EMDR Therapists in San Diego, CA
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and EMDR are the primary modalities I use to help clients meet their goals.
Life is difficult as it is especially when you are thrown curve balls along the way. It can be overwhelming to manage it on your own. I am here to help you process, understand, and change the way you view yourself, others and the world. I believe that changing the way you think can help change the way you feel ultimately changing your behaviors. While we can’t undo the past, we can work together to find hope and meaning in the present and future by challenging all roadblocks that are preventing you from healing. I provide a warm and safe environment and together we can create a treatment plan that fits you and your needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and EMDR are the primary modalities I use to help clients meet their goals.
Life is difficult as it is especially when you are thrown curve balls along the way. It can be overwhelming to manage it on your own. I am here to help you process, understand, and change the way you view yourself, others and the world. I believe that changing the way you think can help change the way you feel ultimately changing your behaviors. While we can’t undo the past, we can work together to find hope and meaning in the present and future by challenging all roadblocks that are preventing you from healing. I provide a warm and safe environment and together we can create a treatment plan that fits you and your needs.
Sessions include exploring your past and present, EMDR tapping, calming exercises, and connecting with parts that carry pain, loneliness, abandonment.
I work with clients who are dealing with lingering effects of childhood trauma, from bullying to abuse, and experiencing anger, anxiety, avoidance and depression. Clients who might have PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks or nightmares, triggers and problems with trust. Clients who have consistently formed bad relationships and unhealthy attachments.
Sessions include exploring your past and present, EMDR tapping, calming exercises, and connecting with parts that carry pain, loneliness, abandonment.
I work with clients who are dealing with lingering effects of childhood trauma, from bullying to abuse, and experiencing anger, anxiety, avoidance and depression. Clients who might have PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks or nightmares, triggers and problems with trust. Clients who have consistently formed bad relationships and unhealthy attachments.
Melanie Collaco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108 (Online Only)
I use a mix of modalities including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Brainspotting, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Mindfulness techniques.
Hi there and welcome! My name is Melanie "Mel" Collaco and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in San Diego, CA with over 10 years of experience in the social work field. I have worked extensively alongside with first responders and with adults primarily focusing on mood disorders, trauma symptoms, life transitions, relationship challenges and so much more.
I use a mix of modalities including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Brainspotting, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Mindfulness techniques.
Hi there and welcome! My name is Melanie "Mel" Collaco and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in San Diego, CA with over 10 years of experience in the social work field. I have worked extensively alongside with first responders and with adults primarily focusing on mood disorders, trauma symptoms, life transitions, relationship challenges and so much more.
Lyss de la Torre
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
I am an EMDR Certified Clinician through EMDRIA, AEDP Level 2 and provide services in English and Spanish.
Hello! (I'm currently only accepting waitlist clients. Thank you!) As your counselor, I will work to create a space for you to feel welcomed, protected and cared for. You will find the freedom to bring your truest self: all of your joys, shame and pain. Here we will walk together-at your pace-towards a deeper understanding of yourself in order to build an authentic life. I have found my passion in working with teens and adults who find themselves in painful places, whether from traumatic experiences or from the inner voices of shame, and working together towards healing and peace.
I am an EMDR Certified Clinician through EMDRIA, AEDP Level 2 and provide services in English and Spanish.
Hello! (I'm currently only accepting waitlist clients. Thank you!) As your counselor, I will work to create a space for you to feel welcomed, protected and cared for. You will find the freedom to bring your truest self: all of your joys, shame and pain. Here we will walk together-at your pace-towards a deeper understanding of yourself in order to build an authentic life. I have found my passion in working with teens and adults who find themselves in painful places, whether from traumatic experiences or from the inner voices of shame, and working together towards healing and peace.
I am licensed in California with 18 years of experience as an individual practitioner. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, depression, and communication issues. My work is focused on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), techniques useful for significant behavioral challenges. I am also versed in Behavior Analysis, which is helpful to address problematic habits and the establishment of new, more productive behaviors. If you feel that I might be of help for you, please reach out and we can discuss your needs further.
I am licensed in California with 18 years of experience as an individual practitioner. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, depression, and communication issues. My work is focused on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), techniques useful for significant behavioral challenges. I am also versed in Behavior Analysis, which is helpful to address problematic habits and the establishment of new, more productive behaviors. If you feel that I might be of help for you, please reach out and we can discuss your needs further.
Cindy Way: Hope Therapy Group
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117
I work through a Family systems lens that integrates trauma-informed care and evidence-based treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Medical-Family Therapy, and EMDR.
My specialty is working with individuals, couples, and families that are impacted by their relationship/marital issues, divorce, blended families, parenting/co-parenting, different- abilities (disability), and chronic pain/illness. Additionally, I apply a trauma-informed lens toward life experiences supporting PTSD/C-PTSD, Generational/Intergenerational Trauma, Cultural/Racial Trauma, and Military-related trauma.
I work through a Family systems lens that integrates trauma-informed care and evidence-based treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Medical-Family Therapy, and EMDR.
My specialty is working with individuals, couples, and families that are impacted by their relationship/marital issues, divorce, blended families, parenting/co-parenting, different- abilities (disability), and chronic pain/illness. Additionally, I apply a trauma-informed lens toward life experiences supporting PTSD/C-PTSD, Generational/Intergenerational Trauma, Cultural/Racial Trauma, and Military-related trauma.
Cultivate: A Counseling Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116
At Cultivate we have a variety of therapists that specialize in the following : Children, Pre-Teens, Teens, Young Adults, Families, Pre-Marital, Couples, Individuals, Trauma, Abuse, EMDR, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Life Transitions, Spirituality, and Singleness.
Welcome to Cultivate: a warm and inspiring path to wholeness. Here at Cultivate, we understand that there are seasons in each of our lives when we are left feeling out of touch with ourselves, functioning poorly in our relationships, or crippled by anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction. We provide each person we encounter with an inviting and enriching, therapeutic environment, enabling healing both individually and in relationships. Today, get back to living the restored, whole life that you were made for.
At Cultivate we have a variety of therapists that specialize in the following : Children, Pre-Teens, Teens, Young Adults, Families, Pre-Marital, Couples, Individuals, Trauma, Abuse, EMDR, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Life Transitions, Spirituality, and Singleness.
Welcome to Cultivate: a warm and inspiring path to wholeness. Here at Cultivate, we understand that there are seasons in each of our lives when we are left feeling out of touch with ourselves, functioning poorly in our relationships, or crippled by anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction. We provide each person we encounter with an inviting and enriching, therapeutic environment, enabling healing both individually and in relationships. Today, get back to living the restored, whole life that you were made for.
Miyoung Son
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92123 (Online Only)
Combined with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and DBT, my EMDR and Brainspotting trainings would offer evidence based treatment for clients who need to work through their childhood sexual and physical abuse as well as any developmental trauma or PTSD.
Reaching out for help can be challenging for many. As psychotherapy aims at positive changes you desire, I am honored to provide a safe place for your self-exploration and reflection in which you can gain your inner peace and change you long for. Being specialized in trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse and domestic violence, I can offer some resolution in your trauma work. Trauma can penetrate not only your emotional well-being but also almost every facet of your life. My warm and peaceful presence would guide you through an effective treatment you deserve. My other specialties include performance anxiety, and psychological impotence (ED).
Combined with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and DBT, my EMDR and Brainspotting trainings would offer evidence based treatment for clients who need to work through their childhood sexual and physical abuse as well as any developmental trauma or PTSD.
Reaching out for help can be challenging for many. As psychotherapy aims at positive changes you desire, I am honored to provide a safe place for your self-exploration and reflection in which you can gain your inner peace and change you long for. Being specialized in trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse and domestic violence, I can offer some resolution in your trauma work. Trauma can penetrate not only your emotional well-being but also almost every facet of your life. My warm and peaceful presence would guide you through an effective treatment you deserve. My other specialties include performance anxiety, and psychological impotence (ED).
I am certified inEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and having been using EMDR to support clients in their healing for over 10 years.
When you’ve been in an emotionally abusive relationship or have experienced coercive or narcissistic abuse, it’s destabilizing. Not only do you have to go through the difficult process of ending the relationship, but now you also have to unlearn those self-limiting beliefs and narratives that you were made to believe as being true. You have to learn how to trust yourself again and rebuild your self-esteem and confidence. It’s overwhelming, but I promise you that it can and will get better. I can offer you the space to do this very work. I am here to help you break free from the abuse and reclaim your power and voice.
I am certified inEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and having been using EMDR to support clients in their healing for over 10 years.
When you’ve been in an emotionally abusive relationship or have experienced coercive or narcissistic abuse, it’s destabilizing. Not only do you have to go through the difficult process of ending the relationship, but now you also have to unlearn those self-limiting beliefs and narratives that you were made to believe as being true. You have to learn how to trust yourself again and rebuild your self-esteem and confidence. It’s overwhelming, but I promise you that it can and will get better. I can offer you the space to do this very work. I am here to help you break free from the abuse and reclaim your power and voice.
Further, I have advanced training in three evidence-based models of psychotherapy ( emotionally focused therapy, internal family systems, and EMDR).
Acute and long-standing stress can trigger emotions, thoughts, and reactions that shape our sense of self and our relationships. If you find it increasingly difficult to cope with stressors, stay emotionally regulated, and connect to others, I can help. My approach to therapy is compassionate, culturally responsive, collaborative, and non-pathologizing. Further, I am informed by multiple evidence-based perspectives and believe that societal influences significantly contribute to the way people receive, process, and respond to stress, problems, trauma, and relationships.
Further, I have advanced training in three evidence-based models of psychotherapy ( emotionally focused therapy, internal family systems, and EMDR).
Acute and long-standing stress can trigger emotions, thoughts, and reactions that shape our sense of self and our relationships. If you find it increasingly difficult to cope with stressors, stay emotionally regulated, and connect to others, I can help. My approach to therapy is compassionate, culturally responsive, collaborative, and non-pathologizing. Further, I am informed by multiple evidence-based perspectives and believe that societal influences significantly contribute to the way people receive, process, and respond to stress, problems, trauma, and relationships.
My therapeutic background is eclectic; and I use different modalities including Client-centered, Trauma focused, CBT, EMDR, Solution-Focused, Mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, Play therapy and Art to help foster healing, growth and insight.
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed? Do you feel not present in your life? It is sometimes difficult to feel like yourself in an ever changing and unpredictable world combined with life stressors. You are not alone and there is hope. Hello, my name is Christian Urias and I am a bilingual Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 8 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. I have a passion for working with adults and children to help create positive changes, and support individuals to improve their lives and achieve their life's goals.
My therapeutic background is eclectic; and I use different modalities including Client-centered, Trauma focused, CBT, EMDR, Solution-Focused, Mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, Play therapy and Art to help foster healing, growth and insight.
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed? Do you feel not present in your life? It is sometimes difficult to feel like yourself in an ever changing and unpredictable world combined with life stressors. You are not alone and there is hope. Hello, my name is Christian Urias and I am a bilingual Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 8 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. I have a passion for working with adults and children to help create positive changes, and support individuals to improve their lives and achieve their life's goals.
15 Second Videos
Leah Aguirre
Donald W Welch
B. Andrea Vielma
Reannan Last
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Julie H Morrell, MFT Online, Phone, & Telehealth
Elizabeth Vines
Victoria Johnk
Laura Christofferson Celnar
Oasis Counseling Group
Jennifer V Kulka
Julia Kamp
Heather Murray
Sheena Moore
Diana Lozoya
Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center
Susan Stennis Layton
Melissa McCormick
Abi Weissman-Waves A Psych Co. Centering Lgbtq+ Care
Grace Catherine Mickle
Shay DuBois
Amber McKinney-Morgan
Ashley Cox
Alan Acre
Amanda Newman
Claire Fox
Janina Scarlet
Kathryn O'Brasky
Kate Smiley
Olga Goodman
Angel Chou
Amy Anderson, LCSW
Daniel Fuller
Kim Kuskovsky
Dr. Kimthu Trinh-Energy Psychology & Wellness
Carol Susan Carr
Bernard And Priscilla Chen
Davida Price -Rhythm And Resolve Therapy Services
Alyssia Cruz
Freedom Within Therapy and Wellness Center
Childhood Trauma Emdr Aapi Experiences Mary Mallinson
Barbara Jean Ferri
Herb Schnabel 134453
Nancy Phung-Smith
Shannon Little
Rebecca Ching
Katherine Pica
Kim Foskett Counseling
Reina Remy
Karen Lese-Fowler
Wendy Kaiser
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92128 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
While I use a variety of approaches, I am a certified EMDR therapist.
Tired of feeling anxious or depressed? Insecure? Do you ever wonder, "Why can't I stop these anxious thoughts and behaviors? Why do I keep having difficulty with people? I just want it to stop!" If these sound like the thoughts that go through your mind, I'd like to help. I have the utmost respect for anyone who is willing to dig deeper in search of the answers to these questions. I also love working with couples to change patterns in order to create a safe, satisfying connection. Integration of your faith is welcome in my practice if this is your preference. Trauma survivors -- I am here for you!
While I use a variety of approaches, I am a certified EMDR therapist.
Tired of feeling anxious or depressed? Insecure? Do you ever wonder, "Why can't I stop these anxious thoughts and behaviors? Why do I keep having difficulty with people? I just want it to stop!" If these sound like the thoughts that go through your mind, I'd like to help. I have the utmost respect for anyone who is willing to dig deeper in search of the answers to these questions. I also love working with couples to change patterns in order to create a safe, satisfying connection. Integration of your faith is welcome in my practice if this is your preference. Trauma survivors -- I am here for you!
Mary L Obata
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116 (Online Only)
I believe the most important element in the therapeutic relationship is the connection between therapist and client -- person to person. What I bring to the relationship is warmth, caring, and a gentle and compassionate presence. I have a deep faith in your ability to transform your life, empowering you to discover what works and change what doesn't, helping you find your own truth and path. My approach is gentle, yet potent. Using EMDR (www.emdr.com) and EFT (www.emofree.com) as highly effective tools, I help you to release negative patterns and beliefs and build upon your positive resources and strengths.
I believe the most important element in the therapeutic relationship is the connection between therapist and client -- person to person. What I bring to the relationship is warmth, caring, and a gentle and compassionate presence. I have a deep faith in your ability to transform your life, empowering you to discover what works and change what doesn't, helping you find your own truth and path. My approach is gentle, yet potent. Using EMDR (www.emdr.com) and EFT (www.emofree.com) as highly effective tools, I help you to release negative patterns and beliefs and build upon your positive resources and strengths.
Ariel Fletcher
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92104 (Online Only)
In my decade of experience, I have been trained in CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Attachment, and EMDR.
In our work together, my essential goal is that you feel heard, respected, and understood. I find that one of the most important predictors of effective therapy starts with the relationship between client and therapist. I consider my role as your therapist an honor. I aim to create a comfortable, inviting, and safe space for you to share, and for us to work collectively. I feel your voice is just as, if not more, valuable than mine. With over 16 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, I am confident that working collaboratively, you will find our time together beneficial.
In my decade of experience, I have been trained in CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Attachment, and EMDR.
In our work together, my essential goal is that you feel heard, respected, and understood. I find that one of the most important predictors of effective therapy starts with the relationship between client and therapist. I consider my role as your therapist an honor. I aim to create a comfortable, inviting, and safe space for you to share, and for us to work collectively. I feel your voice is just as, if not more, valuable than mine. With over 16 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, I am confident that working collaboratively, you will find our time together beneficial.
com), and training and experience in EMDR and CBT (research-based treatments for trauma).
As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the most meticulous therapy expertise will be utilized during your counseling sessions. I offer a problem solving Systemic approach to therapy including an understanding of your goals for treatment and working together to solve these problems in a focused, planned way. The treatment will look at the system in which you and your challenge exists including family, work, religion, society, etc., and seek to understand how these factors affect your situation. Potentially, this new understanding may lead the way to greater maturity and happiness as an individual, couple, or family.
com), and training and experience in EMDR and CBT (research-based treatments for trauma).
As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the most meticulous therapy expertise will be utilized during your counseling sessions. I offer a problem solving Systemic approach to therapy including an understanding of your goals for treatment and working together to solve these problems in a focused, planned way. The treatment will look at the system in which you and your challenge exists including family, work, religion, society, etc., and seek to understand how these factors affect your situation. Potentially, this new understanding may lead the way to greater maturity and happiness as an individual, couple, or family.
This age EMDR and ETT are the methods which shorten the time needed to reach your goals.
As a life coach I help you to reach your full potential in your business or in your personal life. Biofeedback helps to decrease stress. As a psychologist working with individuals and families I use talk therapy: CBT, DBT, Solution Focused brief therapy or EMDR and ETT, EFT based on the person's choice and comfort level. During my 15 years of praxis I have helped people with anxiety, PTSD, OCD, depression, codependency, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, eating disorder and addictions. Lots of couples regained their love for each other. Teenagers and their parents learnt to solve their problems.
This age EMDR and ETT are the methods which shorten the time needed to reach your goals.
As a life coach I help you to reach your full potential in your business or in your personal life. Biofeedback helps to decrease stress. As a psychologist working with individuals and families I use talk therapy: CBT, DBT, Solution Focused brief therapy or EMDR and ETT, EFT based on the person's choice and comfort level. During my 15 years of praxis I have helped people with anxiety, PTSD, OCD, depression, codependency, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, eating disorder and addictions. Lots of couples regained their love for each other. Teenagers and their parents learnt to solve their problems.
Donald Hua
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92119
Trauma therapy, especially EMDR, requires a lot of tolerance for sitting with painful feelings.
Do you lash out at people for no obvious reason? Do you avoid certain situations or emotions? Do past memories seem to haunt you? Does it seem like there is an ongoing battle inside yourself? These are often signs of trauma, symptoms that can keep people from living fulfilling lives. I have 5+ years working with military veterans, LGBTQ+ folx, and survivors of childhood trauma using culturally sensitive and intersectional approaches. Poly and kink friendly.
Trauma therapy, especially EMDR, requires a lot of tolerance for sitting with painful feelings.
Do you lash out at people for no obvious reason? Do you avoid certain situations or emotions? Do past memories seem to haunt you? Does it seem like there is an ongoing battle inside yourself? These are often signs of trauma, symptoms that can keep people from living fulfilling lives. I have 5+ years working with military veterans, LGBTQ+ folx, and survivors of childhood trauma using culturally sensitive and intersectional approaches. Poly and kink friendly.
I use an eclectic approach that provides results fast, CBT or EMDR for anxiety and trauma, Seeking Safety for substance abuse anxiety and depression, art therapy with children or anyone who struggles to find words to express their emotions.
As I walked though many personal difficult experieces in my life, I learned what I wanted from a good therapist. I have dedicated the last 10 years to becoming such a therapist for people who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma and tragic loss or overwhelming stress.
I use an eclectic approach that provides results fast, CBT or EMDR for anxiety and trauma, Seeking Safety for substance abuse anxiety and depression, art therapy with children or anyone who struggles to find words to express their emotions.
As I walked though many personal difficult experieces in my life, I learned what I wanted from a good therapist. I have dedicated the last 10 years to becoming such a therapist for people who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma and tragic loss or overwhelming stress.
Jennifer Rickard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
I utilize psychotherapy, EMDR, meditation and mindfulness practices and other holistic modalities to facilitate the growth and change you seek.
Are you seeking support in moving through a life or relational challenge? Sometimes we all need support in finding creative solutions or building strong relationships. As a couple and family therapist, I have a strong conviction in the healing power of healthy relationships. Connecting to your authentic self and fostering wellness in all relationships in your life is a primary focus of my work. I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy for youth and adults of all family and relationship constellations, and I create a supportive space in which to explore gender, sexuality, sexual expression and relationship styles.
I utilize psychotherapy, EMDR, meditation and mindfulness practices and other holistic modalities to facilitate the growth and change you seek.
Are you seeking support in moving through a life or relational challenge? Sometimes we all need support in finding creative solutions or building strong relationships. As a couple and family therapist, I have a strong conviction in the healing power of healthy relationships. Connecting to your authentic self and fostering wellness in all relationships in your life is a primary focus of my work. I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy for youth and adults of all family and relationship constellations, and I create a supportive space in which to explore gender, sexuality, sexual expression and relationship styles.
Darcy McLean Aguilar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
I also specialize in trauma work with EMDR and Advanced Integrative Therapy.
Our current Covid-19 climate of living, can be highly stressful and anxiety provoking for many people. Are you feeling anxious? Down? Stuck? Frustrated? Not sure what it is but cannot put your finger on it? Perhaps you have experienced a crisis and feel like you are spinning out of control. Or maybe life somehow now feels unmanageable. These feelings can cause an increase in limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, which can also affect your personal and professional relationships. This is not at all unusual, and IS very recoverable. It is my pleasure to help you make sense of it, regain your footing, and help you get back on track.
I also specialize in trauma work with EMDR and Advanced Integrative Therapy.
Our current Covid-19 climate of living, can be highly stressful and anxiety provoking for many people. Are you feeling anxious? Down? Stuck? Frustrated? Not sure what it is but cannot put your finger on it? Perhaps you have experienced a crisis and feel like you are spinning out of control. Or maybe life somehow now feels unmanageable. These feelings can cause an increase in limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, which can also affect your personal and professional relationships. This is not at all unusual, and IS very recoverable. It is my pleasure to help you make sense of it, regain your footing, and help you get back on track.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Imperial Beach
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lemon Grove
- National City
- Santee
- Spring Valley
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.