EMDR Therapists in Cotati, CA

Photo of Richard Giovannoli, PhD, Psychologist
Richard Giovannoli
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cotati, CA 94931
I am proficient in the use of EMDR, clinical hypnosis, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and the Humanistic-Existential paradigms.
There is nothing quite like emotional pain. We carry it with us everywhere. It messes up our life. Sometimes it makes us want to hide from other people; sometimes from ourselves. Sometimes we turn to various escapes to quiet that insistent feeling in our bodies. We look to one solution after another until we learn to mistrust every solution. And we are right. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. In fact, there isn't even a one-size-fits-all question. You are unique, and only you have the answer. My role is to help you find it.
I am proficient in the use of EMDR, clinical hypnosis, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and the Humanistic-Existential paradigms.
There is nothing quite like emotional pain. We carry it with us everywhere. It messes up our life. Sometimes it makes us want to hide from other people; sometimes from ourselves. Sometimes we turn to various escapes to quiet that insistent feeling in our bodies. We look to one solution after another until we learn to mistrust every solution. And we are right. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. In fact, there isn't even a one-size-fits-all question. You are unique, and only you have the answer. My role is to help you find it.
(707) 520-4995 View (707) 520-4995
Photo of Janine Orri (Hoffman Reyes), MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janine Orri (Hoffman Reyes)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cotati, CA 94931  (Online Only)
I am a licensed psychotherapist and former hospice grief counselor. I am founder of The Way Through - Grief and Loss Services, in Sebastopol, CA. I offer a multi-dimensional approach to clients facing grief and loss life situations. If you or someone you know is having difficulty with a divorce, separation, death or dying of loved one, or loss of life situation we can help you find The Way Through. Services include crisis intervention, biopsychosocial assessment, grief counseling, EMDR treatment, PTSD treatment, support groups and couples counseling. We also work with loss through drug and alcohol addiction and recovery, providing support and community resources.
I am a licensed psychotherapist and former hospice grief counselor. I am founder of The Way Through - Grief and Loss Services, in Sebastopol, CA. I offer a multi-dimensional approach to clients facing grief and loss life situations. If you or someone you know is having difficulty with a divorce, separation, death or dying of loved one, or loss of life situation we can help you find The Way Through. Services include crisis intervention, biopsychosocial assessment, grief counseling, EMDR treatment, PTSD treatment, support groups and couples counseling. We also work with loss through drug and alcohol addiction and recovery, providing support and community resources.
(707) 419-3322 View (707) 419-3322
Photo of Diana Breeze Holloway, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diana Breeze Holloway
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cotati, CA 94931
Waitlist for new clients
I bring training in hypnotherapy, EMDR, neurobiology, mindfulness, parts work, attachment, parenting and relationship dynamics.
We all come with baggage. It makes us who we are and yet it can be so heavy. My idea of therapy's purpose is to help clients lighten their load. Everybody wants to make healthier choices, to find joy in life. How that is done is individual and to be discovered. I have interest in and respect for the differences in people's experience. I also have faith in each person's ability to find a path to wholeness. If you have experienced trauma, suffer from anxiety, depression, or other disturbances we can find the way to access your own inner healing power.
I bring training in hypnotherapy, EMDR, neurobiology, mindfulness, parts work, attachment, parenting and relationship dynamics.
We all come with baggage. It makes us who we are and yet it can be so heavy. My idea of therapy's purpose is to help clients lighten their load. Everybody wants to make healthier choices, to find joy in life. How that is done is individual and to be discovered. I have interest in and respect for the differences in people's experience. I also have faith in each person's ability to find a path to wholeness. If you have experienced trauma, suffer from anxiety, depression, or other disturbances we can find the way to access your own inner healing power.
(707) 377-3039 View (707) 377-3039
Photo of Karen E. Prosen, LMFT, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karen E. Prosen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cotati, CA 94928
I work with a science-based combination of EMDR, somatics, parts therapy, and mindfulness to address the nervous system.
You deserve to live a life of alignment and fulfillment and to receive support as you do so. Taking the step to speak to a therapist is an act of self-honoring as you move in a new direction in your life. My ideal client is motivated and seeks a caring therapist willing to individualize treatment. If this is you, and you are interested in EMDR, parts work/IFS, and a somatic orientation, please don't hesitate to reach out to connect further.
I work with a science-based combination of EMDR, somatics, parts therapy, and mindfulness to address the nervous system.
You deserve to live a life of alignment and fulfillment and to receive support as you do so. Taking the step to speak to a therapist is an act of self-honoring as you move in a new direction in your life. My ideal client is motivated and seeks a caring therapist willing to individualize treatment. If this is you, and you are interested in EMDR, parts work/IFS, and a somatic orientation, please don't hesitate to reach out to connect further.
(707) 606-0216 View (707) 606-0216
Photo of Lori Jespersen, PsyD, Psychologist
Lori Jespersen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Cotati, CA 94931  (Online Only)
Practice areas include: diagnostics and understanding of complex issues including mood and thought disorders, trauma, substance abuse, marital and family struggles, phase of life challenges and aging & cognitive decline. Specialty work offered for identity-based communities. Practice limited to telehealth/online sessions only.
Practice areas include: diagnostics and understanding of complex issues including mood and thought disorders, trauma, substance abuse, marital and family struggles, phase of life challenges and aging & cognitive decline. Specialty work offered for identity-based communities. Practice limited to telehealth/online sessions only.
(707) 691-3797 View (707) 691-3797
Photo of Karen Gordon - Windows Health Clinic, LPCC
Windows Health Clinic
LPCC
Verified Verified
Cotati, CA 94931
Psychotherapy aims to equip us with tools for the difficulties of life. Anxiety, depression, stress, addiction, identity issues, and evidence of abuse may place demands on our ability to cope, and a trained professional is here to help. Couples therapy can create lasting positive change for couples encountering communication or intimacy roadblocks. It helps to identify patterns, triggers, and blindspots, and then provides approaches to help you feel understood and respected.
Psychotherapy aims to equip us with tools for the difficulties of life. Anxiety, depression, stress, addiction, identity issues, and evidence of abuse may place demands on our ability to cope, and a trained professional is here to help. Couples therapy can create lasting positive change for couples encountering communication or intimacy roadblocks. It helps to identify patterns, triggers, and blindspots, and then provides approaches to help you feel understood and respected.
(707) 397-9387 View (707) 397-9387
Photo of Carol Oppenheimer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carol Oppenheimer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cotati, CA 94926
Is your teen anxious, withdrawn, or engaging in behaviors that concern you? Is your child experiencing difficulty in school, with friendships, or managing their emotions? Young people often express their needs and emotions differently than adults, and it can be difficult for parents to understand or know what to do. In my practice, I help young people process what they are experiencing, and help parents understand and feel confident supporting their child's growth and development. In addition, I have extensive experience working with adults struggling with transitions, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression.
Is your teen anxious, withdrawn, or engaging in behaviors that concern you? Is your child experiencing difficulty in school, with friendships, or managing their emotions? Young people often express their needs and emotions differently than adults, and it can be difficult for parents to understand or know what to do. In my practice, I help young people process what they are experiencing, and help parents understand and feel confident supporting their child's growth and development. In addition, I have extensive experience working with adults struggling with transitions, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression.
(707) 329-4523 View (707) 329-4523
Photo of Denisse Mendoza, LMFT , LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Denisse Mendoza
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT , LPCC
Verified Verified
Cotati, CA 94926
Clients that I work with are looking to explore the difficult emotions that they are carrying & process events that they have experienced that are impacting their every day life. Stress, worries, & life satisfaction are often what bring clients to therapy however processing the needs not being met & how to shift our awareness to engage in life in a way forward are what I often support clients in working on. Processing trauma & past events can be a focus as this can help to change perspective, increase emotional vulnerability, explore relationships dynamics as well as increase the awareness that trauma has on the whole body.
Clients that I work with are looking to explore the difficult emotions that they are carrying & process events that they have experienced that are impacting their every day life. Stress, worries, & life satisfaction are often what bring clients to therapy however processing the needs not being met & how to shift our awareness to engage in life in a way forward are what I often support clients in working on. Processing trauma & past events can be a focus as this can help to change perspective, increase emotional vulnerability, explore relationships dynamics as well as increase the awareness that trauma has on the whole body.
(707) 314-3167 View (707) 314-3167

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lesley Aviva Cantor, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lesley Aviva Cantor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rohnert Park, CA 94927
I am trained in EMDR as well as EFT.
The bumper sticker on my car says DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK. This statement sums up one of the most important wishes that I have for my clients and supports the work that we will do together. It is my opinion that our beliefs about ourselves and the world are our most powerful tools for change (for good or ill) that we have. At your own pace, we will explore the ways that your beliefs affect your thoughts and feelings, and work toward your goals, both great and small.
I am trained in EMDR as well as EFT.
The bumper sticker on my car says DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK. This statement sums up one of the most important wishes that I have for my clients and supports the work that we will do together. It is my opinion that our beliefs about ourselves and the world are our most powerful tools for change (for good or ill) that we have. At your own pace, we will explore the ways that your beliefs affect your thoughts and feelings, and work toward your goals, both great and small.
View
Photo of Katie Dyer, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katie Dyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Rohnert Park, CA 94926
I use brainspotting, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems approaches.
For many of us, especially when we've tried before, it can feel impossible to even hope that change or healing may be possible. We feel blocked by moods, situations, patterns that we can't seem to change. On the other hand, many of us long to live a life in which we are wholly our self, to live from spaciousness and authenticity. If you're here, there's a part of you still holding hope. My approach in therapy is to address the parts of you that are hurting, to help them heal using trauma-informed modalities, then to help you to expand into whatever felt sense you are missing- calm, confidence, connectedness, clarity, ease.
I use brainspotting, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems approaches.
For many of us, especially when we've tried before, it can feel impossible to even hope that change or healing may be possible. We feel blocked by moods, situations, patterns that we can't seem to change. On the other hand, many of us long to live a life in which we are wholly our self, to live from spaciousness and authenticity. If you're here, there's a part of you still holding hope. My approach in therapy is to address the parts of you that are hurting, to help them heal using trauma-informed modalities, then to help you to expand into whatever felt sense you are missing- calm, confidence, connectedness, clarity, ease.
(707) 414-3650 View (707) 414-3650
Photo of Monica Linares, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monica Linares
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rohnert Park, CA 94928  (Online Only)
I am becoming an EMDR trained therapist and am trained in Level 1 and 2 of Gottman's Couples Counseling Method.
Many clients come to work with me at a time in their lives when they feel disconnected from themselves, stuck in their relationships, or when they are experiencing a major life transition. During these times, people often believe something is wrong with them and fear that others will judge them if they open up about their true feelings. As a result, many people stay quiet about their pain and feel lonely. Being a therapist has taught me that the struggles we encounter in life are far more common than we realize and your healing can be possible with my support.
I am becoming an EMDR trained therapist and am trained in Level 1 and 2 of Gottman's Couples Counseling Method.
Many clients come to work with me at a time in their lives when they feel disconnected from themselves, stuck in their relationships, or when they are experiencing a major life transition. During these times, people often believe something is wrong with them and fear that others will judge them if they open up about their true feelings. As a result, many people stay quiet about their pain and feel lonely. Being a therapist has taught me that the struggles we encounter in life are far more common than we realize and your healing can be possible with my support.
(510) 650-0263 View (510) 650-0263
Photo of Julee Loces, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julee Loces
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
I use various mindfulness skills to help my clients learn how to manage their emotions effectively, and I believe in only using evidence-based practices, such as EMDR and CBT so that we can count on seeing positive outcomes.
My name is Julee Loces, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I use a person-centered, individualized approach to therapy. I understand everyone is unique with their own values, experiences, and struggles in life. I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients from different races, cultures, and countries and who are dealing with different issues. I have experience in helping those who suffer from anxiety, depression, panic attacks, faith transitions, eating disorders, PTSD, and life stressors such as interpersonal relationships and school or job stress.
I use various mindfulness skills to help my clients learn how to manage their emotions effectively, and I believe in only using evidence-based practices, such as EMDR and CBT so that we can count on seeing positive outcomes.
My name is Julee Loces, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I use a person-centered, individualized approach to therapy. I understand everyone is unique with their own values, experiences, and struggles in life. I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients from different races, cultures, and countries and who are dealing with different issues. I have experience in helping those who suffer from anxiety, depression, panic attacks, faith transitions, eating disorders, PTSD, and life stressors such as interpersonal relationships and school or job stress.
(909) 639-6503 View (909) 639-6503
Photo of Holly Anton, PhD, Psychologist
Holly Anton
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Rohnert Park, CA 94926
Waitlist for new clients
I'm active in session and integrative in my approach, applying mindfulness-based therapies such as ACT, skills-based therapies, CBT, and EMDR - to help you experience both acceptance of who you are and the opportunity for change.
As a clinical psychologist for over 20 years, I help people move through their current challenges and ultimately toward that which matters most to them. Clients often come to therapy for anxiety, depression, grief, or major life changes such as retirement, parenthood, divorce, or serious health problems. Naturally, people want to feel relief from the isolation and suffering that these issues can cause. But I find that people also want therapy to help them feel more resilient, closer to those they love, kinder to themselves and more committed to their well-being. It all begins with a phone call.
I'm active in session and integrative in my approach, applying mindfulness-based therapies such as ACT, skills-based therapies, CBT, and EMDR - to help you experience both acceptance of who you are and the opportunity for change.
As a clinical psychologist for over 20 years, I help people move through their current challenges and ultimately toward that which matters most to them. Clients often come to therapy for anxiety, depression, grief, or major life changes such as retirement, parenthood, divorce, or serious health problems. Naturally, people want to feel relief from the isolation and suffering that these issues can cause. But I find that people also want therapy to help them feel more resilient, closer to those they love, kinder to themselves and more committed to their well-being. It all begins with a phone call.
(707) 870-0713 View (707) 870-0713
Photo of Hochima Denise Treppa, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Hochima Denise Treppa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
I have special training in Hypnotherapy, Psych-K, Emotion Code, EMDR, Grief Counseling, Childhood Depression, Play Therapy, Sandtray, Divorce Counseling, Somatic Experiencing, Research-based Couples' Counseling, Integrative Body Psychotherapy, Substance Abuse, Adult Children of Alcoholics issues, & issues of Sexual Abuse.
If you find you just are hitting a plateau which you cannot move beyond, the pain of your childhood or past trauma somehow comes up to keep you down or stuck in life or your relationships. You are seeking a Professional who is supportive, compassionate and understanding; who can help and guide you to your own answers, perfectly tailored for you, without shaming you or intimidating you. Or you are a parent and want this type of support for your child. I can help you free yourself from your past and grow into the great person you know is within you.
I have special training in Hypnotherapy, Psych-K, Emotion Code, EMDR, Grief Counseling, Childhood Depression, Play Therapy, Sandtray, Divorce Counseling, Somatic Experiencing, Research-based Couples' Counseling, Integrative Body Psychotherapy, Substance Abuse, Adult Children of Alcoholics issues, & issues of Sexual Abuse.
If you find you just are hitting a plateau which you cannot move beyond, the pain of your childhood or past trauma somehow comes up to keep you down or stuck in life or your relationships. You are seeking a Professional who is supportive, compassionate and understanding; who can help and guide you to your own answers, perfectly tailored for you, without shaming you or intimidating you. Or you are a parent and want this type of support for your child. I can help you free yourself from your past and grow into the great person you know is within you.
(707) 998-5922 View (707) 998-5922
Photo of Cheryl Nygard, PsyD, Psychologist
Cheryl Nygard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
I use EMDR to treat trauma as a stand-alone issue or in conjunction with eating disorder treatment.
Are you often feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious? Are you struggling with relationship issues, low self-esteem, trauma, PTSD, grief, or stress? Have you realized you are relying on food to change how you're feeling? If so, food has become your crutch and it's no different than using alcohol or drugs to numb, distract, and avoid dealing with the real underlying issue. And just like any other crutch, addiction or distraction, food will not solve the underlying problem. I am here to help you uncover the underlying issue, heal the hurt, restore balanced eating and create a sense of well-being.
I use EMDR to treat trauma as a stand-alone issue or in conjunction with eating disorder treatment.
Are you often feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious? Are you struggling with relationship issues, low self-esteem, trauma, PTSD, grief, or stress? Have you realized you are relying on food to change how you're feeling? If so, food has become your crutch and it's no different than using alcohol or drugs to numb, distract, and avoid dealing with the real underlying issue. And just like any other crutch, addiction or distraction, food will not solve the underlying problem. I am here to help you uncover the underlying issue, heal the hurt, restore balanced eating and create a sense of well-being.
(707) 241-3411 View (707) 241-3411
Photo of Jessica Quinones, LMFT, CCTP, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Quinones
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCTP, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
She's a skilled EFT and EMDR clinician, which are cutting edge therapies proven efficacious in moving clients forward, specially those feeling "stuck" in past hard to forget experiences.
In Napa Valley Counseling we provide bilingual psychotherapeutic services, Spanish/ English, and current best practices in therapeutic interventions. Our therapists offer current evidence based approach in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, depression, extreme stress, fear related issues and more. NVCS also provides Clinical Supervision and consultation for clinicians, educators and businesses. We work with individuals, couples counseling and family therapy. Ask us about our newest and upgraded version of Exposure Therapy (W.E.Tx.) where you can see reduction and elimination of symptoms in 5 sessions or less!
She's a skilled EFT and EMDR clinician, which are cutting edge therapies proven efficacious in moving clients forward, specially those feeling "stuck" in past hard to forget experiences.
In Napa Valley Counseling we provide bilingual psychotherapeutic services, Spanish/ English, and current best practices in therapeutic interventions. Our therapists offer current evidence based approach in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, depression, extreme stress, fear related issues and more. NVCS also provides Clinical Supervision and consultation for clinicians, educators and businesses. We work with individuals, couples counseling and family therapy. Ask us about our newest and upgraded version of Exposure Therapy (W.E.Tx.) where you can see reduction and elimination of symptoms in 5 sessions or less!
(707) 827-9293 View (707) 827-9293
Photo of Benjamin John Gustin, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Benjamin John Gustin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Rohnert Park, CA 94926
I particularly enjoy using EMDR for trauma and anxiety.
I believe the mind knows how to heal. Given the right conditions, our own wisdom guides us back to what makes us feel alive and whole. Therapy can be one of the conditions we need for healing. By becoming familiar with what blocks us and aligning with what we value and love, we begin to untangle the past and create the life we want.
I particularly enjoy using EMDR for trauma and anxiety.
I believe the mind knows how to heal. Given the right conditions, our own wisdom guides us back to what makes us feel alive and whole. Therapy can be one of the conditions we need for healing. By becoming familiar with what blocks us and aligning with what we value and love, we begin to untangle the past and create the life we want.
(707) 329-3712 View (707) 329-3712
Photo of Sadie N Novotny, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sadie N Novotny
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
I work exclusively with couples as well as individuals seeking treatment for PSTD. I offer couples a complete assessment of their relationship using Gottman assessments and evidence based tools to move their relationship in the direction they want. In regards to PTSD treatment, I use bilateral stimulation using a lightbar to help individuals process trauma. I am trained in EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy, both modalities are evidence based and effective in the treatment of trauma. We will work together to identify the best interventions for you.
I work exclusively with couples as well as individuals seeking treatment for PSTD. I offer couples a complete assessment of their relationship using Gottman assessments and evidence based tools to move their relationship in the direction they want. In regards to PTSD treatment, I use bilateral stimulation using a lightbar to help individuals process trauma. I am trained in EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy, both modalities are evidence based and effective in the treatment of trauma. We will work together to identify the best interventions for you.
(707) 593-7097 View (707) 593-7097
Photo of Garet Waterhouse, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Garet Waterhouse
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sex Therapy, EMDR, solution-focused therapy, and couples/relationship communication building.
Greetings! My practice has limited capacity, and is only able to accept new sex therapy and/or sexuality and relationship focused referrals as scheduling allows. I am no longer able to accept new insurance clients. I am licensed in California and Nevada, and offer video appointments as well as in person appointments for those in Sonoma County.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sex Therapy, EMDR, solution-focused therapy, and couples/relationship communication building.
Greetings! My practice has limited capacity, and is only able to accept new sex therapy and/or sexuality and relationship focused referrals as scheduling allows. I am no longer able to accept new insurance clients. I am licensed in California and Nevada, and offer video appointments as well as in person appointments for those in Sonoma County.
(707) 595-9424 View (707) 595-9424
Photo of Kaitlin Soule, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kaitlin Soule
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
I'm a Therapist, Mom, Author, and Mental Health Media Contributor who is highly specialized in treating Anxiety Disorders and Women's Issues. My practice, Bay Area Modern Therapy, specializes in working with mothers, parents, and teens who want to get back into the driver’s seat of their life and find more freedom and joy through healing, growth and change work. In our work we use the lens of (modern) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I'm a Therapist, Mom, Author, and Mental Health Media Contributor who is highly specialized in treating Anxiety Disorders and Women's Issues. My practice, Bay Area Modern Therapy, specializes in working with mothers, parents, and teens who want to get back into the driver’s seat of their life and find more freedom and joy through healing, growth and change work. In our work we use the lens of (modern) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
(707) 306-8043 View (707) 306-8043

See more therapy options for Cotati

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.