EMDR Therapists in Temple City, CA
![Photo of Jennifer Kalusa, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4b4009b-943f-489b-88a0-d7a61df6ba24/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Jen Kalusa, I'm an LMFT, and I specialize in working with adults looking for support in navigating traumatic experiences, relationships, self-discovery, and complex emotions. I believe each person has within them what they need to heal and to have emotional health and healthy relationships. I use a trauma-informed approach and am trained in EMDR, Flash technique, and havening to support individuals who are stuck because of a past trauma. I use parts work and Emotionally Focused Therapy for individuals to help them heal and move toward experiencing secure, meaningful connection.
My name is Jen Kalusa, I'm an LMFT, and I specialize in working with adults looking for support in navigating traumatic experiences, relationships, self-discovery, and complex emotions. I believe each person has within them what they need to heal and to have emotional health and healthy relationships. I use a trauma-informed approach and am trained in EMDR, Flash technique, and havening to support individuals who are stuck because of a past trauma. I use parts work and Emotionally Focused Therapy for individuals to help them heal and move toward experiencing secure, meaningful connection.
![Photo of Tobi Nishikawa, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2432c384-b144-4d33-9b04-5ade146b6095/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tobi Nishikawa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Temple City, CA 91780
Waitlist for new clients
I am an EMDR-certified therapist who is also extensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Aloha! I consider it an immense privilege to come alongside my clients to support them towards achieving their self-determined goals. Specializing in trauma, I am a holistic practitioner who incorporates multi-faceted approaches in a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. I have extensive experience working with marginalized populations and therefore, am able to consider the complexities of ethnicity, culture, societal systems and gender identity in my therapeutic work.
I am an EMDR-certified therapist who is also extensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Aloha! I consider it an immense privilege to come alongside my clients to support them towards achieving their self-determined goals. Specializing in trauma, I am a holistic practitioner who incorporates multi-faceted approaches in a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. I have extensive experience working with marginalized populations and therefore, am able to consider the complexities of ethnicity, culture, societal systems and gender identity in my therapeutic work.
![Photo of Charles Nesbitt, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b63f6cc3-7bc2-4380-938e-a07b2d2e4006/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a certified Acceleration Resolution Therapist and am trained in EMDR.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist experienced and passionate about helping people adjust to the inevitable changes we all face in life. I'm also trained to help those struggling with addiction/alcoholism. I have personal experience with cancer and have over 18 years in addiction recovery. I truly believe my own life experiences help me connect with those who are similar to me. I typically work with men and women struggling with cancer or addiction/alcohol issues, as well as those struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
I am a certified Acceleration Resolution Therapist and am trained in EMDR.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist experienced and passionate about helping people adjust to the inevitable changes we all face in life. I'm also trained to help those struggling with addiction/alcoholism. I have personal experience with cancer and have over 18 years in addiction recovery. I truly believe my own life experiences help me connect with those who are similar to me. I typically work with men and women struggling with cancer or addiction/alcohol issues, as well as those struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
![Photo of Gabriela Muniz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8746e224-eb19-4365-a850-3f6277e663db/2/320x400.jpeg)
By integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, my goal is to support clients in their journey toward healing and personal development.
I am Gabriela Muniz, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to providing a safe healing environment for first-generation students and young professionals. I prioritize liberation and collective healing for all individuals, and I am devoted to advocating for inclusivity, diversity, and social justice in our mental health services. I adopt a holistic approach, striving to meet clients at their current stage. Utilizing systemic theory, I analyze the different elements influencing my clients and craft tailored strategies to help them achieve their objectives.
By integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, my goal is to support clients in their journey toward healing and personal development.
I am Gabriela Muniz, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to providing a safe healing environment for first-generation students and young professionals. I prioritize liberation and collective healing for all individuals, and I am devoted to advocating for inclusivity, diversity, and social justice in our mental health services. I adopt a holistic approach, striving to meet clients at their current stage. Utilizing systemic theory, I analyze the different elements influencing my clients and craft tailored strategies to help them achieve their objectives.
![Photo of Douglas Livingston Quinn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86ecd078-15f1-4c21-9ee9-ce382681d68e/1/320x400.png)
My name is Douglas Livingston-Quinn, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have masters degrees in divinity and counseling psychology, as well as a doctorate in clinical psychology. I have great insight and comfort working with adults and young adults, and an extensive background working with clients with ADD/ADHD, anxiety disorders, autistic-spectrum disorders, depression, loss and grief, sexual abuse, and trauma/PTSD. I employ a mix of approaches including interpersonal, client-centered, behavioral, cognitive, solution-focused and motivational modalities, as well as elements of EMDR where it seems useful.
My name is Douglas Livingston-Quinn, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have masters degrees in divinity and counseling psychology, as well as a doctorate in clinical psychology. I have great insight and comfort working with adults and young adults, and an extensive background working with clients with ADD/ADHD, anxiety disorders, autistic-spectrum disorders, depression, loss and grief, sexual abuse, and trauma/PTSD. I employ a mix of approaches including interpersonal, client-centered, behavioral, cognitive, solution-focused and motivational modalities, as well as elements of EMDR where it seems useful.
![Photo of Yafen Wu-Pang, MS, LMFT, EMDR AC, IFS-C, CSAT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e995700-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Yafen Wu-Pang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR AC, IFS-C, CSAT-S
Verified Verified
Temple City, CA 91780 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You want to enjoy your relationships and reach your goals. However, some obstacles just keep blocking your success. Whether these obstacles are unresolved past issues, present crises, negative thoughts, challenging emotions, or unhealthy behaviors, they CAN be resolved and changed for the better.
As a compassionate professional skilled in the therapeutic integration of brain science and many multimodal treatment approaches, I strive to provide a safe and effective environment for people to resolve their issues and find their strength.
You want to enjoy your relationships and reach your goals. However, some obstacles just keep blocking your success. Whether these obstacles are unresolved past issues, present crises, negative thoughts, challenging emotions, or unhealthy behaviors, they CAN be resolved and changed for the better.
As a compassionate professional skilled in the therapeutic integration of brain science and many multimodal treatment approaches, I strive to provide a safe and effective environment for people to resolve their issues and find their strength.
![Photo of Michelle Chan, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4701408b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Chan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Temple City, CA 91780
Not accepting new clients
Ever feel like no matter what you do, you're never quite "good enough"? You keep trying but things don't seem to be changing? Are you feeling tired, frustrated, and out of ideas? One of the most painful things in life is feeling as though the ones who are suppose to be the closest to you don't know, understand, love, or support you. Maybe you have already tried to change things on your own, or maybe you see no point in trying at all because you can already predict what's going to happen.
Ever feel like no matter what you do, you're never quite "good enough"? You keep trying but things don't seem to be changing? Are you feeling tired, frustrated, and out of ideas? One of the most painful things in life is feeling as though the ones who are suppose to be the closest to you don't know, understand, love, or support you. Maybe you have already tried to change things on your own, or maybe you see no point in trying at all because you can already predict what's going to happen.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Zeana Bey, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd9aff2d-27d4-447d-b0a9-ac5ffcf117cd/1/320x400.png)
Zeana specializes in trauma recovery using evidence-based techniques like EMDR, CBT, DBT, and solutions-oriented therapies.
Welcome! Zeana Bey is a compassionate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings a calm holistic approach to healing. Zeana works from the perspective that each person has the ability to heal their own life, and believes her role is to listen, provide support and guidance, and help you find and develop your inner strengths and coping skills that may be hidden or undeveloped because of difficult events or situations you’ve experienced. Zeana's approach is person-centered, culturally sensitive, and non-judgmental. She strives to create a safe space for clients where they can feel truly seen and heard wherever they are at.
Zeana specializes in trauma recovery using evidence-based techniques like EMDR, CBT, DBT, and solutions-oriented therapies.
Welcome! Zeana Bey is a compassionate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings a calm holistic approach to healing. Zeana works from the perspective that each person has the ability to heal their own life, and believes her role is to listen, provide support and guidance, and help you find and develop your inner strengths and coping skills that may be hidden or undeveloped because of difficult events or situations you’ve experienced. Zeana's approach is person-centered, culturally sensitive, and non-judgmental. She strives to create a safe space for clients where they can feel truly seen and heard wherever they are at.
![Photo of Sheryl Torres, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/445901d5-36ec-4517-9562-32a1532fbc8e/1/320x400.jpeg)
As an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist, I focus on first helping a client clear large or small trauma that may affect their daily living and relationships.
Hi, my name is Sheryl Torres. I'm a LCSW and I have a calling as a therapist to help those in need. The client-therapist connection is a key component of a client's success in therapy. I focus on helping clients heal from traumas and reduce their any anxious and depressive symptoms. I specialize in working with Individuals (teens and adults). I enjoy working with these individuals and also encourage families to partake in sessions as needed to ensure continuity of care in the home.
As an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist, I focus on first helping a client clear large or small trauma that may affect their daily living and relationships.
Hi, my name is Sheryl Torres. I'm a LCSW and I have a calling as a therapist to help those in need. The client-therapist connection is a key component of a client's success in therapy. I focus on helping clients heal from traumas and reduce their any anxious and depressive symptoms. I specialize in working with Individuals (teens and adults). I enjoy working with these individuals and also encourage families to partake in sessions as needed to ensure continuity of care in the home.
![Photo of Kathleen Rose Maldonado, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ed16c1b-7099-4a59-93c1-37685ee18e43/2/320x400.jpeg)
I would like you to know that you are in a safe place. My name is Kathleen Maldonado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I am here to walk with you on your journey to self-awareness, cognitive challenging, and healing. I have worked in the mental health field for 4 years, specializing in Trauma Informed Care to assist clients overcome and heal. I like to implement a Holistic approach integrating various forms of treatment modalities tailored to each client. Main approaches are EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Psychodynamic.
I would like you to know that you are in a safe place. My name is Kathleen Maldonado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I am here to walk with you on your journey to self-awareness, cognitive challenging, and healing. I have worked in the mental health field for 4 years, specializing in Trauma Informed Care to assist clients overcome and heal. I like to implement a Holistic approach integrating various forms of treatment modalities tailored to each client. Main approaches are EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Psychodynamic.
![Photo of Veronica J. Camacho, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8a97fc0-630f-484d-ba8d-8064131adafd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Veronica J. Camacho
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91007 (Online Only)
I have 20 years of practice, knowledge, and training, and I lean toward an eclectic treatment approach, combining therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness.
Do you find yourself struggling to get through your day, wondering if things are ever going to get better? Wondering how did I get here, what happened that I am no longer in control of my life? Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma that seems to be affecting your life in ways you never imagined. I am here to help you discover and overcome "the thing" that got you where you are today.
I have 20 years of practice, knowledge, and training, and I lean toward an eclectic treatment approach, combining therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness.
Do you find yourself struggling to get through your day, wondering if things are ever going to get better? Wondering how did I get here, what happened that I am no longer in control of my life? Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma that seems to be affecting your life in ways you never imagined. I am here to help you discover and overcome "the thing" that got you where you are today.
![Photo of Alexandra Rusu, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/157ffa0b-d08a-4fd7-8be2-b6d6e837e4d4/1/320x400.jpeg)
I most often use depth psychotherapy, mindfulness practices, trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, and somatic awareness.
Hi there! I'm Alexandra Rusu. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (125886) in California. I specialize in working with couples and individuals. My approach to therapy has always been meeting clients where they are. I pride myself on my non-judgmental approach and am here to listen to you deeply with compassion and patience. I often find myself working with people experiencing anxiety or depression due to various life circumstances. As well as couples looking for better relationships.
I most often use depth psychotherapy, mindfulness practices, trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, and somatic awareness.
Hi there! I'm Alexandra Rusu. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (125886) in California. I specialize in working with couples and individuals. My approach to therapy has always been meeting clients where they are. I pride myself on my non-judgmental approach and am here to listen to you deeply with compassion and patience. I often find myself working with people experiencing anxiety or depression due to various life circumstances. As well as couples looking for better relationships.
![Photo of Kendra Valdez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40b79029-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I use several evidenced based practices, such as EMDR, TF-CBT, PCIT, the Nurtured Heart Approach, Gottman methods, etc.
Therapy is a delicate art and a science. Finding the right therapist is important. The connection by an understanding, intuitive professional, someone with wisdom and effectiveness, who also respects the time and the cost of your investment is valuable. I use an attachment-focused orientation, and tools from EMDR, Ego State Theory, CBT, 12-step recovery model, and other modalities. I have enjoyed a rich 25-year career as a trauma informed specialist. I have supervised and directed programs in public and non-profit sectors. Adoption is my specialty, as well as work with teens, young adults and families.
I use several evidenced based practices, such as EMDR, TF-CBT, PCIT, the Nurtured Heart Approach, Gottman methods, etc.
Therapy is a delicate art and a science. Finding the right therapist is important. The connection by an understanding, intuitive professional, someone with wisdom and effectiveness, who also respects the time and the cost of your investment is valuable. I use an attachment-focused orientation, and tools from EMDR, Ego State Theory, CBT, 12-step recovery model, and other modalities. I have enjoyed a rich 25-year career as a trauma informed specialist. I have supervised and directed programs in public and non-profit sectors. Adoption is my specialty, as well as work with teens, young adults and families.
![Photo of Mary B Malooly, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bcb4e84-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/8/320x400.jpeg)
I am certified in EMDR, a therapy that is especially effective in treating all types of trauma.
Have you ever doubted yourself as a parent? Wife? Employee? Do you feel nothing you do is "good enough?" The challenges for women in today's "you CAN have it all" society leave many of us feeling inadequate and overwhelmed.
If you are feeling insecure or fearful about your relationships, you don't have to go through it alone. Let's talk about how I can help you find the light at the end of the tunnel.
I am certified in EMDR, a therapy that is especially effective in treating all types of trauma.
Have you ever doubted yourself as a parent? Wife? Employee? Do you feel nothing you do is "good enough?" The challenges for women in today's "you CAN have it all" society leave many of us feeling inadequate and overwhelmed.
If you are feeling insecure or fearful about your relationships, you don't have to go through it alone. Let's talk about how I can help you find the light at the end of the tunnel.
![Photo of Silva Sheklanian, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64b65d4c-f767-4b3d-b7c3-797745996916/1/320x400.png)
My name is Silva Sheklanian. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing out of California. My work focuses primarily on both trauma and attachment. I am EMDR trained as well as attachment-based trained. I am trauma-informed, as such my approach is very much client-centered. I use both CBT and EMDR in my sessions to support my clients toward their goals. I am also trained in Theraplay to support clients towards attachment building with family members (specifically their children).
My name is Silva Sheklanian. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing out of California. My work focuses primarily on both trauma and attachment. I am EMDR trained as well as attachment-based trained. I am trauma-informed, as such my approach is very much client-centered. I use both CBT and EMDR in my sessions to support my clients toward their goals. I am also trained in Theraplay to support clients towards attachment building with family members (specifically their children).
![Photo of Robyn Broadus, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70cdd5bb-8d0a-40bb-a797-91ebae53b8a7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello there! I am a EMDR- and TRM-trained therapist and I greet you with gentleness and a smile. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed, crippled (or annoyed) by your anxiety, self-criticalness, people-pleasing or perfectionistic behaviors? Perhaps you've experienced trauma and now want/need to make a change? Whatever you are noticing right now, you are welcomed here and I would love to partner with you on this journey toward healing. My deep hope is that you can experience healing from distress, build your self-care and boundary muscles, and engage life with freedom, peace, empowerment, and authenticity.
Hello there! I am a EMDR- and TRM-trained therapist and I greet you with gentleness and a smile. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed, crippled (or annoyed) by your anxiety, self-criticalness, people-pleasing or perfectionistic behaviors? Perhaps you've experienced trauma and now want/need to make a change? Whatever you are noticing right now, you are welcomed here and I would love to partner with you on this journey toward healing. My deep hope is that you can experience healing from distress, build your self-care and boundary muscles, and engage life with freedom, peace, empowerment, and authenticity.
![Photo of Amy Groven, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20ad24be-bc64-4721-82db-58ca53ce82c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize a variety of techniques, such as EMDR, grounding and meditation, somatic interventions, as well as talk therapy techniques such as CBT and DBT.
Do you always feel on edge? Did something traumatic happen? Trauma is a disruption to the nervous system that often creates patterns and loops that extend into many areas of a person's life. It can affect our bodies, our minds and the way we relate to other people. Sometimes the way people survive their trauma brings them more pain, adds to the chaos, and reinforces negative beliefs that perpetuate the cycle as well as causing other mental health issues grow- such as depression and anxiety. I work with people of various cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities and know that trauma is non-discriminatory.
I utilize a variety of techniques, such as EMDR, grounding and meditation, somatic interventions, as well as talk therapy techniques such as CBT and DBT.
Do you always feel on edge? Did something traumatic happen? Trauma is a disruption to the nervous system that often creates patterns and loops that extend into many areas of a person's life. It can affect our bodies, our minds and the way we relate to other people. Sometimes the way people survive their trauma brings them more pain, adds to the chaos, and reinforces negative beliefs that perpetuate the cycle as well as causing other mental health issues grow- such as depression and anxiety. I work with people of various cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities and know that trauma is non-discriminatory.
![Photo of Kenda Price, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ead8003-38d3-4c9b-a3df-25845fb97277/1/320x400.png)
I utilize a trauma informed, compassion driven approach and am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), behavioral techniques, and various parts work models.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in trauma and eating disorders. Together, we will work to build insight and self-compassion in order to help you heal from whatever brings you to therapy, let it be to work through trauma, address maladaptive coping skills, overcome perfectionism, or just feel better in your own skin. As a therapist, I am both direct and compassionate and pride myself on showing up authentically as a human. My priority is creating a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship that can serve as a container for you to get to know all parts of yourself - even (/especially) the messy parts.
I utilize a trauma informed, compassion driven approach and am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), behavioral techniques, and various parts work models.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in trauma and eating disorders. Together, we will work to build insight and self-compassion in order to help you heal from whatever brings you to therapy, let it be to work through trauma, address maladaptive coping skills, overcome perfectionism, or just feel better in your own skin. As a therapist, I am both direct and compassionate and pride myself on showing up authentically as a human. My priority is creating a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship that can serve as a container for you to get to know all parts of yourself - even (/especially) the messy parts.
![Photo of Kai Ku, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f31cc55-7561-4e40-8863-b686a2433311/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to your transformative journey towards healing and self-discovery. I'm KAI KU, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, bringing over a decade of expertise in behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, EMDR, and a comprehensive approach that integrates psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and CBT.
Welcome to your transformative journey towards healing and self-discovery. I'm KAI KU, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, bringing over a decade of expertise in behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, EMDR, and a comprehensive approach that integrates psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and CBT.
![Photo of Aleta Klein, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40226157-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Aleta Klein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91006
Today you are one step closer to where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. I provide insight oriented, caring and compassionate client focused therapy. I specialize in Christian Spiritual Development, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, EMDR, Grief, Relationship Issues, and Parenting Skills As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While I can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
Today you are one step closer to where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. I provide insight oriented, caring and compassionate client focused therapy. I specialize in Christian Spiritual Development, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, EMDR, Grief, Relationship Issues, and Parenting Skills As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While I can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
See more therapy options for Temple City
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for Temple City
- Alhambra
- Arcadia
- Baldwin Park
- Duarte
- El Monte
- Monrovia
- Monterey Park
- Rosemead
- San Gabriel
- San Marino
- Sierra Madre
- South Pasadena
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.