EMDR Therapists in Brantford, ON
I'm a trauma therapist and with wide range of modalities including EMDR & CBT.
I believe seeking supports through counselling is an act of bravery and courage and as such I consider it an honour for anyone to confide in me their struggles, hopes and aspirations. My intention is to simply be human with individuals and help guide them along their journey. Therapy is not a fix it all solution, it takes time, practice and most importantly a genuine human connection.
I'm a trauma therapist and with wide range of modalities including EMDR & CBT.
I believe seeking supports through counselling is an act of bravery and courage and as such I consider it an honour for anyone to confide in me their struggles, hopes and aspirations. My intention is to simply be human with individuals and help guide them along their journey. Therapy is not a fix it all solution, it takes time, practice and most importantly a genuine human connection.
Donna Varao
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSW, RSW, MCAP, RP-Q
Verified Verified
Brantford, ON N3T
Officially my approach is person centred and trauma informed with a focus on Polyvagal Therapy and DBT, and EMDR and BWRT.
Hello everyone! Thank you for pausing here on your journey to better mental health. I am a BSW, RSW, MCAP - Psychotherapist. I have several years experience working in the field of mental health and I currently offer service to those with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression and BPD, as well as First Responders who may simply need a safe space to vent. You are the expert of your experiences and you deserve to live a happier, healthier life. It is my passion to help you work through those experiences and learn effective ways of coping with life.
Officially my approach is person centred and trauma informed with a focus on Polyvagal Therapy and DBT, and EMDR and BWRT.
Hello everyone! Thank you for pausing here on your journey to better mental health. I am a BSW, RSW, MCAP - Psychotherapist. I have several years experience working in the field of mental health and I currently offer service to those with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression and BPD, as well as First Responders who may simply need a safe space to vent. You are the expert of your experiences and you deserve to live a happier, healthier life. It is my passion to help you work through those experiences and learn effective ways of coping with life.
Jessica Cleeve
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, HBA
Verified Verified
Brantford, ON N3S (Online Only)
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy ( EMDR), Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and hold a Trauma Counselling Certificate.
I have over ten years of experience working with dynamic populations who have come to therapy to heal from a wide spectrum of traumatic experiences. I specialize in perinatal therapy with specific experience working with perinatal loss and birth trauma that considers shifts in identity that can accompany pregnancy, birth and perinatal loss. I have also worked closely with survivors of violence and childhood trauma, addiction and mental health survivors, as well as LGBTQIA+ youth and their families. I am passionate about helping trauma survivors honour their experiences as they move toward a place of self-discovery and healing.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy ( EMDR), Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and hold a Trauma Counselling Certificate.
I have over ten years of experience working with dynamic populations who have come to therapy to heal from a wide spectrum of traumatic experiences. I specialize in perinatal therapy with specific experience working with perinatal loss and birth trauma that considers shifts in identity that can accompany pregnancy, birth and perinatal loss. I have also worked closely with survivors of violence and childhood trauma, addiction and mental health survivors, as well as LGBTQIA+ youth and their families. I am passionate about helping trauma survivors honour their experiences as they move toward a place of self-discovery and healing.
Dr. Jodie Lockey-Duesling 'the Neurodivergent Soul Doctor'
Registered Social Worker, DCP, MACP, BA, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3T (Online Only)
I have over 15 years of specialized and certified experience with hormonal changes, transition/change, internal healing practices, inner child wounds, attachment injury, grief, anxiety, depression, soul/intuitive and trauma. I am passionate supporting those who want to explore their identity and holistic connection to their world. I am unique because I utilize integrative, somatic, EMDR, cognitive, behavioural, emotional and neurofeedback! Let’s align mind, body and soul; using neuroscience to create new neural pathways, emotion coding, inner child parts release & regulate nervous systems! Lets discover your path to freedom & peace.
I have over 15 years of specialized and certified experience with hormonal changes, transition/change, internal healing practices, inner child wounds, attachment injury, grief, anxiety, depression, soul/intuitive and trauma. I am passionate supporting those who want to explore their identity and holistic connection to their world. I am unique because I utilize integrative, somatic, EMDR, cognitive, behavioural, emotional and neurofeedback! Let’s align mind, body and soul; using neuroscience to create new neural pathways, emotion coding, inner child parts release & regulate nervous systems! Lets discover your path to freedom & peace.
Deanna Boyes- Turning Point Counselling Centre
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3T
I use a strength-based, solution-focused and trauma informed lens when guiding my clients through the therapeutic process, while drawing from CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR and EFFT modalities to help you develop coping strategies in hopes to spark hope, reduce stressors, and challenge our negative thoughts that increase feelings of being overwhelmed and hopeless.
Have you ever wished you could be fully present with your loved ones? Maybe even were curious about what life would be like if you were able to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Perhaps you have experienced trauma that has shaped your core beliefs which has led to difficulties and challenges in your interpersonal relationships. I am a client-focused therapist that will meet you where you are at and walk with you, your children, your relationship or your family to help you better understand your thoughts, emotions and how surviving adversity can impact your well-being.
I use a strength-based, solution-focused and trauma informed lens when guiding my clients through the therapeutic process, while drawing from CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR and EFFT modalities to help you develop coping strategies in hopes to spark hope, reduce stressors, and challenge our negative thoughts that increase feelings of being overwhelmed and hopeless.
Have you ever wished you could be fully present with your loved ones? Maybe even were curious about what life would be like if you were able to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Perhaps you have experienced trauma that has shaped your core beliefs which has led to difficulties and challenges in your interpersonal relationships. I am a client-focused therapist that will meet you where you are at and walk with you, your children, your relationship or your family to help you better understand your thoughts, emotions and how surviving adversity can impact your well-being.
The Couch Counselling and Support Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Brantford, ON N3S
The Couch have clinicians with their own specialities such as EMDR, CBT, SFT, Play therapy and trauma informed.
Registered Psychotherapist who specialises in Sanitary Therapy for both young and old, CBT, and SFT. Lori has been working with the First Nations community for the past seven years and has been supervising clinical workers for the last four years. The Couch Counselling also offers many psychotherapist to help suit the needs and availability of all clients. Please call to find the perfect fit or look online at thecouchcounselling.com and see the many professionals. Here to help you make the changes in your life so you can live a healthier and productive life.
The Couch have clinicians with their own specialities such as EMDR, CBT, SFT, Play therapy and trauma informed.
Registered Psychotherapist who specialises in Sanitary Therapy for both young and old, CBT, and SFT. Lori has been working with the First Nations community for the past seven years and has been supervising clinical workers for the last four years. The Couch Counselling also offers many psychotherapist to help suit the needs and availability of all clients. Please call to find the perfect fit or look online at thecouchcounselling.com and see the many professionals. Here to help you make the changes in your life so you can live a healthier and productive life.
Illuminate Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified Verified
Brantford, ON N3T (Online Only)
Some of the modalities that I use in my practice include EMDR, Somatic Experiencing (SE), Clinical Hypnosis, and Ego State Therapy.
Trauma disrupts our lives in profound ways. It can impact our sense of self, our relationships with others, our thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and the way we see the world. Sometimes the obstacles that we encounter cause us to feel stuck and make it difficult to attain the kind of life that we want. However, I believe that we all have an innate capacity to heal, grow, and make positive changes in our lives. Counselling can help facilitate this healing and personal growth. I specialize in treating trauma, including complex trauma and dissociative disorders.
Some of the modalities that I use in my practice include EMDR, Somatic Experiencing (SE), Clinical Hypnosis, and Ego State Therapy.
Trauma disrupts our lives in profound ways. It can impact our sense of self, our relationships with others, our thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and the way we see the world. Sometimes the obstacles that we encounter cause us to feel stuck and make it difficult to attain the kind of life that we want. However, I believe that we all have an innate capacity to heal, grow, and make positive changes in our lives. Counselling can help facilitate this healing and personal growth. I specialize in treating trauma, including complex trauma and dissociative disorders.
I also offer EMDR therapy for trauma processing and other stuck memories.
YOU know YOU best – I'm here to help you make connections you have not been able to, to work through past experiences which may be affecting you today, or maybe to be a sounding board for current life struggles. People from ages 12 to 100 will find a collaborative, nonjudgemental, individualized, and safe space. I work with individuals and couples/relationships. If you are struggling with trauma (however you define it), mental health issues/substance use, support for your relationships, parenting, and more, I can offer a comfy seat, or a virtual location for that. I can accomodate short or longer term therapy - whatever you need.
I also offer EMDR therapy for trauma processing and other stuck memories.
YOU know YOU best – I'm here to help you make connections you have not been able to, to work through past experiences which may be affecting you today, or maybe to be a sounding board for current life struggles. People from ages 12 to 100 will find a collaborative, nonjudgemental, individualized, and safe space. I work with individuals and couples/relationships. If you are struggling with trauma (however you define it), mental health issues/substance use, support for your relationships, parenting, and more, I can offer a comfy seat, or a virtual location for that. I can accomodate short or longer term therapy - whatever you need.
Our lives are very complex and often we are faced with many challenges that overwhelm us. If you have decided that now is the right time to talk it through, you have found a therapist that will provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to begin the conversation. My priority is to provide a supportive environment for you to work through your experiences, thoughts and fears. My training in EMDR allows us to work through trauma and personal stressors that you may be living with.
Our lives are very complex and often we are faced with many challenges that overwhelm us. If you have decided that now is the right time to talk it through, you have found a therapist that will provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to begin the conversation. My priority is to provide a supportive environment for you to work through your experiences, thoughts and fears. My training in EMDR allows us to work through trauma and personal stressors that you may be living with.
As a registered social worker, I work with a variety of challenges and people using various approaches, including play therapy, sandtray therapy, EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-brief therapy.
Currently accepting new clients. Are you worried about your child or teen? Perhaps you are struggling with dealing with traumatic experiences. Young children need an approach that is tailored to their development, and it is for this reason that I offer an approach that is child-centered using both directive and non-directive play therapy. I provide counselling to children, teens and their families that might be dealing with emotional, social or behavioral issues, or that might be struggling with mental health difficulties. Using a trauma-focused approach, I also offer EMDR therapy to adults that have undergone trauma.
As a registered social worker, I work with a variety of challenges and people using various approaches, including play therapy, sandtray therapy, EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-brief therapy.
Currently accepting new clients. Are you worried about your child or teen? Perhaps you are struggling with dealing with traumatic experiences. Young children need an approach that is tailored to their development, and it is for this reason that I offer an approach that is child-centered using both directive and non-directive play therapy. I provide counselling to children, teens and their families that might be dealing with emotional, social or behavioral issues, or that might be struggling with mental health difficulties. Using a trauma-focused approach, I also offer EMDR therapy to adults that have undergone trauma.
Turning Point Counselling Centre
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, CCC, RP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3T
As a trauma therapist utilizing EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, DBT, and CBT, your personal growth and healing happen both on a physical and emotional level.
"Don't mistaken what you had to do or become too survive with who you are or what you are capable of achieving". If you seek a safe and validating space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences, you have found the right counsellor. As a trauma-focused therapist, I work with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, BPD, sexual harm, and all forms of mental health. My passion is helping youth, couples, and first responders, but I work with clients from all walks of life. I believe the therapeutic relationship is instrumental in reaching your therapy goals. I offer a free 10 mn phone call.
As a trauma therapist utilizing EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, DBT, and CBT, your personal growth and healing happen both on a physical and emotional level.
"Don't mistaken what you had to do or become too survive with who you are or what you are capable of achieving". If you seek a safe and validating space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences, you have found the right counsellor. As a trauma-focused therapist, I work with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, BPD, sexual harm, and all forms of mental health. My passion is helping youth, couples, and first responders, but I work with clients from all walks of life. I believe the therapeutic relationship is instrumental in reaching your therapy goals. I offer a free 10 mn phone call.
15 Second Videos
Janine Davies
Kaitlin MacLean
Cortney Lacroix
Nadia Henriksen - Open Door Therapist
Korrenne Jensen
The Bee Human Space - Gabriella Iannetti
Renata Fulawka @ Mindful Path
Cobblestone Counselling Group
Amit Hochman- Breathing Again Therapy
Janine Davies
Jason Anderson
Laura Glenney
Brandy Weaver
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP-Q, MA, BA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3T
I have extensive training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), addictions, Indigenous cultural safety, psychopharmacology, trauma, EMDR and Flash.
It is ok not to be okay. Life is hard. In the words of B. Withers, “sometimes in our lives we all have pain, we all have sorrow; but if we are wise we know that there’s always tomorrow. Lean on me, when you’re not strong… I’ll help you carry on.” Let me support you on your journey towards wellness. I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I have a master's degree in counselling psychology, and over sixteen years of experience working in mental health.
I have extensive training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), addictions, Indigenous cultural safety, psychopharmacology, trauma, EMDR and Flash.
It is ok not to be okay. Life is hard. In the words of B. Withers, “sometimes in our lives we all have pain, we all have sorrow; but if we are wise we know that there’s always tomorrow. Lean on me, when you’re not strong… I’ll help you carry on.” Let me support you on your journey towards wellness. I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I have a master's degree in counselling psychology, and over sixteen years of experience working in mental health.
Victoria West
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3R (Online Only)
Drawing on CBT, DBT, Narrative therapy, EMDR, mindfulness and self-compassion based approaches we can work together to challenge negative thought patterns, manage emotions, understand your journey, and work through trauma.
Now accepting new clients (virtual sessions only)! Have you been feeling overwhelmed or stressed? Are you struggling with low mood or anxious thoughts? If you are feeling stuck and that things are beyond your control, therapy can help by assisting you to navigate through difficult experiences, understand what contributes to challenges with overthinking, make changes in your behaviours and thoughts patterns, build resilience, and move towards a life of mental health and wellbeing.
Drawing on CBT, DBT, Narrative therapy, EMDR, mindfulness and self-compassion based approaches we can work together to challenge negative thought patterns, manage emotions, understand your journey, and work through trauma.
Now accepting new clients (virtual sessions only)! Have you been feeling overwhelmed or stressed? Are you struggling with low mood or anxious thoughts? If you are feeling stuck and that things are beyond your control, therapy can help by assisting you to navigate through difficult experiences, understand what contributes to challenges with overthinking, make changes in your behaviours and thoughts patterns, build resilience, and move towards a life of mental health and wellbeing.
Kaitlin MacLean
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3T (Online Only)
Using trauma-focused modalities, such as EMDR, IFS, and somatic work, I help you feel better and heal from trauma, anxiety, grief, and addictions.
Have you experienced a stressful or traumatic life event that has impacted your ability to focus or cope with the everyday? Trauma continues to live in our systems long after the event has happened, sometimes remaining hidden until something triggers it to come to the surface. Trauma can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including physical pain, lead to anxiety, depression, attachment or relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, addictions, and can impact our perceptions leading to unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours. My clients report a reduction in their symptoms, describe feeling calmer, lighter, and more present.
Using trauma-focused modalities, such as EMDR, IFS, and somatic work, I help you feel better and heal from trauma, anxiety, grief, and addictions.
Have you experienced a stressful or traumatic life event that has impacted your ability to focus or cope with the everyday? Trauma continues to live in our systems long after the event has happened, sometimes remaining hidden until something triggers it to come to the surface. Trauma can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including physical pain, lead to anxiety, depression, attachment or relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, addictions, and can impact our perceptions leading to unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours. My clients report a reduction in their symptoms, describe feeling calmer, lighter, and more present.
The Play Clinic provides a safe and secure place for children, youth, adults, and families to heal as they work through emotional, behavioural, and relational issues. Jodie is Certified Play Therapist Supervisor, IFSI Approved Clinical Consultant, Certified EMDR therapist, Certified Trauma Professional II, and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. Jodie spent the last 10 years focused on specializing in children's behavioural and mental health, seeking out consultation from leading therapeutic experts to be able to support clients of all ages healing and well being.
The Play Clinic provides a safe and secure place for children, youth, adults, and families to heal as they work through emotional, behavioural, and relational issues. Jodie is Certified Play Therapist Supervisor, IFSI Approved Clinical Consultant, Certified EMDR therapist, Certified Trauma Professional II, and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. Jodie spent the last 10 years focused on specializing in children's behavioural and mental health, seeking out consultation from leading therapeutic experts to be able to support clients of all ages healing and well being.
Cornerstone Counselling Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3R
Cornerstone's caring professionals approach therapy as an equal partnership between client and counsellor. We help our clients to regain hope, drop the struggle with difficult emotions, and take positive steps toward a more rich, full and meaningful life. Online booking is available for your convenience. To help meet your insurance needs, we have both Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers (MSW/RSW) available. Our clients include First Nations people, Veterans, and those in the Canadian Armed Forces. In addition to traditional talk therapy, we also offer EMDR and brainspotting.
Cornerstone's caring professionals approach therapy as an equal partnership between client and counsellor. We help our clients to regain hope, drop the struggle with difficult emotions, and take positive steps toward a more rich, full and meaningful life. Online booking is available for your convenience. To help meet your insurance needs, we have both Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers (MSW/RSW) available. Our clients include First Nations people, Veterans, and those in the Canadian Armed Forces. In addition to traditional talk therapy, we also offer EMDR and brainspotting.
Mursal W. Shireenzada
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, CRPO, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3T (Online Only)
In my clinical practice, I mostly apply Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused (SBFT), EMDR interventions, specifically customized to every individual’s unique needs.
As a licensed psychotherapist and clinician, my job is to help you look within yourself and awaken the best version of what you imagine yourself to be. In addition to my work as a therapist, I have previously held various positions at in/outpatient facilities that provided me with ongoing knowledge and experience in psychological assessment, diagnosis and treatment. I believe in a collaborative approach and value my time spent assessing, treating and working with all age groups who are struggling with various psychological concerns including, PTSD, depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorder and so on.
In my clinical practice, I mostly apply Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused (SBFT), EMDR interventions, specifically customized to every individual’s unique needs.
As a licensed psychotherapist and clinician, my job is to help you look within yourself and awaken the best version of what you imagine yourself to be. In addition to my work as a therapist, I have previously held various positions at in/outpatient facilities that provided me with ongoing knowledge and experience in psychological assessment, diagnosis and treatment. I believe in a collaborative approach and value my time spent assessing, treating and working with all age groups who are struggling with various psychological concerns including, PTSD, depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorder and so on.
Offering trauma-informed treatment, such as EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing), CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), or CPT (cognitive processing therapy).
Seeking a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship to engage in healing in a vulnerable and brave way? Needs may include: mental health, life transitions, stress, trauma, general well-being, grief, self-improvement, and others. Clients of any age, gender, or sexual orientation.
Offering trauma-informed treatment, such as EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing), CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), or CPT (cognitive processing therapy).
Seeking a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship to engage in healing in a vulnerable and brave way? Needs may include: mental health, life transitions, stress, trauma, general well-being, grief, self-improvement, and others. Clients of any age, gender, or sexual orientation.
I use EMDR and Parts Work to heal the root cause of your pain and find the reasons why you are not functioning optimally.
It can be difficult to live in the world with a sense of peace in yourself. Many have suffered adverse life experiences that get in the way of connecting to the world and the full life we are seeking. We all feel stuck sometimes, doubt ourselves, and worry things will never get better. I have 18 years experience working with clients struggling with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, childhood neglect and abandonment, addictions, ADHD and people in recovery from psychosis. I also have experience working with the Indigenous population, youth and seniors. I offer a strength and evidence-based approach.
I use EMDR and Parts Work to heal the root cause of your pain and find the reasons why you are not functioning optimally.
It can be difficult to live in the world with a sense of peace in yourself. Many have suffered adverse life experiences that get in the way of connecting to the world and the full life we are seeking. We all feel stuck sometimes, doubt ourselves, and worry things will never get better. I have 18 years experience working with clients struggling with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, childhood neglect and abandonment, addictions, ADHD and people in recovery from psychosis. I also have experience working with the Indigenous population, youth and seniors. I offer a strength and evidence-based approach.
Cortney Lacroix
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MA, MHK
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brantford, ON N3R (Online Only)
Have you noticed that you’re having a harder time coping with day-to-day tasks? Ruminating or spending a lot of time worrying? Experienced changes in your sleep or eating patterns? Feel like you’re carrying a heavy weight on your shoulders? These symptoms can be caused by a range of presenting concerns. Using the integrative approaches of EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, I help adults work through symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. By exploring symptoms in therapy, you are taking the first step in your healing journey.
Have you noticed that you’re having a harder time coping with day-to-day tasks? Ruminating or spending a lot of time worrying? Experienced changes in your sleep or eating patterns? Feel like you’re carrying a heavy weight on your shoulders? These symptoms can be caused by a range of presenting concerns. Using the integrative approaches of EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, I help adults work through symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. By exploring symptoms in therapy, you are taking the first step in your healing journey.
See more therapy options for Brantford
Nearby EMDR Counsellors Searches for Brantford
See More EMDR CounsellorsEMDR Counsellors
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, minimising its ability to trigger anxiety.