EMDR Counselling in Birkenhead

Photo of Jessica Young, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Jessica Young
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Birkenhead CH41
CBT/ EMDR sessions can be via Teams or face to face and are £90 per session.
I'm fully qualified and accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing) therapist, a CBT supervisor and owner at Your Therapy with Jess. I am renowned for my warm and non-judgemental approach and my priority is getting your mental health back on track. I am an experienced NHS psychotherapist with 10 years experience delivering CBT and 7 years delivering EMDR. I offer EMDR for PTSD, and CBT for depression and anxiety disorders for clients over 17 years old (both therapies can be in person or remote). I also offer clinical supervision to trainee and qualified CBT therapists.
CBT/ EMDR sessions can be via Teams or face to face and are £90 per session.
I'm fully qualified and accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing) therapist, a CBT supervisor and owner at Your Therapy with Jess. I am renowned for my warm and non-judgemental approach and my priority is getting your mental health back on track. I am an experienced NHS psychotherapist with 10 years experience delivering CBT and 7 years delivering EMDR. I offer EMDR for PTSD, and CBT for depression and anxiety disorders for clients over 17 years old (both therapies can be in person or remote). I also offer clinical supervision to trainee and qualified CBT therapists.
0151 453 3289 View 0151 453 3289
Photo of Victoria Lacey - GetCBT (Victoria Lacey, CBT Therapist; EMDR), MBABCP, Psychotherapist
GetCBT (Victoria Lacey, CBT Therapist; EMDR)
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Birkenhead CH63
Looking for an Anxiety Specialist? Therapy should be a partnership, that capitalises on your knowledge of your history and self, and your therapists knowledge of how go apply gold standard evidence based interventions and treatments to make you feel better. I started GetCBT to provide you with a First Class Psychotherapy experience working with Depression & Low self-esteem & specialising in Anxiety & Panic Attacks, Worry, OCD, PTSD, Phobia's, Social Anxiety & Health Anxiety. Check out our Google & Trustpilot reviews to hear about others’ experience of working with me. And, NOW training in EMDR and accepting clients.
Looking for an Anxiety Specialist? Therapy should be a partnership, that capitalises on your knowledge of your history and self, and your therapists knowledge of how go apply gold standard evidence based interventions and treatments to make you feel better. I started GetCBT to provide you with a First Class Psychotherapy experience working with Depression & Low self-esteem & specialising in Anxiety & Panic Attacks, Worry, OCD, PTSD, Phobia's, Social Anxiety & Health Anxiety. Check out our Google & Trustpilot reviews to hear about others’ experience of working with me. And, NOW training in EMDR and accepting clients.
0151 453 3877 View 0151 453 3877
Photo of Amrat Singh, CPsychol, Psychologist
Amrat Singh
Psychologist, CPsychol
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birkenhead CH42
I have been in practice for over 16years and have mainly work with Adults having medium to severe mental health difficulties, from anxiety disorders that includes (complex) trauma to persistent depression and mood disorders. One of the main impacts of their difficulties can be disengagement from life as a consequence of entrenched behavioural patterns that keep them stuck and can inadvertently reinforce their problems.
I have been in practice for over 16years and have mainly work with Adults having medium to severe mental health difficulties, from anxiety disorders that includes (complex) trauma to persistent depression and mood disorders. One of the main impacts of their difficulties can be disengagement from life as a consequence of entrenched behavioural patterns that keep them stuck and can inadvertently reinforce their problems.
0151 453 7272 View 0151 453 7272
Photo of Seham Hariz - Mind Clarity CIC, MBACP, Counsellor
Mind Clarity CIC
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birkenhead CH41
We offer a variety of counsellors who have various specialties and languages to fit a range of client needs, desires and wants. We cater to several types of clients whether it be addiction, emotional stress, mental health, or culturally related. We also offer dedicated FREE counselling for Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the Wirral Languages we offer: English, Farsi, Urdu, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Polish, Spanish and Albanian!
We offer a variety of counsellors who have various specialties and languages to fit a range of client needs, desires and wants. We cater to several types of clients whether it be addiction, emotional stress, mental health, or culturally related. We also offer dedicated FREE counselling for Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the Wirral Languages we offer: English, Farsi, Urdu, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Polish, Spanish and Albanian!
0151 453 0532 View 0151 453 0532
Photo of Anthony Lacey (Msc) - Anthony Lacey Psychotherapy , MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Anthony Lacey Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Birkenhead CH25
Are you not feeling like you are getting the most out of life and feel somewhat stuck in some way? Maybe you notice that your over-reacting with certain people or when in certain places or situations? Do you avoid doing certain things due to overwhelming feelings? Are you feeling unhelpful amounts of guilt/shame, feel unsafe in someway or out of control? If so, I can help you work through these by tailoring your sessions to your individual needs so that you learn about your self, start working towards your goal(s) and then start become self-sufficient with regard to what life throws at you.
Are you not feeling like you are getting the most out of life and feel somewhat stuck in some way? Maybe you notice that your over-reacting with certain people or when in certain places or situations? Do you avoid doing certain things due to overwhelming feelings? Are you feeling unhelpful amounts of guilt/shame, feel unsafe in someway or out of control? If so, I can help you work through these by tailoring your sessions to your individual needs so that you learn about your self, start working towards your goal(s) and then start become self-sufficient with regard to what life throws at you.
0151 318 0431 View 0151 318 0431
Photo of Helen Beesley, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Helen Beesley
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Birkenhead CH42
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and I provide psychological therapy for adults with emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety, work stress, bereavement issues, low self-esteem, and those whose problems relate to a history of difficult experiences in childhood or traumatic experiences at any stage in life. An area of specialism is Clinical Health Psychology, helping people whose psychological difficulties relate to dealing with physical illness or injury. We all experience low mood and anxiety at times in our lives. Sometimes this can feel difficult to manage and psychological therapy can help.
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and I provide psychological therapy for adults with emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety, work stress, bereavement issues, low self-esteem, and those whose problems relate to a history of difficult experiences in childhood or traumatic experiences at any stage in life. An area of specialism is Clinical Health Psychology, helping people whose psychological difficulties relate to dealing with physical illness or injury. We all experience low mood and anxiety at times in our lives. Sometimes this can feel difficult to manage and psychological therapy can help.
0151 541 5346 View 0151 541 5346

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Simon Lewis, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Simon Lewis
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Liverpool L26  (Online Only)
I tend to use a carefully crafted mix of the following approaches: EMDR, CBT, CFT, CAT, DBT, Systemic Theory, Internal Family Systems and Psychodynamic concepts.
I am passionate about trauma informed practice: making every effort to understand the impact of people’s lived experiences on their daily lives. My approach is based on psychological formulation, to make sense of what a person is experiencing, and then using a range of integrated approaches to help people to make changes. I care about empowering individuals to live the lives they want to live, and take a very human and empathic approach to working with people's distress.
I tend to use a carefully crafted mix of the following approaches: EMDR, CBT, CFT, CAT, DBT, Systemic Theory, Internal Family Systems and Psychodynamic concepts.
I am passionate about trauma informed practice: making every effort to understand the impact of people’s lived experiences on their daily lives. My approach is based on psychological formulation, to make sense of what a person is experiencing, and then using a range of integrated approaches to help people to make changes. I care about empowering individuals to live the lives they want to live, and take a very human and empathic approach to working with people's distress.
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Photo of Helen Louise Jones - Helen Jones CBT and EMDR Therapy, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Helen Jones CBT and EMDR Therapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Wirral CH48  (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Helen - a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist ('CBT') and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (' EMDR') practitioner. I spent 15 years working within NHS mental health services. For the past 3 years, I have worked as a private practitioner. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in CBT and an MSc in Applied Social Studies.
Hi, I’m Helen - a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist ('CBT') and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (' EMDR') practitioner. I spent 15 years working within NHS mental health services. For the past 3 years, I have worked as a private practitioner. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in CBT and an MSc in Applied Social Studies.
01244 563543 View 01244 563543
Photo of Sarah Caroline Cathcart, GMBPsS, Counsellor
Sarah Caroline Cathcart
Counsellor, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Liverpool L15
I offer individual EMDR therapy, group therapy and my therapeutic style is centred on empathy and respect.
Committed EMDR therapist, fully qualified with the EMDR Institute, helping individuals with PTSD, complex trauma and emotional disturbance to help treat unresolved trauma. I am also qualified in Child and Adolescent EMDR, training under Susan Darker Smith, a specialist in this field. I have focused my work in psychological trauma, working with staff from the fire and ambulance services and more recently with young care leavers and ex offenders. I also offer somatic therapy and have completed certification in this.
I offer individual EMDR therapy, group therapy and my therapeutic style is centred on empathy and respect.
Committed EMDR therapist, fully qualified with the EMDR Institute, helping individuals with PTSD, complex trauma and emotional disturbance to help treat unresolved trauma. I am also qualified in Child and Adolescent EMDR, training under Susan Darker Smith, a specialist in this field. I have focused my work in psychological trauma, working with staff from the fire and ambulance services and more recently with young care leavers and ex offenders. I also offer somatic therapy and have completed certification in this.
028 3829 8605 View 028 3829 8605
Photo of George Maxwell, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
George Maxwell
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Liverpool L1
I work flexibly using CBT, EMDR, and Positive Psychology to help you overcome the barriers to living your best life.
I offer evidence-based CBT, EMDR and Positive Psychology Coaching to support clients across the full range of the wellbeing spectrum. As an accredited CBT Therapist, I will help you to overcome your anxiety and depression problems using active, effective treatments that will change your life. I specialise in OCD (and its many subtypes), PTSD and Social Anxiety. As a Coaching Psychologist, I can teach you how to flourish, achieve your life goals, and live a life full of meaning and value. I work with clients internationally via Zoom and offer in-person therapy at my office in Rodney Street in Liverpool.
I work flexibly using CBT, EMDR, and Positive Psychology to help you overcome the barriers to living your best life.
I offer evidence-based CBT, EMDR and Positive Psychology Coaching to support clients across the full range of the wellbeing spectrum. As an accredited CBT Therapist, I will help you to overcome your anxiety and depression problems using active, effective treatments that will change your life. I specialise in OCD (and its many subtypes), PTSD and Social Anxiety. As a Coaching Psychologist, I can teach you how to flourish, achieve your life goals, and live a life full of meaning and value. I work with clients internationally via Zoom and offer in-person therapy at my office in Rodney Street in Liverpool.
0151 318 0866 View 0151 318 0866
Photo of Keith Chadwick - Manchester Centre for EMDR, MSc, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Manchester Centre for EMDR
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Liverpool L1  (Online Only)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) Therapy is a powerful healing method that has helped adults, young people and children, relieve many troublesome symptoms resulting from TRAUMA. EMDR has also been applied to other problems including depression, anxiety and phobias. The Centre for EMDR is a virtual online centre which provides onward contact with a qualified, experienced EMDR therapist located in Manchester, Liverpool or UK areas (for video based sessions). All therapists are self-employed, manage their own diaries and adhere to appropriate Professional codes.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) Therapy is a powerful healing method that has helped adults, young people and children, relieve many troublesome symptoms resulting from TRAUMA. EMDR has also been applied to other problems including depression, anxiety and phobias. The Centre for EMDR is a virtual online centre which provides onward contact with a qualified, experienced EMDR therapist located in Manchester, Liverpool or UK areas (for video based sessions). All therapists are self-employed, manage their own diaries and adhere to appropriate Professional codes.
0161 524 2902 View 0161 524 2902
Photo of Eilish Cameron, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap., Psychotherapist
Eilish Cameron
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Liverpool L17
Waitlist for new clients
I also offer EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) to work with specific traumas.
I am a HCPC registered arts psychotherapist experienced in working with diverse stories, challenges and experiences. I offer a welcoming, non-judgemental and compassionate space that utilises your innate creativity to connect with and explore your inner experience. We will embark on a journey to build understanding and perspective on challenges you face. This may include exploring past experiences and how this may be influencing the present. Throughout the process we will focus on individual strengths fostering resilience, personal growth and wellbeing.
I also offer EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) to work with specific traumas.
I am a HCPC registered arts psychotherapist experienced in working with diverse stories, challenges and experiences. I offer a welcoming, non-judgemental and compassionate space that utilises your innate creativity to connect with and explore your inner experience. We will embark on a journey to build understanding and perspective on challenges you face. This may include exploring past experiences and how this may be influencing the present. Throughout the process we will focus on individual strengths fostering resilience, personal growth and wellbeing.
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Photo of Carmen Marin, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Carmen Marin
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Liverpool L36
My practice: I can offer Person Centered Therapy, Integrative Therapies, Systemic Therapy, EMDR and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
Hello! My name is Carmen and I am working as a private practitioner. I worked before in schools, drug and alcohol rehab and occupational health (EAP and assessments). I'll work with you in a way that will enable you to discover yourself, maybe the difficulty which probably causes you distress, increase your motivation and hopefully change your life in better. We can talk about what it is happening now but also we can address aspects from your past which are just on 'pause' at the minute but they 'creep' out whenever they want. Usually my sessions are based on your needs, purpose and action.
My practice: I can offer Person Centered Therapy, Integrative Therapies, Systemic Therapy, EMDR and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
Hello! My name is Carmen and I am working as a private practitioner. I worked before in schools, drug and alcohol rehab and occupational health (EAP and assessments). I'll work with you in a way that will enable you to discover yourself, maybe the difficulty which probably causes you distress, increase your motivation and hopefully change your life in better. We can talk about what it is happening now but also we can address aspects from your past which are just on 'pause' at the minute but they 'creep' out whenever they want. Usually my sessions are based on your needs, purpose and action.
01744 413385 View 01744 413385
Photo of Joanna Lum Wai - Clarity Through Reflection , DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Clarity Through Reflection
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Liverpool L1
Susan is an Integrative Counsellor and Joanna is a psychodynamic therapist which means they can use several means/modes of therapy that they are trained in, to support you to the maximum in achieving your goals. Supporting growth is their passion in life. Both offer face to face as well as online therapy. Joanna is trained in delivering EMDR therapy and Emotional Freedom Technique. Therapy with Susan or Joanna will increase your resilience and provide you with techniques that will boost confidence in yourself in managing the challenge you face in your journey through life.
Susan is an Integrative Counsellor and Joanna is a psychodynamic therapist which means they can use several means/modes of therapy that they are trained in, to support you to the maximum in achieving your goals. Supporting growth is their passion in life. Both offer face to face as well as online therapy. Joanna is trained in delivering EMDR therapy and Emotional Freedom Technique. Therapy with Susan or Joanna will increase your resilience and provide you with techniques that will boost confidence in yourself in managing the challenge you face in your journey through life.
01928 243199 View 01928 243199
Photo of Dr Samuel Hughes, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Samuel Hughes
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Liverpool L23
If you choose to work with me I will mainly draw from CBT, ACT, EMDR, CFT and Narrative therapies.
Only Friday day time slots remaining. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges? Are you experiencing relationship challenges? You don't have to face these challenges alone. As a clinical psychologist, I am here to help you navigate through these difficult times and support you in living the life you want to live. I offer a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach to therapy. My goal is to create a safe and confidential space where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts.
If you choose to work with me I will mainly draw from CBT, ACT, EMDR, CFT and Narrative therapies.
Only Friday day time slots remaining. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges? Are you experiencing relationship challenges? You don't have to face these challenges alone. As a clinical psychologist, I am here to help you navigate through these difficult times and support you in living the life you want to live. I offer a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach to therapy. My goal is to create a safe and confidential space where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts.
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Photo of Keith Andrew Simpson - KAS Therapies, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
KAS Therapies
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Wallasey CH44
There may be times in your life when you struggle to feel connected to people and the world around you. This can be as a result of traumatic events that have occurred in childhood or adulthood, whereby your threat system is causing you to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. As a qualified and experienced Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, Accredited Person Centred Therapist and trained in Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing ( EMDR), my therapeutic approach is guided by your individual needs, to help you make the changes you are seeking.
There may be times in your life when you struggle to feel connected to people and the world around you. This can be as a result of traumatic events that have occurred in childhood or adulthood, whereby your threat system is causing you to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. As a qualified and experienced Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, Accredited Person Centred Therapist and trained in Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing ( EMDR), my therapeutic approach is guided by your individual needs, to help you make the changes you are seeking.
0151 453 3365 View 0151 453 3365
Photo of Christopher Brown - Click Therapies, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychotherapist
Click Therapies
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Liverpool L1
You will be able to access our extensive experience in providing online (video) CBT, EMDR, and Counselling.
Click Therapies are a small team of UK accredited therapists, nurses and doctors. We are a dedicated online psychological wellbeing service that meets the challenges of the 21st century. We work collaboratively with all our clients to offer a personalised therapy experience to achieve the best recovery outcomes for you. Our service is flexible to meet your needs needs. You can access therapy, anytime, anywhere at your convenience . We deliver evidence based treatments in line with National Guidelines and World Health Organisation. Why not connect with us for your FREE 15min consultation, you have nothing to lose...
You will be able to access our extensive experience in providing online (video) CBT, EMDR, and Counselling.
Click Therapies are a small team of UK accredited therapists, nurses and doctors. We are a dedicated online psychological wellbeing service that meets the challenges of the 21st century. We work collaboratively with all our clients to offer a personalised therapy experience to achieve the best recovery outcomes for you. Our service is flexible to meet your needs needs. You can access therapy, anytime, anywhere at your convenience . We deliver evidence based treatments in line with National Guidelines and World Health Organisation. Why not connect with us for your FREE 15min consultation, you have nothing to lose...
0117 456 2766 View 0117 456 2766
Photo of Dr Nadia Balmain, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Nadia Balmain
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Liverpool L1
EMDR also has robust evidence as a treatment for anxiety and panic attacks.
Hi, I’m Dr Nadia Balmain. Thank you for taking the time to look at my profile. I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and an accredited EMDR Practitioner. I have provided psychotherapy for over ten years both in the NHS and in private practice. I offer therapy for many different problems, but I have a special interest in providing therapy for PTSD, complex Trauma, Anxiety and Depression. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is the gold standard treatment for PTSD and is recommended by NICE guidelines. EMDR helps clients to process traumatic and distressing experiences which are causing the present-day symptoms.
EMDR also has robust evidence as a treatment for anxiety and panic attacks.
Hi, I’m Dr Nadia Balmain. Thank you for taking the time to look at my profile. I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and an accredited EMDR Practitioner. I have provided psychotherapy for over ten years both in the NHS and in private practice. I offer therapy for many different problems, but I have a special interest in providing therapy for PTSD, complex Trauma, Anxiety and Depression. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is the gold standard treatment for PTSD and is recommended by NICE guidelines. EMDR helps clients to process traumatic and distressing experiences which are causing the present-day symptoms.
01244 735026 View 01244 735026
Photo of Kellie Mawdsley, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Kellie Mawdsley
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Liverpool L16
I have gone on to train in EMDR which is an amazing therapy for trauma.
I have been practicing for many years. I have experience of working with adults, children and families; counselling a variety of issues. I adapt and adjust my sessions to ensure you the client get what you want and need from each counselling session. I will work with you to explore and understand your fears and distress, encouraging you to move forward at your pace.
I have gone on to train in EMDR which is an amazing therapy for trauma.
I have been practicing for many years. I have experience of working with adults, children and families; counselling a variety of issues. I adapt and adjust my sessions to ensure you the client get what you want and need from each counselling session. I will work with you to explore and understand your fears and distress, encouraging you to move forward at your pace.
01744 582195 View 01744 582195
Photo of Marina Moran - Emdr Therapy, MA, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Marina Moran - Emdr Therapy
Psychologist, MA, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Liverpool L10  (Online Only)
What makes me different is the use of Emotional Freedom Techniques and EMDR during our sessions.
As a psychologist, I specialise in helping people who didn't feel good enough as children, and still don't feel good enough now, to change the way they think, feel and act so they can be kinder to the person they are and become the person they want to be. With over 10 years experience as a psychotherapist my work aims to heal trauma, and provice you with copig strategies to release emotional blocks and empowers yourself. I am trained in several therapeutic modalities, including: Gestalt Psychotherapy, Humanistic  Integrative Psychotherapy, EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, and Energy Psychology Techniques.
What makes me different is the use of Emotional Freedom Techniques and EMDR during our sessions.
As a psychologist, I specialise in helping people who didn't feel good enough as children, and still don't feel good enough now, to change the way they think, feel and act so they can be kinder to the person they are and become the person they want to be. With over 10 years experience as a psychotherapist my work aims to heal trauma, and provice you with copig strategies to release emotional blocks and empowers yourself. I am trained in several therapeutic modalities, including: Gestalt Psychotherapy, Humanistic  Integrative Psychotherapy, EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, and Energy Psychology Techniques.
01841 550538 View 01841 550538

See more therapy options for Birkenhead

EMDR 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.