified sex therapist; EMDR certified therapist.
I am pleased that you are here. I know it is not easy to take this first step, but I want you to know first and foremost, that I take great care and pride in creating a safe place for my clients to talk about their internal conflicts, interpersonal problems, traumas, and whatever is interfering with living a fuller, richer life. I bring to my clinical practice a great deal of skills coupled with passion to engage in a meaningful therapeutic relationship. I invite clients to increase their self-awareness while aspiring to high levels of wellness: biologically, psychologically, relationally, sexually and spiritually.
I am a certified sex therapist; EMDR certified therapist.
I am pleased that you are here. I know it is not easy to take this first step, but I want you to know first and foremost, that I take great care and pride in creating a safe place for my clients to talk about their internal conflicts, interpersonal problems, traumas, and whatever is interfering with living a fuller, richer life. I bring to my clinical practice a great deal of skills coupled with passion to engage in a meaningful therapeutic relationship. I invite clients to increase their self-awareness while aspiring to high levels of wellness: biologically, psychologically, relationally, sexually and spiritually.
(412) 212-0918 View (412) 212-0918
Photo of Courtney Ogbeche, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Courtney Ogbeche
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Lansdale, PA 19446
Are you looking for ways to cope with today’s anxieties? At Vinson Therapeutic Collective, I specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults. I am a champion for meeting people where they are with their issues and working from there. Using an eclectic approach by way of CBT, Person-Centered, Mindfulness and EMDR. I will work with you to find your authentic self, your strengths. We will work as a team to develop healthy coping skills to manage your concerns. I also incorporate spirituality for those who are seeking a holistic approach.
Are you looking for ways to cope with today’s anxieties? At Vinson Therapeutic Collective, I specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults. I am a champion for meeting people where they are with their issues and working from there. Using an eclectic approach by way of CBT, Person-Centered, Mindfulness and EMDR. I will work with you to find your authentic self, your strengths. We will work as a team to develop healthy coping skills to manage your concerns. I also incorporate spirituality for those who are seeking a holistic approach.
(267) 310-3414 View (267) 310-3414
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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.