EMDR Therapists in Castro Valley, CA
![Photo of Sonia Malek, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/269e07d6-1d74-4491-bdd6-ed58ddca3085/1/320x400.png)
Sonia Malek
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
For individuals interested in EMDR, we can discuss if it's a good fit for you as well.
My focus is on working with you to address current challenges, process past difficulties, and develop tools to overcome hurdles in relationships and daily life. I frequently work with individuals going through life changes, experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma, and couples with communication and conflict concerns. In addition, I work with neurodivergent individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, and parents, including parents of children with disabilities.
For individuals interested in EMDR, we can discuss if it's a good fit for you as well.
My focus is on working with you to address current challenges, process past difficulties, and develop tools to overcome hurdles in relationships and daily life. I frequently work with individuals going through life changes, experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma, and couples with communication and conflict concerns. In addition, I work with neurodivergent individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, and parents, including parents of children with disabilities.
![Photo of Alice Philips, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c207e48-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alice Philips
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Specialty: Ending addictions with EMDR and Image Transformation Therapy in very few sessions.
"Know thyself."
Until we know ourselves, we are tossed around by life's events and our circumstances whether work- related, relationships, or families. I believe that you know yourself better than anyone and have the answers in you already. By providing a safe place for you to discuss your thoughts and feelings, I am confident that you will arrive at solutions to your problems freeing you to make choices that lead to creating and accomplishing goals. I provide support, understanding, and a non-judgmental atmosphere where personal growth is not only possible, but can be achieved.
Specialty: Ending addictions with EMDR and Image Transformation Therapy in very few sessions.
"Know thyself."
Until we know ourselves, we are tossed around by life's events and our circumstances whether work- related, relationships, or families. I believe that you know yourself better than anyone and have the answers in you already. By providing a safe place for you to discuss your thoughts and feelings, I am confident that you will arrive at solutions to your problems freeing you to make choices that lead to creating and accomplishing goals. I provide support, understanding, and a non-judgmental atmosphere where personal growth is not only possible, but can be achieved.
![Photo of Susie Valle, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f275492-4489-437a-aa80-8afedae7e4e4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susie Valle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546 (Online Only)
Hello there, I'm Susie. I'm a bilingual therapist who speaks English and Spanish. I have specialized training in Art Therapy and EMDR. In my work with individuals and groups, I am compassionate, collaborative, culturally sensitive and creative.
Hello there, I'm Susie. I'm a bilingual therapist who speaks English and Spanish. I have specialized training in Art Therapy and EMDR. In my work with individuals and groups, I am compassionate, collaborative, culturally sensitive and creative.
![Photo of Devera Jackson-Garber, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1aab4d5a-2728-4a9e-8355-a426fee7c958/1/320x400.jpeg)
Devera Jackson-Garber
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
I offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other therapies to help individuals heal from trauma: e.
You are beautiful and deserve to be celebrated! As a Black Woman, Teen, Girl, and/or Queer person in a world that tries to stamp or silence you, you have survived some difficult things. Maybe someone significantly hurt you in childhood, or you experienced trauma as an adult. Maybe you lost someone and the grief feels unbearable. You have been trying to move on, but this "thing" just won't let you. Fortunately, there is help. You can recover and live a fulfilling life. You can feel more like yourself again and create the life that you want and deserve. A life of wholeness, joy, and freedom IS possible for you.
I offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other therapies to help individuals heal from trauma: e.
You are beautiful and deserve to be celebrated! As a Black Woman, Teen, Girl, and/or Queer person in a world that tries to stamp or silence you, you have survived some difficult things. Maybe someone significantly hurt you in childhood, or you experienced trauma as an adult. Maybe you lost someone and the grief feels unbearable. You have been trying to move on, but this "thing" just won't let you. Fortunately, there is help. You can recover and live a fulfilling life. You can feel more like yourself again and create the life that you want and deserve. A life of wholeness, joy, and freedom IS possible for you.
![Photo of Annia Raysberg, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42981011-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Annia Raysberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
I work with individuals, couples, and families. I tend to be interactive and collaborative; I provide a warm & supportive environment to help my clients achieve positive changes in their lives. I am non-judgmental and open minded. I create an individual treatment plan and approach for each client based on each person's needs and preferences. I offer phone/video sessions if appropriate. I am Certified in EMDR which means I have advanced training in this modality (beyond basic training). EMDR is used to re-process traumatic memories, and it can be applied to other things as well. I use the Flash Technique as well.
I work with individuals, couples, and families. I tend to be interactive and collaborative; I provide a warm & supportive environment to help my clients achieve positive changes in their lives. I am non-judgmental and open minded. I create an individual treatment plan and approach for each client based on each person's needs and preferences. I offer phone/video sessions if appropriate. I am Certified in EMDR which means I have advanced training in this modality (beyond basic training). EMDR is used to re-process traumatic memories, and it can be applied to other things as well. I use the Flash Technique as well.
![Photo of Dr. Deborah Ronay, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc4a2cfd-d9d1-4c2b-bbdd-2c85881420c0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Deborah Ronay
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546 (Online Only)
I do EMDR, a treatment for trauma that is highly effective and brief with children, teens and adults.
Virtual sessions ONLY. Taking this first step of looking for a therapist might feel difficult and overwhelming, yet it is crucial in order to begin to feel better. Fostering your healing will come from our ability to work together and our capacity for real dialogue on how effective our work is. I will strive to both support and challenge you as we strengthen your capacity for mindfulness, insight and greater joy in your life. We will collaborate to discover ways in which you are already resilient against challenges while encouraging you to tap into your capacity for growth and change.
I do EMDR, a treatment for trauma that is highly effective and brief with children, teens and adults.
Virtual sessions ONLY. Taking this first step of looking for a therapist might feel difficult and overwhelming, yet it is crucial in order to begin to feel better. Fostering your healing will come from our ability to work together and our capacity for real dialogue on how effective our work is. I will strive to both support and challenge you as we strengthen your capacity for mindfulness, insight and greater joy in your life. We will collaborate to discover ways in which you are already resilient against challenges while encouraging you to tap into your capacity for growth and change.
![Photo of Evan Alves, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/238e967b-1a4b-4dba-b003-587b61c9d8fd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Evan Alves
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546 (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Evan Alves, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. No two people are alike, so I do not use a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. I am trained in various modalities and want to tailor treatment to your specified needs. I have experience treating trauma, anxiety, and depression amongst many other mental health needs. Let’s work together towards feeling better. My approach is eclectic and really dependent on the client's needs. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR, and motivational interviewing. I like to use a collaborative approach with clients.
Hi, my name is Evan Alves, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. No two people are alike, so I do not use a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. I am trained in various modalities and want to tailor treatment to your specified needs. I have experience treating trauma, anxiety, and depression amongst many other mental health needs. Let’s work together towards feeling better. My approach is eclectic and really dependent on the client's needs. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR, and motivational interviewing. I like to use a collaborative approach with clients.
![Photo of Anthony Lopez, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88d656d4-9c89-47d2-aa33-a4c8166b1b8c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I focus solely on males' and men's issues. I take an integrative approach and am trained in various forms of therapy. My niches include Christian Counseling, College Counseling, EMDR, multicultural struggles, depression, and anxiety. I am most sought for Christian Counseling, but I love working with non-Christians! My therapy style is Down to earth, Compassionate, Simple Language, Practical Examples, laid back, comical, and modern at times. I use plain language and simple examples. I maintain a relaxed and safe environment. I encourage people to be themselves and not put on a “front.”
I focus solely on males' and men's issues. I take an integrative approach and am trained in various forms of therapy. My niches include Christian Counseling, College Counseling, EMDR, multicultural struggles, depression, and anxiety. I am most sought for Christian Counseling, but I love working with non-Christians! My therapy style is Down to earth, Compassionate, Simple Language, Practical Examples, laid back, comical, and modern at times. I use plain language and simple examples. I maintain a relaxed and safe environment. I encourage people to be themselves and not put on a “front.”
![Photo of Lauren Nicole Hill, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46c11919-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Nicole Hill
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546 (Online Only)
Lauren’s speciality is in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression and relationships. One of the techniques she uses is called EMDR which helps reduce the effects that traumatic event (s) and panic are having on a persons life. She also has a breadth of knowledge and experience in CBT and DBT which has been shown to help reduce anxiety and depression.
Lauren’s speciality is in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression and relationships. One of the techniques she uses is called EMDR which helps reduce the effects that traumatic event (s) and panic are having on a persons life. She also has a breadth of knowledge and experience in CBT and DBT which has been shown to help reduce anxiety and depression.
![Photo of Adriana Flores-Trespalacios - Flores Psychobehavioral Services, MA, LPCC, BCB, BCN, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/492d3626-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Flores Psychobehavioral Services
Counselor, MA, LPCC, BCB, BCN
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
In my practice I use talk therapy, including EMDR and CBT in conjunction with biofeedback and Neurofeedback.
I am a psychotherapist specialized in developmental Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
In my practice I use talk therapy, including EMDR and CBT in conjunction with biofeedback and Neurofeedback.
I am a psychotherapist specialized in developmental Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
![Photo of Bernadette G Murphy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4009f2ad-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have an attachment focused EMDR certification.
If your browsing this site it might be safe to say that you want to change something about your life. I welcome hearing your story and offer you a safe place to share your concerns. Sometimes we can find ourselves stuck and unsure how to make the shift away from dysfunctional patterns or lifestyles. Perhaps it's ongoing negative mental chatter, low self-worth, anger, addiction or heightened anxiety from a stressed out way of living that blocks that inner peace. I recognize your courage in reaching out. Please know that I am here to patiently offer guidance and reassurance as we journey together towards learning the tools of change.
I have an attachment focused EMDR certification.
If your browsing this site it might be safe to say that you want to change something about your life. I welcome hearing your story and offer you a safe place to share your concerns. Sometimes we can find ourselves stuck and unsure how to make the shift away from dysfunctional patterns or lifestyles. Perhaps it's ongoing negative mental chatter, low self-worth, anger, addiction or heightened anxiety from a stressed out way of living that blocks that inner peace. I recognize your courage in reaching out. Please know that I am here to patiently offer guidance and reassurance as we journey together towards learning the tools of change.
15 Second Videos
Devera Jackson-Garber
Annia Raysberg
Jennifer Villena
Michael S Gelbart
Sandra Ellen Norris
![Photo of Jennifer Villena - Jennifer Villena, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11ba42ad-7e8b-47ae-ae97-91677184bcb7/4/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Villena
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
I believe in using a holistic approach and various therapeutic techniques, including EMDR, CBT, expressive arts, and mindfulness, to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.
I completely understand that life can be tough sometimes and we all need someone to rely on. That's where I come in. I am here to offer you a safe space, a listening ear, and support. Whether you're dealing with trauma, career challenges, relationship struggles, or low self-esteem, I am here to support you every step of the way. And if you're going through grief, loss, microaggressions, abuse, or identity issues, please know that I am here for you and I will do everything in my power to help you cope and overcome these challenges. You are not alone.
I believe in using a holistic approach and various therapeutic techniques, including EMDR, CBT, expressive arts, and mindfulness, to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.
I completely understand that life can be tough sometimes and we all need someone to rely on. That's where I come in. I am here to offer you a safe space, a listening ear, and support. Whether you're dealing with trauma, career challenges, relationship struggles, or low self-esteem, I am here to support you every step of the way. And if you're going through grief, loss, microaggressions, abuse, or identity issues, please know that I am here for you and I will do everything in my power to help you cope and overcome these challenges. You are not alone.
![Photo of Robyn Holmes-Cannon, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/819f5ec5-6805-497e-879c-8fac7e6c4948/2/320x400.jpeg)
Robyn Holmes-Cannon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Evidence-based approaches are practiced including EMDR, The Flash Technique, Somatic work, and MB-CBT to resolve anxiety, trauma, panic, chronic stress, and relational wounds.
If you or your child have been struggling with anxiety, panic, stress, trauma fears/phobias, or relationship/peer conflicts you have landed in the right place. I have had the honor of helping people for more than 22 yrs overcome their struggles and find or regain a greater sense of wellbeing. Several trauma-informed approaches are used but I believe the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in the therapy process. I aim to provide a therapeutic space that feels accepting, warm, empowering, and active while always bearing in mind the need for trust and safety at the center of our work together.
Evidence-based approaches are practiced including EMDR, The Flash Technique, Somatic work, and MB-CBT to resolve anxiety, trauma, panic, chronic stress, and relational wounds.
If you or your child have been struggling with anxiety, panic, stress, trauma fears/phobias, or relationship/peer conflicts you have landed in the right place. I have had the honor of helping people for more than 22 yrs overcome their struggles and find or regain a greater sense of wellbeing. Several trauma-informed approaches are used but I believe the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in the therapy process. I aim to provide a therapeutic space that feels accepting, warm, empowering, and active while always bearing in mind the need for trust and safety at the center of our work together.
![Photo of Kristin Porter, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9f5f92-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am also trained in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy as well as Healing Shame.
You can heal your life with your own mind/body! In today's stressful world, symptoms of anxiety, depression and troubled relationships are common. As an LMFT, I have 20+ years experience working with families, couples and individuals; healing traumas, mending relationships, reducing depression, anxiety and addiction and supporting personal growth. Focusing on "kindfulness," we work to shine a light of insight, offering profound transformation. With compassion and empathy, I guide clients to a deep sense of well-being which provides relief from many troubling symptoms and creates solutions to today's common modern life problems.
I am also trained in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy as well as Healing Shame.
You can heal your life with your own mind/body! In today's stressful world, symptoms of anxiety, depression and troubled relationships are common. As an LMFT, I have 20+ years experience working with families, couples and individuals; healing traumas, mending relationships, reducing depression, anxiety and addiction and supporting personal growth. Focusing on "kindfulness," we work to shine a light of insight, offering profound transformation. With compassion and empathy, I guide clients to a deep sense of well-being which provides relief from many troubling symptoms and creates solutions to today's common modern life problems.
![Photo of Joy Lee Johnson, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a3c89aa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
![Photo of Damaris Marquez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f25424f7-1332-4ee7-ae56-faadde517d4c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there, I'm Damaris! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in California and Texas who has worked in outpatient and inpatient settings. I am passionate about helping clients find strategies that allow them to address the root causes of difficulties, develop new coping skills for overwhelming emotions, reduce the intensity of symptoms, increase self-esteem, process thoughts, change unhelpful behaviors, and build meaningful connections. Although I enjoy working with clients of all ages on a variety of issues, my specialization is working with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD.
Hi there, I'm Damaris! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in California and Texas who has worked in outpatient and inpatient settings. I am passionate about helping clients find strategies that allow them to address the root causes of difficulties, develop new coping skills for overwhelming emotions, reduce the intensity of symptoms, increase self-esteem, process thoughts, change unhelpful behaviors, and build meaningful connections. Although I enjoy working with clients of all ages on a variety of issues, my specialization is working with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD.
![Photo of Hollis (Holly) A. Byers, MS, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f8cfa87-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hollis (Holly) A. Byers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Are you or your family under stress, or does personal tension or relational conflict rule the day? Are you experiencing a transition, a divorce, a loss, or have new partners entered the family picture? Do you worry that your child is depressed or anxious? Do you worry that you are not a good parent? For over 25 years, I have been helping people like you successfully resolve these issues. I help adults navigate individual and marital challenges and parents master the skills that parenting requires. I help teens make better choices as they come to know themselves.
Are you or your family under stress, or does personal tension or relational conflict rule the day? Are you experiencing a transition, a divorce, a loss, or have new partners entered the family picture? Do you worry that your child is depressed or anxious? Do you worry that you are not a good parent? For over 25 years, I have been helping people like you successfully resolve these issues. I help adults navigate individual and marital challenges and parents master the skills that parenting requires. I help teens make better choices as they come to know themselves.
![Photo of Michael S Gelbart, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c2b763a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michael S Gelbart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Waitlist for new clients
We’re living in a highly stressful society striving to balance our personal lives, relationships, family needs and work livelihoods to care for who and what is most important to us. Past trauma can interfere with our daily functioning and create isolation and mental unwellness. We all need support and guidance: good psychotherapy and relationship counseling can be a great benefit! I assess comprehensively, work pragmatically and use a well-developed tool kit! Together we work to help you balance emotions, shift unhelpful beliefs, resolve trauma, deepen forgiveness and forge new pathways to wellness and relationship health!
We’re living in a highly stressful society striving to balance our personal lives, relationships, family needs and work livelihoods to care for who and what is most important to us. Past trauma can interfere with our daily functioning and create isolation and mental unwellness. We all need support and guidance: good psychotherapy and relationship counseling can be a great benefit! I assess comprehensively, work pragmatically and use a well-developed tool kit! Together we work to help you balance emotions, shift unhelpful beliefs, resolve trauma, deepen forgiveness and forge new pathways to wellness and relationship health!
![Photo of Sandra Ellen Norris, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dc3761d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach balances compassion with being direct. My clients experience care, acceptance and belonging, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow, change and decrease suffering. I offer empathy while actively engaging my clients by setting weekly treatment goals, building coping tools/resources, and providing skills/knowledge to build self-awareness and integration. We are deeply influenced by our cultural identity and heritage. I am committed to the values of respecting and celebrating diversity, and supporting social/political policies of equal rights and opportunities.
My approach balances compassion with being direct. My clients experience care, acceptance and belonging, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow, change and decrease suffering. I offer empathy while actively engaging my clients by setting weekly treatment goals, building coping tools/resources, and providing skills/knowledge to build self-awareness and integration. We are deeply influenced by our cultural identity and heritage. I am committed to the values of respecting and celebrating diversity, and supporting social/political policies of equal rights and opportunities.
![Photo of Joanna Zygmont - Health and Wellness Psychology, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, AMFT, ACSW, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a41d7864-12af-4a27-8402-4ed0d09dcaee/3/320x400.jpeg)
Health and Wellness Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, AMFT, ACSW
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
No longer alone. We are here with you. In life, we experience different events, such as the recent pandemic, financial stress, overwhelming anxiety and pressure, the loss of a loved one, the unexpected divorce, a difficult birth, etc. and adjust the best we can, using our strengths and supports. We mostly do well. However, sometimes our coping strategies are insufficient to achieve our long term goals and heal our emotional and/or relationship wounds. You turn to others for support and guidance, such as family, friends, religious and ethnic community, and sometimes, you want to go deeper within yourself to seek out the answers.
No longer alone. We are here with you. In life, we experience different events, such as the recent pandemic, financial stress, overwhelming anxiety and pressure, the loss of a loved one, the unexpected divorce, a difficult birth, etc. and adjust the best we can, using our strengths and supports. We mostly do well. However, sometimes our coping strategies are insufficient to achieve our long term goals and heal our emotional and/or relationship wounds. You turn to others for support and guidance, such as family, friends, religious and ethnic community, and sometimes, you want to go deeper within yourself to seek out the answers.
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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, minimizing its ability to trigger anxiety.