EMDR Therapists in Menlo Park, CA
Kristian Bowden Menotti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Additionally I have specialized training in EMDR as well as Perinatal Mental Health.
You want to feel balanced, centered and be able to truly experience joy. You are tired of depression, anxiety and/or troubling memories standing in the way of your ability to live a rich and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a current challenging situation, or you're just ready to move forward from a troubled past, I cherish the opportunity of hearing your story and walking with you along your path of healing.
Additionally I have specialized training in EMDR as well as Perinatal Mental Health.
You want to feel balanced, centered and be able to truly experience joy. You are tired of depression, anxiety and/or troubling memories standing in the way of your ability to live a rich and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a current challenging situation, or you're just ready to move forward from a troubled past, I cherish the opportunity of hearing your story and walking with you along your path of healing.
Nina Keebler Frank - Centered Wisdom
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I use both intuitive and evidence-based modalities such as mindfulness and EMDR.
Life is a journey full of ups and downs. It doesn't come with a roadmap, and at times we all find ourselves in difficult situations. As your therapist, I will guide you and support you through these rough times by illuminating the path to healing and wholeness. In the face of life's challenges, our tendency is to cope, adapt and get by. Unfortunately some of these coping mechanisms are outdated and no longer serve us, so we go about life just "getting by". Rather than merely "surviving" you could be thriving.
I use both intuitive and evidence-based modalities such as mindfulness and EMDR.
Life is a journey full of ups and downs. It doesn't come with a roadmap, and at times we all find ourselves in difficult situations. As your therapist, I will guide you and support you through these rough times by illuminating the path to healing and wholeness. In the face of life's challenges, our tendency is to cope, adapt and get by. Unfortunately some of these coping mechanisms are outdated and no longer serve us, so we go about life just "getting by". Rather than merely "surviving" you could be thriving.
With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, I integrate:
* EMDR!!: Unlocks the inner prison of limiting beliefs, whether for stress, anxiety, phobias, trauma, PTSD or peak performance.
For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological trauma, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.
With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, I integrate:
* EMDR!!: Unlocks the inner prison of limiting beliefs, whether for stress, anxiety, phobias, trauma, PTSD or peak performance.
For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological trauma, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.
Barbara Salinger-Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, BA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Salinger-Brown is trained and certified in CBT, DBT, EMDR, performance psychology, and mindfulness.
Barbara Salinger-Brown is a licensed psychotherapist with a private practice in Menlo Park. With over 17 years of experience working with adults and teens who are seeking help for struggles with anxiety, depression, enhancing performance, eating disorders, and relief from trauma. I work with performing artists, athletes, and coaches, giving them tools to help increase their confidence and learn how to achieve peak performance. As a competitive swimmer for most of my life, I discovered a passion for helping athletes develop a more balanced and healthy way of viewing and participating in their sport.
Salinger-Brown is trained and certified in CBT, DBT, EMDR, performance psychology, and mindfulness.
Barbara Salinger-Brown is a licensed psychotherapist with a private practice in Menlo Park. With over 17 years of experience working with adults and teens who are seeking help for struggles with anxiety, depression, enhancing performance, eating disorders, and relief from trauma. I work with performing artists, athletes, and coaches, giving them tools to help increase their confidence and learn how to achieve peak performance. As a competitive swimmer for most of my life, I discovered a passion for helping athletes develop a more balanced and healthy way of viewing and participating in their sport.
Amy C Friedman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Waitlist for new clients
Older adolescents, adults & couples are all welcome to my practice. In collaboration with you, I will help guide and support you in attaining your therapy goals by understanding the patterns inhibiting your success, happiness and fulfillment. Together we will chart a therapeutic course specific to who you are and what your goals are. I invite feedback and make corrections as needed along the way. My framework is psychodynamic to which I bring training in other theories/techniques, including: Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, CBT, attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), EMDR and trauma focused.
Older adolescents, adults & couples are all welcome to my practice. In collaboration with you, I will help guide and support you in attaining your therapy goals by understanding the patterns inhibiting your success, happiness and fulfillment. Together we will chart a therapeutic course specific to who you are and what your goals are. I invite feedback and make corrections as needed along the way. My framework is psychodynamic to which I bring training in other theories/techniques, including: Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, CBT, attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), EMDR and trauma focused.
Jason Magers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I am certified in EMDR, and trained in IFS, Sensorimotor Art Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Hello! Welcome to my practice. Sometimes we get stuck in painful experiences when our normal ways of coping are overwhelmed. With the right support there is potential to transform suffering into compassion, calm, and creativity. The focus of my work is to help my clients restore connection with their core self, where they can rediscover their innate wisdom. Over the years, my clients have shown me that working through life's challenges can be an opportunity to courageously grow.
I am certified in EMDR, and trained in IFS, Sensorimotor Art Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Hello! Welcome to my practice. Sometimes we get stuck in painful experiences when our normal ways of coping are overwhelmed. With the right support there is potential to transform suffering into compassion, calm, and creativity. The focus of my work is to help my clients restore connection with their core self, where they can rediscover their innate wisdom. Over the years, my clients have shown me that working through life's challenges can be an opportunity to courageously grow.
Lance Waltman, LPC
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
I am trained in Gestalt, EMDR, and Brainspotting, and frequently utilize parts work in sessions.
I often work with clients who struggle with never feeling good enough. This would surprise people around you as there's a good chance you've found success in life. You excelled academically, have advanced your career, and appear confident to others, but internally you feel different. The drive to perform has been an attempt to finally feel like you are enough. I can help you begin to look at how these patterns were at one time protective, but may no longer fit in your life. We will work together to heal the underlying wounds these patterns are protecting.
I am trained in Gestalt, EMDR, and Brainspotting, and frequently utilize parts work in sessions.
I often work with clients who struggle with never feeling good enough. This would surprise people around you as there's a good chance you've found success in life. You excelled academically, have advanced your career, and appear confident to others, but internally you feel different. The drive to perform has been an attempt to finally feel like you are enough. I can help you begin to look at how these patterns were at one time protective, but may no longer fit in your life. We will work together to heal the underlying wounds these patterns are protecting.
Sarah Cabiness - Inclusive Care Unmasked
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Trauma - I utilize Brainspotting, EMDR, parts work, and narrative therapy for comprehensive processing.
Sometimes therapy can feel a little too formal, I value candid communication, please come as you are. Whether it’s grieving a loss, sharing a trauma, opening up about intimacy, or breaking relational cycles, they’re part of your life and you deserve to share how you’ve experienced them. Connection is transformative, beautiful, and valuable. You are multifaceted and unique, I want to ensure your therapy experience is too. I am social justice oriented, culturally competent, trauma-informed therapist who curates personalized care by utilizing a collaborative and directive approach.
Trauma - I utilize Brainspotting, EMDR, parts work, and narrative therapy for comprehensive processing.
Sometimes therapy can feel a little too formal, I value candid communication, please come as you are. Whether it’s grieving a loss, sharing a trauma, opening up about intimacy, or breaking relational cycles, they’re part of your life and you deserve to share how you’ve experienced them. Connection is transformative, beautiful, and valuable. You are multifaceted and unique, I want to ensure your therapy experience is too. I am social justice oriented, culturally competent, trauma-informed therapist who curates personalized care by utilizing a collaborative and directive approach.
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
Dr. Jean Schellenberg, Psychologist, Inc.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
Since the Covid-19 Pandemic began, I have conducted psychotherapy and EMDR by telephone, while patients use a free YouTube app: ( EMDR Self Administered with 528Hz Harmonics - YouTube).
For more than 20 years, I have served as a clinical psychologist,. I specialize in trauma and developed a Recovery Model to heal emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The Model also addresses healthier adult sexuality, relationships, and intimacy. In 1998, the APA gave me an honorary award for my research. My art work is featured in: Transformation of the Psyche: by Drs. Joseph Henderson and Dyane Sherwood. I provide in-depth adult psychotherapy using creative, cognitive, and transpersonal methods. I encourage patient healing through visualization, body/mind/spiritual connection, transpersonal psychology, and dream work.
Since the Covid-19 Pandemic began, I have conducted psychotherapy and EMDR by telephone, while patients use a free YouTube app: ( EMDR Self Administered with 528Hz Harmonics - YouTube).
For more than 20 years, I have served as a clinical psychologist,. I specialize in trauma and developed a Recovery Model to heal emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The Model also addresses healthier adult sexuality, relationships, and intimacy. In 1998, the APA gave me an honorary award for my research. My art work is featured in: Transformation of the Psyche: by Drs. Joseph Henderson and Dyane Sherwood. I provide in-depth adult psychotherapy using creative, cognitive, and transpersonal methods. I encourage patient healing through visualization, body/mind/spiritual connection, transpersonal psychology, and dream work.
I draw from practices which include EMDR (Certified), Sensorimotor, Somatic Experiencing, and IFS informed.
Trauma and many of its related challenges can cause emotional reactions and physical responses causing you to wonder, will this ever get better? You may wonder, how long can I tolerate this bravery? I welcome supporting you. If complicated life themes tend to show up unexpectedly in behaviors that cause you to second guess yourself, I can help. Let’s collaborate and explore this knotted chain, which is really a portal into what blocks self confidence and connection. We'll find new solutions, reduce or resolve triggers that affect your everyday life in a way that is paced.
I draw from practices which include EMDR (Certified), Sensorimotor, Somatic Experiencing, and IFS informed.
Trauma and many of its related challenges can cause emotional reactions and physical responses causing you to wonder, will this ever get better? You may wonder, how long can I tolerate this bravery? I welcome supporting you. If complicated life themes tend to show up unexpectedly in behaviors that cause you to second guess yourself, I can help. Let’s collaborate and explore this knotted chain, which is really a portal into what blocks self confidence and connection. We'll find new solutions, reduce or resolve triggers that affect your everyday life in a way that is paced.
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Dayna Reader
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, C-EMDR, CHT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94028
If you've been in talk therapy for years & are still having difficulty in your everyday life & relationships, EMDR Therapy can be a powerful tool to help you finally break through old patterns of behaving, thinking and being in the world.
I believe in the innate power of human beings to heal & grow. You don't have to live with the pain of old experiences weighing you down or keeping you stuck; healing is possible & within reach. Are you struggling in relationships or at work? Are you trying to be the person, parent, or partner you want to be, but missing the mark? Do you want to finally learn to accept (& love) yourself fully & unconditionally, & allow others to love you as well? Counseling can help you find freedom & clarity and let go of what's holding you back. I'm certified in EMDR & can offer this modality for healing in addition to traditional talk therapy.
If you've been in talk therapy for years & are still having difficulty in your everyday life & relationships, EMDR Therapy can be a powerful tool to help you finally break through old patterns of behaving, thinking and being in the world.
I believe in the innate power of human beings to heal & grow. You don't have to live with the pain of old experiences weighing you down or keeping you stuck; healing is possible & within reach. Are you struggling in relationships or at work? Are you trying to be the person, parent, or partner you want to be, but missing the mark? Do you want to finally learn to accept (& love) yourself fully & unconditionally, & allow others to love you as well? Counseling can help you find freedom & clarity and let go of what's holding you back. I'm certified in EMDR & can offer this modality for healing in addition to traditional talk therapy.
I am certified in EMDR -Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, one of the treatments of choice to treat trauma and its effects.
I am a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of clinical practice. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families on multiple issues from anxiety, depression, difficulty adjusting to transitions, and trauma work, to name a few. I place much emphasis in helping families and individuals develop the series of skills that are necessary for real success - collaboration, flexibility, adaptability, and creativity.
I am certified in EMDR -Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, one of the treatments of choice to treat trauma and its effects.
I am a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of clinical practice. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families on multiple issues from anxiety, depression, difficulty adjusting to transitions, and trauma work, to name a few. I place much emphasis in helping families and individuals develop the series of skills that are necessary for real success - collaboration, flexibility, adaptability, and creativity.
Sheryl is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is dedicated to helping adults, adolescents and families recover from trauma, loss and thrive while coping with chronic medical conditions. Trained in transpersonal psychology, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, she uses a holistic approach and is skilled in individualizing the care she offers. Serving in local nonprofit agencies and private practice, Sheryl has offered extensive support to foster and adoptive families and to individuals ready to deepen their personal relationships. Sheryl is able to help individuals reduce anxiety, improve their mood, restore hope, and reconnect with their community.
Sheryl is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is dedicated to helping adults, adolescents and families recover from trauma, loss and thrive while coping with chronic medical conditions. Trained in transpersonal psychology, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, she uses a holistic approach and is skilled in individualizing the care she offers. Serving in local nonprofit agencies and private practice, Sheryl has offered extensive support to foster and adoptive families and to individuals ready to deepen their personal relationships. Sheryl is able to help individuals reduce anxiety, improve their mood, restore hope, and reconnect with their community.
I have a warm and compassionate approach focusing on the present moment. I support teens, pre teens, parents, families, individuals and couples deal with their challenges in a safe and supportive environment. I am experienced in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions to name a few. I have extensive training in DBT, CBT, Mindfulness, EMDR and Somatic therapy. I am also fluent in Spanish and through my life lived in four different countries, therefore, enjoy working with a population with diverce cultural background.
I have a warm and compassionate approach focusing on the present moment. I support teens, pre teens, parents, families, individuals and couples deal with their challenges in a safe and supportive environment. I am experienced in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions to name a few. I have extensive training in DBT, CBT, Mindfulness, EMDR and Somatic therapy. I am also fluent in Spanish and through my life lived in four different countries, therefore, enjoy working with a population with diverce cultural background.
Tammy Lee Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94027 (Online Only)
I offer relaxation techniques, EMDR, hypnotherapy and guided imagery to address Stress, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Chronic Pain or illness, PTSD, among other life challenges.
Online Video Appointments only. Wellness Counseling. Focused on Personal Empowerment. Grief, Stress Reduction, Life coaching, Mindfulness practice, and Hypnotherapy are some of what I offer. Stress reduction strategies, management of depression, anxiety, PTSD, Loss and Grief, physical pain management and overall general well-being. Contact me through email: balance93612@gmail.com
I offer relaxation techniques, EMDR, hypnotherapy and guided imagery to address Stress, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Chronic Pain or illness, PTSD, among other life challenges.
Online Video Appointments only. Wellness Counseling. Focused on Personal Empowerment. Grief, Stress Reduction, Life coaching, Mindfulness practice, and Hypnotherapy are some of what I offer. Stress reduction strategies, management of depression, anxiety, PTSD, Loss and Grief, physical pain management and overall general well-being. Contact me through email: balance93612@gmail.com
Joann G. Riggio, M.S., MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94027
I work with individuals with trauma, anxiety, & depression using EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other modalities tailoring my approach to the unique needs of my client.
Many of my clients feel stuck in old patterns of behaviors and communication styles that no longer serve them. As a result, they often feel misunderstood and disconnected from one another. With my years of training and compassionate attunement, I have helped them move out of old negative cycles, gain a deeper trust and connection with one another and have peace and harmony in their relationship. Please visit my website at www.jgriggiomft.com for a more information on how we can work together to help you achieve this too. I also help people with their struggles of anxiety, depression and PTSD. I teach methods for symptom relief.
I work with individuals with trauma, anxiety, & depression using EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other modalities tailoring my approach to the unique needs of my client.
Many of my clients feel stuck in old patterns of behaviors and communication styles that no longer serve them. As a result, they often feel misunderstood and disconnected from one another. With my years of training and compassionate attunement, I have helped them move out of old negative cycles, gain a deeper trust and connection with one another and have peace and harmony in their relationship. Please visit my website at www.jgriggiomft.com for a more information on how we can work together to help you achieve this too. I also help people with their struggles of anxiety, depression and PTSD. I teach methods for symptom relief.
Waters Gone By Counseling Healing from the Past, Hope for the Future www.watersgoneby.com I specialize in a number of different counseling issues including anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, and life issues with people in many different ages and stages. I use the therapeutic relationship in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as EMDR in my counseling approach. I provide therapy in Idaho and coaching out of state.
Waters Gone By Counseling Healing from the Past, Hope for the Future www.watersgoneby.com I specialize in a number of different counseling issues including anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, and life issues with people in many different ages and stages. I use the therapeutic relationship in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as EMDR in my counseling approach. I provide therapy in Idaho and coaching out of state.
Love Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR, NLP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94027
Yaji Tramontini, MFT, EMDR.
When your relationship feels on the brink, you can feel on the brink... You're seeking a path to renewal, but don't know how to get there. At Love Therapy Center we offer an immersive coaching program anchored in the Love Therapy Method. With self-love as the premise, the Love Therapy Method can help transform and strengthen all of your relationships. In addition to relationship & communication tools we will offer in-depth personal development through EMDR, NLP, and other transformative healing techniques. Learn more about us and our other holistic and intuitive therapeutic methods at www.lovetherapycenter.org.
Yaji Tramontini, MFT, EMDR.
When your relationship feels on the brink, you can feel on the brink... You're seeking a path to renewal, but don't know how to get there. At Love Therapy Center we offer an immersive coaching program anchored in the Love Therapy Method. With self-love as the premise, the Love Therapy Method can help transform and strengthen all of your relationships. In addition to relationship & communication tools we will offer in-depth personal development through EMDR, NLP, and other transformative healing techniques. Learn more about us and our other holistic and intuitive therapeutic methods at www.lovetherapycenter.org.
Dr. Cara Gardenswartz & GroupTherapyLA/NY
Psychologist, MA, CGP, PhD
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94027
We are a concierge therapy practice and work with the following populations: Adults, Children/Teens, Family, Our specialties include relationships, trauma, ADHD, ASD, postpartum depression/anxiety, depression, anxiety, life coaching, DBT, EMDR.
I am Dr. Cara Gardenwartz, and I am asking you to please call for a free consultation. Once we decide which of our specialists is the best fit for you, I will work swiftly and thoroughly on your behalf, taking care of all the next steps. Let me help create a solution for you, with you. As the Founder and Director of GroupTherapyLA and GroupTherapyNY, I lead a team of highly skilled therapists committed to providing exceptional mental health care. Our practice is designed to offer personalized and comprehensive therapeutic services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
We are a concierge therapy practice and work with the following populations: Adults, Children/Teens, Family, Our specialties include relationships, trauma, ADHD, ASD, postpartum depression/anxiety, depression, anxiety, life coaching, DBT, EMDR.
I am Dr. Cara Gardenwartz, and I am asking you to please call for a free consultation. Once we decide which of our specialists is the best fit for you, I will work swiftly and thoroughly on your behalf, taking care of all the next steps. Let me help create a solution for you, with you. As the Founder and Director of GroupTherapyLA and GroupTherapyNY, I lead a team of highly skilled therapists committed to providing exceptional mental health care. Our practice is designed to offer personalized and comprehensive therapeutic services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
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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.