EMDR Therapists in Malibu, CA

Photo of Joanne Mednick, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joanne Mednick
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265
Mednick is trained in EMDR and took ongoing training in advanced EMDR techniques such as the Strategic Developmental Model.
Dr. Mednick is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specialized in a unique blend of various methodologies to offer her clients the deepest possible healing. Dr. Mednick has built her practice with clients worldwide. Through illness,trauma and addictions therapy, she transitions clients with the identification of living as "victims" or "survivors" all the way to that of living as "thrivers." Dr. Mednick strives to bring her clients completion in the trauma/addiction/illness cycle, and to move them from pull into the trauma vortex (pain and chaos) towards easily and consciously choosing the healing vortex (calm and relaxed).
Mednick is trained in EMDR and took ongoing training in advanced EMDR techniques such as the Strategic Developmental Model.
Dr. Mednick is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specialized in a unique blend of various methodologies to offer her clients the deepest possible healing. Dr. Mednick has built her practice with clients worldwide. Through illness,trauma and addictions therapy, she transitions clients with the identification of living as "victims" or "survivors" all the way to that of living as "thrivers." Dr. Mednick strives to bring her clients completion in the trauma/addiction/illness cycle, and to move them from pull into the trauma vortex (pain and chaos) towards easily and consciously choosing the healing vortex (calm and relaxed).
(310) 627-2241 View (310) 627-2241
Photo of Ben Perkins
Ben Perkins
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265
I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker and am proud to have worked in the mental health field since 2016. Having worked with a wide range of individuals, families, and communities, I am committed to providing care through a decolonial framework. My therapeutic approach is informed by various interventions which include Somatic Therapy, EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Surf Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. I provide Polyvagal informed, client-centered and strength-based care to ensure that everyone’s route to wellness is both dynamic and unique to the individual.
I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker and am proud to have worked in the mental health field since 2016. Having worked with a wide range of individuals, families, and communities, I am committed to providing care through a decolonial framework. My therapeutic approach is informed by various interventions which include Somatic Therapy, EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Surf Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. I provide Polyvagal informed, client-centered and strength-based care to ensure that everyone’s route to wellness is both dynamic and unique to the individual.
(747) 850-6659 View (747) 850-6659
Photo of Dr. Jeremy Fink, LCSW, PsyD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Jeremy Fink
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malibu, CA 90265
Berkeley Professors Mary Main and Eric Hesse, I practice EMDR with both children and adults, and am certified by DCFS to work with childhood trauma.
I specialize in short and long term psychotherapy and psychoanalysis for individual adults, couples, children, adolescents, and parents. I am a trained psychoanalyst, a child specialist, with additional training in cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR. I focus on the importance of finding balance, vision, creativity, and meaning in one's life. From disorder and chaos comes balance and order. My clients have found my approach to mental health effective in creating long-term positive change.
Berkeley Professors Mary Main and Eric Hesse, I practice EMDR with both children and adults, and am certified by DCFS to work with childhood trauma.
I specialize in short and long term psychotherapy and psychoanalysis for individual adults, couples, children, adolescents, and parents. I am a trained psychoanalyst, a child specialist, with additional training in cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR. I focus on the importance of finding balance, vision, creativity, and meaning in one's life. From disorder and chaos comes balance and order. My clients have found my approach to mental health effective in creating long-term positive change.
(310) 906-2738 View (310) 906-2738
Photo of Patrick Kenney, LPCC, Counselor
Patrick Kenney
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265
One of these is EMDR, which is very useful in setting up the preconditions where change can happen, sometimes very quickly.
I help people find relief from the effects of trauma. That is just the fancy Greek word for wound, and we all get wounded in various ways at all stages of life. The worst part of trauma is that it teaches us things: things about our worth and value, our safety, who to trust (or not), and what we can expect the future to hold. These learnings will always be limiting, and they will have the ability to commandeer the nervous system to make sure nothing like that ever happens again. If you are held back by poor self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or addiction, things can change no matter how long the problem has been going on.
One of these is EMDR, which is very useful in setting up the preconditions where change can happen, sometimes very quickly.
I help people find relief from the effects of trauma. That is just the fancy Greek word for wound, and we all get wounded in various ways at all stages of life. The worst part of trauma is that it teaches us things: things about our worth and value, our safety, who to trust (or not), and what we can expect the future to hold. These learnings will always be limiting, and they will have the ability to commandeer the nervous system to make sure nothing like that ever happens again. If you are held back by poor self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or addiction, things can change no matter how long the problem has been going on.
(424) 403-1038 View (424) 403-1038
Photo of Elizabeth Topp, PhD, MACP, Psychologist
Elizabeth Topp
Psychologist, PhD, MACP
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265  (Online Only)
Attachment-focused EMDR trauma therapist using somatic and mindfulness approaches to support personal healing, wellbeing and wholeness. Additional specialization in personal and professional coaching and Presence practices support goals pertaining to personal development, peak performance, and life purpose.
Attachment-focused EMDR trauma therapist using somatic and mindfulness approaches to support personal healing, wellbeing and wholeness. Additional specialization in personal and professional coaching and Presence practices support goals pertaining to personal development, peak performance, and life purpose.
(818) 273-6492 View (818) 273-6492
Photo of David E Bresler, PhD, LAC, DiplAc, NCCAOM, AAPM, Psychologist
David E Bresler
Psychologist, PhD, LAC, DiplAc, NCCAOM, AAPM
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265  (Online Only)
As a result, I utilize a variety of non-drug treatment approaches, including Interactive Guided Imagery(sm), EMDR, mind/body medicine, hypnosis, biofeedback.
My practice focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from emotional or physical pain or the aftereffects of trauma. We help them resolve the traumatic experience, as well as its consequences (e.g. physical pain, stress, disability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, medication dependence, isolation, etc.) Although many of our patients have not responded well to prior therapies, we've had outstanding success in helping them move from feeling a severe loss to finding a new and positive beginning. We love to work with people who are ready to change and eager to learn how to do it.
As a result, I utilize a variety of non-drug treatment approaches, including Interactive Guided Imagery(sm), EMDR, mind/body medicine, hypnosis, biofeedback.
My practice focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from emotional or physical pain or the aftereffects of trauma. We help them resolve the traumatic experience, as well as its consequences (e.g. physical pain, stress, disability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, medication dependence, isolation, etc.) Although many of our patients have not responded well to prior therapies, we've had outstanding success in helping them move from feeling a severe loss to finding a new and positive beginning. We love to work with people who are ready to change and eager to learn how to do it.
(562) 250-5763 x1 View (562) 250-5763 x1
Photo of Liza Auciello, PsyD, Psychologist
Liza Auciello
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265
EMDR can help you to process trauma, and to shift core negative beliefs you have about yourself to more positive and accurate beliefs.
Are you living the life you want? Do your habitual patterns get in the way of you being present in life and relationships? I’ve dedicated my life to helping people find more fulfilment and meaning in their connections with others and in life itself. If you need a life reboot, I can help you to identify the hidden commitments you have with yourself and overcome the blocks that get in the way of you achieving your life priorities. Our work together can help you to heal and nurture your relationship with your body, mind and spirit so you can address challenges more easily and live your life with greater self-confidence and self-love.
EMDR can help you to process trauma, and to shift core negative beliefs you have about yourself to more positive and accurate beliefs.
Are you living the life you want? Do your habitual patterns get in the way of you being present in life and relationships? I’ve dedicated my life to helping people find more fulfilment and meaning in their connections with others and in life itself. If you need a life reboot, I can help you to identify the hidden commitments you have with yourself and overcome the blocks that get in the way of you achieving your life priorities. Our work together can help you to heal and nurture your relationship with your body, mind and spirit so you can address challenges more easily and live your life with greater self-confidence and self-love.
(747) 245-3572 View (747) 245-3572
Photo of Alison G Freeman, PhD, Psychologist
Alison G Freeman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265  (Online Only)
I see myself as a guide in your journey to self knowledge. My job is not to fix you but to help you find the resources within yourself and out there to help you maximize your potential. I tend to be very interactive, and goal directed; we work together to see if you are meeting your goals, and if not, why not. My orientation is a "YOU" centered one, where I may use any number of techniques including EMDR for trauma, Transactional Analysis for understanding your communication style, assertiveness training, and movement therapy to further the mind body connection.
I see myself as a guide in your journey to self knowledge. My job is not to fix you but to help you find the resources within yourself and out there to help you maximize your potential. I tend to be very interactive, and goal directed; we work together to see if you are meeting your goals, and if not, why not. My orientation is a "YOU" centered one, where I may use any number of techniques including EMDR for trauma, Transactional Analysis for understanding your communication style, assertiveness training, and movement therapy to further the mind body connection.
(310) 956-4068 View (310) 956-4068
Photo of Melissa Chisari-Noori, PsyD, Psychologist
Melissa Chisari-Noori
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265
I utilize and implement an integrative approach; EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment Based Therapy to meet your specific needs.
Please send an email to set up initial phone consult or appointment. Do you find yourself struggling in relationships? Do you find yourself repeating patterns? Are you unsure of how to manage and cope with discomfort? Are you ready to make a change? Seeking help and acknowledging your difficulties is the first step in healing. Therapy is a valuable space to begin the self-exploration process as well as to learn ways to create a healthy more meaningful life. I take an action oriented interactive approach to identify goals and implement change.
I utilize and implement an integrative approach; EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment Based Therapy to meet your specific needs.
Please send an email to set up initial phone consult or appointment. Do you find yourself struggling in relationships? Do you find yourself repeating patterns? Are you unsure of how to manage and cope with discomfort? Are you ready to make a change? Seeking help and acknowledging your difficulties is the first step in healing. Therapy is a valuable space to begin the self-exploration process as well as to learn ways to create a healthy more meaningful life. I take an action oriented interactive approach to identify goals and implement change.
(805) 793-0894 View (805) 793-0894
Photo of Georgina Kim Smith, PhD, Psychologist
Georgina Kim Smith
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malibu, CA 90265
Dr. Smith's genuine, grounded and integrated therapeutic approach allows for a connection to her clients where through modalities such as EMDR, IFS (parts work), and attachment-based talk therapy, there is a focus on insight shifting to somatic integration and actionable change, discovering and healing the core self, learning to regulate emotion and express needs in healthy ways, adapting internal dialogue, core beliefs, and reinforcing coping resources. Dr. Smith believes in building an authentic therapeutic relationship based on respect, empathy, challenge and change while creating a renewed sense of self, empowerment and hope.
Dr. Smith's genuine, grounded and integrated therapeutic approach allows for a connection to her clients where through modalities such as EMDR, IFS (parts work), and attachment-based talk therapy, there is a focus on insight shifting to somatic integration and actionable change, discovering and healing the core self, learning to regulate emotion and express needs in healthy ways, adapting internal dialogue, core beliefs, and reinforcing coping resources. Dr. Smith believes in building an authentic therapeutic relationship based on respect, empathy, challenge and change while creating a renewed sense of self, empowerment and hope.
(424) 258-5793 View (424) 258-5793
Photo of Robert Ryan, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Robert Ryan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265
The methods I use are evidence-based therapies that include; EMDR and Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focus Brief Therapy.
I view the path of a human life span, as each of us interact and perceives the environment around us in our own unique way. My goal is to help client(s) look at their options, evaluate choices, and build toward a healthier outcome. My work has involved helping client(s) toward building better communication between couples, family members, and individual relationships. It is my belief that counseling / psychotherapy can provide a safe place where personal challenges can be processed, and finding choices toward enhancing the quality of life and improve relationships.
The methods I use are evidence-based therapies that include; EMDR and Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focus Brief Therapy.
I view the path of a human life span, as each of us interact and perceives the environment around us in our own unique way. My goal is to help client(s) look at their options, evaluate choices, and build toward a healthier outcome. My work has involved helping client(s) toward building better communication between couples, family members, and individual relationships. It is my belief that counseling / psychotherapy can provide a safe place where personal challenges can be processed, and finding choices toward enhancing the quality of life and improve relationships.
(424) 320-6836 View (424) 320-6836
Abby Gold
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265
Not accepting new clients
I'm continuously astounded by the human being's capacity to hate and to love, to hurt and to heal. We are miraculous and complex creatures and my aim is to create a space for honoring that. I'm a licensed clinician, providing EMDR, individual, couple, and family therapy. I have specialized in eating disorders and co-morbid conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD), and previously worked as a DIR/Floortime Therapist for children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Additionally, I have a deep passion for exploring issues related to identity, transition, gender, sexuality, and, really, the daily human experience.
I'm continuously astounded by the human being's capacity to hate and to love, to hurt and to heal. We are miraculous and complex creatures and my aim is to create a space for honoring that. I'm a licensed clinician, providing EMDR, individual, couple, and family therapy. I have specialized in eating disorders and co-morbid conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD), and previously worked as a DIR/Floortime Therapist for children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Additionally, I have a deep passion for exploring issues related to identity, transition, gender, sexuality, and, really, the daily human experience.
(424) 332-5726 View (424) 332-5726
Photo of Michele Ryan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michele Ryan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265  (Online Only)
I'm trained in EMDR which is a cutting-edge treatment for trauma.
Hello, my name is Michele Ryan. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who loves working with individuals, families and couples who have been affected by mental illness or just the everyday stressors and strains of life. Sometimes it can be very difficult to get relief from emotional problems on our own. Too often, when we feel discouraged, angry, stressed out and overwhelmed and we can turn to unhealthy coping skills. I have worked with clients struggling with chemical and behavioral addictions, depression, multiple anxiety disorders, PTSD and ongoing difficulties due to past traumatic experiences and life stressors.
I'm trained in EMDR which is a cutting-edge treatment for trauma.
Hello, my name is Michele Ryan. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who loves working with individuals, families and couples who have been affected by mental illness or just the everyday stressors and strains of life. Sometimes it can be very difficult to get relief from emotional problems on our own. Too often, when we feel discouraged, angry, stressed out and overwhelmed and we can turn to unhealthy coping skills. I have worked with clients struggling with chemical and behavioral addictions, depression, multiple anxiety disorders, PTSD and ongoing difficulties due to past traumatic experiences and life stressors.
(747) 294-3646 View (747) 294-3646
Photo of Kim Greeley, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kim Greeley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90264
I specialize in EMDR, which works in reprocessing information and experiences from your past that trigger and bother you today.
Do you find yourself stuck in a rut? Doing the same things over again, expecting difference results? Do you want to feel free and easy? Strong and confident? Able to be effective, empowered, and create the life you desire, and deserve? I can help. I want you to feel hopeful, to see options and possibilities, to discover who you truly are, and to lead the life you are intended to live. I want to help you believe that you are enough, and you are worthy. Learn to let go of what no longer serves you, and grow.
I specialize in EMDR, which works in reprocessing information and experiences from your past that trigger and bother you today.
Do you find yourself stuck in a rut? Doing the same things over again, expecting difference results? Do you want to feel free and easy? Strong and confident? Able to be effective, empowered, and create the life you desire, and deserve? I can help. I want you to feel hopeful, to see options and possibilities, to discover who you truly are, and to lead the life you are intended to live. I want to help you believe that you are enough, and you are worthy. Learn to let go of what no longer serves you, and grow.
(818) 962-2764 View (818) 962-2764
Photo of Mark Frankle, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mark Frankle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malibu, CA 90265
Maybe you can't get past a traumatic event or heart breaking loss. Or you just can't stop worrying, or your life hasn’t turned out the way you hoped. For over 25 years I've helped people through their most difficult moments. With compassion and proven professional techniques, EMDR, Cognitive Restructuring, Humanistic, and Chemical Dependency Counseling, you can create that better self. Let’s put an end to the pain, or grief, or unmanageable addiction. Call me today and so we can talk about how I can help. There is hope. There is a wonderful life waiting for you.
Maybe you can't get past a traumatic event or heart breaking loss. Or you just can't stop worrying, or your life hasn’t turned out the way you hoped. For over 25 years I've helped people through their most difficult moments. With compassion and proven professional techniques, EMDR, Cognitive Restructuring, Humanistic, and Chemical Dependency Counseling, you can create that better self. Let’s put an end to the pain, or grief, or unmanageable addiction. Call me today and so we can talk about how I can help. There is hope. There is a wonderful life waiting for you.
(747) 246-7454 View (747) 246-7454
Photo of Taylor Pierce, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Taylor Pierce
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malibu, CA 90265
EMDR is one of the most powerful ways to access relief from human suffering and provide healthy, long lasting results.
Trauma can be confusing and debilitating, leaving you with diminished happiness, feelings of helplessness, or an ongoing sense of threat. It's exhausting to experience unexplainable outbursts, uncontrollable crying, anxiety, or irritability. It can interfere with maintaining close relationships as you feel numb, detached, and isolated. You may be easily startled or frightened, feeling on guard, experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or uncontrollable thoughts. Do you have trouble sleeping, concentrating, or overwhelming guilt or shame? My practice is dedicated to supporting those who are ready and committed to the process of healing.
EMDR is one of the most powerful ways to access relief from human suffering and provide healthy, long lasting results.
Trauma can be confusing and debilitating, leaving you with diminished happiness, feelings of helplessness, or an ongoing sense of threat. It's exhausting to experience unexplainable outbursts, uncontrollable crying, anxiety, or irritability. It can interfere with maintaining close relationships as you feel numb, detached, and isolated. You may be easily startled or frightened, feeling on guard, experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or uncontrollable thoughts. Do you have trouble sleeping, concentrating, or overwhelming guilt or shame? My practice is dedicated to supporting those who are ready and committed to the process of healing.
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Photo of Dr. Maggie Lavey, PsyD, LPCC, EMDR
Dr. Maggie Lavey
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PsyD, LPCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90264  (Online Only)
As a trauma focused and EMDR provider I understand the impact that trauma has on one’s lived experience. It is essential to have a safe, nonjudgmental place to work through painful experiences. I use an integrative eclectic approach to provide safety, manage emotions, address unhelpful beliefs and to work to heal and release you from the painful past of your trauma. Together we formulate your desired treatment goals to empower you to see changes in your daily life. I specialize in a range of therapies and broad view of theories such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, Polyvagal theory, attachment theory, mindfulness, trauma informed yoga, mind body.
As a trauma focused and EMDR provider I understand the impact that trauma has on one’s lived experience. It is essential to have a safe, nonjudgmental place to work through painful experiences. I use an integrative eclectic approach to provide safety, manage emotions, address unhelpful beliefs and to work to heal and release you from the painful past of your trauma. Together we formulate your desired treatment goals to empower you to see changes in your daily life. I specialize in a range of therapies and broad view of theories such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, Polyvagal theory, attachment theory, mindfulness, trauma informed yoga, mind body.
(805) 321-1547 View (805) 321-1547
Photo of Natasha Anne Freitas, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natasha Anne Freitas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265
I am trauma informed and EMDR trained.
I believe that healing, growth, and change are available to all people, regardless of their present circumstances or their past misfortune. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort and each individual is an expert on their personal experiences and goals. I seek to explore and build from each client's personal strengths to find viable solutions, enhance coping skills, and nurture the path to positive change. I believe no one is truly alone, and that feelings of loneliness can be very real and overwhelming. There is strength in reaching out for help. I seek to provide an empathetic environment of self-discovery and change.
I am trauma informed and EMDR trained.
I believe that healing, growth, and change are available to all people, regardless of their present circumstances or their past misfortune. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort and each individual is an expert on their personal experiences and goals. I seek to explore and build from each client's personal strengths to find viable solutions, enhance coping skills, and nurture the path to positive change. I believe no one is truly alone, and that feelings of loneliness can be very real and overwhelming. There is strength in reaching out for help. I seek to provide an empathetic environment of self-discovery and change.
(818) 390-9704 View (818) 390-9704
Photo of Brittany Duddy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brittany Duddy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Malibu, CA 90263
I use EMDR and other trauma therapies such as Somatic Experiencing and Parts work, to help my clients become unstuck.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your current stage of life? I am here to help you find solid ground. My approach to therapy is to guide you toward fully understanding and connecting with yourself. I am here to educate and empower you as you rediscover your true self and learn more about your struggles and how to manage them.
I use EMDR and other trauma therapies such as Somatic Experiencing and Parts work, to help my clients become unstuck.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your current stage of life? I am here to help you find solid ground. My approach to therapy is to guide you toward fully understanding and connecting with yourself. I am here to educate and empower you as you rediscover your true self and learn more about your struggles and how to manage them.
(805) 257-0693 View (805) 257-0693
Photo of Nicole M Charara, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole M Charara
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90263  (Online Only)
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am currently licensed in CA, FL, MT, VT, LA, and NJ. I have over 18 years of experience in providing services to children, adults, and families. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, as well as, adult anxiety, depression, infertility/pre and post partum issues, PTSD, trauma, and family relationship issues. I am also bilingual and able to conduct sessions in Spanish. I am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR and am currently available for online therapy services only. Please see my website at www.nicolecharara.com for more information regarding my services.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am currently licensed in CA, FL, MT, VT, LA, and NJ. I have over 18 years of experience in providing services to children, adults, and families. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, as well as, adult anxiety, depression, infertility/pre and post partum issues, PTSD, trauma, and family relationship issues. I am also bilingual and able to conduct sessions in Spanish. I am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR and am currently available for online therapy services only. Please see my website at www.nicolecharara.com for more information regarding my services.
(858) 707-7512 View (858) 707-7512
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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.