EMDR Therapists in Garden Grove, CA

Photo of Dr. Brittany Salling, DMFT, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Brittany Salling
Marriage & Family Therapist, DMFT, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Garden Grove, CA 92845
I am EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and Brainspotting trained.
Are you at a time in your life where you feel like you, your marriage or your family life needs a little help? I am committed to helping you fulfill your therapeutic goals by walking alongside you and assisting you with your emotional well-being. I will strive to help you gain insight and help assist you in understanding your triggers and reactions. I will also help implement the necessary tools to help you regain control of the areas in life you are struggling with. I pride myself on constantly learning and developing my skills to always provide the best care with the most current research in my specialities.
I am EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and Brainspotting trained.
Are you at a time in your life where you feel like you, your marriage or your family life needs a little help? I am committed to helping you fulfill your therapeutic goals by walking alongside you and assisting you with your emotional well-being. I will strive to help you gain insight and help assist you in understanding your triggers and reactions. I will also help implement the necessary tools to help you regain control of the areas in life you are struggling with. I pride myself on constantly learning and developing my skills to always provide the best care with the most current research in my specialities.
(714) 276-8402 View (714) 276-8402
Photo of Ly-Lan Lofgren Sex Therapist, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ly-Lan Lofgren Sex Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92843  (Online Only)
I am a consultant to helping professionals, I am an EMDR and Sex Therapy specialist, a clinical supervisor, a Speaker, and a social worker in many capacities.
I look forward to witnessing when my clients reach their goals. I have partnered with clients sharing what I've learned for over 17 years. We all have our unique histories and strengths. I am inspired by your journey and your readiness to makes changes. To work with you ethically (Social Work Code of Ethics), I have education, training and supervision (AASECT and EMDRIA) as well as my own personal self-growth practices.
I am a consultant to helping professionals, I am an EMDR and Sex Therapy specialist, a clinical supervisor, a Speaker, and a social worker in many capacities.
I look forward to witnessing when my clients reach their goals. I have partnered with clients sharing what I've learned for over 17 years. We all have our unique histories and strengths. I am inspired by your journey and your readiness to makes changes. To work with you ethically (Social Work Code of Ethics), I have education, training and supervision (AASECT and EMDRIA) as well as my own personal self-growth practices.
(714) 759-9774 View (714) 759-9774
Photo of Kelly Quach, LMFT, EMDR, CAMS-I, Supvsn, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly Quach
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR, CAMS-I, Supvsn
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Garden Grove, CA 92843
EMDR Trained Therapist.
Are you suffering from stress, depression, anxiety? Are you internally battling with unresolved trauma? Are you experiencing difficulty adjusting to changes in your life? Are you dating the "same" person you divorced three years ago? Do you feel like your partner or spouse does not understand you? Does your child is showing behaviors or attitudes that are concerning to you? I can help to guide you through this therapeutic journey so that you will integrate new skills for living, loving, relating, and ultimately leading the fulfilling life you desire.
EMDR Trained Therapist.
Are you suffering from stress, depression, anxiety? Are you internally battling with unresolved trauma? Are you experiencing difficulty adjusting to changes in your life? Are you dating the "same" person you divorced three years ago? Do you feel like your partner or spouse does not understand you? Does your child is showing behaviors or attitudes that are concerning to you? I can help to guide you through this therapeutic journey so that you will integrate new skills for living, loving, relating, and ultimately leading the fulfilling life you desire.
(714) 486-0283 View (714) 486-0283
Photo of Alison Lynn Johnson, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alison Lynn Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Garden Grove, CA 92845
Other specializations include EMDR, John Gottman, EFT, DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, LGBTQ, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse and several others.
Frustrated with your: relationship? sex life? child? I am trained in 2nd level, Gottman Method, a specialty that started with couples. John Gottman, the author of, "7 Principles of Marriage," is known for predicting divorce with 90% accuracy, has been influential over my career. The Gottman Method has transformed my practice to focusing on couples, parenting, and children. If you're looking for guidance through a challenging situation with your children, partner or anyone else, I look forward to working with you to accomplish your goals.
Other specializations include EMDR, John Gottman, EFT, DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, LGBTQ, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse and several others.
Frustrated with your: relationship? sex life? child? I am trained in 2nd level, Gottman Method, a specialty that started with couples. John Gottman, the author of, "7 Principles of Marriage," is known for predicting divorce with 90% accuracy, has been influential over my career. The Gottman Method has transformed my practice to focusing on couples, parenting, and children. If you're looking for guidance through a challenging situation with your children, partner or anyone else, I look forward to working with you to accomplish your goals.
(714) 654-1570 View (714) 654-1570
Photo of Lynn Robinson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lynn Robinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92843
Hi. My name is Lynn Robinson. I’m a licensed Psychotherapist (LMFT) in practice for over 25 years in California. After graduate school I trained for 3 years in somatically oriented therapy. In my work today, I draw from several modalities, including somatic and energetic. They include Psychodynamic therapy, EFT (tapping), Matrix Re-Imprinting, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), Hakomi, and Mindfulness; always with a trauma informed lens.
Hi. My name is Lynn Robinson. I’m a licensed Psychotherapist (LMFT) in practice for over 25 years in California. After graduate school I trained for 3 years in somatically oriented therapy. In my work today, I draw from several modalities, including somatic and energetic. They include Psychodynamic therapy, EFT (tapping), Matrix Re-Imprinting, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), Hakomi, and Mindfulness; always with a trauma informed lens.
(657) 387-2566 View (657) 387-2566
Photo of Cynthia Thomas, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cynthia Thomas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92844
My name is Cynthia Thomas, LMFT. I am a trauma therapist who typically works with individuals who are adults that are ready to take a look at how the past influences current challenges in life. Trauma shows up in different ways for different people. It could look like feeling anxious, depressed, having relationship issues, or just not having a solid sense of who I am. I work on a few different aspects including the connection between our minds and bodies, our thoughts, different parts of ourselves, and EMDR so you can walk towards healing.
My name is Cynthia Thomas, LMFT. I am a trauma therapist who typically works with individuals who are adults that are ready to take a look at how the past influences current challenges in life. Trauma shows up in different ways for different people. It could look like feeling anxious, depressed, having relationship issues, or just not having a solid sense of who I am. I work on a few different aspects including the connection between our minds and bodies, our thoughts, different parts of ourselves, and EMDR so you can walk towards healing.
(442) 202-1304 View (442) 202-1304
Photo of Sandra M Carlson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sandra M Carlson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Garden Grove, CA 92840
I make sure to assess what treatment approach will best meet your needs, drawing from evidenced-based interventions such as EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma informed, and Mindfulness, amongst other modalities.
I am a Bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, ready to accompany you on your journey of healing. Beyond the title LMFT, I am just another human being. My goal is to provide you with the guidance, support, and tools you need to process emotions, overcome obstacles, and embrace life's unexpected turns. Healing from trauma is a courageous process, and you don't have to go through it alone. I am here to walk beside you, offering compassionate guidance, validation, and understanding. Whether you're an individual, couple, or family, my experience extends to working with clients of all ages.
I make sure to assess what treatment approach will best meet your needs, drawing from evidenced-based interventions such as EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma informed, and Mindfulness, amongst other modalities.
I am a Bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, ready to accompany you on your journey of healing. Beyond the title LMFT, I am just another human being. My goal is to provide you with the guidance, support, and tools you need to process emotions, overcome obstacles, and embrace life's unexpected turns. Healing from trauma is a courageous process, and you don't have to go through it alone. I am here to walk beside you, offering compassionate guidance, validation, and understanding. Whether you're an individual, couple, or family, my experience extends to working with clients of all ages.
(442) 241-0088 View (442) 241-0088
Photo of Christy Garcia, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christy Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92843
I'm trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which is a trauma-specific therapy model, but also draw from other trauma-focused techniques to help you heal and growth.
Hi, I'm Christy, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I help individuals who are struggling to overcome painful memories learn how to make peace with the past so you can move forward with your life. I enjoy assisting individuals in overcoming depression, anxiety and trauma and am trained in EMDR. As a trauma-informed therapist, my approach to therapy is very gentle and person-centered. Instead of considering “what’s wrong with you?” I’m more interested in learning about what happened to you that brought you to the point of seeking a therapist.
I'm trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which is a trauma-specific therapy model, but also draw from other trauma-focused techniques to help you heal and growth.
Hi, I'm Christy, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I help individuals who are struggling to overcome painful memories learn how to make peace with the past so you can move forward with your life. I enjoy assisting individuals in overcoming depression, anxiety and trauma and am trained in EMDR. As a trauma-informed therapist, my approach to therapy is very gentle and person-centered. Instead of considering “what’s wrong with you?” I’m more interested in learning about what happened to you that brought you to the point of seeking a therapist.
(323) 612-1923 View (323) 612-1923
Photo of Bryana Rogel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bryana Rogel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92843
Bryana Rogel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2019. She completed her educational track in 4 years and graduated Phi Alpha Honors from Loma Linda University. Bryana prides herself on making genuine connections and supporting others as they make behavioral changes. She specializes in EMDR, CBT and client centered approaches. Bryana enjoys working with all age ranges of individuals. People who may be struggling at their current stage of life need support and get some of their questions answered. Trauma is trauma and can stay stuck which tends to keep us stuck and lost.
Bryana Rogel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2019. She completed her educational track in 4 years and graduated Phi Alpha Honors from Loma Linda University. Bryana prides herself on making genuine connections and supporting others as they make behavioral changes. She specializes in EMDR, CBT and client centered approaches. Bryana enjoys working with all age ranges of individuals. People who may be struggling at their current stage of life need support and get some of their questions answered. Trauma is trauma and can stay stuck which tends to keep us stuck and lost.
(657) 837-3122 View (657) 837-3122
Photo of Alison Lynn Johnson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alison Lynn Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Garden Grove, CA 92845
Other specializations include EMDR, John Gottman, EFT, DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, LGBTQ, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse and several others.
Cannot find someone who takes your insurance? Frustrated with calling therapists and not receiving a call back or there being a schedule conflict? Insightful Matters may be the solution for you. Here, you call one number and you are taken care of. You have access to using your insurance if you wish, a full range of therapists to choose from, days & times, as well as specialities. You can check out our individual profiles here on psychology today and on our website at www.insightfulmatters.com.
Other specializations include EMDR, John Gottman, EFT, DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, LGBTQ, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse and several others.
Cannot find someone who takes your insurance? Frustrated with calling therapists and not receiving a call back or there being a schedule conflict? Insightful Matters may be the solution for you. Here, you call one number and you are taken care of. You have access to using your insurance if you wish, a full range of therapists to choose from, days & times, as well as specialities. You can check out our individual profiles here on psychology today and on our website at www.insightfulmatters.com.
(714) 654-1570 View (714) 654-1570
Photo of Rachael Berg-Martinez, PhD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Rachael Berg-Martinez
Psychologist, PhD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Garden Grove, CA 92845
I am a clinical psychologist, certified in EMDR, & perinatal mental health certified (PMH-C).
If you are finding yourself impacted by hurt and harm from your past, I am here to help. Our experiences can weigh heavily on our present relationships with family, partners, and children, diminish our sense of thriving, and impact our faith and spirituality. Often we are paying the debt of generations before us to benefit the generations to come. Healing is a powerful, though sometimes painful process, but you don’t have to do this alone. Reaching out for support is the first courageous step in this investment.
I am a clinical psychologist, certified in EMDR, & perinatal mental health certified (PMH-C).
If you are finding yourself impacted by hurt and harm from your past, I am here to help. Our experiences can weigh heavily on our present relationships with family, partners, and children, diminish our sense of thriving, and impact our faith and spirituality. Often we are paying the debt of generations before us to benefit the generations to come. Healing is a powerful, though sometimes painful process, but you don’t have to do this alone. Reaching out for support is the first courageous step in this investment.
(657) 215-7374 View (657) 215-7374
Photo of Sandy L. Kaufmann, LMFT, CAS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sandy L. Kaufmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CAS
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, and specialize in the field of addiction. Over 35 continuous years working with drug, alcohol, sex, and love addiction. Trained in Emotional Transformation Therapy, "ETT" (ETT Addiction Certified) my clients receive rapid removal of symptoms and addictive cravings in many cases. With this exciting new cutting edge therapy, people are removing distressing symptoms that they have unsuccessfully attempted to remove for many years, in only minutes to a few sessions. I also use Gestalt Therapy for healing and teach my clients tools to use at home. I am also trained in EMDR since the early 90's.
Treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, and specialize in the field of addiction. Over 35 continuous years working with drug, alcohol, sex, and love addiction. Trained in Emotional Transformation Therapy, "ETT" (ETT Addiction Certified) my clients receive rapid removal of symptoms and addictive cravings in many cases. With this exciting new cutting edge therapy, people are removing distressing symptoms that they have unsuccessfully attempted to remove for many years, in only minutes to a few sessions. I also use Gestalt Therapy for healing and teach my clients tools to use at home. I am also trained in EMDR since the early 90's.
(562) 669-4595 View (562) 669-4595
Photo of Sara Schoenhorn, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Schoenhorn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92641
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I am a EMDR Therapy Certified therapist specializing in anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. My goal is to help clients experience greater calmness and gain relief from fear and worry. EMDR Therapy is a well researched psychotherapy that has been shown to be very effective for reducing anxiety as well as helping people recover from the symptoms of traumatic experiences.
Welcome! I am a EMDR Therapy Certified therapist specializing in anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. My goal is to help clients experience greater calmness and gain relief from fear and worry. EMDR Therapy is a well researched psychotherapy that has been shown to be very effective for reducing anxiety as well as helping people recover from the symptoms of traumatic experiences.
(949) 390-6085 View (949) 390-6085
Photo of Ava Kate Oleson, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ava Kate Oleson
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92841  (Online Only)
ANXIETY and Depression are absolutely treatable. I know this from personal and professional experience. Emotional ups and downs make coping difficult, and keeping up a brave face next to impossible. With specialized training in EMDR, CBT, and CPT, the approaches I use target emotional pain, distorted thinking and unproductive behavior, while helping you heal. Whether filled with anxious thoughts, paralyzed by trauma, or the loss of something or someone precious - there is absolutely life after heartache, pain, and disappointment. I'd love to walk this journey with you.
ANXIETY and Depression are absolutely treatable. I know this from personal and professional experience. Emotional ups and downs make coping difficult, and keeping up a brave face next to impossible. With specialized training in EMDR, CBT, and CPT, the approaches I use target emotional pain, distorted thinking and unproductive behavior, while helping you heal. Whether filled with anxious thoughts, paralyzed by trauma, or the loss of something or someone precious - there is absolutely life after heartache, pain, and disappointment. I'd love to walk this journey with you.
(562) 222-0530 View (562) 222-0530
Photo of Ben N Quan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ben N Quan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92842  (Online Only)
As LGBTQ minorities, we often find ourselves wondering "where is my community?" and "why can't I just be myself?" It seems like we've tried everything but we don't feel like we belong or we are in a safe place to live & work. We often wonder... when is this going to get better? When can I just live my life fully how I am? Sometimes we feel sad and it can be a very lonely place. We can even forget just how special and unique we are because we are so different and surrounded by those who just "don't get it." We really want someone who can connect to us and make our experiences feel validated, reminding us that we are beautiful.
As LGBTQ minorities, we often find ourselves wondering "where is my community?" and "why can't I just be myself?" It seems like we've tried everything but we don't feel like we belong or we are in a safe place to live & work. We often wonder... when is this going to get better? When can I just live my life fully how I am? Sometimes we feel sad and it can be a very lonely place. We can even forget just how special and unique we are because we are so different and surrounded by those who just "don't get it." We really want someone who can connect to us and make our experiences feel validated, reminding us that we are beautiful.
(951) 227-7430 View (951) 227-7430
Photo of Dr. Thuy Tran, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Thuy Tran
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Are you having difficulties coping with stress, managing conflicts, and connecting to others? Personal conflicts can elicit emotions, thoughts, and reactions in ourselves that structure our sense of self and our relationships. I can help guide you to a deeper understanding of your feelings about your relationships and personal view of yourself. I exercise compassionate understanding to help you resolve the seeming paradoxes of conflicts within your life to help you achieve an increased sense of harmony and peace.
Are you having difficulties coping with stress, managing conflicts, and connecting to others? Personal conflicts can elicit emotions, thoughts, and reactions in ourselves that structure our sense of self and our relationships. I can help guide you to a deeper understanding of your feelings about your relationships and personal view of yourself. I exercise compassionate understanding to help you resolve the seeming paradoxes of conflicts within your life to help you achieve an increased sense of harmony and peace.
(657) 286-7029 View (657) 286-7029
Photo of Teri Martin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Teri Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Hello, my name is Teri Martin, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I provide services for ages 12 throughout the adult life span. My specialties are stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, relationship issues, and self-esteem. My clinical approaches consist of an Eclectic form of therapy that includes Gestalt Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Hello, my name is Teri Martin, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I provide services for ages 12 throughout the adult life span. My specialties are stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, relationship issues, and self-esteem. My clinical approaches consist of an Eclectic form of therapy that includes Gestalt Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy.
(510) 380-7649 View (510) 380-7649
Photo of Hieu Pham, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hieu Pham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Hi there! My name is Hieu Pham, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from California, and I am here to support you through your mental health journey. I enjoy working with young college students and adults who are struggling to make decisions, who are facing periods of major change, and who are experiencing relationship challenges. I see my clients through a lens of humility where I invite you to teach me about your life, your unique challenges, and your needs as I support you in reaching your goals in therapy.
Hi there! My name is Hieu Pham, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from California, and I am here to support you through your mental health journey. I enjoy working with young college students and adults who are struggling to make decisions, who are facing periods of major change, and who are experiencing relationship challenges. I see my clients through a lens of humility where I invite you to teach me about your life, your unique challenges, and your needs as I support you in reaching your goals in therapy.
(510) 592-6176 View (510) 592-6176
Photo of Mira Walters, MA, LMFT, PCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mira Walters
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PCC
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92843
Often life presents us with challenges we try to overcome. Sometimes we are successful and sometimes we need a helping hand; we need someone to listen to us. This interpersonal contact cannot be found at a bookstore in a self-help book, but with a professional and confidential advocate. I work with individuals, couples and families as well as with children of any age. I have training in domestic violence, sexual assault, and grief group therapy. I offer brief or ongoing therapy.
Often life presents us with challenges we try to overcome. Sometimes we are successful and sometimes we need a helping hand; we need someone to listen to us. This interpersonal contact cannot be found at a bookstore in a self-help book, but with a professional and confidential advocate. I work with individuals, couples and families as well as with children of any age. I have training in domestic violence, sexual assault, and grief group therapy. I offer brief or ongoing therapy.
(714) 676-8057 View (714) 676-8057
Photo of Alecia Christensen, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alecia Christensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Garden Grove, CA 92841
Hi! My name is Alecia and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 14897! My areas of focus within practice are primarily trauma and anxiety, while also treating other diagnoses. I believe we can find emotional regulation and security even amidst uncertainty and lack of control. I am a therapist who will walk alongside you on this journey of healing. My main goal is to collaboratively work with you through your current life stressors, providing you with tools for your tool kit to live a life you enjoy. I believe in a holistic approach, shifting my therapeutic interventions to meet the needs of each individual client.
Hi! My name is Alecia and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 14897! My areas of focus within practice are primarily trauma and anxiety, while also treating other diagnoses. I believe we can find emotional regulation and security even amidst uncertainty and lack of control. I am a therapist who will walk alongside you on this journey of healing. My main goal is to collaboratively work with you through your current life stressors, providing you with tools for your tool kit to live a life you enjoy. I believe in a holistic approach, shifting my therapeutic interventions to meet the needs of each individual client.
(323) 973-2780 View (323) 973-2780
1

See more therapy options for Garden Grove

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.