EMDR Therapists in Carmichael, CA

Photo of Kathleen McCarthy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathleen McCarthy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carmichael, CA 95608
I am a trauma therapist specializing in EMDR and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, a lack of self compassion or general well being? You are not alone if you feel stuck in the past, uncertain of the future, or feel lost, confused and out of balance!
I am a trauma therapist specializing in EMDR and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, a lack of self compassion or general well being? You are not alone if you feel stuck in the past, uncertain of the future, or feel lost, confused and out of balance!
(916) 270-6593 View (916) 270-6593
Photo of Jill Miller, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608
I have completed Basic EMDR Training, and utilize DBT, CBT, Mindfulness, Narrative, Gestalt, Solution Focused and Motivational Interviewing.
I was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan and grew up in a single-parent family youngest of five children. I am also a trauma survivor. I completed my doctoral work at the University of Southern California, and my master’s at Loma Linda University, I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have 29 years of experience working with children, youth, families, and adults in non-profit, for-profit, government, acute care, and hospice settings, as well as private practice. My specialties include children, adolescents, grief, loss, abuse and neglect, and trauma.
I have completed Basic EMDR Training, and utilize DBT, CBT, Mindfulness, Narrative, Gestalt, Solution Focused and Motivational Interviewing.
I was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan and grew up in a single-parent family youngest of five children. I am also a trauma survivor. I completed my doctoral work at the University of Southern California, and my master’s at Loma Linda University, I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have 29 years of experience working with children, youth, families, and adults in non-profit, for-profit, government, acute care, and hospice settings, as well as private practice. My specialties include children, adolescents, grief, loss, abuse and neglect, and trauma.
(916) 314-7728 View (916) 314-7728
Photo of Adrienne Ramirez Emdrandifs, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Adrienne Ramirez Emdrandifs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95609  (Online Only)
As a therapist specializing in Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR, I am committed to facilitating deep, holistic healing.
As a therapist specializing in complex trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and dissociative disorders, I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the unique needs of each individual. My approach is rooted in a social justice lens, recognizing that the personal and psychological struggles my clients face often intersect with broader systemic issues, such as oppression, discrimination, and inequality.
As a therapist specializing in Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR, I am committed to facilitating deep, holistic healing.
As a therapist specializing in complex trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and dissociative disorders, I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the unique needs of each individual. My approach is rooted in a social justice lens, recognizing that the personal and psychological struggles my clients face often intersect with broader systemic issues, such as oppression, discrimination, and inequality.
(916) 299-7715 View (916) 299-7715
Photo of Seija Zimmerman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Seija Zimmerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carmichael, CA 95608
Waitlist for new clients
As a therapist I offer support in the form of non-judgmental discussion (traditional talk psychotherapy), specific training in coping skills (emotion regulation, learning to tolerate distress, communication skills, coping with other's feelings and thoughts, and managing thoughts more effectively), and EMDR & Somatic Psychotherapy.
Do you find yourself back in the same negative situations with the same kind of people and complaints, over and over? Are you a 'people pleaser'? Do you take care of everyone else first and end up feeling empty and angry? If so, I'd like to help. I work with individuals, couples or families that struggle with saying 'no' and setting healthy boundaries. The people I work with generally want to feel more in control of their lives, learn to manage life stressors and responsibilities effectively and have better relationships. We work together to bring balance back into life.
As a therapist I offer support in the form of non-judgmental discussion (traditional talk psychotherapy), specific training in coping skills (emotion regulation, learning to tolerate distress, communication skills, coping with other's feelings and thoughts, and managing thoughts more effectively), and EMDR & Somatic Psychotherapy.
Do you find yourself back in the same negative situations with the same kind of people and complaints, over and over? Are you a 'people pleaser'? Do you take care of everyone else first and end up feeling empty and angry? If so, I'd like to help. I work with individuals, couples or families that struggle with saying 'no' and setting healthy boundaries. The people I work with generally want to feel more in control of their lives, learn to manage life stressors and responsibilities effectively and have better relationships. We work together to bring balance back into life.
(916) 299-8083 View (916) 299-8083
Photo of Mike Everson - Everson Psychotherapy, Inc., MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Everson Psychotherapy, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Carmichael, CA 95608
Waitlist for new clients
I have been trained in Brainspotting and EMDR to assist people heal and live abundantly, especially from trauma, addictions, negative core beliefs, and anxiety.
I commend you for searching for help! My empathetic, caring, and encouraging approach along with my education, specialized training, and life experiences continues to be of help to most people, while having a niche with tween/teen boys, men, veterans, couples, and parents. My life experience with adoption, military life, leading non-profits, marital challenges, men's issues, raising teens, overcoming addictions, and struggles with faith may also help you. Training to help with trauma, addictions, depression, and anxiety with Brainspotting and EMDR can provide the healing you and your loved one's have been seeking for some time.
I have been trained in Brainspotting and EMDR to assist people heal and live abundantly, especially from trauma, addictions, negative core beliefs, and anxiety.
I commend you for searching for help! My empathetic, caring, and encouraging approach along with my education, specialized training, and life experiences continues to be of help to most people, while having a niche with tween/teen boys, men, veterans, couples, and parents. My life experience with adoption, military life, leading non-profits, marital challenges, men's issues, raising teens, overcoming addictions, and struggles with faith may also help you. Training to help with trauma, addictions, depression, and anxiety with Brainspotting and EMDR can provide the healing you and your loved one's have been seeking for some time.
(916) 597-1107 View (916) 597-1107
Photo of Jessica Darling, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Darling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carmichael, CA 95608
I do this via EMDR and traditional talk therapy techniques.
You've been doing all the right things. You are a good friend, you work hard, you love deeply, and sometimes things feel like they run along smoothly while other times it all falls to pieces and you feel like nothing you do is right. You don't really want to throw your hands in the air and quit, but now and then the fantasy of running off to a tropical island and starting over sounds luxurious and relieving. There's hope! You CAN have the peaceful life you dream about right here in this life that you're currently living without throwing in the towel.
I do this via EMDR and traditional talk therapy techniques.
You've been doing all the right things. You are a good friend, you work hard, you love deeply, and sometimes things feel like they run along smoothly while other times it all falls to pieces and you feel like nothing you do is right. You don't really want to throw your hands in the air and quit, but now and then the fantasy of running off to a tropical island and starting over sounds luxurious and relieving. There's hope! You CAN have the peaceful life you dream about right here in this life that you're currently living without throwing in the towel.
(530) 464-1625 View (530) 464-1625
Photo of Michael Thaden, MS, LMFT, ATR-BC, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael Thaden
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, ATR-BC, CHT
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist, a Certified EMDR Therapist, an IFS Therapist, and a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist.
I believe we come to our most difficult passages in life at opportune times in order to grow toward our true capacity and purpose. I respect that my clients possess the seeds of awareness and expertise to find answers and solutions to their own problems. My role is to facilitate a compassionate perspective to assist in working through difficult emotions, reactive defenses, or protective habits, and open attention back to fruitful areas. I am an advocate for personal development, collaborating in finding useful vantage points for expanding visibility, encouraging resolution, and resumption of the innate growth process.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist, a Certified EMDR Therapist, an IFS Therapist, and a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist.
I believe we come to our most difficult passages in life at opportune times in order to grow toward our true capacity and purpose. I respect that my clients possess the seeds of awareness and expertise to find answers and solutions to their own problems. My role is to facilitate a compassionate perspective to assist in working through difficult emotions, reactive defenses, or protective habits, and open attention back to fruitful areas. I am an advocate for personal development, collaborating in finding useful vantage points for expanding visibility, encouraging resolution, and resumption of the innate growth process.
(916) 259-3990 View (916) 259-3990
Photo of Leslie Davis - Leslie Davis, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leslie Davis, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608
I not only trained in, but am certified as an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist. I've helped people find solutions to their lack of connection and happiness for more than 26 years. I walk alongside my clients to help them understand and change old patterns that keep them stuck. I am trained in EMDR and EFT (tapping), as well as Internal Family Systems. These techniques help empower you to cope in an often "triggering" world. When you feel empowered, you are more effective in your life. And who doesn't want to feel effective?
I not only trained in, but am certified as an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist. I've helped people find solutions to their lack of connection and happiness for more than 26 years. I walk alongside my clients to help them understand and change old patterns that keep them stuck. I am trained in EMDR and EFT (tapping), as well as Internal Family Systems. These techniques help empower you to cope in an often "triggering" world. When you feel empowered, you are more effective in your life. And who doesn't want to feel effective?
(916) 347-4708 View (916) 347-4708
Photo of Kristen Crichton, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristen Crichton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Carmichael, CA 95608
I regularly integrate EMDR into my work with clients to help get them un-stuck from the trauma and wounds of the past.
You are making a huge step in reaching out for help right now! I understand how overwhelming it can be choosing the right therapist for you. My hope is that in choosing to work with me, you will find a safe and supportive environment where you can work through some of life's toughest issues. I feel confident that I can give you the tools you need to get through this trial. I have been successfully helping individuals, couples and families get un-stuck for over a decade. I hope you will give me the chance to help you too!
I regularly integrate EMDR into my work with clients to help get them un-stuck from the trauma and wounds of the past.
You are making a huge step in reaching out for help right now! I understand how overwhelming it can be choosing the right therapist for you. My hope is that in choosing to work with me, you will find a safe and supportive environment where you can work through some of life's toughest issues. I feel confident that I can give you the tools you need to get through this trial. I have been successfully helping individuals, couples and families get un-stuck for over a decade. I hope you will give me the chance to help you too!
(916) 226-4738 View (916) 226-4738
Photo of Jan Osborn, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jan Osborn
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608
I have provided individual, couple and family therapy to the community for 25 years and strongly believe that healing and growth is possible. Particular specialties include couple and family therapy including LGBT, anxiety, addiction, grief, and trauma. I utilize both traditional therapy and EMDR (for trauma). We all have past hurts and traumas. Until healed these impact our current relationships and EMDR is a quicker treatment with lasting results.
I have provided individual, couple and family therapy to the community for 25 years and strongly believe that healing and growth is possible. Particular specialties include couple and family therapy including LGBT, anxiety, addiction, grief, and trauma. I utilize both traditional therapy and EMDR (for trauma). We all have past hurts and traumas. Until healed these impact our current relationships and EMDR is a quicker treatment with lasting results.
(916) 525-7900 View (916) 525-7900
Photo of Jeannette L Phelan, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jeannette L Phelan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608
I approach therapy with passion and a deep respect for the therapeutic process. And while therapy can bring about positive changes, it can be difficult and painful at times .It requires courage and commitment to be willing to trust the process. I am humbled and grateful be a part of someones journey and healing. The clients i work with include individuals, couples, and families that are experiencing depression, PTSD, communication issues, negative self image, and low self worth. Modalities may include EMDR, CBT, Psychodynamic, Client-Centered, DBT and others as appropriate.
I approach therapy with passion and a deep respect for the therapeutic process. And while therapy can bring about positive changes, it can be difficult and painful at times .It requires courage and commitment to be willing to trust the process. I am humbled and grateful be a part of someones journey and healing. The clients i work with include individuals, couples, and families that are experiencing depression, PTSD, communication issues, negative self image, and low self worth. Modalities may include EMDR, CBT, Psychodynamic, Client-Centered, DBT and others as appropriate.
(916) 546-1166 View (916) 546-1166
Photo of Melissa Frazier, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Frazier
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR, EMDR Flash Technique, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping), Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), Polyvagal Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and many other theories that inform the treatment I provide.
My ideal client is an individual seeking powerful change and who is also willing to look beyond traditional talk therapy to achieve it. I combine both insight-oriented talk therapy and body based therapies such as the Safe and Sound Protocol, EMDR Flash Technique, and EFT Tapping for optimal, rapid, results.
I am trained in EMDR, EMDR Flash Technique, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping), Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), Polyvagal Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and many other theories that inform the treatment I provide.
My ideal client is an individual seeking powerful change and who is also willing to look beyond traditional talk therapy to achieve it. I combine both insight-oriented talk therapy and body based therapies such as the Safe and Sound Protocol, EMDR Flash Technique, and EFT Tapping for optimal, rapid, results.
(916) 571-0095 View (916) 571-0095
Photo of Brenda L Morelos, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brenda L Morelos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carmichael, CA 95608
With 20 years of experience, I am skilled in EMDR which is a process that can relieve fear and anxiety in a relatively short time.
I specialize in helping people who are experiencing life transitions, anxiety, stress and distress. With a personable, warm and engaging approach, I want to help you boost your confidence, achieve your goals, and improve your relationships.
With 20 years of experience, I am skilled in EMDR which is a process that can relieve fear and anxiety in a relatively short time.
I specialize in helping people who are experiencing life transitions, anxiety, stress and distress. With a personable, warm and engaging approach, I want to help you boost your confidence, achieve your goals, and improve your relationships.
(916) 794-8782 View (916) 794-8782
Photo of Charise Spencer, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Charise Spencer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carmichael, CA 95608
I am trauma informed, LGBTQIA+ friendly, love & am experienced with intimate partner/family relationships, offer EMDR, & telehealth services across CA.
You want to live the life you imagined for yourself; however, you find that self-criticism, painful past experiences, & negative feedback from others are taking up most of the space in your head. Your mental & physical energy are drained, leaving you feeling stuck and unmotivated. Your joy & hope are held captive & you find yourself in survival mode doing just what it takes to get through the day. You look at others & long for the success, confidence, & meaningful relationships that they seem to have mastered. You've tried many things (maybe even other therapists) & haven't achieved lasting change.
I am trauma informed, LGBTQIA+ friendly, love & am experienced with intimate partner/family relationships, offer EMDR, & telehealth services across CA.
You want to live the life you imagined for yourself; however, you find that self-criticism, painful past experiences, & negative feedback from others are taking up most of the space in your head. Your mental & physical energy are drained, leaving you feeling stuck and unmotivated. Your joy & hope are held captive & you find yourself in survival mode doing just what it takes to get through the day. You look at others & long for the success, confidence, & meaningful relationships that they seem to have mastered. You've tried many things (maybe even other therapists) & haven't achieved lasting change.
(916) 602-4367 View (916) 602-4367
Photo of Heidi Khalil, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heidi Khalil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608
While my focus in the past has been cognitive behavior therapy, problem-solving therapy, and psychodynamic work, I am currently getting certified as an EMDR therapist from the EMDR Institute.
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and parenting issues. I also have experience working with clients coping with life changes. I worked with children and their families for nine years, but I prefer to utilize play therapy, so the platform is not conducive to that. I have also worked with adolescents and adults and feel competent in treating them. Utilizing EMDR has been very effective with trauma, anxiety, and depression.
While my focus in the past has been cognitive behavior therapy, problem-solving therapy, and psychodynamic work, I am currently getting certified as an EMDR therapist from the EMDR Institute.
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and parenting issues. I also have experience working with clients coping with life changes. I worked with children and their families for nine years, but I prefer to utilize play therapy, so the platform is not conducive to that. I have also worked with adolescents and adults and feel competent in treating them. Utilizing EMDR has been very effective with trauma, anxiety, and depression.
(909) 655-5233 View (909) 655-5233
Photo of Kristine Ibrahimi, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristine Ibrahimi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608
Hi, I'm Kristine Ibrahimi and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am based in Irvine, California, and offer therapy throughout anywhere in California via telehealth. I am dedicated to fostering a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental space where you can navigate life's challenges, gain deeper self-understanding, and become the best version of yourself. I am passionate about guiding individuals on their journeys toward self-discovery, resilience, and enhanced overall life satisfaction.
Hi, I'm Kristine Ibrahimi and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am based in Irvine, California, and offer therapy throughout anywhere in California via telehealth. I am dedicated to fostering a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental space where you can navigate life's challenges, gain deeper self-understanding, and become the best version of yourself. I am passionate about guiding individuals on their journeys toward self-discovery, resilience, and enhanced overall life satisfaction.
(916) 775-8296 View (916) 775-8296
Photo of Martha Nunez, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Martha Nunez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608
Waitlist for new clients
Do often find yourself wondering what you can do to feel better? Do you feel sad or feel that you have no energy or oomph? Do you want a break from the stress? Maybe you are worried about your teen and not sure how to help them. You may wonder if you will ever find answers to your problems. It seems like you’ve tried everything but nothing works, at least not for very long. Maybe you've even tried therapy before, but it's only helped temporarily. It can be scary to reach out to a therapist because you want to make sure it’s someone who you can really connect with and also someone who will keep you in the loop.
Do often find yourself wondering what you can do to feel better? Do you feel sad or feel that you have no energy or oomph? Do you want a break from the stress? Maybe you are worried about your teen and not sure how to help them. You may wonder if you will ever find answers to your problems. It seems like you’ve tried everything but nothing works, at least not for very long. Maybe you've even tried therapy before, but it's only helped temporarily. It can be scary to reach out to a therapist because you want to make sure it’s someone who you can really connect with and also someone who will keep you in the loop.
(916) 347-4460 View (916) 347-4460
Photo of Alexandra Northern, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alexandra Northern
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome, my name is Alexandra Northern, LMFT practicing since 2009. The things that I have come to learn and believe about therapy are; 1. the power of a good fit between client and therapist is boundless 2. if you are not feeling progress after a fair amount of time talk to your therapist about it; the techniques being used may not be a good fit 3. there is no emotion unable to be helped by the therapeutic experience as long as you are open 4. vulnerability is a part of any great movement in life.
Hello and welcome, my name is Alexandra Northern, LMFT practicing since 2009. The things that I have come to learn and believe about therapy are; 1. the power of a good fit between client and therapist is boundless 2. if you are not feeling progress after a fair amount of time talk to your therapist about it; the techniques being used may not be a good fit 3. there is no emotion unable to be helped by the therapeutic experience as long as you are open 4. vulnerability is a part of any great movement in life.
(279) 205-3671 View (279) 205-3671
Photo of Diana Orozco, LPCC, Counselor
Diana Orozco
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Carmichael, CA 95608
My name is Diana Orozco, and I go by Didi. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in San Diego, California, and am able to work with clients via telehealth throughout California. I work with adults and specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress management using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I am bilingual (Spanish-speaking) and offer culturally adaptive services to support clients in their healing journey.
My name is Diana Orozco, and I go by Didi. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in San Diego, California, and am able to work with clients via telehealth throughout California. I work with adults and specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress management using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I am bilingual (Spanish-speaking) and offer culturally adaptive services to support clients in their healing journey.
(510) 462-5849 View (510) 462-5849
Photo of Jenna Ghazanfari, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jenna Ghazanfari
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carmichael, CA 95608
Do you find yourself taking care of everyone else's needs rather than your own? Do you often feel self-conscious, judge yourself harshly, and worry about making mistakes? Are you struggling with anxiety or insomnia? Many of us had experiences in childhood that made us feel that we weren’t good enough or that we had to be perfect in order to be loved. These beliefs are so ingrained in us that we often aren’t even aware that they exist, but they affect how we see ourselves, how we see the world, and how we relate to others. The good news is that these beliefs CAN be changed.
Do you find yourself taking care of everyone else's needs rather than your own? Do you often feel self-conscious, judge yourself harshly, and worry about making mistakes? Are you struggling with anxiety or insomnia? Many of us had experiences in childhood that made us feel that we weren’t good enough or that we had to be perfect in order to be loved. These beliefs are so ingrained in us that we often aren’t even aware that they exist, but they affect how we see ourselves, how we see the world, and how we relate to others. The good news is that these beliefs CAN be changed.
(916) 571-0594 View (916) 571-0594
1
EMDR Therapists

Who is EMDR for?

EMDR was initially developed as a treatment for individuals with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for whom memories of a deeply distressing experience can be inadvertently triggered by random everyday events. The procedure has since been applied in the treatment of many other conditions. For example, it is used by some therapists to treat anxiety disorders including panic and phobias, depression, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and some personality disorders. It is suitable for adolescents and adults.

Why do people need EMDR?

People need EMDR as a way to manage distressing memories that in some way hamper the ability to function in the present. The procedure is believed to target the way memories are stored in the brain. Evidence indicates that past disturbing experiences cause ongoing distress because they were not adequately processed, and when such memories are triggered in the present, they are accompanied by all the emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations as the initial experience.

What problems does EMDR treat?

First and foremost, EMDR is intended as a treatment for PTSD, to defuse distressing memories that intrude on and impair everyday functioning. It is also often used to help those who are subject to panic attacks, phobias, and other forms of anxiety. In addition, EMDR has been used to treat individuals with depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders.

What happens in EMDR therapy?

First the therapist takes an individual’s history, and then the therapist and client decide which distressing experience(s) will be the target(s) of the exercise, delivered via a side-to-side visual stimulus requiring lateral eye movements. The client will be asked to activate thoughts, feelings, and any body sensations related to the troubling experience. The eye movements are said to reduce the emotional charge of the memory, so that the experience can then be safely discussed with the therapist and digested, minimizing its ability to trigger anxiety.