EMDR Therapists in Clayton, CA
![Photo of Meghan Veronica Pardi, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08650a54-0117-4315-8e32-b03d071bc12e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Your Mental Health Matters, my goal is to be your guide, confidante and empathetic listening ear while you figure out what you want, what you need and how to get your life in a position where you feel fulfilled and balanced. The world can be a chaotic and stressful place. I am here to help anyone who is willing to process and explore their emotions to heal. The only goal to start with is making the call or sending the e-mail to ask for help. Speaking and hearing your truth can be scary but is necessary for the process of healing to begin. Therapy is a journey that I am honored to take with you to improve your quality of life.
Your Mental Health Matters, my goal is to be your guide, confidante and empathetic listening ear while you figure out what you want, what you need and how to get your life in a position where you feel fulfilled and balanced. The world can be a chaotic and stressful place. I am here to help anyone who is willing to process and explore their emotions to heal. The only goal to start with is making the call or sending the e-mail to ask for help. Speaking and hearing your truth can be scary but is necessary for the process of healing to begin. Therapy is a journey that I am honored to take with you to improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Kathleen E Sims, CHT, CRC, Pastoral Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eb9ba3e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I assist clients in healing their mind, emotions & history - creating permanent change - which clears the way so they can Live the Life for which their heart yearns. I specialize in Conscious Love Relationships that can last a lifetime. Along with Creating a Life of Meaning and Purpose, I have developed very powerful, permanent Change Processes and Coaching Tools - which can also help with self-esteem issues, anxiety, stress, panic, and PTSD. My sessions range from 75 minutes to 2 hours. Feel free to call 925 914-0098 for a Complimentary 30-minute consultation.
I assist clients in healing their mind, emotions & history - creating permanent change - which clears the way so they can Live the Life for which their heart yearns. I specialize in Conscious Love Relationships that can last a lifetime. Along with Creating a Life of Meaning and Purpose, I have developed very powerful, permanent Change Processes and Coaching Tools - which can also help with self-esteem issues, anxiety, stress, panic, and PTSD. My sessions range from 75 minutes to 2 hours. Feel free to call 925 914-0098 for a Complimentary 30-minute consultation.
![Photo of Brandy Dunn - Silver Lake Psychology, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f89ac502-2263-4fb5-aa87-fdadf22d6efa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
![Photo of Eric Anderson - Pathway Therapy Center, LMFT, CSAT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb0b829d-7c1a-4671-b0a4-02ded59bf9c7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Pathway Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S
Verified Verified
Clayton, CA 94517
At Pathway Therapy Center we help individuals and couples repair find recovery from sex and pornography addiction. Is your relationship in crisis because of a recent discovery? Have you just found out about your partner's affair or betrayal? Do you have a problem with a process addiction such as video gaming or compulsive spending? We are here to help with a team of expertly trained clinicians who specialize in helping those dealing with sexually addictive patterns and other process addictions. Further we have specialists who help partners deal with the impacts of having discovered that their relationship was not what they once thought it was.
At Pathway Therapy Center we help individuals and couples repair find recovery from sex and pornography addiction. Is your relationship in crisis because of a recent discovery? Have you just found out about your partner's affair or betrayal? Do you have a problem with a process addiction such as video gaming or compulsive spending? We are here to help with a team of expertly trained clinicians who specialize in helping those dealing with sexually addictive patterns and other process addictions. Further we have specialists who help partners deal with the impacts of having discovered that their relationship was not what they once thought it was.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Kimberly Kerlin, MA, LMFT, C-PMH, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35168346-4114-45b8-9c39-bae69f714cdb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Kerlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, C-PMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Online Only)
I also utilize EMDR for trauma treatment and CBT as needed.
Our earliest experiences of life form the foundation for the rest of our life. I work with adults struggling to heal old wounds and reduce anxiety and conflict in their lives. Whether you're finding your own childhood experiences being triggered by your child's or partner's behavior today; a working parent attempting to balance competing needs of your workplace, partner, or child; feeling overwhelmed by life transitions (ie. divorce, loss of a loved one, new job, etc), suffering from perinatal anxiety or depression, or someone who has experienced a trauma or distressing memory and wants to be free of its grip, I welcome you.
I also utilize EMDR for trauma treatment and CBT as needed.
Our earliest experiences of life form the foundation for the rest of our life. I work with adults struggling to heal old wounds and reduce anxiety and conflict in their lives. Whether you're finding your own childhood experiences being triggered by your child's or partner's behavior today; a working parent attempting to balance competing needs of your workplace, partner, or child; feeling overwhelmed by life transitions (ie. divorce, loss of a loved one, new job, etc), suffering from perinatal anxiety or depression, or someone who has experienced a trauma or distressing memory and wants to be free of its grip, I welcome you.
![Photo of David L Fore, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/836d0185-e61e-4e7b-b89d-f9f1128721d2/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am certified in Somatics, EMDR, and Parts Work.
I believe people can awake at any time to a full life, one that benefits themselves and others. Some therapy clients I see have a mental health disorder while others find themselves in rocky relationships or they feel trapped between conflicting impulses and expectations. Some are facing a difficult diagnosis or chronic pain or unrelenting grief. Others find themselves in a crisis of meaning or a spiritual emergence. Whatever the case, I help folks find their way to freeing themselves of mental and somatic patterns. I believe change is inevitable, and it’s best to put our hearts into it.
I am certified in Somatics, EMDR, and Parts Work.
I believe people can awake at any time to a full life, one that benefits themselves and others. Some therapy clients I see have a mental health disorder while others find themselves in rocky relationships or they feel trapped between conflicting impulses and expectations. Some are facing a difficult diagnosis or chronic pain or unrelenting grief. Others find themselves in a crisis of meaning or a spiritual emergence. Whatever the case, I help folks find their way to freeing themselves of mental and somatic patterns. I believe change is inevitable, and it’s best to put our hearts into it.
![Photo of Jessica Rebecca Treat, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bd4a1e2-677e-485b-af2b-aa5a10436fb8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Rebecca Treat
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
As a dedicated therapist, I specialize in providing compassionate support to individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My therapeutic approach is diverse, incorporating a range of skills and processing therapies to meet the unique needs of each client. Utilizing innovative techniques such as Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I guide clients through transformative journeys towards healing. I am particularly drawn to working with individuals who are motivated to make positive changes in their lives, helping them navigate the path to a more fulfilling life.
As a dedicated therapist, I specialize in providing compassionate support to individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My therapeutic approach is diverse, incorporating a range of skills and processing therapies to meet the unique needs of each client. Utilizing innovative techniques such as Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I guide clients through transformative journeys towards healing. I am particularly drawn to working with individuals who are motivated to make positive changes in their lives, helping them navigate the path to a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Rosilda James - Alves Psychotherapy , PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ef949fd-9195-4e8a-8b26-d1faf47b7c13/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in EMDR, PTSD, sexual problems, relational problems, racism, bicultural and cross cultural issues.
I have dedicated over 30 years to provide an avenue for healing to survivors of trauma. As an integrative therapist I am not restricted to a particular methodology or school of thought. Instead, I can draw on different methodologies and treatment modalities. I am a therapist who gets to the heart of the matter quickly. I can assist you in finding a higher level of inner peace. In this therapeutic relationship, you are nurtured while dealing with challenges, and together, we will explore practical solutions and strategies for your journey.
I specialize in EMDR, PTSD, sexual problems, relational problems, racism, bicultural and cross cultural issues.
I have dedicated over 30 years to provide an avenue for healing to survivors of trauma. As an integrative therapist I am not restricted to a particular methodology or school of thought. Instead, I can draw on different methodologies and treatment modalities. I am a therapist who gets to the heart of the matter quickly. I can assist you in finding a higher level of inner peace. In this therapeutic relationship, you are nurtured while dealing with challenges, and together, we will explore practical solutions and strategies for your journey.
![Photo of Caitlin Cotter, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6eeb0416-0f3f-4cb4-bda1-79e0b0b6be3e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I integrate Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and EMDR as well.
Pain and suffering in life is often caused by feeling stuck. With over ten years of experience, I love helping people get unstuck! I can bring skillful support to help yield the change you seek. I believe that everyone has the keys to unlocking themselves from within. However, that doesn’t mean you are on your own. A collaborative, therapeutic relationship can cultivate, restore and strengthen the connection to your own inner wisdom, bringing freedom and greater ease into your life.
I integrate Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and EMDR as well.
Pain and suffering in life is often caused by feeling stuck. With over ten years of experience, I love helping people get unstuck! I can bring skillful support to help yield the change you seek. I believe that everyone has the keys to unlocking themselves from within. However, that doesn’t mean you are on your own. A collaborative, therapeutic relationship can cultivate, restore and strengthen the connection to your own inner wisdom, bringing freedom and greater ease into your life.
![Photo of Yasmin Sadik, MS, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cae69c7-0bc5-4749-a40c-35ef0f0bf647/3/320x400.jpeg)
Yasmin Sadik
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94595 (Online Only)
Yasmin specializes in evidence based techniques like EMDR paired with Attachment, CBT, Mindfulness and DBT.
Yasmin Sadik offers customized problem-solving techniques to help you in the shortest amount of time possible. She will discuss with you unresolved trauma and present challenges that could be leading to anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
Yasmin specializes in evidence based techniques like EMDR paired with Attachment, CBT, Mindfulness and DBT.
Yasmin Sadik offers customized problem-solving techniques to help you in the shortest amount of time possible. She will discuss with you unresolved trauma and present challenges that could be leading to anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
![Photo of Katie Johnson, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05097c69-fba5-4420-8b84-ac755a735057/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome, I'm so glad you are searching for help for yourself. I specialize in working with people experiencing depression and anxiety. I have sucessfully treated adults and children with these issues for over 20 years. Whether it's day to day issues or trauma you've experienced that brings you to therapy, I work with you to decrease negative thoughts and behaviors. My focus is to put you back in charge of your life. In addition to treating depression and anxiety, I also work with special needs parents. I have significant experience with EMDR which has been very successful in reducing negative memories and flashbacks.
Hello and welcome, I'm so glad you are searching for help for yourself. I specialize in working with people experiencing depression and anxiety. I have sucessfully treated adults and children with these issues for over 20 years. Whether it's day to day issues or trauma you've experienced that brings you to therapy, I work with you to decrease negative thoughts and behaviors. My focus is to put you back in charge of your life. In addition to treating depression and anxiety, I also work with special needs parents. I have significant experience with EMDR which has been very successful in reducing negative memories and flashbacks.
![Photo of Sharon Andrews, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eeecb13d-3b02-4ee4-98d4-433795f27706/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sharon Andrews
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513 (Online Only)
I am passionate about therapy that produces lasting, inner healing! I use a combination of several psychological theories, depending on what will best meet my client's needs, including ImTT and EMDR, to help clients experience healing and change in the places where their pain originated. This not only creates symptom reduction and/or extinction but also produces an outcome of inner peace, joy and freedom, putting an end to trying harder, pretending or "white-knuckling" through. I love this work and look forward to connecting with you in your journey toward emotional wholeness!
I am passionate about therapy that produces lasting, inner healing! I use a combination of several psychological theories, depending on what will best meet my client's needs, including ImTT and EMDR, to help clients experience healing and change in the places where their pain originated. This not only creates symptom reduction and/or extinction but also produces an outcome of inner peace, joy and freedom, putting an end to trying harder, pretending or "white-knuckling" through. I love this work and look forward to connecting with you in your journey toward emotional wholeness!
![Photo of Cristina Mendoza, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e4e4244-8a71-4acb-8839-8ca2207800d8/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Cristina Mendoza, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I am based in Fresno, California, and am available to work with clients in person and via telehealth. I work with adults who are struggling with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, or adjustment issues using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Therapy is a very personal process so I want to be sure to utilize approaches that will best suit each individual client and their needs.
My name is Cristina Mendoza, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I am based in Fresno, California, and am available to work with clients in person and via telehealth. I work with adults who are struggling with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, or adjustment issues using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Therapy is a very personal process so I want to be sure to utilize approaches that will best suit each individual client and their needs.
![Photo of Barb Peppin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51182938-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Barb Peppin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Online Only)
I have had additional training in EMDR for PTSD.
I am a licensed therapist and a Christian. I have a passion for helping people who are broken and hurting, but have a desire to heal , and through the process of therapy seeing them grow and change. I enjoy watching God move in their lives towards a healthier more productive and satisfying life.
I have had additional training in EMDR for PTSD.
I am a licensed therapist and a Christian. I have a passion for helping people who are broken and hurting, but have a desire to heal , and through the process of therapy seeing them grow and change. I enjoy watching God move in their lives towards a healthier more productive and satisfying life.
![Photo of Jonathan Lindh, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a854939-39fc-40a4-b770-753247dfc750/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jonathan utilizes EMDR and attachment-based therapy to holistically augment the client’s personal growth and wellness.
At Blackhawk Family Development Center we strive to provide treatment that goes beyond symptom relief. Fundamentally, we believe that each person can achieve happiness and that happiness can be cultivated through internal resiliency. All of our services are steeped in a strength based approach. Whether we are working with a child, adolescent or adult our therapy and assessment services offer the opportunity to develop the positive self concept that promotes interactions fueled through resilience, innovation and positive intention.
Jonathan utilizes EMDR and attachment-based therapy to holistically augment the client’s personal growth and wellness.
At Blackhawk Family Development Center we strive to provide treatment that goes beyond symptom relief. Fundamentally, we believe that each person can achieve happiness and that happiness can be cultivated through internal resiliency. All of our services are steeped in a strength based approach. Whether we are working with a child, adolescent or adult our therapy and assessment services offer the opportunity to develop the positive self concept that promotes interactions fueled through resilience, innovation and positive intention.
Using tools such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Hypnotherapy, I will work with you to redeem your authentic self! I provide therapy in French and English I provide telehealth using a HIPPA compliant platform.
Are you unhappy? Do you feel less and less motivated and it's getting hard for you to be yourself fully? Are you anxious? Depressed? Angry? Do you feel misunderstood and blamed? Are you overwhelmed? Do you feel lost and you don't know what to do? My therapy services can help you. Using therapy tools that work, I will help you overcome the road blocks that are on the way to your true self and to your happiness. My therapy services are client centered, individualized and strength based. Most importantly, they are tailored to meet your values and cultural needs.
Using tools such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Hypnotherapy, I will work with you to redeem your authentic self! I provide therapy in French and English I provide telehealth using a HIPPA compliant platform.
Are you unhappy? Do you feel less and less motivated and it's getting hard for you to be yourself fully? Are you anxious? Depressed? Angry? Do you feel misunderstood and blamed? Are you overwhelmed? Do you feel lost and you don't know what to do? My therapy services can help you. Using therapy tools that work, I will help you overcome the road blocks that are on the way to your true self and to your happiness. My therapy services are client centered, individualized and strength based. Most importantly, they are tailored to meet your values and cultural needs.
![Photo of Rae C Hipolito, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bb1f19e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rae C Hipolito
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
Create joy and inner calm in your life. My role is to guide you in coming back to your wholeness. I am passionate about helping you heal your wounded parts. This wounding may show up as depression, anxiety, or PTSD in adulthood. My approach is heart-based; it is a fusion of experiential, somatic/body-oriented (releasing emotional pain which is stored in our bodies), gestalt, cognitive behavioral, EMDR, hypnosis, and internal family systems approaches. I don't focus on analyzing nor intellectualizing your past. We visit the past to let go of any pain or heal trauma.
Create joy and inner calm in your life. My role is to guide you in coming back to your wholeness. I am passionate about helping you heal your wounded parts. This wounding may show up as depression, anxiety, or PTSD in adulthood. My approach is heart-based; it is a fusion of experiential, somatic/body-oriented (releasing emotional pain which is stored in our bodies), gestalt, cognitive behavioral, EMDR, hypnosis, and internal family systems approaches. I don't focus on analyzing nor intellectualizing your past. We visit the past to let go of any pain or heal trauma.
![Photo of Brooke Hall - Brooke Hall, MFT, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc771a0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
These times are pretty darn challenging & I hope you are finding support! Therapy can certainly be a place to feel safe, connected, supported, & truly cared for. A place to find relief, time out, & a place to heal and sort things out. I work with issues ranging from low self-esteem to grief, transitions, depression, anxiety, work balance, overwhelm and more.. There are breakthrough psychological approaches that can provide hope and real results including EMDR, EFT, Heartmath, IFS and more. Psychotherapy has come a long ways in providing clarity, hope, direction, deep healing and just plain relief. I look forward to your call!
These times are pretty darn challenging & I hope you are finding support! Therapy can certainly be a place to feel safe, connected, supported, & truly cared for. A place to find relief, time out, & a place to heal and sort things out. I work with issues ranging from low self-esteem to grief, transitions, depression, anxiety, work balance, overwhelm and more.. There are breakthrough psychological approaches that can provide hope and real results including EMDR, EFT, Heartmath, IFS and more. Psychotherapy has come a long ways in providing clarity, hope, direction, deep healing and just plain relief. I look forward to your call!
![Photo of Sally LoGrasso, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b73d851-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sally LoGrasso
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (a body oriented talking approach) and I’m certified in TIST (Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment).
As a psychotherapist, I work to create a warm and safe environment where it is possible for you to be seen and understood. In my work I combine insight oriented talking therapy, with more cutting edge Somatic and Energy therapies. I will help you explore your beliefs and unconscious/habitual responses that are born from your original relationships. In exploring the positive and negative ways in which these beliefs and responses play out in your interpersonal relationships, you will understand yourself in new ways. It is out of this context that healing can take place.
Certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (a body oriented talking approach) and I’m certified in TIST (Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment).
As a psychotherapist, I work to create a warm and safe environment where it is possible for you to be seen and understood. In my work I combine insight oriented talking therapy, with more cutting edge Somatic and Energy therapies. I will help you explore your beliefs and unconscious/habitual responses that are born from your original relationships. In exploring the positive and negative ways in which these beliefs and responses play out in your interpersonal relationships, you will understand yourself in new ways. It is out of this context that healing can take place.
![Photo of Macy Schoenthaler, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e615c307-4869-4bd8-ad49-56d95c608272/1/320x400.jpeg)
Macy Schoenthaler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Antioch, CA 94509 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
EMDR is an evidence based and highly effective therapy that targets and quickly untangles those disruptive memories, in turn, allowing our minds to tap into that place of healing that exists within all of us.
When we have an experience that is traumatic or incredibly stressful, our brains have a hard time processing that memory. This can create symptoms such as, anxiety, depression, overwhelming emotions, difficult feelings, self-blame, or relationship problems, to name a few. If given the opportunity, our minds, like our bodies, have the innate ability to heal. The trouble with difficult experiences, however, is that these memories get tangled, leaving us feeling stuck or showing up in other destructive ways in our lives.
EMDR is an evidence based and highly effective therapy that targets and quickly untangles those disruptive memories, in turn, allowing our minds to tap into that place of healing that exists within all of us.
When we have an experience that is traumatic or incredibly stressful, our brains have a hard time processing that memory. This can create symptoms such as, anxiety, depression, overwhelming emotions, difficult feelings, self-blame, or relationship problems, to name a few. If given the opportunity, our minds, like our bodies, have the innate ability to heal. The trouble with difficult experiences, however, is that these memories get tangled, leaving us feeling stuck or showing up in other destructive ways in our lives.
See more therapy options for Clayton
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for Clayton
- Alamo
- Antioch
- Bay Point
- Brentwood
- Concord
- Danville
- Lafayette
- Martinez
- Pittsburg
- Pleasant Hill
- San Ramon
- Walnut Creek
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.