EMDR Therapists in Springfield, OR
Emma Boyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springfield, OR 97477
I have received training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Sensorimotor, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Based Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
I believe that choosing to engage in therapy is one of the bravest acts that one can do for themselves. It requires a person to acknowledge and confront potentially painful experiences and negative core beliefs that can have become foundational. Therapy can help to establish a healthier foundation. I strive to develop a therapeutic relationship by cultivating collaboration, encouraging vulnerability, challenging avoidance, and acknowledging how difficult all of this can be to navigate. I view myself, and the therapy space, as a container in which to foster change and I approach every client with empathy, curiosity and compassion.
I have received training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Sensorimotor, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Based Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
I believe that choosing to engage in therapy is one of the bravest acts that one can do for themselves. It requires a person to acknowledge and confront potentially painful experiences and negative core beliefs that can have become foundational. Therapy can help to establish a healthier foundation. I strive to develop a therapeutic relationship by cultivating collaboration, encouraging vulnerability, challenging avoidance, and acknowledging how difficult all of this can be to navigate. I view myself, and the therapy space, as a container in which to foster change and I approach every client with empathy, curiosity and compassion.
I use an eclectic style that leans on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), mindfulness, and a bit of humor sprinkled in.
I believe that everyone has a right to live the life that they desire however, life does not always work out how we hope. We cannot predict the events that will happen to us or how they will impact our lives. However, we have the ability to choose how we will respond to those events. As a therapist, I get to be a partner as you seek to change your life for the better. I believe that education, practical application, evidence-based techniques, and a focus on measurable outcomes is the fastest way to achieve the client’s goals. I believe that therapy should only be for as long as needed, with a focus on achieving the client's goals.
I use an eclectic style that leans on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), mindfulness, and a bit of humor sprinkled in.
I believe that everyone has a right to live the life that they desire however, life does not always work out how we hope. We cannot predict the events that will happen to us or how they will impact our lives. However, we have the ability to choose how we will respond to those events. As a therapist, I get to be a partner as you seek to change your life for the better. I believe that education, practical application, evidence-based techniques, and a focus on measurable outcomes is the fastest way to achieve the client’s goals. I believe that therapy should only be for as long as needed, with a focus on achieving the client's goals.
Selah Counseling & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Springfield, OR 97477
We're trained in Play Therapy, EMDR, CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Couples Therapy & more.
Are you or a loved seeking mental health support & healing and in need of an advocate to reach your goals for personal growth? Selah Counseling & Wellness provides child, teen, adult and couples/family therapy as well as acupuncture to create a space for holistic healing.
Our clinicians are experienced in treating a wide variety of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, life transitions, relational conflict, ADHD, boundaries/assertiveness, etc. We are an outpatient level of care with no crisis services, we refer out active suicidal intent, psychosis and substance abuse as the primary concerns.
We're trained in Play Therapy, EMDR, CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Couples Therapy & more.
Are you or a loved seeking mental health support & healing and in need of an advocate to reach your goals for personal growth? Selah Counseling & Wellness provides child, teen, adult and couples/family therapy as well as acupuncture to create a space for holistic healing.
Our clinicians are experienced in treating a wide variety of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, life transitions, relational conflict, ADHD, boundaries/assertiveness, etc. We are an outpatient level of care with no crisis services, we refer out active suicidal intent, psychosis and substance abuse as the primary concerns.
Flourish Mental Health LLC (Ashlee Brisentine)
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springfield, OR 97477
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical approach incorporates Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and DBT techniques.
The people I work with have made attempts to improve their lives, but still feel stuck. They may be overwhelmed by anxiety, relationship challenges, past trauma/painful experiences, or life's ongoing stress. They want to feel connected to themselves and others, outside of the impacts of persistent challenges. I help clients understand the intention of their symptoms/concerns as attempts to solve present or past problems rather than personal deficits. I support clients' identification of new coping skills, mindsets, and frameworks that help them exist in the world in a more authentic and rewarding way.
My clinical approach incorporates Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and DBT techniques.
The people I work with have made attempts to improve their lives, but still feel stuck. They may be overwhelmed by anxiety, relationship challenges, past trauma/painful experiences, or life's ongoing stress. They want to feel connected to themselves and others, outside of the impacts of persistent challenges. I help clients understand the intention of their symptoms/concerns as attempts to solve present or past problems rather than personal deficits. I support clients' identification of new coping skills, mindsets, and frameworks that help them exist in the world in a more authentic and rewarding way.
I am EMDR basic trained and incorporate EMDR when appropriate for clients.
I provide individual and group online counseling for two specialties: eating disorders and Christian-based therapy. Have you spent countless hours (or years) struggling with your relationship with food and your body? For many this is a battle that not only impacts your mental health, but also impacts your relationships, college or career performance, and overall well being. Recovery from issues related to food and body image is possible. I use knowledge acquired from specialized training in eating disorders/disordered eating and body image to walk alongside you as you navigate the road toward healing.
I am EMDR basic trained and incorporate EMDR when appropriate for clients.
I provide individual and group online counseling for two specialties: eating disorders and Christian-based therapy. Have you spent countless hours (or years) struggling with your relationship with food and your body? For many this is a battle that not only impacts your mental health, but also impacts your relationships, college or career performance, and overall well being. Recovery from issues related to food and body image is possible. I use knowledge acquired from specialized training in eating disorders/disordered eating and body image to walk alongside you as you navigate the road toward healing.
Sonja Towner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Springfield, OR 97477
Using a combination of service dog training, pet therapy, EMDR, and other modalities, together we will build effective coping strategies that can help you through your emotional distress.
Does life have you feeling down? Or perhaps unexpected emotions, anxiety, dreams, and triggers suddenly occur? It’s been difficult just to put one foot in front of the other due to these experiences, let alone feed your family, walk the dog, work, or run errands. It’s one thing when these things happen in the privacy of your own home, but now they’re disrupting you when you’re in public, too. Even more disturbing and frustrating are the nightmares that accompany all these other problems, causing you to feel absolutely depleted. You wish there were someone who could understand what you’re going through and know how to help you.
Using a combination of service dog training, pet therapy, EMDR, and other modalities, together we will build effective coping strategies that can help you through your emotional distress.
Does life have you feeling down? Or perhaps unexpected emotions, anxiety, dreams, and triggers suddenly occur? It’s been difficult just to put one foot in front of the other due to these experiences, let alone feed your family, walk the dog, work, or run errands. It’s one thing when these things happen in the privacy of your own home, but now they’re disrupting you when you’re in public, too. Even more disturbing and frustrating are the nightmares that accompany all these other problems, causing you to feel absolutely depleted. You wish there were someone who could understand what you’re going through and know how to help you.
Summit Wellness Counseling, LLC(Aaron Porter, LPC)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT, QMHP, MS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Specifically, I use Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused models of psychotherapy to support individuals in experiencing lasting changes internally and in relationships.
Currently the waitlist is closed. Please check back in 30-90 days. Are you longing for relief from stress, anxiety, and emotions following hardships? I help anxious and overwhelmed people feel relief, contentment, and make lasting changes in their lives and relationships. People I work with have often done their best to manage difficult cycles of emotions that they feel inside, and experience in their relationships. Despite their best efforts, they can’t help but notice that stress follows them into many areas of their lives. I help my clients access inner and outer resources they need to heal, grow, and accomplish their goals.
Specifically, I use Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused models of psychotherapy to support individuals in experiencing lasting changes internally and in relationships.
Currently the waitlist is closed. Please check back in 30-90 days. Are you longing for relief from stress, anxiety, and emotions following hardships? I help anxious and overwhelmed people feel relief, contentment, and make lasting changes in their lives and relationships. People I work with have often done their best to manage difficult cycles of emotions that they feel inside, and experience in their relationships. Despite their best efforts, they can’t help but notice that stress follows them into many areas of their lives. I help my clients access inner and outer resources they need to heal, grow, and accomplish their goals.
James Hare
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, QMHP, MAC, CADCIII
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
My primary approaches utilize EMDR and talk therapy with an integration of many other therapeutic treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
I have had the privilege of working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and challenges including those working through issues related to self-esteem, depression, anxiety, various addictions, and relational or life transition issues. Many of the people that I have worked with share a common trait regardless of the reason they seek counseling: previous trauma(s).
My primary approaches utilize EMDR and talk therapy with an integration of many other therapeutic treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
I have had the privilege of working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and challenges including those working through issues related to self-esteem, depression, anxiety, various addictions, and relational or life transition issues. Many of the people that I have worked with share a common trait regardless of the reason they seek counseling: previous trauma(s).
We have professional counselors who are trained, experienced, and educated to provide effective treatments and interventions using EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Motivational Interviewing Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Reality Therapy, and others.
Oregon Directions is a team of counselors accepting new clients now in Washington, Clackamas, Multnomah, Linn, Benton, Lincoln, & Lane Counties in Oregon. We provide the client the safe space and caring opportunity to be professionally counseled and supported with on-going assistance to grow and excel. Each client is unique and deserves special, professional care. Clients are not just a number, but multi-faceted humans beings, who are entitled to the best mental health and wellness care available. We have the counselors who are passionate and have dedicated themselves to achieving the best possible results for each client.
We have professional counselors who are trained, experienced, and educated to provide effective treatments and interventions using EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Motivational Interviewing Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Reality Therapy, and others.
Oregon Directions is a team of counselors accepting new clients now in Washington, Clackamas, Multnomah, Linn, Benton, Lincoln, & Lane Counties in Oregon. We provide the client the safe space and caring opportunity to be professionally counseled and supported with on-going assistance to grow and excel. Each client is unique and deserves special, professional care. Clients are not just a number, but multi-faceted humans beings, who are entitled to the best mental health and wellness care available. We have the counselors who are passionate and have dedicated themselves to achieving the best possible results for each client.
I'm also trained in EMDR (Eye Motion Desensitization and Reprocessing of memories) and NeurOptimal (R) Neurofeedback.
Are you being challenged by life trials? Do you feel stuck and can't figure out a way out of your situation? Dealing with depression and anxiety? Are you dealing with behavioral issues and mental health of your kiddo? Or dealing with your childhood trauma which triggers you day to day? Having mood swings and anger outbursts?
I'm also trained in EMDR (Eye Motion Desensitization and Reprocessing of memories) and NeurOptimal (R) Neurofeedback.
Are you being challenged by life trials? Do you feel stuck and can't figure out a way out of your situation? Dealing with depression and anxiety? Are you dealing with behavioral issues and mental health of your kiddo? Or dealing with your childhood trauma which triggers you day to day? Having mood swings and anger outbursts?
Neurofeedback, EMDR, Trauma-Specific
We here at NW Therapy Collective currently have openings for Neurofeedback- kindly leave the name of your insurance provider (if applicable) when you contact us so we can best serve you in our initial consultation- thank you.
I work with individuals, couples, families and minors affected by a wide variety of concerns, including trauma, addiction, grief and loss, anxiety, relationship issues, and communication struggles. I understand the importance of establishing a safe, easy-going, non-judgmental relationship where we can work on real life issues.
Neurofeedback, EMDR, Trauma-Specific
We here at NW Therapy Collective currently have openings for Neurofeedback- kindly leave the name of your insurance provider (if applicable) when you contact us so we can best serve you in our initial consultation- thank you.
I work with individuals, couples, families and minors affected by a wide variety of concerns, including trauma, addiction, grief and loss, anxiety, relationship issues, and communication struggles. I understand the importance of establishing a safe, easy-going, non-judgmental relationship where we can work on real life issues.
Meet Our EMDR Therapists
Molly Richards
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, EMDR C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I draw from a variety of modalities, primarily EMDR, IFS, AEDP, Somatic Therapy, Humanistic Existential Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy.
Hi! I’m Molly. I recognize that we all hold innate capacity for growth, and with supportive conditions, we lean towards thriving like a seed seeking sunshine. So often though, trauma and pain can interrupt our natural tendency to heal which leads to harmful patterns, stuckness and suffering. Our work in therapy is to restore the torn relationship with the self, and step back into personal freedom and thriving. I believe therapy provides a container to cultivate trust and “un-do” aloneness. Together, we will hold your unique story, strengths, and challenges.
I draw from a variety of modalities, primarily EMDR, IFS, AEDP, Somatic Therapy, Humanistic Existential Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy.
Hi! I’m Molly. I recognize that we all hold innate capacity for growth, and with supportive conditions, we lean towards thriving like a seed seeking sunshine. So often though, trauma and pain can interrupt our natural tendency to heal which leads to harmful patterns, stuckness and suffering. Our work in therapy is to restore the torn relationship with the self, and step back into personal freedom and thriving. I believe therapy provides a container to cultivate trust and “un-do” aloneness. Together, we will hold your unique story, strengths, and challenges.
I work from a Person-Centered therapist, utilizing such modalities as Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR, Narrative, CBT, and DBT.
Would you like to bring more awareness, clarity, and peace of mind to your life? Do you want to live more authentically, with more ease and confidence in your relationship with your self and the difference you make, but feel stuck? You know you can do more and are not giving up, but right may not see how to move forward. You want to live a more fulfilling life and achieve closeness with others. You can make meaningful progress, achieve closeness with others, and experience increased joy and success.
I work from a Person-Centered therapist, utilizing such modalities as Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR, Narrative, CBT, and DBT.
Would you like to bring more awareness, clarity, and peace of mind to your life? Do you want to live more authentically, with more ease and confidence in your relationship with your self and the difference you make, but feel stuck? You know you can do more and are not giving up, but right may not see how to move forward. You want to live a more fulfilling life and achieve closeness with others. You can make meaningful progress, achieve closeness with others, and experience increased joy and success.
Brighter Minds Neurofeedback and Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I work with individuals, children, couples and families using neurofeedback, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing ( EMDR) and emotionally-focused therapy (EFT) to help my clients reach a point where they can skillfully manage their responses to triggers on their own.
I welcome anyone struggling with any issue to reach out to my practice. We offer neurofeedback and psychotherapy, and will tailor your treatment to the symptoms you would like to address. Neurofeedback is a powerful therapeutic tool that trains the brain to function more optimally by improving its own activity. It is effective in the treatment of issues including sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, attachment disorders, chronic hyper-arousal, ADD/ADHD, migraines, chronic pain, digestive issues, hypersensitivities, anger, autism spectrum disorder, speech disorders, and traumatic brain injuries.
I work with individuals, children, couples and families using neurofeedback, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing ( EMDR) and emotionally-focused therapy (EFT) to help my clients reach a point where they can skillfully manage their responses to triggers on their own.
I welcome anyone struggling with any issue to reach out to my practice. We offer neurofeedback and psychotherapy, and will tailor your treatment to the symptoms you would like to address. Neurofeedback is a powerful therapeutic tool that trains the brain to function more optimally by improving its own activity. It is effective in the treatment of issues including sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, attachment disorders, chronic hyper-arousal, ADD/ADHD, migraines, chronic pain, digestive issues, hypersensitivities, anger, autism spectrum disorder, speech disorders, and traumatic brain injuries.
Bridges Community Health
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC, LCSW, PMHNP, DNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
We have clinicians who specialize in grief, trauma, individual enrichment, goal setting, family issues, LGBTQ, EMDR, parenting approaches, couples therapy, problem solving, identifying thinking errors, cognitive behavioral therapy, promoting insight and improving communication.
Bridges Community Health is a growing therapy and prescribing collective serving Lane County, Eugene/Springfield and Cottage Grove. We provide therapy and medication management services. We are here to help you set and meet your goals. We provide individual, family, teen, play and couple's therapy. We currently have a wait list but work hard to be available to you and to set your initial appointment in a timely manner. We offer both in person and teletherapy sessions. We understand the stressors you are facing today and want to help you succeed in making positive and lasting change.
We have clinicians who specialize in grief, trauma, individual enrichment, goal setting, family issues, LGBTQ, EMDR, parenting approaches, couples therapy, problem solving, identifying thinking errors, cognitive behavioral therapy, promoting insight and improving communication.
Bridges Community Health is a growing therapy and prescribing collective serving Lane County, Eugene/Springfield and Cottage Grove. We provide therapy and medication management services. We are here to help you set and meet your goals. We provide individual, family, teen, play and couple's therapy. We currently have a wait list but work hard to be available to you and to set your initial appointment in a timely manner. We offer both in person and teletherapy sessions. We understand the stressors you are facing today and want to help you succeed in making positive and lasting change.
With trauma and PTSD, I use EMDR, but also mindfulness, tapping (EFT) and IFS (internal family systems).
Have you experienced a Traumatic event or was your childhood or relationship full of traumatic events or patterns? Are you experiencing depression, grief or loss? Are you struggling with anxiety, panic, worry, compulsive behaviors/ thoughts? I believe that life is a journey, with individual challenges and opportunities. All of us need help along the way from different people around us. I am passionate about listening to you and assisting you on your journey to emotional health, personal growth and discovering your potential, healthy relationships,or help you when you encounter roadblocks in your journey.
With trauma and PTSD, I use EMDR, but also mindfulness, tapping (EFT) and IFS (internal family systems).
Have you experienced a Traumatic event or was your childhood or relationship full of traumatic events or patterns? Are you experiencing depression, grief or loss? Are you struggling with anxiety, panic, worry, compulsive behaviors/ thoughts? I believe that life is a journey, with individual challenges and opportunities. All of us need help along the way from different people around us. I am passionate about listening to you and assisting you on your journey to emotional health, personal growth and discovering your potential, healthy relationships,or help you when you encounter roadblocks in your journey.
Kara Schrenk Litwiller, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC, CADCIII
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
For trauma and PTSD I use mindfulness, CBT, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
I believe in the value and worth of each human being and that each one of us has the ability to heal and master new skills throughout the life span. I strive to form trusting relationships with clients to assist them with improving their quality of relationships, increase their personal sense of well being or self esteem, achieve a better balance in their life, resolve traumatic history, and learn effective coping skills. Through a collaborative relationship, I assist clients with exploring their personal and spiritual development.
For trauma and PTSD I use mindfulness, CBT, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
I believe in the value and worth of each human being and that each one of us has the ability to heal and master new skills throughout the life span. I strive to form trusting relationships with clients to assist them with improving their quality of relationships, increase their personal sense of well being or self esteem, achieve a better balance in their life, resolve traumatic history, and learn effective coping skills. Through a collaborative relationship, I assist clients with exploring their personal and spiritual development.
I currently have openings for EMDR therapy (starting 4/1/25).
I offer EMDR and EMDR Intensives, specializing in helping young adults and adults with ADHD and adults with chronic medical conditions (e.g., chronic pain, Type 1 Diabetes). I support clients with challenges like medical trauma, burnout, grief, anxiety, social stressors, and adjusting to managing health and life independently.
I currently have openings for EMDR therapy (starting 4/1/25).
I offer EMDR and EMDR Intensives, specializing in helping young adults and adults with ADHD and adults with chronic medical conditions (e.g., chronic pain, Type 1 Diabetes). I support clients with challenges like medical trauma, burnout, grief, anxiety, social stressors, and adjusting to managing health and life independently.
Paula Dulcé Bloom
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
As a practitioner I have a strong reliance on Person-Centered Therapy, EMDR Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Are you struggling with unresolved trauma that is now affecting you in ways you can’t ignore? You may notice that your past trauma is affecting your current life. You may notice that your personal identity, family system, mood, and traumatic experiences all interact. If you're navigating the ways trauma can interact with mood, relationships, and the corresponding reckless behavior and identity deconstruction that can arise along the journey, I would love to help. I have extensive experience working with complex trauma in first responders, military members, and veterans.
As a practitioner I have a strong reliance on Person-Centered Therapy, EMDR Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Are you struggling with unresolved trauma that is now affecting you in ways you can’t ignore? You may notice that your past trauma is affecting your current life. You may notice that your personal identity, family system, mood, and traumatic experiences all interact. If you're navigating the ways trauma can interact with mood, relationships, and the corresponding reckless behavior and identity deconstruction that can arise along the journey, I would love to help. I have extensive experience working with complex trauma in first responders, military members, and veterans.
In addition, I am a trained EMDR Therapist from the EMDR International Association.
It's hard work to be a person! Each of us, no matter where we are in life, have our own personal struggles and successes to tell. We've all been through something. Be it the stress of our present moment, our anxieties about the future, or the pain of our past, I would be honored to support you. I strive to provide a safe, productive, and healing space to understand and accept our past, so that we can fully partake in the gifts of the present. All are celebrated here :)
In addition, I am a trained EMDR Therapist from the EMDR International Association.
It's hard work to be a person! Each of us, no matter where we are in life, have our own personal struggles and successes to tell. We've all been through something. Be it the stress of our present moment, our anxieties about the future, or the pain of our past, I would be honored to support you. I strive to provide a safe, productive, and healing space to understand and accept our past, so that we can fully partake in the gifts of the present. All are celebrated here :)
See more therapy options for Springfield
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for Springfield
See More EMDR TherapistsNearby Searches for Springfield
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- Cottage Grove
- Creswell
- Eugene
- Junction City
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- Philomath
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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.