Photo of Nicole Baumgartner, LCPC, NCC
Nicole Baumgartner
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Severna Park, MD 21146
I have been trained in EMDR therapy to help individuals work through past trauma.
You're looking for someone to help you or your loved one through a difficult time...and this is the first step! It is incredibly important to find a therapist that will be a good fit. I can provide a nonjudgmental, caring, and supportive therapeutic environment for you to grow in while we work through the issues that may be causing you, or someone you care about, discomfort or distress.
I have been trained in EMDR therapy to help individuals work through past trauma.
You're looking for someone to help you or your loved one through a difficult time...and this is the first step! It is incredibly important to find a therapist that will be a good fit. I can provide a nonjudgmental, caring, and supportive therapeutic environment for you to grow in while we work through the issues that may be causing you, or someone you care about, discomfort or distress.
(410) 696-5915 View (410) 696-5915
Photo of Kristen Keuleman, LCPC, Counselor
Kristen Keuleman
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Severna Park, MD 21146
I have experience working with adolescents & adults struggling with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, low self-esteem, adjustment to life transitions and parenting issues. I approach working with clients from a Strengths-Based perspective to collaboratively develop goals and foster well-being based on increased resilience and empowerment. I utilize a variety of evidence-based practices including psychoeducation, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Acceptance & Commitment therapies. I am also trained in EMDR to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms.
I have experience working with adolescents & adults struggling with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, low self-esteem, adjustment to life transitions and parenting issues. I approach working with clients from a Strengths-Based perspective to collaboratively develop goals and foster well-being based on increased resilience and empowerment. I utilize a variety of evidence-based practices including psychoeducation, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Acceptance & Commitment therapies. I am also trained in EMDR to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms.
(410) 684-3806 View (410) 684-3806
Photo of Wendy Caldwell, LCPC, LPC, NCC, Counselor
Wendy Caldwell
Counselor, LCPC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Severna Park, MD 21146
I am a licensed, board-certified, clinical counselor, certified in Expressive Arts through the Person- Centered Expressive Arts Institute. Using an integrative approach, I combine traditional talk therapy with mindfulness, creative expression, CBT, and DBT skills to support you in your treatment. I use EMDR protocol to teach trauma-informed strategies to self-regulate and address trauma. I will meet you where you are through empathy, compassion, and congruence to help generate insight that can lead to increased healthy coping and desired change. I consider it an honor to be part of my client's journeys.
I am a licensed, board-certified, clinical counselor, certified in Expressive Arts through the Person- Centered Expressive Arts Institute. Using an integrative approach, I combine traditional talk therapy with mindfulness, creative expression, CBT, and DBT skills to support you in your treatment. I use EMDR protocol to teach trauma-informed strategies to self-regulate and address trauma. I will meet you where you are through empathy, compassion, and congruence to help generate insight that can lead to increased healthy coping and desired change. I consider it an honor to be part of my client's journeys.
(410) 449-1668 View (410) 449-1668
Photo of Kate Goodell, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate Goodell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Severna Park, MD 21146  (Online Only)
Kate invites each client to welcome and honor all parts of the self, including both the wounded and unwounded parts, acknowledging the pain carried by wounded parts of self. She uses various interventions to balance the nervous system, fostering mindful reactions to life events. She champions the body's inherent wisdom and supports embodiment for wholeness. Breathwork techniques help release deeply-held emotions from stressful experiences. Her practice integrates various therapeutic approaches like Polyvagal Theory, EMDR, BBTRS, Somatic Therapy, Sound Healing, Parts Work, Mind-Body Therapies, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Kate invites each client to welcome and honor all parts of the self, including both the wounded and unwounded parts, acknowledging the pain carried by wounded parts of self. She uses various interventions to balance the nervous system, fostering mindful reactions to life events. She champions the body's inherent wisdom and supports embodiment for wholeness. Breathwork techniques help release deeply-held emotions from stressful experiences. Her practice integrates various therapeutic approaches like Polyvagal Theory, EMDR, BBTRS, Somatic Therapy, Sound Healing, Parts Work, Mind-Body Therapies, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
(410) 498-5465 View (410) 498-5465
Photo of Mary Strueber - Mary Strueber, LCPC Psychotherapy & Counseling, LCPC
Mary Strueber, LCPC Psychotherapy & Counseling
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Severna Park, MD 21146
My approach to therapy is derived from Adlerian Psychology, The Psychology of Selves, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Interpersonal Neurobiology and EMDR.
It's painful to be depressed and anxious. You've tried everything and can't seem to shake it. That's when you know it's time to get professional help.
My approach to therapy is derived from Adlerian Psychology, The Psychology of Selves, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Interpersonal Neurobiology and EMDR.
It's painful to be depressed and anxious. You've tried everything and can't seem to shake it. That's when you know it's time to get professional help.
(443) 267-4899 View (443) 267-4899
Photo of Sarah Vayda, MS, LCPC, CMIP, Counselor
Sarah Vayda
Counselor, MS, LCPC, CMIP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Severna Park, MD 21146  (Online Only)
Are you feeling unrelenting worry, sadness, or overwhelm? Or is life not meeting your expectations? These feelings can be paralyzing and affect all areas of our lives. It would be my honor to help you navigate through this difficult time and find peace to live a more fulfilling life. I combine an individual approach that focuses on living in the present, helping you to manage life disruptions, and creating the life you want. This can also include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) if we feel it would help you.
Are you feeling unrelenting worry, sadness, or overwhelm? Or is life not meeting your expectations? These feelings can be paralyzing and affect all areas of our lives. It would be my honor to help you navigate through this difficult time and find peace to live a more fulfilling life. I combine an individual approach that focuses on living in the present, helping you to manage life disruptions, and creating the life you want. This can also include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) if we feel it would help you.
(443) 398-3198 View (443) 398-3198
Photo of Bertha Carrelli, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bertha Carrelli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Severna Park, MD 21146
In addition to weekly/biweekly 50-minute sessions, I offer EMDR Intensives (4-hour sessions) and love collaborating with people who already enjoy a good established relationship with a therapist and would like to do short-term focused trauma work in conjunction with their regular ongoing therapy.
If you or your child are feeling stuck or held back by current or past experiences, I’d love to work together to help you thrive by healing painful experiences, discovering and strengthening your innate abilities, and creating new ways of being in the world. I’m a Certified EMDR therapist and EMDRIA approved Consultant with 20 years of experience. I treat depression, anxiety (including performance anxiety), PTSD, C-PTSD, and specialize in resolving the effects of traumatic events such as loss, medical trauma, negative home or school experiences, abuse, and neglect.
In addition to weekly/biweekly 50-minute sessions, I offer EMDR Intensives (4-hour sessions) and love collaborating with people who already enjoy a good established relationship with a therapist and would like to do short-term focused trauma work in conjunction with their regular ongoing therapy.
If you or your child are feeling stuck or held back by current or past experiences, I’d love to work together to help you thrive by healing painful experiences, discovering and strengthening your innate abilities, and creating new ways of being in the world. I’m a Certified EMDR therapist and EMDRIA approved Consultant with 20 years of experience. I treat depression, anxiety (including performance anxiety), PTSD, C-PTSD, and specialize in resolving the effects of traumatic events such as loss, medical trauma, negative home or school experiences, abuse, and neglect.
(410) 469-8941 View (410) 469-8941
Photo of Rebecca Mitch McKee - Anne Arundel Counseling, Inc., PhD, LCPC, CFC, BCTMH
Anne Arundel Counseling, Inc.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, CFC, BCTMH
Verified Verified
Severna Park, MD 21146
we offer various models of therapy such as: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, EMDR, hypnotherapy, solution focused, life coaching, Gestalt, Gottman, and many other formal and informal techniques.
Anne Arundel Counseling is a highly recognized and regarded MD State Certified provider offering six convenient locations throughout the Annapolis, Baltimore & Washington areas (Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Edgewater, Bowie, Stevensville & Centreville). We pride ourselves on being a diverse group of licensed and experiences psychological, psycho therapeutic and clinical specialists. We are dedicated to the well-being of each client and empowering them to achieve in a warm, supportive and inviting environment. For additional information please visit our website at: www.annearundelcounseling.com To schedule with on one of our experienced male or female providers, please call our office to speak with any one of our administrative staff members: Allison O'Hanlon, Client Coordinator, Michele Kline, Office Manager or Connie Thomas, Practice Manager. Our administrative staff will complete an informal screening to have you scheduled with the most appropriate clinician for your area of need. They will also answer any questions you may have regarding the counseling process, AAC, your clinician or any other related item. Lastly, they will take any insurance or EAP information to perform the billing as appropriate. We look forward to hearing from you and ensure your counseling experience is positive and beneficial.
we offer various models of therapy such as: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, EMDR, hypnotherapy, solution focused, life coaching, Gestalt, Gottman, and many other formal and informal techniques.
Anne Arundel Counseling is a highly recognized and regarded MD State Certified provider offering six convenient locations throughout the Annapolis, Baltimore & Washington areas (Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Edgewater, Bowie, Stevensville & Centreville). We pride ourselves on being a diverse group of licensed and experiences psychological, psycho therapeutic and clinical specialists. We are dedicated to the well-being of each client and empowering them to achieve in a warm, supportive and inviting environment. For additional information please visit our website at: www.annearundelcounseling.com To schedule with on one of our experienced male or female providers, please call our office to speak with any one of our administrative staff members: Allison O'Hanlon, Client Coordinator, Michele Kline, Office Manager or Connie Thomas, Practice Manager. Our administrative staff will complete an informal screening to have you scheduled with the most appropriate clinician for your area of need. They will also answer any questions you may have regarding the counseling process, AAC, your clinician or any other related item. Lastly, they will take any insurance or EAP information to perform the billing as appropriate. We look forward to hearing from you and ensure your counseling experience is positive and beneficial.
(410) 415-1851 View (410) 415-1851
Photo of Allyson Kett - Waypoint Wellness Center, PsyD, PhD, MD, LCSW, LCPC, Psychologist
Waypoint Wellness Center
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD, MD, LCSW, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Severna Park, MD 21146
Waypoint Wellness Center was founded in 2015 and offers individual, family, and couples psychotherapy as well as medication management in a welcoming, private practice setting. In addition, Waypoint offers psychological, neuropsychological, and psycho-educational testing. Our providers utilize evidence-based approaches such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) to provide therapy and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults. We have offices in Annapolis, Severna Park, and Linthicum and provide telehealth services.
Waypoint Wellness Center was founded in 2015 and offers individual, family, and couples psychotherapy as well as medication management in a welcoming, private practice setting. In addition, Waypoint offers psychological, neuropsychological, and psycho-educational testing. Our providers utilize evidence-based approaches such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) to provide therapy and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults. We have offices in Annapolis, Severna Park, and Linthicum and provide telehealth services.
(443) 981-2036 View (443) 981-2036
Photo of Heather McMullen - The Counseling Center Group, Annapolis , LCSW-C, MT-BC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Counseling Center Group, Annapolis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MT-BC
Verified Verified
Severna Park, MD 21146
The Counseling Center Group is dedicated to helping you live a life you love. We are committed to providing relatively short-term treatments designed to achieve positive, long-lasting results. Our team of therapists use structured, evidence-based methods to help you reach realistic goals in the most efficient manner. We recognize that you need sensible strategies to achieve your desired outcomes, not years of open-ended therapy that simply validates your concerns. Each member of our team operates with that core value in mind and can work with you one-on-one or in group therapy in an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We take pride in helping individuals, couples, and families make life-enhancing changes and transitions. At the Counseling Center Group, we can help you discover your authentic self; understand the emotions, thoughts and actions that keep you stuck in place; and master the tools you need to live a fulfilling life.
The Counseling Center Group is dedicated to helping you live a life you love. We are committed to providing relatively short-term treatments designed to achieve positive, long-lasting results. Our team of therapists use structured, evidence-based methods to help you reach realistic goals in the most efficient manner. We recognize that you need sensible strategies to achieve your desired outcomes, not years of open-ended therapy that simply validates your concerns. Each member of our team operates with that core value in mind and can work with you one-on-one or in group therapy in an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We take pride in helping individuals, couples, and families make life-enhancing changes and transitions. At the Counseling Center Group, we can help you discover your authentic self; understand the emotions, thoughts and actions that keep you stuck in place; and master the tools you need to live a fulfilling life.
(667) 220-0157 View (667) 220-0157
Photo of Emily Utz, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Utz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Severna Park, MD 21146  (Online Only)
I am a passionate believer that we all embody the strength that it takes to heal ourselves. I have worked with clients from a variety of different backgrounds where I provide a collaborative, safe environment to help them recognize their strength and potential. I use a trauma-informed, holistic approach focused on addressing the root cause of clients' identified symptoms. I have a special interest in working with young adults as they navigate life transitions and discover themselves and their passions.
I am a passionate believer that we all embody the strength that it takes to heal ourselves. I have worked with clients from a variety of different backgrounds where I provide a collaborative, safe environment to help them recognize their strength and potential. I use a trauma-informed, holistic approach focused on addressing the root cause of clients' identified symptoms. I have a special interest in working with young adults as they navigate life transitions and discover themselves and their passions.
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Photo of Jennifer L Marski, LCPC
Jennifer L Marski
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Severna Park, MD 21146
I provide a nonjudgmental space in sessions as well as an empathic and caring space. I was a Veterinary Technician for over 20 years and encourage the support of animals in the healing process.
I provide a nonjudgmental space in sessions as well as an empathic and caring space. I was a Veterinary Technician for over 20 years and encourage the support of animals in the healing process.
(667) 256-7052 View (667) 256-7052
Photo of Hollie Mills, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hollie Mills
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Severna Park, MD 21146
Do you feel you could benefit from a professional supporting you in determining what is holding you back from achieving your own life goals? Or dealing with life issues that interfere with your current day to day functioning? Hollie Mills, LCSW-C will partner with you to create a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment to support you in working towards achieving goals you want to work on. She believes in the inherent value of every person. Hollie can support you in identifying natural strengths you already possess to boost you into the transformative process that often occurs during therapy sessions.
Do you feel you could benefit from a professional supporting you in determining what is holding you back from achieving your own life goals? Or dealing with life issues that interfere with your current day to day functioning? Hollie Mills, LCSW-C will partner with you to create a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment to support you in working towards achieving goals you want to work on. She believes in the inherent value of every person. Hollie can support you in identifying natural strengths you already possess to boost you into the transformative process that often occurs during therapy sessions.
(410) 431-1289 View (410) 431-1289
Photo of Elizabeth Krakow, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Krakow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Severna Park, MD 21146
Libby has 30 plus years as an experienced therapist providing counseling services to children, teenagers, women, couples and families. She is trained to work with marriage and family issues where her focus is to build and strengthen relationships. She is highly experienced in play therapy for the effective treatment of children. She has an extensive repertoire to work with victims of physical, sexual and verbal abuse. Libby believes with God, nothing is impossible and she relies on Him to use her professional training and life experience to assist others who are wounded and seeking healing and restoration.
Libby has 30 plus years as an experienced therapist providing counseling services to children, teenagers, women, couples and families. She is trained to work with marriage and family issues where her focus is to build and strengthen relationships. She is highly experienced in play therapy for the effective treatment of children. She has an extensive repertoire to work with victims of physical, sexual and verbal abuse. Libby believes with God, nothing is impossible and she relies on Him to use her professional training and life experience to assist others who are wounded and seeking healing and restoration.
(410) 883-5068 View (410) 883-5068
Photo of Alison Hamilton, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alison Hamilton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Severna Park, MD 21146
Life is not for the faint of heart, and its twists can leave us feeling sad, angry, or overwhelmed. I help clients move away from feeling isolated and uncertain to feeling empowered and hopeful.
Life is not for the faint of heart, and its twists can leave us feeling sad, angry, or overwhelmed. I help clients move away from feeling isolated and uncertain to feeling empowered and hopeful.
(443) 341-1820 View (443) 341-1820
Photo of Dana Wizeman, LGPC, NCC, LAC NJ, Counselor
Dana Wizeman
Counselor, LGPC, NCC, LAC NJ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Severna Park, MD 21146  (Online Only)
Welcome everyone. I am excited to meet you. Life can be tough. The everyday demands of school, family and our careers can be overwhelming. There will be times when we just need someone to listen, and there will be times when the adversities of life can leave us in need of developing certain skills to help us cope. We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond and look after ourselves. Let's work together, develop a plan for you, and create the life you want!
Welcome everyone. I am excited to meet you. Life can be tough. The everyday demands of school, family and our careers can be overwhelming. There will be times when we just need someone to listen, and there will be times when the adversities of life can leave us in need of developing certain skills to help us cope. We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond and look after ourselves. Let's work together, develop a plan for you, and create the life you want!
(410) 604-8367 View (410) 604-8367
Photo of Barbara G Love, PhD, Psychologist
Barbara G Love
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Severna Park, MD 21146  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you interested in practical approaches to the issues you are confronting? With over thirty years experience as a practicing psychologist in hospitals, schools, and private settings, I bring a broad base of training to the care of clients, including a brain focus from the perspective of a neuropsychologist. Work with parents is problem-focused. Direct treatment with children and adolescents is aimed at supporting continuity in development. Assessment and treatment of adults is provided from a life-span developmental perspective. A trauma-focused psychological perspective assures that road blocks to growth are addressed.
Are you interested in practical approaches to the issues you are confronting? With over thirty years experience as a practicing psychologist in hospitals, schools, and private settings, I bring a broad base of training to the care of clients, including a brain focus from the perspective of a neuropsychologist. Work with parents is problem-focused. Direct treatment with children and adolescents is aimed at supporting continuity in development. Assessment and treatment of adults is provided from a life-span developmental perspective. A trauma-focused psychological perspective assures that road blocks to growth are addressed.
(844) 881-8610 View (844) 881-8610

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Ilana Posner, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ilana Posner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Arnold, MD 21012
I'm also trained in EMDR and use somatic work based in Polyvagal Theory.
Does anxiety keep you up at night? Do you second guess yourself & worry about people being upset with you? Are you hard on yourself when you make a mistake, but you'd never talk that way to your friends? Do you struggle with a health concern like tick-borne illnesses/OCD/PANS/PANDAS? Are you experiencing caregiver stress (caring for children/aging parents), & find yourself neglecting your needs to support a loved one while working to manage your priorities, self care, lifestyle adjustments, and the emotions that come up? Wanting to support others while caring for yourself is a challenging balance and you're in the right place.
I'm also trained in EMDR and use somatic work based in Polyvagal Theory.
Does anxiety keep you up at night? Do you second guess yourself & worry about people being upset with you? Are you hard on yourself when you make a mistake, but you'd never talk that way to your friends? Do you struggle with a health concern like tick-borne illnesses/OCD/PANS/PANDAS? Are you experiencing caregiver stress (caring for children/aging parents), & find yourself neglecting your needs to support a loved one while working to manage your priorities, self care, lifestyle adjustments, and the emotions that come up? Wanting to support others while caring for yourself is a challenging balance and you're in the right place.
(443) 342-3692 View (443) 342-3692
Photo of Maggie Forester Miller, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Maggie Forester Miller
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401
Some of the treatment theories that I draw on include trauma informed, EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment (ACT), strengths based, and mindfulness.
I work with individuals to develop tools to manage times of transition. Usually, it is from these uncomfortable times in life that tremendous growth occurs. Together we will discover strategies to manage and move beyond your discomfort with increased self-awareness. The bottom line is that this is your journey, and I am humbled to walk with you during this time of self-discovery. Ideal clients for me include adults in life transitions, relationships challenges, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Some of the treatment theories that I draw on include trauma informed, EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment (ACT), strengths based, and mindfulness.
I work with individuals to develop tools to manage times of transition. Usually, it is from these uncomfortable times in life that tremendous growth occurs. Together we will discover strategies to manage and move beyond your discomfort with increased self-awareness. The bottom line is that this is your journey, and I am humbled to walk with you during this time of self-discovery. Ideal clients for me include adults in life transitions, relationships challenges, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
(443) 227-5661 View (443) 227-5661
Photo of Brittany Moffitt, LCSW-C, LICSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brittany Moffitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401  (Online Only)
I also help women process trauma by using EMDR.
Have you been overthinking or fearing the worst during your pregnancy or postpartum? Were you an anxious person prior to pregnancy? Have you experienced birth trauma or childhood trauma? If you’re struggling with the mental and emotional load of being a mom, you are not alone. Now might be the time to connect with a therapist who can help. Let us work together to develop a pregnant and postpartum plan that helps you trust your ability, feel more empowered, and process difficult feelings in a transformative way. Continue reading to learn how to book a maternal mental health session today.
I also help women process trauma by using EMDR.
Have you been overthinking or fearing the worst during your pregnancy or postpartum? Were you an anxious person prior to pregnancy? Have you experienced birth trauma or childhood trauma? If you’re struggling with the mental and emotional load of being a mom, you are not alone. Now might be the time to connect with a therapist who can help. Let us work together to develop a pregnant and postpartum plan that helps you trust your ability, feel more empowered, and process difficult feelings in a transformative way. Continue reading to learn how to book a maternal mental health session today.
(410) 376-5151 View (410) 376-5151

See more therapy options for Severna Park

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.