EMDR Therapists in Templeton, CA
![Photo of Karen H Shin, MFC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d184ba9c-a34c-4d2b-852f-cbfcdb0231bf/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello. I’m a trauma informed attachment therapist certified in EMDR. I believe in our ability to heal and grow. I love to see individual and families to heal, grow and thrive because occasionally being human is difficult. I would be honored if invited to be a part of your journey as you explore issues around yourself, on parenting, or relationship challenges. If you experience self-doubt, depression, anxiety, due to trauma, grief and losses, I’m here for you. If you have been considering bringing some positive changes to your life, reach out to me and let's journey together.
Hello. I’m a trauma informed attachment therapist certified in EMDR. I believe in our ability to heal and grow. I love to see individual and families to heal, grow and thrive because occasionally being human is difficult. I would be honored if invited to be a part of your journey as you explore issues around yourself, on parenting, or relationship challenges. If you experience self-doubt, depression, anxiety, due to trauma, grief and losses, I’m here for you. If you have been considering bringing some positive changes to your life, reach out to me and let's journey together.
![Photo of Caleb Abrams, CSAT, CCTP, CAIMHP, CASDCS, CCATP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10bcef53-429d-4f25-a96b-fe7f772ef47e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caleb Abrams
CSAT, CCTP, CAIMHP, CASDCS, CCATP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Templeton, CA 93465 (Online Only)
Caleb has developed unique skills and uses state of the art counseling techniques based off of the newest research, such as EMDR (Bilateral Stimulation), CBT, EFT Tapping, Mindfulness, Restoration Therapy techniques, Biblical Counseling, and the CSAT task model for recovery.
Caleb is Christian Counselor, a Certified Sex Addiction Counselor (CSAT), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP), Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (CASDCS), with a Masters of Psychology in Counseling and a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. Caleb specializes in helping men work through addiction recovery, anxiety, addictive behaviors, depression, PTSD, emotional abuse, mental abuse and trauma of various kinds. His passion is to provide a safe space for his clients and to walk hand-in-hand with them, guiding them through the healing process.
Caleb has developed unique skills and uses state of the art counseling techniques based off of the newest research, such as EMDR (Bilateral Stimulation), CBT, EFT Tapping, Mindfulness, Restoration Therapy techniques, Biblical Counseling, and the CSAT task model for recovery.
Caleb is Christian Counselor, a Certified Sex Addiction Counselor (CSAT), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP), Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (CASDCS), with a Masters of Psychology in Counseling and a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. Caleb specializes in helping men work through addiction recovery, anxiety, addictive behaviors, depression, PTSD, emotional abuse, mental abuse and trauma of various kinds. His passion is to provide a safe space for his clients and to walk hand-in-hand with them, guiding them through the healing process.
![Photo of Sheri Shaffer Hewitt, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c6a23c6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sheri Shaffer Hewitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Templeton, CA 93465
I use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, (EFT), and EMDR approachs along and Play Therapy for children.
Has life become overwhelming or unsatisfying. I have many years of experience working with individuals, couples and children ages 5 and up. Come in to learn how to find better communication, and a more productive and fulfilling life. Acquire information and skills to overcome anxiety, loneliness, sadness, resentment, anger and just plain feeling stuck. Find out how you, as an individual, can make a big difference in the way you and/or your relationships work. I do specialize in working with the whole family. Find out why the most stable and enlightened people get help before more serious problems arise.
I use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, (EFT), and EMDR approachs along and Play Therapy for children.
Has life become overwhelming or unsatisfying. I have many years of experience working with individuals, couples and children ages 5 and up. Come in to learn how to find better communication, and a more productive and fulfilling life. Acquire information and skills to overcome anxiety, loneliness, sadness, resentment, anger and just plain feeling stuck. Find out how you, as an individual, can make a big difference in the way you and/or your relationships work. I do specialize in working with the whole family. Find out why the most stable and enlightened people get help before more serious problems arise.
![Photo of Molly A Eisen-Kearns, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5da2325-20a7-49f2-9afe-77a08a46a824/1/320x400.jpeg)
Molly A Eisen-Kearns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Templeton, CA 93465
My background includes working with people experiencing life transition, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief & addiction using a variety of modalities, including EMDR, mindfulness, self-compassion, movement, DBT & deep listening.
Loving Kindness. Compassion. Joy. Equanimity. We are social beings and often need one another to grow, heal and explore. Together we can address your unique needs, such as a sense of suffering you wish to transform, a life situation you need some support in dealing with, or a profound journey you would like to embark upon. I look forward to understanding your life view and offering honest feedback and support as we collaborate to develop practices suited to your path.
My background includes working with people experiencing life transition, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief & addiction using a variety of modalities, including EMDR, mindfulness, self-compassion, movement, DBT & deep listening.
Loving Kindness. Compassion. Joy. Equanimity. We are social beings and often need one another to grow, heal and explore. Together we can address your unique needs, such as a sense of suffering you wish to transform, a life situation you need some support in dealing with, or a profound journey you would like to embark upon. I look forward to understanding your life view and offering honest feedback and support as we collaborate to develop practices suited to your path.
Katherine Rucci Morrison, MA
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Templeton, CA 93465
My primary interest is the treatment of trauma. I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and have added Deep Brain Reorienting. These methods can help you process through and move beyond difficult memories so they no longer trigger intense emotions. Neurofeedback (brain biofeedback) is an additional intervention I now offer which can be helpful in healing trauma by calming the brain. You can experience peace of mind and a general sense of well-being. If you or a loved one suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, flashbacks, nightmares or mood instability, there is hope in effective treatment.
My primary interest is the treatment of trauma. I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and have added Deep Brain Reorienting. These methods can help you process through and move beyond difficult memories so they no longer trigger intense emotions. Neurofeedback (brain biofeedback) is an additional intervention I now offer which can be helpful in healing trauma by calming the brain. You can experience peace of mind and a general sense of well-being. If you or a loved one suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, flashbacks, nightmares or mood instability, there is hope in effective treatment.
![Photo of Nicole Williams - Nicole Williams Marriage and Family Therapy Inc, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8eee1b8-e2e0-4301-ab1f-21bd4805bcd7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Williams Marriage and Family Therapy Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Templeton, CA 93465
I work with individuals who desire a deeper connection within themselves and with important people in their lives. This may include family members, intimate partners, friends, and business colleagues. I have a special interest in working with veterans and neurodiverse individuals. I practice trauma-informed care and deeply value ongoing training and learning.
I work with individuals who desire a deeper connection within themselves and with important people in their lives. This may include family members, intimate partners, friends, and business colleagues. I have a special interest in working with veterans and neurodiverse individuals. I practice trauma-informed care and deeply value ongoing training and learning.
![Photo of Elena Vladu, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d6d9de3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elena Vladu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Templeton, CA 93465 (Online Only)
Even people living in San Luis Obispo county- the "happiest place on Earth" need, on occasion, professional support for life's stresses and emotional challenges.I specialize in professional men and women's issues: How to choose the right life or business partner, balancing work and family, cultivating assertiveness, strengthening self-esteem. Families with sensitive children: Quiet, dreamy, introverted, socially awkward, and easily misunderstood - even by their own parents. Artists' dilemmas: Performance anxiety, blocked creativity, survival as an artist in a tough economy. Immigrants with their feet in two worlds: Redefining the meaning of "home," breaking through the language barrier, developing a bi- cultural identity.
Even people living in San Luis Obispo county- the "happiest place on Earth" need, on occasion, professional support for life's stresses and emotional challenges.I specialize in professional men and women's issues: How to choose the right life or business partner, balancing work and family, cultivating assertiveness, strengthening self-esteem. Families with sensitive children: Quiet, dreamy, introverted, socially awkward, and easily misunderstood - even by their own parents. Artists' dilemmas: Performance anxiety, blocked creativity, survival as an artist in a tough economy. Immigrants with their feet in two worlds: Redefining the meaning of "home," breaking through the language barrier, developing a bi- cultural identity.
![Photo of David C Lichti - David C. Lichti, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd07df9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
![Photo of Jessica Dawson: Dawson Counseling Inc., LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf961354-4246-4025-8d3b-330a3bec5adc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Dawson: Dawson Counseling Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Templeton, CA 93465
My goal is to provide you with a supportive, safe and trusting environment. We will work with your strengths to help problem solve, increase coping skills and overcome stress and challenges you are facing. I am passionate about working in this field and highly committed to each and every client I see!
My goal is to provide you with a supportive, safe and trusting environment. We will work with your strengths to help problem solve, increase coping skills and overcome stress and challenges you are facing. I am passionate about working in this field and highly committed to each and every client I see!
![Photo of Deborah Steese Hewitt, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/491a79c4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Even the strongest and most skillful people sometimes lose their way. Past experiences do not always prepare you for the unique challenges that find you. You can feel very competent in one area of your life, and like a failure in another. An unforeseen trauma can overwhelm your ability to cope. Nearly everyone has some time in their life when they can benefit from a supportive other who attempts to see the world from their perspective and help navigate the path ahead. As a therapist, my job is to help my clients draw a road map to their desired life and to trouble shoot how to get around barriers, when they arise.
Even the strongest and most skillful people sometimes lose their way. Past experiences do not always prepare you for the unique challenges that find you. You can feel very competent in one area of your life, and like a failure in another. An unforeseen trauma can overwhelm your ability to cope. Nearly everyone has some time in their life when they can benefit from a supportive other who attempts to see the world from their perspective and help navigate the path ahead. As a therapist, my job is to help my clients draw a road map to their desired life and to trouble shoot how to get around barriers, when they arise.
![Photo of Michelle C. Branch, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c06c5ab-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle C. Branch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Templeton, CA 93465
Not accepting new clients
Overwhelmed, feeling like your life is out of control? Do you lie in bed at night unable to stop the racing thoughts?
Overwhelmed, feeling like your life is out of control? Do you lie in bed at night unable to stop the racing thoughts?
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Gianna Merriam, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9265b05e-2181-4787-9c02-062a8fd0eacd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I commonly utilize therapy modalities such as Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused CBT, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Gianna Merriam, LCSW. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. My areas of practice include working with children and families, individuals (all ages), and groups. I enjoy promoting use of self-compassion practices, functional communication and empathy to impact individual needs and relationships. Clients I typically work with can range from age 5-60. I have extensive experience working with school-aged children that receive IEP services; I am educated and able to support parents in navigating the school system as well as community based resources.
I commonly utilize therapy modalities such as Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused CBT, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Gianna Merriam, LCSW. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. My areas of practice include working with children and families, individuals (all ages), and groups. I enjoy promoting use of self-compassion practices, functional communication and empathy to impact individual needs and relationships. Clients I typically work with can range from age 5-60. I have extensive experience working with school-aged children that receive IEP services; I am educated and able to support parents in navigating the school system as well as community based resources.
![Photo of Cynthia Sea Taking New Clients!, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2700d2e-8535-4362-80c1-45d8a4b1dfcd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cynthia Sea Taking New Clients!
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Atascadero, CA 93422 (Online Only)
I AM TAKING NEW CLIENTS! Please view my videos explaining my use of EMDR and other topics @ tools4understanding.com. I recently retired from County Behavioral Health. I have over 20 years of experience. I specialize in anxiety, depression and trauma. My clients and friends tell me I have a warm and soothing presence. I am meeting with clients online so you can access me from anywhere in California. I have free 15-minute consultations to see if we work well together. If you would like that, please send me a message: tools4understanding@gmail.com.
I AM TAKING NEW CLIENTS! Please view my videos explaining my use of EMDR and other topics @ tools4understanding.com. I recently retired from County Behavioral Health. I have over 20 years of experience. I specialize in anxiety, depression and trauma. My clients and friends tell me I have a warm and soothing presence. I am meeting with clients online so you can access me from anywhere in California. I have free 15-minute consultations to see if we work well together. If you would like that, please send me a message: tools4understanding@gmail.com.
![Photo of Victoria Jane Fisher, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0a3b304-2e55-47f4-a14c-5646fb072f55/2/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Jane Fisher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atascadero, CA 93422
I am licensed therapist with over 15 years of extensive experience and am trained in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Art Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy.
My therapeutic approach prioritizes client-centered care, emphasizing strengths and humanistic principles to empower individuals to recognize their capacity for personal growth. I believe in the importance and power of the therapeutic relationship and how feeling heard, validated and supported can help towards one’s personal growth. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing therapeutic techniques and theories based on each individual and their unique needs. I specialize in working with Trauma, PTSD, mood disorders and children. I am trained in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy.
I am licensed therapist with over 15 years of extensive experience and am trained in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Art Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy.
My therapeutic approach prioritizes client-centered care, emphasizing strengths and humanistic principles to empower individuals to recognize their capacity for personal growth. I believe in the importance and power of the therapeutic relationship and how feeling heard, validated and supported can help towards one’s personal growth. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing therapeutic techniques and theories based on each individual and their unique needs. I specialize in working with Trauma, PTSD, mood disorders and children. I am trained in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy.
![Photo of Maribel Alaniz Mendez, AMFT, APCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c08eb8b-0caa-4dc7-afed-c6d5ea74a48b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maribel Alaniz Mendez
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atascadero, CA 93422 (Online Only)
I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy which is a powerful tool I often use to help people heal wounds from the past.
Are you struggling with the many challenges that life brings? Are you feeling overwhelmed by family issues, anxiety, or depression? Perhaps you are not sure how to make changes or even what changes need to be made.
I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy which is a powerful tool I often use to help people heal wounds from the past.
Are you struggling with the many challenges that life brings? Are you feeling overwhelmed by family issues, anxiety, or depression? Perhaps you are not sure how to make changes or even what changes need to be made.
![Photo of Wendy Ann Clodfelter, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cdfc5f0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I use CBT, solution focused brief therapy, directive and non directive play therapy, EMDR, EFT, mindfulness and DBT.
My passion is working with kids and families. I can help with anxiety, depression, relationships and attachment, trauma, school concerns and low self esteem. I also support parents and offer solutions to behavioral concerns at home and in the school setting. I work with families to help with improved communication and better functioning. I encourage parents to take care of themselves and focus on what is working as well as change what is not working.
I use CBT, solution focused brief therapy, directive and non directive play therapy, EMDR, EFT, mindfulness and DBT.
My passion is working with kids and families. I can help with anxiety, depression, relationships and attachment, trauma, school concerns and low self esteem. I also support parents and offer solutions to behavioral concerns at home and in the school setting. I work with families to help with improved communication and better functioning. I encourage parents to take care of themselves and focus on what is working as well as change what is not working.
![Photo of Kristi Ross, LCSW, CADC II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bcc76a4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kristi Ross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atascadero, CA 93422
Waitlist for new clients
I am also trained in EMDR.
Are you interested in Less Stress and more Success in your Relationships? I can help with Intelligent Therapy for Heart, Mind and Spirit. Explore the destructive patterns that help to keep you stuck. Gain new insights and understanding into your deep seated beliefs and subsequent behaviors. Discover your true nature and become empowered to be the best that you can be! In this time of The Pandemic, I have relocated my office from Atascadero to Morro Bay. I'm currently doing both in person and telehealth.
I am also trained in EMDR.
Are you interested in Less Stress and more Success in your Relationships? I can help with Intelligent Therapy for Heart, Mind and Spirit. Explore the destructive patterns that help to keep you stuck. Gain new insights and understanding into your deep seated beliefs and subsequent behaviors. Discover your true nature and become empowered to be the best that you can be! In this time of The Pandemic, I have relocated my office from Atascadero to Morro Bay. I'm currently doing both in person and telehealth.
![Photo of Elizabeth Karsh, MFT, E-RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26ded385-69cc-4a9f-ae8d-fd45b543db8a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an EMDR certified therapist, with a focus on EMDR/Natural Processing -- a somatic (body-centered) approach to EMDR.
There is no single path to navigating a well-lived and resilient life. With a busted GPS and an outdated map, we can find ourselves driven by the wind and the rain--lost and alone in a shadowy forest. I help clients rebuild trust in their navigating system, and grow their resilience to handle the inevitable difficulties in life. I am a somatic therapist, meaning I enlist the resources of your body and nervous system to guide you in moving from a stuck and uncertain path toward one more grounded in resilience.
I am an EMDR certified therapist, with a focus on EMDR/Natural Processing -- a somatic (body-centered) approach to EMDR.
There is no single path to navigating a well-lived and resilient life. With a busted GPS and an outdated map, we can find ourselves driven by the wind and the rain--lost and alone in a shadowy forest. I help clients rebuild trust in their navigating system, and grow their resilience to handle the inevitable difficulties in life. I am a somatic therapist, meaning I enlist the resources of your body and nervous system to guide you in moving from a stuck and uncertain path toward one more grounded in resilience.
![Photo of John Siemens, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d02ef9b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been trained in EMDR, which is somewhat akin to hypnotherapy and assists in working with veterans and others with PTSD.
There comes a time when we need help. I appreciate the courage anyone demonstrates when they make that call. I hope to create a space where individuals and families can receive that trusted assistance. I have been a therapist for thirty years. I was a tennis pro for ten years before that. I am aware of the process of change. There is a timing when an individual, or family, is ready to make those adjustments. In working with children, I involve the whole family. I especially enjoy the travels that the adolescent makes, and the perplexing attempts parents make in adjusting to this challenging phase. I work with addictions.
I have been trained in EMDR, which is somewhat akin to hypnotherapy and assists in working with veterans and others with PTSD.
There comes a time when we need help. I appreciate the courage anyone demonstrates when they make that call. I hope to create a space where individuals and families can receive that trusted assistance. I have been a therapist for thirty years. I was a tennis pro for ten years before that. I am aware of the process of change. There is a timing when an individual, or family, is ready to make those adjustments. In working with children, I involve the whole family. I especially enjoy the travels that the adolescent makes, and the perplexing attempts parents make in adjusting to this challenging phase. I work with addictions.
![Photo of Breezy Simpson, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db7e6030-85e7-4c3c-b6ba-1e76211ad5d9/3/320x400.jpeg)
I offer a compassionate approach to help individuals overcome the challenges of depression, heal from trauma, and navigate life transitions. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities including EMDR, a highly effective method of therapy proven to help individuals process and heal from trauma and distressing life events.
I offer a compassionate approach to help individuals overcome the challenges of depression, heal from trauma, and navigate life transitions. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities including EMDR, a highly effective method of therapy proven to help individuals process and heal from trauma and distressing life events.
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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.