EMDR Therapists in Richmond, CA

Photo of Liz Abrams, PhD, Psychologist
Liz Abrams
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Additionally, I am formally trained in EMDR and Clinical Hypnosis.
Stress and trauma can take many forms. Sometimes we survive an event such as a car accident, wildfire, assault, or military-related event. Or we may notice chronic struggles with trusting others and ourselves, and feeling stressed and unsatisfied in our relationships. The experience of trauma can significantly impact how we change or grow in each present moment, how we connect and separate from others, and how we experiment, take risks, and resource our creativity. Let's co-create a therapy relationship that works to support the development of loving relationships with self and others.
Additionally, I am formally trained in EMDR and Clinical Hypnosis.
Stress and trauma can take many forms. Sometimes we survive an event such as a car accident, wildfire, assault, or military-related event. Or we may notice chronic struggles with trusting others and ourselves, and feeling stressed and unsatisfied in our relationships. The experience of trauma can significantly impact how we change or grow in each present moment, how we connect and separate from others, and how we experiment, take risks, and resource our creativity. Let's co-create a therapy relationship that works to support the development of loving relationships with self and others.
(510) 851-8667 View (510) 851-8667
Photo of Dr. Aretha Hampton, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Aretha Hampton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Richmond, CA 94801
I am trained in EMDR in 50 minute sessions, 90 minute and intensive sessions (3+ hours).
Navigating this thing called Life is truly a trip! My mission is to support you to have more effective communication and coping skills, develop an uncompromising and joyful sense of self, develop stronger life skills, increased healthy coping with life transitions and heal traumas so that you can be the person you need to be. This mission extends to my group practice where I work with three associate therapists who operate from the same mission. You can view Tekia Doby, Paris Hall and Dwaine Radden's profile on my website and on Psychology Today
I am trained in EMDR in 50 minute sessions, 90 minute and intensive sessions (3+ hours).
Navigating this thing called Life is truly a trip! My mission is to support you to have more effective communication and coping skills, develop an uncompromising and joyful sense of self, develop stronger life skills, increased healthy coping with life transitions and heal traumas so that you can be the person you need to be. This mission extends to my group practice where I work with three associate therapists who operate from the same mission. You can view Tekia Doby, Paris Hall and Dwaine Radden's profile on my website and on Psychology Today
(510) 847-8847 View (510) 847-8847
Photo of Jill Nicole Peeler, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill Nicole Peeler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94803
I utilize evidence-based modalities like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR).
I am a LMFT serving first responders, military and their families in the State of California. I offer counseling services to first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, veterans, dispatchers, medical professionals and their families. I educate my clients on recognizing the signs of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, Stress, empowering them to identify intrusive thoughts, emotional detachment, relationship challenges and other symptoms commonly associated with trauma exposure. By fostering a supportive environment, I strive to promote resilience, and coping skills.
I utilize evidence-based modalities like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR).
I am a LMFT serving first responders, military and their families in the State of California. I offer counseling services to first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, veterans, dispatchers, medical professionals and their families. I educate my clients on recognizing the signs of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, Stress, empowering them to identify intrusive thoughts, emotional detachment, relationship challenges and other symptoms commonly associated with trauma exposure. By fostering a supportive environment, I strive to promote resilience, and coping skills.
(415) 523-9061 View (415) 523-9061
Photo of Natalya Kuzmicheva, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalya Kuzmicheva
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94806  (Online Only)
I have training and experience working with trauma and PTSD, following EMDR and TRIM approaches.
Every patient is unique, and so is every therapist. I have lived and practiced therapy in two very different cultures, which has given me insight into culturally specific and universal issues that underlie personal and interpersonal conflicts. I approach every client with acceptance and understanding, providing them with a compassionate space for exploring challenges and obstacles to happiness in themselves and their relationships. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, seeking to understand each client's worldview and to help them to discover their own solutions to the difficulties they face, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts.
I have training and experience working with trauma and PTSD, following EMDR and TRIM approaches.
Every patient is unique, and so is every therapist. I have lived and practiced therapy in two very different cultures, which has given me insight into culturally specific and universal issues that underlie personal and interpersonal conflicts. I approach every client with acceptance and understanding, providing them with a compassionate space for exploring challenges and obstacles to happiness in themselves and their relationships. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, seeking to understand each client's worldview and to help them to discover their own solutions to the difficulties they face, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts.
(858) 352-7322 View (858) 352-7322
Photo of Cindy Cothran, LPCC
Cindy Cothran
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94801
I am trained in a variety of techniques such as TF-CBT and EMDR for trauma, Mindfulness-Based Stress Management, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
My name is Cindy Cothran and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 13358) based in the Central Coast of California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I presently work with older adolescents and all ages of adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and GLBTQ-related concerns. I utilize a variety of evidence-based approaches guided by the comfort level of the person I am working with. I find that I am comfortable working with many types of people and every age group. I enjoy working with the LGBTQIA community and I am polyamory and kink-affirming.
I am trained in a variety of techniques such as TF-CBT and EMDR for trauma, Mindfulness-Based Stress Management, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
My name is Cindy Cothran and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 13358) based in the Central Coast of California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I presently work with older adolescents and all ages of adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and GLBTQ-related concerns. I utilize a variety of evidence-based approaches guided by the comfort level of the person I am working with. I find that I am comfortable working with many types of people and every age group. I enjoy working with the LGBTQIA community and I am polyamory and kink-affirming.
(805) 307-8913 View (805) 307-8913
Photo of Ashley Ikeda, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashley Ikeda
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Hi there! Welcome to my practice. My name is Ashley Ikeda and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 120013). I have worked with clients of all ages who have experienced/are experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse, relationship issues, life adjustments, self/harm, and acute or chronic trauma. I practice from a client-centered and integrative approach and utilize both evidence-based and trauma-informed therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing practices depending on what a client needs.
Hi there! Welcome to my practice. My name is Ashley Ikeda and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 120013). I have worked with clients of all ages who have experienced/are experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse, relationship issues, life adjustments, self/harm, and acute or chronic trauma. I practice from a client-centered and integrative approach and utilize both evidence-based and trauma-informed therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing practices depending on what a client needs.
(951) 498-5844 View (951) 498-5844
Photo of Manda Selva, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Manda Selva
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94805  (Online Only)
I find somatic-based therapies like EMDR & Brainspotting to be very helpful and integrate them along with CBT, Jungian, Internal Family System, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Gottman II.
Accepting New Clients. Do you find it hard to cope with life due to relationship or career-related stress, grief, depression, childhood trauma and PTSD, unresolved family dynamics, or parenting challenges? Sometimes "feeling stuck" could be due to a recent or prior trauma or thinking that you are undeserving. Are you a couple or family who is out of sync or finding hard to communicate? Are you a First/Second generation struggling with family/culture-based expectations or trying to negotiate between 2 cultures? My style is warm, engaged & curious, and my role is to increase awareness and help you develop effective coping strategies.
I find somatic-based therapies like EMDR & Brainspotting to be very helpful and integrate them along with CBT, Jungian, Internal Family System, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Gottman II.
Accepting New Clients. Do you find it hard to cope with life due to relationship or career-related stress, grief, depression, childhood trauma and PTSD, unresolved family dynamics, or parenting challenges? Sometimes "feeling stuck" could be due to a recent or prior trauma or thinking that you are undeserving. Are you a couple or family who is out of sync or finding hard to communicate? Are you a First/Second generation struggling with family/culture-based expectations or trying to negotiate between 2 cultures? My style is warm, engaged & curious, and my role is to increase awareness and help you develop effective coping strategies.
(510) 216-1287 View (510) 216-1287
Maria A Garay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CAMF
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond, CA 94805
My training in EMDR allows me to guide clients through reprocessing of trauma using specific targets for measurable success.
I work with clients from a client-centered approach which is intended to provide the safe space needed for healing. Together we will target debilitating symptoms. I work with adolescents and adults in individual and family settings. and couples seeking support in their relationship. I work with people seeking awareness on how to improve their life and support in achieving their goals. Together we will restore healthy lifestyle patterns and plan for future success. Teens, adults and couples often can suffer from the same depressive, anxious and traumatic experiences, but will need different support to heal.
My training in EMDR allows me to guide clients through reprocessing of trauma using specific targets for measurable success.
I work with clients from a client-centered approach which is intended to provide the safe space needed for healing. Together we will target debilitating symptoms. I work with adolescents and adults in individual and family settings. and couples seeking support in their relationship. I work with people seeking awareness on how to improve their life and support in achieving their goals. Together we will restore healthy lifestyle patterns and plan for future success. Teens, adults and couples often can suffer from the same depressive, anxious and traumatic experiences, but will need different support to heal.
(510) 746-8133 View (510) 746-8133
Photo of Rocio Elisa Hernandez, PhD, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rocio Elisa Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, CA 94805
I use Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR) to help people reach all kinds of life goals.
Reach Your Goal Now with Dr. Cio! Whether it is learning to love yourself, love your life, preparing for a marathon, improving your relationships, making a new relationship with a challenging diagnosis, traumatic experience, changing body, or you want to pass that big test that is holding you back from your future, I have helped thousands of people reach their goals. I would be honored to help you reach your your goal now. I also specialize in immigration evaluations and teach a course for others wanting to add to their practice.
I use Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR) to help people reach all kinds of life goals.
Reach Your Goal Now with Dr. Cio! Whether it is learning to love yourself, love your life, preparing for a marathon, improving your relationships, making a new relationship with a challenging diagnosis, traumatic experience, changing body, or you want to pass that big test that is holding you back from your future, I have helped thousands of people reach their goals. I would be honored to help you reach your your goal now. I also specialize in immigration evaluations and teach a course for others wanting to add to their practice.
(510) 291-4603 View (510) 291-4603
Photo of Karie Ochoa, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karie Ochoa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond, CA 94805
I'm intensively trained in DBT (Dialectal Behavioral Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) to support my clients in healing their distressing experiences through skill use, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and connecting your mind and body in order to heal.
People come to me because they are struggling and tired. They are struggling in their relationships with others and with themselves. Often, that includes self harm or suicidal thoughts. They might be told they tend to overreact, are dramatic, or "too much". Many are struggling with identity, how they see the world and how they see themselves in the world, often still dealing with painful wounds from childhood or versions of their younger selves. My clients want to feel more balanced and in control. People come to me because day to day tasks can be so distressing and overwhelming and they want to have a better quality of life.
I'm intensively trained in DBT (Dialectal Behavioral Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) to support my clients in healing their distressing experiences through skill use, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and connecting your mind and body in order to heal.
People come to me because they are struggling and tired. They are struggling in their relationships with others and with themselves. Often, that includes self harm or suicidal thoughts. They might be told they tend to overreact, are dramatic, or "too much". Many are struggling with identity, how they see the world and how they see themselves in the world, often still dealing with painful wounds from childhood or versions of their younger selves. My clients want to feel more balanced and in control. People come to me because day to day tasks can be so distressing and overwhelming and they want to have a better quality of life.
(510) 983-8563 View (510) 983-8563
Photo of Eva Lyons, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Eva Lyons
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94805  (Online Only)
 I offer an integrative approach that is relational, attachment and body-based, and may include modalities such as mindfulness, EMDR, and somatic exploration, as well as tools to assist in developing skills of emotional regulation and self-secure attachment.
I believe that our minds and hearts, like our bodies, possess an innate wisdom and ability to heal, given the right environment and structure. Sometimes we get stuck in old patterns and beliefs that helped us in the circumstances we learned them in, but need to be updated in order to allow us to fully embody our best, most authentic and empowered selves. Therapy can assist us in learning more about what automatic programs our system is running, and give us the tools to make these changes.
 I offer an integrative approach that is relational, attachment and body-based, and may include modalities such as mindfulness, EMDR, and somatic exploration, as well as tools to assist in developing skills of emotional regulation and self-secure attachment.
I believe that our minds and hearts, like our bodies, possess an innate wisdom and ability to heal, given the right environment and structure. Sometimes we get stuck in old patterns and beliefs that helped us in the circumstances we learned them in, but need to be updated in order to allow us to fully embody our best, most authentic and empowered selves. Therapy can assist us in learning more about what automatic programs our system is running, and give us the tools to make these changes.
(510) 592-5714 View (510) 592-5714
Photo of Nakia Linzie-Shavers, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nakia Linzie-Shavers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94801
“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain.” —Vivian Greene. There is one thing for certain, life will at times leave you feeling breathless and confused. How are you navigating through the issues of life that feel overwhelming? Do you feel like you are just surviving? Is just getting out of bed a struggle? You are making so much progress even reading this! Processing these life events can be the difference between striving and thriving. Let me help!
“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain.” —Vivian Greene. There is one thing for certain, life will at times leave you feeling breathless and confused. How are you navigating through the issues of life that feel overwhelming? Do you feel like you are just surviving? Is just getting out of bed a struggle? You are making so much progress even reading this! Processing these life events can be the difference between striving and thriving. Let me help!
(510) 250-3581 View (510) 250-3581
Photo of Lucinda Guarino, LPCC
Lucinda Guarino
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Hi, there, I'm Lucinda! My name is Lucinda Guarino, and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with women and men ages 14 and over and specialize in anxiety, life transitions, and emotional challenges. I use Humanistic/Existential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients progress and start feeling better. I'm also happy to work with clients who desire to meet with someone from a faith-based, Christian perspective.
Hi, there, I'm Lucinda! My name is Lucinda Guarino, and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with women and men ages 14 and over and specialize in anxiety, life transitions, and emotional challenges. I use Humanistic/Existential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients progress and start feeling better. I'm also happy to work with clients who desire to meet with someone from a faith-based, Christian perspective.
(510) 466-1028 View (510) 466-1028
Photo of John Jakubowski, AMFT, APCC, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
John Jakubowski
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94803
Things are really hard right now - it is more important than ever to have support. That looks different for everyone, but whether it's parenting, relationship, work, family - or all of the above, create some space and a plan to walk through it - together. It is a journey of insight, compassion, respect, honesty, integrity and courage.
Things are really hard right now - it is more important than ever to have support. That looks different for everyone, but whether it's parenting, relationship, work, family - or all of the above, create some space and a plan to walk through it - together. It is a journey of insight, compassion, respect, honesty, integrity and courage.
(510) 726-1326 View (510) 726-1326
Photo of Nai Saechao, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nai Saechao
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94801
Hi there, my name is Nai Saechao, and I am a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about supporting all my clients through challenges to experience healing and growth in their lives. My approach is client centered. I will meet you with empathy, open-mindedness, and unconditional positive regard. I believe in working collaboratively to identify treatment priorities and to create a safe space for dialogue. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for young adults and persons of various generational groups who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions, adjustments, and social pressures.
Hi there, my name is Nai Saechao, and I am a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about supporting all my clients through challenges to experience healing and growth in their lives. My approach is client centered. I will meet you with empathy, open-mindedness, and unconditional positive regard. I believe in working collaboratively to identify treatment priorities and to create a safe space for dialogue. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for young adults and persons of various generational groups who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions, adjustments, and social pressures.
(510) 405-5452 View (510) 405-5452
Photo of Ana Lourdes Herrador, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ana Lourdes Herrador
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, CA 94805
As a bi-cultural/bi-lingual Latina Therapist with over twenty years of experience, I have had the pleasure of working with children, teens and adults from diverse cultural backgrounds. I provide psychotherapy to individuals from a holistic approach that incorporates mindfulness, relational, cognitive and psychodynamic theories. I love helping people, who are working in self-empowerment, managing anxiety, and relationship issues. I am a warm, compassionate therapist who strives to provide a welcoming place where my patients feel safe to address and work on their presenting symptoms and challenges.
As a bi-cultural/bi-lingual Latina Therapist with over twenty years of experience, I have had the pleasure of working with children, teens and adults from diverse cultural backgrounds. I provide psychotherapy to individuals from a holistic approach that incorporates mindfulness, relational, cognitive and psychodynamic theories. I love helping people, who are working in self-empowerment, managing anxiety, and relationship issues. I am a warm, compassionate therapist who strives to provide a welcoming place where my patients feel safe to address and work on their presenting symptoms and challenges.
(415) 363-9658 View (415) 363-9658
Photo of Larry Yavorsky - Larry Yavorsky Therapy & Relationship Enhancement, LMFT, RN, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Larry Yavorsky Therapy & Relationship Enhancement
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RN, MA
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94806
You can be happier, healthier & find life more fulfilling, by engaging in therapy with Larry Yavorsky. I am LMFT and RN with 40 years of experience in the areas of enhancing individual, sexual, and relationship health and satisfaction. I invite you to call me at (510) 401-3935 for free phone consultation. My passion is to help clients explore and understand themselves, to become free of troubling symptoms and of relationship distress. Using methods which promote emotional, mental, and physical awareness and health, I have had success in treating a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety,PTSD, relationship/sexual distress.
You can be happier, healthier & find life more fulfilling, by engaging in therapy with Larry Yavorsky. I am LMFT and RN with 40 years of experience in the areas of enhancing individual, sexual, and relationship health and satisfaction. I invite you to call me at (510) 401-3935 for free phone consultation. My passion is to help clients explore and understand themselves, to become free of troubling symptoms and of relationship distress. Using methods which promote emotional, mental, and physical awareness and health, I have had success in treating a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety,PTSD, relationship/sexual distress.
(510) 401-3935 View (510) 401-3935
Photo of Benedicte Last, LCP, Psychologist
Benedicte Last
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Hello, My name is Dr. Benedicte Last (PSY 30089). I practice clinical psychology in California. As a therapist, I support you in your journey toward the life you envision for yourself. In that process, we may process and heal the trauma that is holding you in the past, help you add or strengthen the tools to take care of yourself in the present, and in doing so, support you in laying the foundation of your future. In therapy, I use the theoretical approach that works for you. At times that could be psychodynamics, in which you work on understanding your emotions and unconscious patterns of behaviors.
Hello, My name is Dr. Benedicte Last (PSY 30089). I practice clinical psychology in California. As a therapist, I support you in your journey toward the life you envision for yourself. In that process, we may process and heal the trauma that is holding you in the past, help you add or strengthen the tools to take care of yourself in the present, and in doing so, support you in laying the foundation of your future. In therapy, I use the theoretical approach that works for you. At times that could be psychodynamics, in which you work on understanding your emotions and unconscious patterns of behaviors.
(510) 756-4786 View (510) 756-4786
Photo of Janet Murillo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janet Murillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Hi! My name is Janet Murillo, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping people struggling with challenges reach their full potential. I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. I have been practicing therapy for over 8 years, and I work with a wide range of clients in different age groups. I specialize in helping people ages 12 and up cope with a wide range of challenges, such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, and life transitions.
Hi! My name is Janet Murillo, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping people struggling with challenges reach their full potential. I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. I have been practicing therapy for over 8 years, and I work with a wide range of clients in different age groups. I specialize in helping people ages 12 and up cope with a wide range of challenges, such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, and life transitions.
(209) 431-8663 View (209) 431-8663
Photo of Briana Yedalian, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Briana Yedalian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Hi there, my name is Briana Yedalian, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 137449). It is essential that clients get personalized suggestions based on around your needs. This is a collaborative relationship made up of honesty, authenticity and open-mindedness. As a modern clinician, my approach is eclectic. I use a variety of tools and orientations that work for you, not the other way around.
Hi there, my name is Briana Yedalian, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 137449). It is essential that clients get personalized suggestions based on around your needs. This is a collaborative relationship made up of honesty, authenticity and open-mindedness. As a modern clinician, my approach is eclectic. I use a variety of tools and orientations that work for you, not the other way around.
(562) 539-4371 View (562) 539-4371
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.