EMDR Therapists in Plymouth Meeting, PA

Photo of Kate Deatrich, PsyD, Psychologist
Kate Deatrich
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
For clients who have experienced trauma, I also employ EMDR.
I am an experienced psychologist who helps adolescents and adults overcome a variety of mental health and life challenges. I specialize in adolescent and adult survivors of abuse and trauma. This includes childhood abuse, sexual abuse/assault, complex PTSD, and medical trauma. Another specialty of mine is chronic pain and illness, including syndromes that are difficult to diagnose and treat. I also particularly enjoy working with folks in the LGBTQ+ community. Lastly, I provide psychological assessment for ADHD in adults, as well as IQ and personality/diagnostic testing.
For clients who have experienced trauma, I also employ EMDR.
I am an experienced psychologist who helps adolescents and adults overcome a variety of mental health and life challenges. I specialize in adolescent and adult survivors of abuse and trauma. This includes childhood abuse, sexual abuse/assault, complex PTSD, and medical trauma. Another specialty of mine is chronic pain and illness, including syndromes that are difficult to diagnose and treat. I also particularly enjoy working with folks in the LGBTQ+ community. Lastly, I provide psychological assessment for ADHD in adults, as well as IQ and personality/diagnostic testing.
(484) 572-4273 View (484) 572-4273
Photo of Robert J Moore, MDiv, PsyD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robert J Moore
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
My specialties include marital and pre-marital therapy, parenting, trauma therapies, ( EMDR and Brain-Spotting), DBT, enneagram type, and a fusion of spiritual/Christian/Biblical perspectives and traditional therapy that is available to the patient as appropriate.
Having extensive experience, I use empirically supported therapies, and have treated a wide range of ages as well as the most serious disorders. It is my belief that salient therapy treats a client in 3 different directions: top-down (spiritual dimension), inside out (healing of memories), and outside-in (Cognitive-Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). After a thorough assessment, I would identify with my client, determine problems on which to work, set appropriate goals, and determine the correct therapeutic intervention(s) to be used. Meeting those goals would be a therapeutic benchmark throughout the therapy.
My specialties include marital and pre-marital therapy, parenting, trauma therapies, ( EMDR and Brain-Spotting), DBT, enneagram type, and a fusion of spiritual/Christian/Biblical perspectives and traditional therapy that is available to the patient as appropriate.
Having extensive experience, I use empirically supported therapies, and have treated a wide range of ages as well as the most serious disorders. It is my belief that salient therapy treats a client in 3 different directions: top-down (spiritual dimension), inside out (healing of memories), and outside-in (Cognitive-Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). After a thorough assessment, I would identify with my client, determine problems on which to work, set appropriate goals, and determine the correct therapeutic intervention(s) to be used. Meeting those goals would be a therapeutic benchmark throughout the therapy.
(215) 642-0949 View (215) 642-0949
Photo of Jordan Wilson, LPC, CCTS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jordan Wilson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCTS
Verified Verified
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Have you noticed that due to childhood trauma or any type of dysfunction you may have experienced as a child, it is hard to maintain relationships as an adult? My approach to therapy is warm, authentic and person-centered creating a safe and productive space to work on any issue that will increase the quality of your life, the quality of your relationships – most importantly, the relationship you have with yourself! I am Licensed Professional Counselor and a fully trained clinician ( EMDR), Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist.
Have you noticed that due to childhood trauma or any type of dysfunction you may have experienced as a child, it is hard to maintain relationships as an adult? My approach to therapy is warm, authentic and person-centered creating a safe and productive space to work on any issue that will increase the quality of your life, the quality of your relationships – most importantly, the relationship you have with yourself! I am Licensed Professional Counselor and a fully trained clinician ( EMDR), Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist.
(267) 214-3448 View (267) 214-3448
Photo of Dale S Garson, MEd, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dale S Garson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Techniques ( EMDR) help to relieve discomfort from anxiety and trauma.
We are all working to do the best we can and sometimes we just need another perspective and the resources for trying new tools or strategies. I believe that counseling must be more than "feelings talk". Working together, I help you appreciate your own strengths and expand your confidence in experimenting with different possibilities in all of your relationships both personal and work related. Experiences of parenting three children, grandchildren and a 30 year marriage give me a deep respect for the challenges and the effort we all bring to our lives.
Techniques ( EMDR) help to relieve discomfort from anxiety and trauma.
We are all working to do the best we can and sometimes we just need another perspective and the resources for trying new tools or strategies. I believe that counseling must be more than "feelings talk". Working together, I help you appreciate your own strengths and expand your confidence in experimenting with different possibilities in all of your relationships both personal and work related. Experiences of parenting three children, grandchildren and a 30 year marriage give me a deep respect for the challenges and the effort we all bring to our lives.
(610) 329-9897 View (610) 329-9897
Photo of Madeline Rice - Madeline Rice & Associates, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Madeline Rice & Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
We also utilize a technique called EMDR, a highly effective tool used to assist you in letting go of long standing, self defeating behavior patterns.
ACCEPTING NEWS PATIENTS: We are an all Female group of seasoned and skilled therapist who are passionate about working with people. We know how to give you the tools to feel better and live the life you want. We specialize in a broad array of presenting issues that include eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, Adolescent and Women's issues to name a few. We bring a warm, compassionate approach to partner with you in the process of seeing and understanding long standing ineffective behavior patterns and, through our experience and training, will help you to reach your goals.
We also utilize a technique called EMDR, a highly effective tool used to assist you in letting go of long standing, self defeating behavior patterns.
ACCEPTING NEWS PATIENTS: We are an all Female group of seasoned and skilled therapist who are passionate about working with people. We know how to give you the tools to feel better and live the life you want. We specialize in a broad array of presenting issues that include eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, Adolescent and Women's issues to name a few. We bring a warm, compassionate approach to partner with you in the process of seeing and understanding long standing ineffective behavior patterns and, through our experience and training, will help you to reach your goals.
(215) 392-2344 View (215) 392-2344
Photo of Melissa Ann Hood-March, LPC, CAADC, RYT-500, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa Ann Hood-March
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAADC, RYT-500, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
I am here to provide for you a safe space of support and stability. I utilize healing modalities rooted in science and compassion such as EMDR, IFS, M-CBT and Somatic-Healing techniques that resonate with you. I help those experiencing life transitions (divorce, retirement, etc.), anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and those dealing with the effects of unresolved and stored trauma. I believe that as we experience inevitable life challenges and relational transitions that it is essential to take this time to learn, heal, evolve, remember, re-imagine, and align with what is authentically meaningful and important.
I am here to provide for you a safe space of support and stability. I utilize healing modalities rooted in science and compassion such as EMDR, IFS, M-CBT and Somatic-Healing techniques that resonate with you. I help those experiencing life transitions (divorce, retirement, etc.), anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and those dealing with the effects of unresolved and stored trauma. I believe that as we experience inevitable life challenges and relational transitions that it is essential to take this time to learn, heal, evolve, remember, re-imagine, and align with what is authentically meaningful and important.
(484) 552-9951 View (484) 552-9951
Photo of Alyssa Vernacchio, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alyssa Vernacchio
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
I use an integrated-approach to help build a strong therapeutic relationship along with using evidence-based treatments ( EMDR, DBT, and CBT) to meet each client's unique needs.
I believe one of the most courageous things you can do is begin to understand your own story. It can be scary to open up about your experiences, especially to a stranger. I want to break the mental health stigma by creating a safe and comfortable space to talk about your life experiences through providing authenticity, compassion, acceptance and humor! Getting a better understanding of your story and life experiences will help identify what may be keeping you from moving forward and will allow us to work together to get you on the path to living the life you want.
I use an integrated-approach to help build a strong therapeutic relationship along with using evidence-based treatments ( EMDR, DBT, and CBT) to meet each client's unique needs.
I believe one of the most courageous things you can do is begin to understand your own story. It can be scary to open up about your experiences, especially to a stranger. I want to break the mental health stigma by creating a safe and comfortable space to talk about your life experiences through providing authenticity, compassion, acceptance and humor! Getting a better understanding of your story and life experiences will help identify what may be keeping you from moving forward and will allow us to work together to get you on the path to living the life you want.
(484) 416-8255 View (484) 416-8255
Photo of Jonathan Bittner, APC, CTP
Jonathan Bittner
APC, CTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
I am trained in and currently use EMDR and Prolonged Exposure (PE).
Do you feel isolated, anxious, hurt, and misunderstood? Does it feel like nobody else can understand the experiences that you went through? Do you feel as though you lost a part of you and you cant find yourself? Does it feel as though the experiences that you went through changed who you are and that you cant seem to understand yourself anymore?
I am trained in and currently use EMDR and Prolonged Exposure (PE).
Do you feel isolated, anxious, hurt, and misunderstood? Does it feel like nobody else can understand the experiences that you went through? Do you feel as though you lost a part of you and you cant find yourself? Does it feel as though the experiences that you went through changed who you are and that you cant seem to understand yourself anymore?
(484) 214-2301 View (484) 214-2301
Photo of Courtney Ogbeche, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Courtney Ogbeche
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
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
Photo of Lisa DePaul Emdr Eating disorders, LPC, EMDR, IFS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa DePaul Emdr Eating disorders
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EMDR, IFS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), somatic therapy, and attachment theory.
You find yourself feeling overwhelmed by life and your emotions. Maybe you have turned to substances, food or relationships to ease the pain. You have lost trust in yourself and others. Do you struggle setting boundaries, people-pleasing or perfectionism? I help people find relief from the effects of trauma and growing up in a dysfunctional family system. Together we will identify and heal the parts of you blocking your authentic self. Sometimes talk therapy isn't enough. I have specialized training in body-based techniques to help you learn how to regulate your nervous system and feel more embodied.
I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), somatic therapy, and attachment theory.
You find yourself feeling overwhelmed by life and your emotions. Maybe you have turned to substances, food or relationships to ease the pain. You have lost trust in yourself and others. Do you struggle setting boundaries, people-pleasing or perfectionism? I help people find relief from the effects of trauma and growing up in a dysfunctional family system. Together we will identify and heal the parts of you blocking your authentic self. Sometimes talk therapy isn't enough. I have specialized training in body-based techniques to help you learn how to regulate your nervous system and feel more embodied.
(484) 878-4515 View (484) 878-4515
Photo of Judy Kaminsky, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Judy Kaminsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Do you feel like you've tried everything and nothing's working? Maybe your relationship is suffering.... or your stress is so overwhelming that you can't cope...or perhaps your anxiety is paralyzing you. Maybe it's all of those things. All you know for sure is that you desperately want peace, less stress, a more satisfying relationship...but you keep spinning your wheels. Luckily, you don’t have to live like that forever. I can help you have the life you want and deserve.
Do you feel like you've tried everything and nothing's working? Maybe your relationship is suffering.... or your stress is so overwhelming that you can't cope...or perhaps your anxiety is paralyzing you. Maybe it's all of those things. All you know for sure is that you desperately want peace, less stress, a more satisfying relationship...but you keep spinning your wheels. Luckily, you don’t have to live like that forever. I can help you have the life you want and deserve.
(484) 779-8405 View (484) 779-8405
Photo of William Jeffrey Garson, L, C, S, W, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
William Jeffrey Garson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, L, C, S, W
Verified Verified
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
While feeling better is always job one, the best psychotherapy moves beyond our painful feelings, replacing them with a more hopeful vision. My special passion is to support you -- not just in feeling less sad, anxious or confused -- but also in living an more satisfying life, Drawing on my extensive "real world" experience as an attorney and community leader, I offer traditional counseling tools - and more -- teaching the real world skills you need to more effectively negotiate the world as it is and working to mold the environments you live in ways that are more decent and humane.
While feeling better is always job one, the best psychotherapy moves beyond our painful feelings, replacing them with a more hopeful vision. My special passion is to support you -- not just in feeling less sad, anxious or confused -- but also in living an more satisfying life, Drawing on my extensive "real world" experience as an attorney and community leader, I offer traditional counseling tools - and more -- teaching the real world skills you need to more effectively negotiate the world as it is and working to mold the environments you live in ways that are more decent and humane.
(215) 454-2956 View (215) 454-2956
Photo of Jeanae M. Hopgood, LMFT, MEd, PMH-C, CAGCS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jeanae M. Hopgood
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd, PMH-C, CAGCS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462  (Online Only)
Are you having difficulty in your interpersonal relationships? Struggling to communicate concerns about identity, sexual orientation, gender identity or any intersection of these areas? Are you & your partner(s) in need of support around improved communication? Are you having fertility challenges & need help sorting through options & feelings? Have you experienced perinatal loss? If you are challenged by life's transitions and are looking for help processing & planning, contact me. I am a couple & family therapist specializing in sexuality, relational patterns, perinatal mental health, and grief & loss .
Are you having difficulty in your interpersonal relationships? Struggling to communicate concerns about identity, sexual orientation, gender identity or any intersection of these areas? Are you & your partner(s) in need of support around improved communication? Are you having fertility challenges & need help sorting through options & feelings? Have you experienced perinatal loss? If you are challenged by life's transitions and are looking for help processing & planning, contact me. I am a couple & family therapist specializing in sexuality, relational patterns, perinatal mental health, and grief & loss .
(484) 334-2961 View (484) 334-2961
Photo of Stephanie G. Fine, MEd, PsyD, BCB, Psychologist
Stephanie G. Fine
Psychologist, MEd, PsyD, BCB
Verified Verified
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based psychotherapies, Neurofeedback, Biofeedback, Clinical Hypnosis, Anxiety and Trauma Disorders and Somatic and Experiential therapies. Please visit my website at http://www.DrStephanieGFine.com for more information about how I can help you on your path to wellness. Thank you.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based psychotherapies, Neurofeedback, Biofeedback, Clinical Hypnosis, Anxiety and Trauma Disorders and Somatic and Experiential therapies. Please visit my website at http://www.DrStephanieGFine.com for more information about how I can help you on your path to wellness. Thank you.
(215) 515-4751 View (215) 515-4751
Photo of Charles Blonstein - Charles H Blonstein, PhD, PhD, Psychologist
Charles H Blonstein, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
I specialize in helping couples and individuals develop "connection" in their marriages and relationships. To illustrate, your partner seems "distant" lately- so you seek reassurance. Instead of providing comfort, he or she "pulls away" in anticipation of triggering an argument. In turn, your insecurity grows yet bigger. Over time, the more one mate seeks "closeness," the more the other "distances." Partners become "stuck" in painful "circles" such as "Pursue-Withdraw." Both are hurt by each others "criticism" or "coldness"- and unintentionally trigger their mates' invisible "raw spots." Even if identified, "vulnerabilities" are difficult to discuss constructively without a "translator" (therapist).
I specialize in helping couples and individuals develop "connection" in their marriages and relationships. To illustrate, your partner seems "distant" lately- so you seek reassurance. Instead of providing comfort, he or she "pulls away" in anticipation of triggering an argument. In turn, your insecurity grows yet bigger. Over time, the more one mate seeks "closeness," the more the other "distances." Partners become "stuck" in painful "circles" such as "Pursue-Withdraw." Both are hurt by each others "criticism" or "coldness"- and unintentionally trigger their mates' invisible "raw spots." Even if identified, "vulnerabilities" are difficult to discuss constructively without a "translator" (therapist).
(215) 970-2897 View (215) 970-2897
Photo of Caitlin Cummings - Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
(610) 215-2509 View (610) 215-2509
Photo of Adrienne Lopez Tiley, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Adrienne Lopez Tiley
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462  (Online Only)
Welcome. My name is Adrienne (She/Her) and I am a holistic, trauma informed clinician. I work with individuals who are in need of support, understanding, and a path through difficult times.
Welcome. My name is Adrienne (She/Her) and I am a holistic, trauma informed clinician. I work with individuals who are in need of support, understanding, and a path through difficult times.
(267) 435-3224 View (267) 435-3224
Photo of Liz Peart, MSS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Liz Peart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Not accepting new clients
I work collaboratively with you, informed by training in EMDR, IFS, and CBT and experience working with clients struggling with symptoms related to trauma such as depression, anxiety, and dissociation.
Do you ever wonder, "Why do I remember an event from long ago so vividly and still get upset?" Or "Why do I behave that way? That's not like me". Our behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and emotions are not random and meaningless, but hold important information that guides us through life. We all have experienced events that we would rather not think about again, but unfortunately, those are often the memories, body sensations, and emotions that inform who we love, how we parent, or even where we work.
I work collaboratively with you, informed by training in EMDR, IFS, and CBT and experience working with clients struggling with symptoms related to trauma such as depression, anxiety, and dissociation.
Do you ever wonder, "Why do I remember an event from long ago so vividly and still get upset?" Or "Why do I behave that way? That's not like me". Our behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and emotions are not random and meaningless, but hold important information that guides us through life. We all have experienced events that we would rather not think about again, but unfortunately, those are often the memories, body sensations, and emotions that inform who we love, how we parent, or even where we work.
View
Photo of Lauren Heffler, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lauren Heffler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Not accepting new clients
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, IFS, EMDR, TF-CBT, Brainspotting, and Dr.
I work with clients who want to break negative cycles, set healthier boundaries, increase confidence in decision-making, and embrace their authentic selves. I specialize in treating anxiety, trauma, and emotional abuse/neglect. My clients oftentimes make the decision to come to therapy when existing coping skills fail, and they're left feeling "stuck", "trapped", and "alone" in their experiences and shame-spirals. That's where I come in! I support clients with processing past hurts, establishing realistic goals, recognizing barriers, and introducing helpful techniques to move forward in a way that feels safe and supportive.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, IFS, EMDR, TF-CBT, Brainspotting, and Dr.
I work with clients who want to break negative cycles, set healthier boundaries, increase confidence in decision-making, and embrace their authentic selves. I specialize in treating anxiety, trauma, and emotional abuse/neglect. My clients oftentimes make the decision to come to therapy when existing coping skills fail, and they're left feeling "stuck", "trapped", and "alone" in their experiences and shame-spirals. That's where I come in! I support clients with processing past hurts, establishing realistic goals, recognizing barriers, and introducing helpful techniques to move forward in a way that feels safe and supportive.
(610) 894-7637 View (610) 894-7637

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Bridget Ann Welsh, LPC, NCC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Bridget Ann Welsh
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Conshohocken, PA 19428  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and integrate this approach to help clients process trauma and heal.
I specialize and am trained in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International. This means I am passionate about helping people navigate their parenthood journey which can often be difficult or unpredictable. I work with prenatal and postpartum people struggling with anxiety, depression, or simply struggling with this season of life.
I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and integrate this approach to help clients process trauma and heal.
I specialize and am trained in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International. This means I am passionate about helping people navigate their parenthood journey which can often be difficult or unpredictable. I work with prenatal and postpartum people struggling with anxiety, depression, or simply struggling with this season of life.
(215) 706-8742 View (215) 706-8742

See more therapy options for Plymouth Meeting

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.