EMDR Therapists in Milton, ON
Araia Psychotherapy & Wellness
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, BCom
Verified Verified
Milton, ON L9T (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
This is combined with our specialization in Trauma-focused EMDR, Intimacy Therapy, and Somatic Therapy.
Our body and mind have an intrinsic ability for healing but sometimes need some gentle nurturing and guidance. At ARAIA, we believe in the transformative power of embracing our inner wisdom and nurturing ourselves with kindness. Providing a compassionate and safe space, our goal is to connect with and empower clients towards well-being, personal growth, self-compassion, and healthy relationships. We help clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, and trauma, using a person-centered approach and an array of frameworks. We also offer special couples programs for Premarital and Family Planning.
This is combined with our specialization in Trauma-focused EMDR, Intimacy Therapy, and Somatic Therapy.
Our body and mind have an intrinsic ability for healing but sometimes need some gentle nurturing and guidance. At ARAIA, we believe in the transformative power of embracing our inner wisdom and nurturing ourselves with kindness. Providing a compassionate and safe space, our goal is to connect with and empower clients towards well-being, personal growth, self-compassion, and healthy relationships. We help clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, and trauma, using a person-centered approach and an array of frameworks. We also offer special couples programs for Premarital and Family Planning.
EMDR is a mind/body treatment for resolving traumatic or difficult emotional experiences, using eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to remove emotional charge and neutralize difficult memories.
Clarity is my hope for each person I see, whether we use Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Narrative approaches, EMDR, Mindfulness, yoga, polyvagal theory, or creative arts expression. Regardless if your struggle is with depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or trauma, clarity means a better awareness and understanding of yourself in the current situation. Knowing yourself allows you to make choices best for you, consciously. It can be challenging to unravel and understand all of the often conflicting messages we hear and give ourselves, but it is crucial. This is the work I will support and guide you in.
EMDR is a mind/body treatment for resolving traumatic or difficult emotional experiences, using eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to remove emotional charge and neutralize difficult memories.
Clarity is my hope for each person I see, whether we use Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Narrative approaches, EMDR, Mindfulness, yoga, polyvagal theory, or creative arts expression. Regardless if your struggle is with depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or trauma, clarity means a better awareness and understanding of yourself in the current situation. Knowing yourself allows you to make choices best for you, consciously. It can be challenging to unravel and understand all of the often conflicting messages we hear and give ourselves, but it is crucial. This is the work I will support and guide you in.
I have many years of experience working with individuals of all ages and families. I believe, through self compassion, gratitude, openness, curiosity, and awareness, we can all access our most authentic Self. I will help you heal aspects of your personality that need attention. I am trained and use many different modalities such as EMDR, Flash, CBT Trauma therapy, IFS, CBT, DBT, Narrative therapy, play therapy, and EFFT. I believe early interventions can be very powerful and have a long-lasting impact on us. I will work at a pace that is most comfortable to you.
I have many years of experience working with individuals of all ages and families. I believe, through self compassion, gratitude, openness, curiosity, and awareness, we can all access our most authentic Self. I will help you heal aspects of your personality that need attention. I am trained and use many different modalities such as EMDR, Flash, CBT Trauma therapy, IFS, CBT, DBT, Narrative therapy, play therapy, and EFFT. I believe early interventions can be very powerful and have a long-lasting impact on us. I will work at a pace that is most comfortable to you.
Milton Psychotherapy Centre-Accepting New Clients
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Milton, ON L9T
Many others are looking for specific types of treatment as recommended by their family doctor or Psychiatrist such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT), or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR).
Your journey in therapy will never be the same as someone else's journey. At Milton Psychotherapy Centre, we pride ourselves in providing dynamic, personalized, and creative mental health services to help our client's meet their unique goals. Whether you know exactly what you would like to work with your therapist, or if you are not quite sure what you need but you know that you want to see changes in your life - we've got you. Our team of approachable, down-to-earth, highly skilled therapists are ready to help you move in the direction of your goals.
Many others are looking for specific types of treatment as recommended by their family doctor or Psychiatrist such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT), or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR).
Your journey in therapy will never be the same as someone else's journey. At Milton Psychotherapy Centre, we pride ourselves in providing dynamic, personalized, and creative mental health services to help our client's meet their unique goals. Whether you know exactly what you would like to work with your therapist, or if you are not quite sure what you need but you know that you want to see changes in your life - we've got you. Our team of approachable, down-to-earth, highly skilled therapists are ready to help you move in the direction of your goals.
Shahnaz Jafarzadeh
Registered Social Worker, MEd, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Milton, ON L9T
I am trained and skilled in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Decentralization Reprocessing ( EMDR), and Internal Family System (IFS).
I am a Registered Social Worker with extensive training and experience working with sexual abuse survivors, intimate partner violence survivors, and first responders. I work with teens (16+), adults and couples and am trained in a variety of therapeutic treatment modalities. I am skilled in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, panic attack, depression, anger management, parenting, relationship Issue and family issue. I have extensive work experience working with clients struggling with codependency, self-esteem, self-confidence, emotional dis-regulation , behavioural issues and family conflict issues.
I am trained and skilled in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Decentralization Reprocessing ( EMDR), and Internal Family System (IFS).
I am a Registered Social Worker with extensive training and experience working with sexual abuse survivors, intimate partner violence survivors, and first responders. I work with teens (16+), adults and couples and am trained in a variety of therapeutic treatment modalities. I am skilled in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, panic attack, depression, anger management, parenting, relationship Issue and family issue. I have extensive work experience working with clients struggling with codependency, self-esteem, self-confidence, emotional dis-regulation , behavioural issues and family conflict issues.
Fizzah Rizvi
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MSc, CCTP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Milton, ON L9T (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Our struggles with life and mental health often make us forget how to offer compassion and kindness to ourselves. While we "demonize" our body's response to seemingly easy "routine" functions, therapy can help us understand & recognize how our experiences have shaped our survival strategies and ways of being. My practice is grounded in my work in community-based mental health programs, as well as lived experience of systemic issues. I draw on EMDR, internal family systems, somatic and anti-oppressive approaches, based on the individual/couple's needs. I have specialized training in working with trauma, abuse and relationships.
Our struggles with life and mental health often make us forget how to offer compassion and kindness to ourselves. While we "demonize" our body's response to seemingly easy "routine" functions, therapy can help us understand & recognize how our experiences have shaped our survival strategies and ways of being. My practice is grounded in my work in community-based mental health programs, as well as lived experience of systemic issues. I draw on EMDR, internal family systems, somatic and anti-oppressive approaches, based on the individual/couple's needs. I have specialized training in working with trauma, abuse and relationships.
We all have the capacity to rise above and create positive changes in our lives. By exploring your mental, emotional and physiological responses to stress, I can teach you strategies to manage challenges and symptoms in ways that will help you feel safe, grounded and connected. As a Trauma-Informed clinician, I integrate the following Brain-Based therapies to support your change and growth: EMDR, Brainspotting, Polyvagal theory. We will work together to help you cope with stress, build resilience and improve relationships. You CAN move forward from anxiety, depression, stress and trauma.
We all have the capacity to rise above and create positive changes in our lives. By exploring your mental, emotional and physiological responses to stress, I can teach you strategies to manage challenges and symptoms in ways that will help you feel safe, grounded and connected. As a Trauma-Informed clinician, I integrate the following Brain-Based therapies to support your change and growth: EMDR, Brainspotting, Polyvagal theory. We will work together to help you cope with stress, build resilience and improve relationships. You CAN move forward from anxiety, depression, stress and trauma.
Samantha Memedoska
Registered Psychotherapist, BA Hons, MA, RP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Milton, ON L9T
I am trained in CBT, EMDR and PACT.
Connection to self and others gives life meaning. It can be difficult to feel connected when we feel depressed, isolated and disconnected or unsatisfied in our relationships. Whether its past complex trauma, a traumatic event, a personal challenge in life or other issue, I would be honoured to be a part of your journey back to you. I also work with couples using the psychobiological approach to couples therapy and assist couples towards secure functioning. In addition, I offer workplaces workshops to employees on mental health and support to managers. Learn more about me at: www.tcapc.ca
I am trained in CBT, EMDR and PACT.
Connection to self and others gives life meaning. It can be difficult to feel connected when we feel depressed, isolated and disconnected or unsatisfied in our relationships. Whether its past complex trauma, a traumatic event, a personal challenge in life or other issue, I would be honoured to be a part of your journey back to you. I also work with couples using the psychobiological approach to couples therapy and assist couples towards secure functioning. In addition, I offer workplaces workshops to employees on mental health and support to managers. Learn more about me at: www.tcapc.ca
I work from evidence based practices such as: CBT , CBT, EMDR and CPT.
It is not unusual to feel overwhelmed by life at times. Sometimes we simply do not have the tools to cope effectively. That is where I hope to make a difference for you. As a therapist my role is to support you non-judgmentally, meet you where you are at, and also respond to you with empathy. I will begin to challenge thoughts and beliefs, reflect patterns and provide differing perspectives. We will start to uncover emotions, thoughts and behaviors together that may be keeping you feeling "stuck". I hope to support you in making decisions that will shift your relationship with yourself and others.
I work from evidence based practices such as: CBT , CBT, EMDR and CPT.
It is not unusual to feel overwhelmed by life at times. Sometimes we simply do not have the tools to cope effectively. That is where I hope to make a difference for you. As a therapist my role is to support you non-judgmentally, meet you where you are at, and also respond to you with empathy. I will begin to challenge thoughts and beliefs, reflect patterns and provide differing perspectives. We will start to uncover emotions, thoughts and behaviors together that may be keeping you feeling "stuck". I hope to support you in making decisions that will shift your relationship with yourself and others.
Shauna Lynn Switzer
Registered Psychotherapist, MCP, MA, CHyp, RP#6934
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milton, ON L0P
I also use Emotionally Focused Couple, Family & Step Family therapy and combine EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), sensorimotor psychotherapy techniques and interventions based on the principles of Theraplay® to help families and individual's THRIVE.
At times, many of us contend with emotions and suffering that are overwhelmingly painful, disheartening and difficult to bear, often as a result of unique stressors and events. I work with adults, adolescents, families and step-families using Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, interpersonal psychotherapy, and DBT/CBT within neuroscience and attachment frameworks. I encouraged clients to access inner strengths and free their capacity for growth. Whether you or a family member experience depression, anxiety, marital distress or difficulties with peers, you deserve support in a confidential, accepting, safe and caring environment.
I also use Emotionally Focused Couple, Family & Step Family therapy and combine EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), sensorimotor psychotherapy techniques and interventions based on the principles of Theraplay® to help families and individual's THRIVE.
At times, many of us contend with emotions and suffering that are overwhelmingly painful, disheartening and difficult to bear, often as a result of unique stressors and events. I work with adults, adolescents, families and step-families using Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, interpersonal psychotherapy, and DBT/CBT within neuroscience and attachment frameworks. I encouraged clients to access inner strengths and free their capacity for growth. Whether you or a family member experience depression, anxiety, marital distress or difficulties with peers, you deserve support in a confidential, accepting, safe and caring environment.
Valley Connections Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Milton, ON L0P
We offer CBT, EMDR, IFS, EFT, EFFT, DBT, MBCT, MI, Imago Therapy, and the Gottman Method.
Valley Connections Counselling is an established Psychotherapy practice in Burlington. We began as a solo practitioner nearly 10 years ago in Hamilton, and we have grown to a team of a dozen Registered Psychotherapists and Child Life Specialists, offering services in person and virtually. Our services are often covered by extended health insurance plans. We emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship and we provide a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive counselling environment. At Valley, we take care of the whole family - children to teens to adults, providing individual, couples, parenting, and family therapy.
We offer CBT, EMDR, IFS, EFT, EFFT, DBT, MBCT, MI, Imago Therapy, and the Gottman Method.
Valley Connections Counselling is an established Psychotherapy practice in Burlington. We began as a solo practitioner nearly 10 years ago in Hamilton, and we have grown to a team of a dozen Registered Psychotherapists and Child Life Specialists, offering services in person and virtually. Our services are often covered by extended health insurance plans. We emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship and we provide a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive counselling environment. At Valley, we take care of the whole family - children to teens to adults, providing individual, couples, parenting, and family therapy.
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We provide Psychodynamic therapy, Certified Trauma therapy, EMDR, Systemic- Familiy Therapy, TF-CBT, Mindfulness CBT, Somatic Therapy.
At Attunement Psychotherapy Centre, we are a dedicated team of Registered Psychotherapists, offering outstanding psychotherapy, and mental health counselling for children, adults, couples, and families. Our team brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the Halton Region community. We strive to provide timely, personalized, and inclusive services to our diverse clients, both in-person and virtually.
We provide Psychodynamic therapy, Certified Trauma therapy, EMDR, Systemic- Familiy Therapy, TF-CBT, Mindfulness CBT, Somatic Therapy.
At Attunement Psychotherapy Centre, we are a dedicated team of Registered Psychotherapists, offering outstanding psychotherapy, and mental health counselling for children, adults, couples, and families. Our team brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the Halton Region community. We strive to provide timely, personalized, and inclusive services to our diverse clients, both in-person and virtually.
Alma Garcia-Barajas (Attunement Psychotherapy)
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, CCATP, CATP, CCTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Milton, ON L9T
My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, such as EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), and Play Based Therapy; which empower clients to develop healthier coping strategies.
As an empathetic, trauma certified psychotherapist, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and transitions. With personal experience in overcoming family struggles and profound personal losses, I am passionate about providing a safe and supportive space for my clients to heal, grow, and create fulfilling lives. If you are seeking guidance in processing trauma, managing grief, or adapting to life in a foreign country; I am here to support you every step of the way.
My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, such as EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), and Play Based Therapy; which empower clients to develop healthier coping strategies.
As an empathetic, trauma certified psychotherapist, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and transitions. With personal experience in overcoming family struggles and profound personal losses, I am passionate about providing a safe and supportive space for my clients to heal, grow, and create fulfilling lives. If you are seeking guidance in processing trauma, managing grief, or adapting to life in a foreign country; I am here to support you every step of the way.
The therapies that we may use, depending on your preferences, are CBT, EMDR, IFS Inspired, Body Based (Somatic) , Meditation and Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion to bring about lasting growth and healing.
Does your life look great from the outside and yet you are struggling to find inner peace and meaning? Do you feel stuck or feel like you are experiencing overwhelm from a history of losses or difficult, traumatic events? Do you suffer from complex PTSD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and/or addictions including problematic eating patterns as a result? Healing, transformation, and lasting wellness are possible when you reach out to me for support. In session, you will be listened to, validated, and empowered to learn to use evidence-based strategies that will help you to achieve peace and a sense of purpose.
The therapies that we may use, depending on your preferences, are CBT, EMDR, IFS Inspired, Body Based (Somatic) , Meditation and Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion to bring about lasting growth and healing.
Does your life look great from the outside and yet you are struggling to find inner peace and meaning? Do you feel stuck or feel like you are experiencing overwhelm from a history of losses or difficult, traumatic events? Do you suffer from complex PTSD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and/or addictions including problematic eating patterns as a result? Healing, transformation, and lasting wellness are possible when you reach out to me for support. In session, you will be listened to, validated, and empowered to learn to use evidence-based strategies that will help you to achieve peace and a sense of purpose.
My areas of expertise are in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
An important part of healing is understanding the connection between mind and body and how it relates to experiences of anxiety, depression, and trauma. A fundamental component of recognizing your needs is to create an awareness of emotions. Our bodies signal us when there is discord, and through an experiential process, I focus on helping individuals make sense of their world. My work focuses on coping with difficult body sensations while also helping you begin to think and feel differently about your experiences, your emotions and ultimately yourself.
My areas of expertise are in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
An important part of healing is understanding the connection between mind and body and how it relates to experiences of anxiety, depression, and trauma. A fundamental component of recognizing your needs is to create an awareness of emotions. Our bodies signal us when there is discord, and through an experiential process, I focus on helping individuals make sense of their world. My work focuses on coping with difficult body sensations while also helping you begin to think and feel differently about your experiences, your emotions and ultimately yourself.
Priya Prince ( Beyond Horizons)
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Milton, ON L9T
I believe that individuals are unique and so are their challenges, I follow an eclectic approach that draws from CBT, DBT, and IFS and EMDR.
Accepting New Clients! A culturally sensitive and trauma-informed professional specializing in anxiety, trauma, and acculturation challenges. I believe that we all have a unique and powerful life story that deserves to be heard and validated, seeking help is a virtue of bravery and taking control of your healing journey. You are the expert of you, and I assure you that I will walk alongside you and support you in your journey of restoration, healing and growth. I believe in working collaboratively with you on your strengths and resilience to achieve your goals and live your life to the fullest.
I believe that individuals are unique and so are their challenges, I follow an eclectic approach that draws from CBT, DBT, and IFS and EMDR.
Accepting New Clients! A culturally sensitive and trauma-informed professional specializing in anxiety, trauma, and acculturation challenges. I believe that we all have a unique and powerful life story that deserves to be heard and validated, seeking help is a virtue of bravery and taking control of your healing journey. You are the expert of you, and I assure you that I will walk alongside you and support you in your journey of restoration, healing and growth. I believe in working collaboratively with you on your strengths and resilience to achieve your goals and live your life to the fullest.
Shauna Lynn Switzer
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MCP, RP, C Hyp
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Milton, ON L0P
At times, many of us contend with emotions and suffering that are overwhelmingly painful, disheartening and difficult to bear, often as a result of unique stressors and events. I work with adults, adolescents, families and step-families using Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, interpersonal psychotherapy, and DBT/CBT within neuroscience and attachment frameworks. I encouraged clients to access inner strengths and free their capacity for growth. Whether you or a family member experience depression, anxiety, marital distress or difficulties with peers, you deserve support in a confidential, accepting, safe and caring environment.
At times, many of us contend with emotions and suffering that are overwhelmingly painful, disheartening and difficult to bear, often as a result of unique stressors and events. I work with adults, adolescents, families and step-families using Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, interpersonal psychotherapy, and DBT/CBT within neuroscience and attachment frameworks. I encouraged clients to access inner strengths and free their capacity for growth. Whether you or a family member experience depression, anxiety, marital distress or difficulties with peers, you deserve support in a confidential, accepting, safe and caring environment.
Engaging in psychotherapy is a brave step towards reconciling with one's past, making amends with others, and finding peace with oneself. It's a unique relationship that lays the foundation for healing all other relationships. Psychotherapy, in its core, is a spiritual journey—a pilgrimage into the self. Just as a pilgrim walks from temple to temple, seeking enlightenment, an individual's therapeutic journey may involve multiple therapists. I might be your current one, but perhaps not your first nor your last. Each leg of this journey, with each therapist, requires courage and a faith that transformation is attainable.
Engaging in psychotherapy is a brave step towards reconciling with one's past, making amends with others, and finding peace with oneself. It's a unique relationship that lays the foundation for healing all other relationships. Psychotherapy, in its core, is a spiritual journey—a pilgrimage into the self. Just as a pilgrim walks from temple to temple, seeking enlightenment, an individual's therapeutic journey may involve multiple therapists. I might be your current one, but perhaps not your first nor your last. Each leg of this journey, with each therapist, requires courage and a faith that transformation is attainable.
Liz Khalighi
Registered Social Service Worker, MA, RSSW, OAMHP
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Milton, ON L9T
Since 2004, Liz has had the privilege of helping adults and families accomplish their goals, and build on their personal strengths. Our philosophy when working with our clients is to create the most comfortable and judgement-free environment as possible. Engaging in counselling can bring some of the most difficult memories and emotions to the surface. Our approach is to treat the process like a partnership with each of our clients. In 2022, our practice expanded to meet the growing need for mental health services. Our dynamic and creative team has immediate availability for in-person and virtual appointments.
Since 2004, Liz has had the privilege of helping adults and families accomplish their goals, and build on their personal strengths. Our philosophy when working with our clients is to create the most comfortable and judgement-free environment as possible. Engaging in counselling can bring some of the most difficult memories and emotions to the surface. Our approach is to treat the process like a partnership with each of our clients. In 2022, our practice expanded to meet the growing need for mental health services. Our dynamic and creative team has immediate availability for in-person and virtual appointments.
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Milton, ON L9T (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
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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.