EMDR Counselling in Chorley

Photo of Suzanne McGee - Suzanne McGee Awe Therapy Services , MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Suzanne McGee Awe Therapy Services
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Chorley PR7
I also offer EMDR a highly researched and NICE recommended treatment for used extensively in the NHS.
I am an experienced psychotherapist and a fully accredited Cbt therapist, providing evidence based therapies including EMDR. I have worked within the NHS and social care for over 20 years. I work across the life span with a range of difficulties and severity - including trauma, PTSD, attachment, low self esteem, anxiety and depression. I am trauma informed and have lived experience of mental health issues. I bring my many years of professional practice, qualifications to Masters level and life experience to the therapy.
I also offer EMDR a highly researched and NICE recommended treatment for used extensively in the NHS.
I am an experienced psychotherapist and a fully accredited Cbt therapist, providing evidence based therapies including EMDR. I have worked within the NHS and social care for over 20 years. I work across the life span with a range of difficulties and severity - including trauma, PTSD, attachment, low self esteem, anxiety and depression. I am trauma informed and have lived experience of mental health issues. I bring my many years of professional practice, qualifications to Masters level and life experience to the therapy.
01257 441333 View 01257 441333
Photo of Katy Rudd - Katy Rudd - Wellbeing in Mind Therapies, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Katy Rudd - Wellbeing in Mind Therapies
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chorley PR7
With 15 yrs experience in the NHS and over 10 yrs as a Psychological Therapist, I am fully qualified in CBT, EMDR and IPT therapies.
Welcome to Wellbeing in Mind Psychological Therapies. Are you looking to manage problematic symptoms of low mood and anxiety? Have you experienced traumatic events that are impacting your functioning? Do you have relationship difficulties that have been brought about by significant changes in your life? If any of this sounds familiar, the combination of therapies I offer could make a real difference to your wellbeing.
With 15 yrs experience in the NHS and over 10 yrs as a Psychological Therapist, I am fully qualified in CBT, EMDR and IPT therapies.
Welcome to Wellbeing in Mind Psychological Therapies. Are you looking to manage problematic symptoms of low mood and anxiety? Have you experienced traumatic events that are impacting your functioning? Do you have relationship difficulties that have been brought about by significant changes in your life? If any of this sounds familiar, the combination of therapies I offer could make a real difference to your wellbeing.
01257 449363 View 01257 449363
Photo of Karen Veronica Hodgson, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Karen Veronica Hodgson
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Chorley PR7
These may include for example, EMDR, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, Emotional Freedom Technique, Mindfulness and Walking Therapy.
I'm Karen, a UKCP Reg & EMDR Psychotherapist working online. Practicing for over 24 years with people struggling with self worth, loneliness & isolation; who struggle to connect well with others or develop intimate relationships, who people-please or have difficulties prioritising their needs; who have experienced infidelity/betrayals of trust; who have communication difficulties or struggle to set boundaries; who find balancing individual & couple expectations difficult; who are stuck in their grief, anger, anxiety or depression or who present with complex trauma & attachment wounds rooted in their childhood.
These may include for example, EMDR, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, Emotional Freedom Technique, Mindfulness and Walking Therapy.
I'm Karen, a UKCP Reg & EMDR Psychotherapist working online. Practicing for over 24 years with people struggling with self worth, loneliness & isolation; who struggle to connect well with others or develop intimate relationships, who people-please or have difficulties prioritising their needs; who have experienced infidelity/betrayals of trust; who have communication difficulties or struggle to set boundaries; who find balancing individual & couple expectations difficult; who are stuck in their grief, anger, anxiety or depression or who present with complex trauma & attachment wounds rooted in their childhood.
01257 448237 View 01257 448237
Photo of Dr Zandra Bamford, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Zandra Bamford
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Chorley PR7
Zandra offers CBT, EMDR, CAT informed, CFT, Internal Family Systems, Safe & Sound Protocol and Somatic approaches to provide an individualised therapy.
Hello, welcome to Therapy NorthWest. We support the wellbeing of adults & young people in clinics in Chorley & surrounding areas. We believe that life can be challenging with a number of different pressures & demands. We do not believe that these things make us ‘abnormal’ or ‘ill’, rather that there are times when we require support to work through difficulties, what has happened and how we have responded. Zandra has many years experience working with individuals, couples, families and systems to help foster greater well-being.
Zandra offers CBT, EMDR, CAT informed, CFT, Internal Family Systems, Safe & Sound Protocol and Somatic approaches to provide an individualised therapy.
Hello, welcome to Therapy NorthWest. We support the wellbeing of adults & young people in clinics in Chorley & surrounding areas. We believe that life can be challenging with a number of different pressures & demands. We do not believe that these things make us ‘abnormal’ or ‘ill’, rather that there are times when we require support to work through difficulties, what has happened and how we have responded. Zandra has many years experience working with individuals, couples, families and systems to help foster greater well-being.
01257 446979 View 01257 446979
Photo of Rachel Leah Wesley - The Wellness Consultancy, MBACP, Psychotherapist
The Wellness Consultancy
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Chorley PR7
Waitlist for new clients
I offer integrative, compassionate focused, CBT and EMDR therapies.
Often clients contact me when other therapy has not helped them in the way they had hoped. This is often due to the complexity of difficulties being layered perhaps in a history of trauma. Distress in the body and mind can be triggered by what appears to be something superficial. This can open up the past or come at a time when our emotional resilience is low so this event has a greater impact than it may have done. We can find ourselves not being able to function in our normal way. Many clients often identify as 'good copers' and those who 'just get on with it'. Perhaps we can't now - this is frightening and can derail us.
I offer integrative, compassionate focused, CBT and EMDR therapies.
Often clients contact me when other therapy has not helped them in the way they had hoped. This is often due to the complexity of difficulties being layered perhaps in a history of trauma. Distress in the body and mind can be triggered by what appears to be something superficial. This can open up the past or come at a time when our emotional resilience is low so this event has a greater impact than it may have done. We can find ourselves not being able to function in our normal way. Many clients often identify as 'good copers' and those who 'just get on with it'. Perhaps we can't now - this is frightening and can derail us.
01204 238760 View 01204 238760
Photo of Vanessa Mount, DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Vanessa Mount
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chorley PR7
Whatever the problem, there are various solutions; EMDR, CBT, Talking, Trauma focused and hypnotherpy to aid positive personal growth, enabling you to feel better and find happiness.
Ex military, now multi skilled therapist. The military provided me with valuable insights and experiences. Vast exposure, witnessing various traumas and mental health impacts highlighted the importance of mental health suport and the benefit of it to others. Having supported others for years through issues such as suicide, abuse, sexual vilence, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, selfharm, neglect, relational conflict, PTSD and the impacts of bereavement I wanted to continue similar support throughy therapy.
Whatever the problem, there are various solutions; EMDR, CBT, Talking, Trauma focused and hypnotherpy to aid positive personal growth, enabling you to feel better and find happiness.
Ex military, now multi skilled therapist. The military provided me with valuable insights and experiences. Vast exposure, witnessing various traumas and mental health impacts highlighted the importance of mental health suport and the benefit of it to others. Having supported others for years through issues such as suicide, abuse, sexual vilence, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, selfharm, neglect, relational conflict, PTSD and the impacts of bereavement I wanted to continue similar support throughy therapy.
01704 338319 View 01704 338319
Photo of Shaun Noteman, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Shaun Noteman
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Chorley PR7  (Online Only)
As a professional mental health therapist i utilise a range of interventions including counselling, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR. to support and provide therapy. My work and life experience means i am able to relate well and work with sufferers of anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders and developmental disorders such as ADHD, ADD, Spectrum disorders. Additionally, i provide therapy for OCD, phobias and other behavioural issues.
As a professional mental health therapist i utilise a range of interventions including counselling, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR. to support and provide therapy. My work and life experience means i am able to relate well and work with sufferers of anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders and developmental disorders such as ADHD, ADD, Spectrum disorders. Additionally, i provide therapy for OCD, phobias and other behavioural issues.
01772 958120 View 01772 958120
Photo of Debra Karen Malkin - Calming Minds Therapy, Supervision & Training, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Calming Minds Therapy, Supervision & Training
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Chorley PR7
Calming-Minds are able to offer highly skilled, therapeutic interventions for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD or PTSD. These include CBT, CFT, EMDR and TF-CBT. If you are seeking support to re-claim your life, and become the best version of yourself, then please do contact us. In person appointments available in Chorlton, Lytham St Annes, Maghull , Rainhill, St. Helens and Chorley or online from any location in the UK.
Calming-Minds are able to offer highly skilled, therapeutic interventions for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD or PTSD. These include CBT, CFT, EMDR and TF-CBT. If you are seeking support to re-claim your life, and become the best version of yourself, then please do contact us. In person appointments available in Chorlton, Lytham St Annes, Maghull , Rainhill, St. Helens and Chorley or online from any location in the UK.
01253 835659 View 01253 835659
Photo of Marlena Davies Emdr Cbt, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Marlena Davies Emdr Cbt
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Chorley PR7
EMDR Child Therapist.
BABCP Acc. CBT Therapist, EMDR Acc. Practitioner. I offer both face-to-face and online therapy sessions for adults, children and adolescents, tailored to your unique needs. Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, anger or other challenges? If so, I am here to help. My clinic in Preston, Lancashire, provides a welcoming and non-judgmental space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings. Whether you are dealing with social anxiety, trauma, sleep problems, OCD or other difficulties, we will work together to navigate these challenges and create a path toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
EMDR Child Therapist.
BABCP Acc. CBT Therapist, EMDR Acc. Practitioner. I offer both face-to-face and online therapy sessions for adults, children and adolescents, tailored to your unique needs. Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, anger or other challenges? If so, I am here to help. My clinic in Preston, Lancashire, provides a welcoming and non-judgmental space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings. Whether you are dealing with social anxiety, trauma, sleep problems, OCD or other difficulties, we will work together to navigate these challenges and create a path toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
01772 503280 View 01772 503280
Photo of Michael Donald - Virtual CBT Clinic, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Virtual CBT Clinic
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chorley CW5  (Online Only)
I also offer EMDR therapy, which is a trauma-focused approach.
As a Psychotherapist, I support clients online with common mental health difficulties, including: Major Depressive Disorder; Perfectionism; Low Self-Esteem; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD); Hoarding Disorder; Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD); Social Anxiety Disorder; Health Anxiety Disorder; Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD); Panic Disorder; Specific Phobia; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); and more. So, if you are feeling low, lacking in motivation, are self-critical, engage in ritualistic behaviours, struggle with social interactions, have a lot of worries, or relive traumatic experiences, I can help you.
I also offer EMDR therapy, which is a trauma-focused approach.
As a Psychotherapist, I support clients online with common mental health difficulties, including: Major Depressive Disorder; Perfectionism; Low Self-Esteem; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD); Hoarding Disorder; Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD); Social Anxiety Disorder; Health Anxiety Disorder; Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD); Panic Disorder; Specific Phobia; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); and more. So, if you are feeling low, lacking in motivation, are self-critical, engage in ritualistic behaviours, struggle with social interactions, have a lot of worries, or relive traumatic experiences, I can help you.
01257 440987 View 01257 440987
Photo of Stephanie Webb - Anders Psychotherapy LTD , MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Anders Psychotherapy LTD
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chorley PR6  (Online Only)
With 10 years experience working in the NHS in mental health I became a CBT & EMDR Therapist because I am passionate about working with people who have experienced trauma and difficulties in their lives. I have always found it a privilege to take the time with my clients to collaboratively work together to answer how they can move forward from their current situation, and how they can deal with whatever hand life has dealt them. The most rewarding part of my work is helping people move towards recovery to enable them to feel happier and more fulfilled in their lives.
With 10 years experience working in the NHS in mental health I became a CBT & EMDR Therapist because I am passionate about working with people who have experienced trauma and difficulties in their lives. I have always found it a privilege to take the time with my clients to collaboratively work together to answer how they can move forward from their current situation, and how they can deal with whatever hand life has dealt them. The most rewarding part of my work is helping people move towards recovery to enable them to feel happier and more fulfilled in their lives.
01254 961511 View 01254 961511
Photo of Deborah Ann Lloyd, PsychD, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Deborah Ann Lloyd
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Chorley PR6
I am a UKCP registered psychotherapist with over twenty years experience working with adults and children within the NHS and in my private practice. I have particular knowledge and experience in trauma, attachment theory, bereavement and loss. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups in a supportive therapeutic environment covering a wide range of issues: Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement, Traumatic events, Developmental Trauma during childhood, Attachment and relational difficulties, Self-harm and Eating disorders.
I am a UKCP registered psychotherapist with over twenty years experience working with adults and children within the NHS and in my private practice. I have particular knowledge and experience in trauma, attachment theory, bereavement and loss. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups in a supportive therapeutic environment covering a wide range of issues: Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement, Traumatic events, Developmental Trauma during childhood, Attachment and relational difficulties, Self-harm and Eating disorders.
01254 964312 View 01254 964312
Photo of Shaun Noteman, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Shaun Noteman
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Chorley PR6  (Online Only)
Are you at a period in your life when emotional and psychological issues have become a concern for you. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to work with me in dealing with these issues. Begin your journey working on the concerns that you are struggling with, may feel difficult or overwhelming. These concerns that may have a repeating pattern, themes or life 'just not feeling right' I have experience of working with a range of life-limiting conditions
Are you at a period in your life when emotional and psychological issues have become a concern for you. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to work with me in dealing with these issues. Begin your journey working on the concerns that you are struggling with, may feel difficult or overwhelming. These concerns that may have a repeating pattern, themes or life 'just not feeling right' I have experience of working with a range of life-limiting conditions
01257 440893 View 01257 440893
Photo of Dr Kathryn Heaton, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Kathryn Heaton
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Chorley PR7
Hello & warm welcome. My name is Kathryn, & I provide specialist, non-judgemental therapeutic support to help you to gain understanding & improve your emotional wellbeing, enabling you to move your life forward in a way that will help you to experience a greater sense of calm, fulfilment, & satisfaction in life. It may be that you are seeking this support for yourself or for your child because of difficulties such as anxiety, panic, stress, overwhelm, low mood, depression, poor sleep, anger, grief and loss, trauma, adapting to life following illness/diagnoses, behavioural issues, relationship issues or difficulties at work/school.
Hello & warm welcome. My name is Kathryn, & I provide specialist, non-judgemental therapeutic support to help you to gain understanding & improve your emotional wellbeing, enabling you to move your life forward in a way that will help you to experience a greater sense of calm, fulfilment, & satisfaction in life. It may be that you are seeking this support for yourself or for your child because of difficulties such as anxiety, panic, stress, overwhelm, low mood, depression, poor sleep, anger, grief and loss, trauma, adapting to life following illness/diagnoses, behavioural issues, relationship issues or difficulties at work/school.
01772 503275 View 01772 503275
Photo of Dr Amelia Boshoff, PhD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Amelia Boshoff
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Chorley PR7
Thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Registered Chartered Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience of working therapeutically with adults, young people and children in the NHS and private settings. I am very passionate about helping people to make sense of difficult emotions, thoughts and life experiences. Life can be full of pain and suffering, and we all sometimes need a little extra help to get through challenging times. Together we will find ways to help you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life; improve your relationship with yourself; and build on your existing strengths. Please get in touch to find out more.
Thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Registered Chartered Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience of working therapeutically with adults, young people and children in the NHS and private settings. I am very passionate about helping people to make sense of difficult emotions, thoughts and life experiences. Life can be full of pain and suffering, and we all sometimes need a little extra help to get through challenging times. Together we will find ways to help you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life; improve your relationship with yourself; and build on your existing strengths. Please get in touch to find out more.
01942 559754 View 01942 559754

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Thomas Sidebottom, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Thomas Sidebottom
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Preston PR1  (Online Only)
I am an experienced and registered Counselling Psychologist in private practice offering a range of psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and EMDR. Although I am based in Lancaster I work entirely remotely and offer online appointments to clients from anywhere in the UK.
I am an experienced and registered Counselling Psychologist in private practice offering a range of psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and EMDR. Although I am based in Lancaster I work entirely remotely and offer online appointments to clients from anywhere in the UK.
07954 601962 View 07954 601962
Photo of Megan Bowes, HCPC - Health Psych., Psychologist
Megan Bowes
Psychologist, HCPC - Health Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolton BL6  (Online Only)
I specialise in EMDR for PTSD/ trauma and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help individuals with chronic conditions such as chronic pain and long covid.
I am a Senior Health Psychologist specialising in Trauma, phobias and Chronic conditions. Together, we can work through any difficulties holding you back from living the life you'd like to lead. If you are struggling, either mentally or physically, please get in touch for a free consultation. I have worked across multiple NHS services including trauma, long-covid, rheumatology and chronic pain.
I specialise in EMDR for PTSD/ trauma and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help individuals with chronic conditions such as chronic pain and long covid.
I am a Senior Health Psychologist specialising in Trauma, phobias and Chronic conditions. Together, we can work through any difficulties holding you back from living the life you'd like to lead. If you are struggling, either mentally or physically, please get in touch for a free consultation. I have worked across multiple NHS services including trauma, long-covid, rheumatology and chronic pain.
01253 835573 View 01253 835573
Photo of Lisa Baldwin - Baldwin Therapy EMDR, Counsellor, CBT, Supervisor, MBACP, Counsellor
Baldwin Therapy EMDR, Counsellor, CBT, Supervisor
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Blackburn BB1
Baldwin Therapy offer EMDR, Counselling, CBT, Professional Supervision and training which can be delivered as face to face or online. Our therapists have over 22 years' experience of working with a wide range of mental health difficulty including anxiety and depression. The therapists work alongside the NHS, Private sector, the local authority and Education. A FREE 15 minute telephone consultation to discuss your needs and to look at what therapy would be best is available on request. Baldwin Therapy have both Male and Female therapists.
Baldwin Therapy offer EMDR, Counselling, CBT, Professional Supervision and training which can be delivered as face to face or online. Our therapists have over 22 years' experience of working with a wide range of mental health difficulty including anxiety and depression. The therapists work alongside the NHS, Private sector, the local authority and Education. A FREE 15 minute telephone consultation to discuss your needs and to look at what therapy would be best is available on request. Baldwin Therapy have both Male and Female therapists.
01254 964104 View 01254 964104
Photo of Chi Ko Psychosexual Relationship Therapist, MSc, COSRT Accred, Psychotherapist
Chi Ko Psychosexual Relationship Therapist
Psychotherapist, MSc, COSRT Accred
Verified Verified
Preston PR1
Specialising in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, Chi is also a Yoga Teacher, working somatically alongside EMDR technique to work with a range of conditions that relate to trauma, addiction, phobia, fear, betrayal, loss and cPTSD.
Chi is a Sex and Relationship Psychotherapist, accredited by BACP and COSRT. He also works with people with sexual addictive behaviour and compulsivity. He has an excellent working knowledge on a range of psychiatric and mental health conditions.
Specialising in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, Chi is also a Yoga Teacher, working somatically alongside EMDR technique to work with a range of conditions that relate to trauma, addiction, phobia, fear, betrayal, loss and cPTSD.
Chi is a Sex and Relationship Psychotherapist, accredited by BACP and COSRT. He also works with people with sexual addictive behaviour and compulsivity. He has an excellent working knowledge on a range of psychiatric and mental health conditions.
0161 696 8319 View 0161 696 8319
Photo of Rachel Dickinson, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Rachel Dickinson
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Mawdesley L40
Waitlist for new clients
In order to support clients in finding the right support for them, I offer a complimentary initial session lasting approximately 30 minutes, where potential clients can come and meet me to see if they feel comfortable working with me, and where we can discuss therapeutic needs and the appropriateness of counselling or EMDR.
I specialise in supporting clients who have experienced trauma, both single incident traumas and attachment or developmental trauma, alongside other difficulties such as (but not limited to) bereavement, thoughts of ending your life, self-harming thoughts, depression, other mental health and physical diagnoses, anxiety and depression. Therapy is a vital part of emotional wellbeing, both at times of difficulty, and also as part of maintaining positive emotional health.
In order to support clients in finding the right support for them, I offer a complimentary initial session lasting approximately 30 minutes, where potential clients can come and meet me to see if they feel comfortable working with me, and where we can discuss therapeutic needs and the appropriateness of counselling or EMDR.
I specialise in supporting clients who have experienced trauma, both single incident traumas and attachment or developmental trauma, alongside other difficulties such as (but not limited to) bereavement, thoughts of ending your life, self-harming thoughts, depression, other mental health and physical diagnoses, anxiety and depression. Therapy is a vital part of emotional wellbeing, both at times of difficulty, and also as part of maintaining positive emotional health.
01257 446973 View 01257 446973

See more therapy options for Chorley

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.