EMDR Therapists in Pleasanton, CA

Photo of Zaria Garden - Zaria Garden Psychotherapy & EMDR, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Zaria Garden Psychotherapy & EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I offer psychotherapy & Attachment focused EMDR with an integral approach.
Has a recent loss or traumatic experience turned your world upside down? Do you struggle with the aftermath of childhood abuse and unsure how to move forward? Do others see you as successful but inside you feel anxious and uncertain of your worth? Do you feel something missing in your life? Are you experiencing a divorce or other major life transition?
I offer psychotherapy & Attachment focused EMDR with an integral approach.
Has a recent loss or traumatic experience turned your world upside down? Do you struggle with the aftermath of childhood abuse and unsure how to move forward? Do others see you as successful but inside you feel anxious and uncertain of your worth? Do you feel something missing in your life? Are you experiencing a divorce or other major life transition?
(925) 633-6576 View (925) 633-6576
Photo of Jill Mattesich-Udoutch, MA, MFT, CCHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill Mattesich-Udoutch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CCHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
My holistic approach blends Equine Therapy, EMDR.
Imagine relating to yourself and others with ease and clarity. It is through our meaningful connections with self and others that we expand and thrive. Sometimes life gets sticky and the world seems to fold in on us. And, when this happens, you need someone with an objective, listening ear. If you're ready to navigate awakening to the Self, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, trauma or couples and parenting issues, I offer over 20 years of experience with proven techniques to help you through these tough times.
My holistic approach blends Equine Therapy, EMDR.
Imagine relating to yourself and others with ease and clarity. It is through our meaningful connections with self and others that we expand and thrive. Sometimes life gets sticky and the world seems to fold in on us. And, when this happens, you need someone with an objective, listening ear. If you're ready to navigate awakening to the Self, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, trauma or couples and parenting issues, I offer over 20 years of experience with proven techniques to help you through these tough times.
(925) 248-9123 View (925) 248-9123
Photo of Adriana Flores-Trespalacios - Flores Psychobehavioral Services, MA, LPCC, BCB, BCN, Counselor
Flores Psychobehavioral Services
Counselor, MA, LPCC, BCB, BCN
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
In my practice I use talk therapy, including EMDR and CBT in conjunction with biofeedback and Neurofeedback.
I am a psychotherapist specialized in developmental Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
In my practice I use talk therapy, including EMDR and CBT in conjunction with biofeedback and Neurofeedback.
I am a psychotherapist specialized in developmental Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
(925) 660-7156 View (925) 660-7156
Photo of Kim Salyer, LMFT, CCTP-2, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kim Salyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCTP-2, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94588  (Online Only)
I utilize EMDR, which helps your brain process information that was previously "stuck" and causing you distress.
Are you overwhelmed by negative thoughts, or feeling depressed or anxious? No matter how hard you try, your life is a struggle. Even on a good day, when everything is going well, you still have those feelings: not understanding why you keep doing the things that you do, not recognizing the person you have become. On the outside you seem like you have your life put together, but on the inside, you are overwhelmed or unhappy. You're tired of feeling "stuck" in your life – whether it’s wanting better connections with loved ones, to better yourself, or to heal from the pain of your past.
I utilize EMDR, which helps your brain process information that was previously "stuck" and causing you distress.
Are you overwhelmed by negative thoughts, or feeling depressed or anxious? No matter how hard you try, your life is a struggle. Even on a good day, when everything is going well, you still have those feelings: not understanding why you keep doing the things that you do, not recognizing the person you have become. On the outside you seem like you have your life put together, but on the inside, you are overwhelmed or unhappy. You're tired of feeling "stuck" in your life – whether it’s wanting better connections with loved ones, to better yourself, or to heal from the pain of your past.
(909) 552-8192 View (909) 552-8192
Photo of Katie Johnson, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katie Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Hello and welcome, I'm so glad you are searching for help for yourself. I specialize in working with people experiencing depression and anxiety. I have sucessfully treated adults and children with these issues for over 20 years. Whether it's day to day issues or trauma you've experienced that brings you to therapy, I work with you to decrease negative thoughts and behaviors. My focus is to put you back in charge of your life. In addition to treating depression and anxiety, I also work with special needs parents. I have significant experience with EMDR which has been very successful in reducing negative memories and flashbacks.
Hello and welcome, I'm so glad you are searching for help for yourself. I specialize in working with people experiencing depression and anxiety. I have sucessfully treated adults and children with these issues for over 20 years. Whether it's day to day issues or trauma you've experienced that brings you to therapy, I work with you to decrease negative thoughts and behaviors. My focus is to put you back in charge of your life. In addition to treating depression and anxiety, I also work with special needs parents. I have significant experience with EMDR which has been very successful in reducing negative memories and flashbacks.
(925) 302-9412 View (925) 302-9412
Photo of Michael McCratic, MA, MFT, BCETS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael McCratic
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, BCETS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I'm an Approved Consultant and certified in EMDR from the EMDR International Association.
If you are looking for a therapist with over 30 years experience and that regularly conducts consultations for other therapists, you might want to take a look at my specialties. Most people are heading in the right direction, but it is like they are driving this road of life with two wheels off the road. They just can't get up to speed. I love helping people, like you, figure out what keeps you from getting up to speed and how to move past those issues like PTSD / TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES, ADDICTIONS, MARITAL DISCORD, ANXIETY and DEPRESSION. ( My Specialties)
I'm an Approved Consultant and certified in EMDR from the EMDR International Association.
If you are looking for a therapist with over 30 years experience and that regularly conducts consultations for other therapists, you might want to take a look at my specialties. Most people are heading in the right direction, but it is like they are driving this road of life with two wheels off the road. They just can't get up to speed. I love helping people, like you, figure out what keeps you from getting up to speed and how to move past those issues like PTSD / TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES, ADDICTIONS, MARITAL DISCORD, ANXIETY and DEPRESSION. ( My Specialties)
(925) 309-7209 x1 View (925) 309-7209 x1
Photo of Mina Skoutelakis, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mina Skoutelakis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
In addition to being a Certified EMDR therapist, I am also experienced in Emotional Freedom Technique (also known as Tapping), which complements the work I do and empowers my clients to release and heal, literally with their own hands.
My expertise is in helping clients overcome or manage anxiety and depression through healing from traumatic events of their past. I best work with clients who are open to understanding the mind-body connection and the importance of building on their inner strength, positive relationships, and inner wisdom. I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) which is a form of mind-body healing where old, painful events are addressed and metabolized so they aren't carried negatively into the present day any longer. I work with my clients to release painful beliefs and feelings so they can create a new future.
In addition to being a Certified EMDR therapist, I am also experienced in Emotional Freedom Technique (also known as Tapping), which complements the work I do and empowers my clients to release and heal, literally with their own hands.
My expertise is in helping clients overcome or manage anxiety and depression through healing from traumatic events of their past. I best work with clients who are open to understanding the mind-body connection and the importance of building on their inner strength, positive relationships, and inner wisdom. I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) which is a form of mind-body healing where old, painful events are addressed and metabolized so they aren't carried negatively into the present day any longer. I work with my clients to release painful beliefs and feelings so they can create a new future.
(925) 344-5224 View (925) 344-5224
Photo of Laura Michelle Eklund, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Michelle Eklund
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I am primarily an EMDR and DBT therapist but will shift to match the needs of my clients.
If you are ready to move forward in your life and need someone who you can trust in their expertise and experience, I am the right provider for you. I specialize in treating trauma especially abuse, assaults, domestic violence and injuries. I can attend to the specific needs of police officers, first responders, veterans. I am a proud support of survivors of childhood abuse and sexual abuse/ exploitation, provider for California Victims of Crime Compensation.
I am primarily an EMDR and DBT therapist but will shift to match the needs of my clients.
If you are ready to move forward in your life and need someone who you can trust in their expertise and experience, I am the right provider for you. I specialize in treating trauma especially abuse, assaults, domestic violence and injuries. I can attend to the specific needs of police officers, first responders, veterans. I am a proud support of survivors of childhood abuse and sexual abuse/ exploitation, provider for California Victims of Crime Compensation.
(925) 266-3134 View (925) 266-3134
Photo of Alvin Gregorio, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alvin Gregorio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I relate in a conversational therapy style, rooted in Narrative Approaches, utilizing strategies and interventions informed by EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Humanistic perspectives.
Taking care of yourself can be exhausting, especially when you are taking care of others. Personal and professional relationships take effort and have a new meaning in this current time of social unrest and a global pandemic. You might be an overwhelmed parent. Or perhaps you are burnt out from working-from-home. You may be in a challenging relationship. Or maybe you are simply feeling out of sorts and trying to make sense of it all. When we're stressed we often forget who we are and what is important to us. By looking for help, you've taken the first step in regaining balance in your life, and finding yourself.
I relate in a conversational therapy style, rooted in Narrative Approaches, utilizing strategies and interventions informed by EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Humanistic perspectives.
Taking care of yourself can be exhausting, especially when you are taking care of others. Personal and professional relationships take effort and have a new meaning in this current time of social unrest and a global pandemic. You might be an overwhelmed parent. Or perhaps you are burnt out from working-from-home. You may be in a challenging relationship. Or maybe you are simply feeling out of sorts and trying to make sense of it all. When we're stressed we often forget who we are and what is important to us. By looking for help, you've taken the first step in regaining balance in your life, and finding yourself.
(925) 304-3739 View (925) 304-3739
Photo of Minakshi Goyal, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Minakshi Goyal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I am a certified EMDR provider and work with those suffering from PTSD, First Responders as well as victims of trauma.
Welcome to my practice! I work with adults, families, teens, children, and first responders to provide various types of counseling, including but not limited to CBT, EMDR, Trauma focused CBT, behavioral interventions, play therapy, parenting support, etc… Whether you are feeling stuck, frustrated, anxious, or depressed, I can help you cope with these feelings and improve your overall satisfaction in your life and relationships in a safe and confidential environment. No problem is too big, too small, or too shocking. Please reach out via email to minalcsw@gmail.com to schedule a conversation with me.
I am a certified EMDR provider and work with those suffering from PTSD, First Responders as well as victims of trauma.
Welcome to my practice! I work with adults, families, teens, children, and first responders to provide various types of counseling, including but not limited to CBT, EMDR, Trauma focused CBT, behavioral interventions, play therapy, parenting support, etc… Whether you are feeling stuck, frustrated, anxious, or depressed, I can help you cope with these feelings and improve your overall satisfaction in your life and relationships in a safe and confidential environment. No problem is too big, too small, or too shocking. Please reach out via email to minalcsw@gmail.com to schedule a conversation with me.
(510) 898-6910 View (510) 898-6910
Photo of Michelle Payton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Payton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR therapist whose passion is for helping clients overcome strong and distressing feelings through understanding the root of these emotions and working through them. I am fully trained in Safety and Attachment- Focused (S.A.F.E) EMDR Therapy and am confident in my abilities to help you navigate and heal from any past trauma, big or small. As a therapist with an additional background as a certified personal trainer, I work with clients who are open and interested in understanding the importance of mind and body health and are motivated for change.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR therapist whose passion is for helping clients overcome strong and distressing feelings through understanding the root of these emotions and working through them. I am fully trained in Safety and Attachment- Focused (S.A.F.E) EMDR Therapy and am confident in my abilities to help you navigate and heal from any past trauma, big or small. As a therapist with an additional background as a certified personal trainer, I work with clients who are open and interested in understanding the importance of mind and body health and are motivated for change.
(323) 746-0683 View (323) 746-0683
Photo of Kim Kerr, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kim Kerr
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I am trained in EMDR and Levels I & II Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, or loneliness? Are you having problems in communication with your partner or family member? Are you going through a life transition and feeling burdened, stuck, or overwhelmed? Crisis, trauma, loss, and suffering can lead to the discovery of new capacities for healing and growth. I believe therapy is a transformative and collaborative process which can help. I welcome working with individuals, as well as couples and families. I offer a safe, genuine, caring, and non judgmental environment where I support you in discovering the tools you need to meet your goals.
I am trained in EMDR and Levels I & II Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, or loneliness? Are you having problems in communication with your partner or family member? Are you going through a life transition and feeling burdened, stuck, or overwhelmed? Crisis, trauma, loss, and suffering can lead to the discovery of new capacities for healing and growth. I believe therapy is a transformative and collaborative process which can help. I welcome working with individuals, as well as couples and families. I offer a safe, genuine, caring, and non judgmental environment where I support you in discovering the tools you need to meet your goals.
(925) 892-3991 View (925) 892-3991
Photo of Susannah Ruth Feder, PsyD, Psychologist
Susannah Ruth Feder
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588  (Online Only)
I use cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, EMDR, hypnosis, relaxation and portable biofeedback techniques to assist clients in improving their quality of life while coping with chronic pain/illness.
I am most experienced in working with people with pain, illness, addictions, anxiety and depression. I use interpersonal and cognitive approaches to these issues, and believe that the client is best able to assist in selecting the types of approaches best suited to them.
I use cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, EMDR, hypnosis, relaxation and portable biofeedback techniques to assist clients in improving their quality of life while coping with chronic pain/illness.
I am most experienced in working with people with pain, illness, addictions, anxiety and depression. I use interpersonal and cognitive approaches to these issues, and believe that the client is best able to assist in selecting the types of approaches best suited to them.
(925) 448-9343 View (925) 448-9343
Photo of Debbie Curtis, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debbie Curtis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
My approach is integrated using Brainspotting, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, CBT and somatic practices.
I work with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, or that may be asking the question “who am I really?” Life transitions may bring uncertainty which can prevent us from enjoying a healthy and happy life. I am here to discuss tough subjects in order to build coping skills that promote success and a positive self-identity. When working with teens I work with parents to develop an effective plan that helps support their child’s improvement and build meaningful relationships.
My approach is integrated using Brainspotting, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, CBT and somatic practices.
I work with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, or that may be asking the question “who am I really?” Life transitions may bring uncertainty which can prevent us from enjoying a healthy and happy life. I am here to discuss tough subjects in order to build coping skills that promote success and a positive self-identity. When working with teens I work with parents to develop an effective plan that helps support their child’s improvement and build meaningful relationships.
(925) 666-6349 View (925) 666-6349
Photo of Michelle Ann Saviano - Shelly Saviano, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shelly Saviano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Have a child struggling with behavioral problems or a teen not acting like their normal self? Trained in EMDR, my heart and speciality as a therapist is in working with children, pre-teens and teenagers aged 10-17 struggling with Divorce, Blended Families, School, Bullying, and Anxiety/Depression.
Have a child struggling with behavioral problems or a teen not acting like their normal self? Trained in EMDR, my heart and speciality as a therapist is in working with children, pre-teens and teenagers aged 10-17 struggling with Divorce, Blended Families, School, Bullying, and Anxiety/Depression.
(925) 304-1768 View (925) 304-1768
Photo of Laura Channer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Channer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Laura Channer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 5 years of experience working with adults, teens, and children. My therapeutic approach includes various modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing, and Patient-Centered Therapy.
Hello, I'm Laura Channer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 5 years of experience working with adults, teens, and children. My therapeutic approach includes various modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing, and Patient-Centered Therapy.
(747) 350-1411 View (747) 350-1411
Photo of Rosa C. Shetty, LCSW, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rosa C. Shetty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566  (Online Only)
I have been in the field of trauma healing and recovery since 2007. I specialize in helping women of color (BIPOC) heal from complex childhood trauma and dissociative disorders stemming from sexual abuse. I have advanced training in research-based trauma recovery models: EMDR, Havening, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and Trauma-Focused Yoga Therapy.
I have been in the field of trauma healing and recovery since 2007. I specialize in helping women of color (BIPOC) heal from complex childhood trauma and dissociative disorders stemming from sexual abuse. I have advanced training in research-based trauma recovery models: EMDR, Havening, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and Trauma-Focused Yoga Therapy.
(818) 210-4536 View (818) 210-4536
Photo of Theresa Wallace, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Theresa Wallace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566  (Online Only)
Sometimes I'll bring in inner child work into my EMDR sessions to help my clients learn how to effectively reparent themselves when our focus is on early childhood, complex trauma.
Hello there, I'm Theresa Wallace and I have a License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW). I use a person centered, trauma informed approach, and I spend time asking each of my clients about their goals for therapy so I can prioritize which modalities are best used to help my clients reach their goals. I typically treat adults ages 18-60 who endure Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. I use a Socratic/Psychodynamic approach to help clients build insight into what behaviors may or may not be serving them, and where they may have originated from.
Sometimes I'll bring in inner child work into my EMDR sessions to help my clients learn how to effectively reparent themselves when our focus is on early childhood, complex trauma.
Hello there, I'm Theresa Wallace and I have a License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW). I use a person centered, trauma informed approach, and I spend time asking each of my clients about their goals for therapy so I can prioritize which modalities are best used to help my clients reach their goals. I typically treat adults ages 18-60 who endure Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. I use a Socratic/Psychodynamic approach to help clients build insight into what behaviors may or may not be serving them, and where they may have originated from.
(760) 374-8472 View (760) 374-8472
Photo of Rochelle Ashton-Beasley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rochelle Ashton-Beasley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566  (Online Only)
My name is Rochelle Ashton and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California. I have 14 years of clinical experience working in the mental health field with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of life challenges and mental health disorders. I utilize different treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, EMDR, PCIT, and many more based on the needs of the client.
My name is Rochelle Ashton and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California. I have 14 years of clinical experience working in the mental health field with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of life challenges and mental health disorders. I utilize different treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, EMDR, PCIT, and many more based on the needs of the client.
(747) 832-2981 View (747) 832-2981
Photo of Ana Gallardo, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ana Gallardo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566  (Online Only)
My name is Ana Gallardo and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, and I provide telehealth services for clients nationwide. I work with adults and children, and I specialize in mood and anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress. The theoretical orientations I use most in my practice are, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reduce anxiety and mood disorders and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD and trauma-related experiences by replacing negative memories with positive ones. My goal for you is to teach you tools that you can use to better help yourself.
My name is Ana Gallardo and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, and I provide telehealth services for clients nationwide. I work with adults and children, and I specialize in mood and anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress. The theoretical orientations I use most in my practice are, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reduce anxiety and mood disorders and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD and trauma-related experiences by replacing negative memories with positive ones. My goal for you is to teach you tools that you can use to better help yourself.
(747) 832-2947 View (747) 832-2947
1
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.