EMDR Therapists in Walnut Creek, CA
I am an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) practitioner and consultant.
I offer many treatment modalities, and specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an information processing approach which integrates elements of many effective psychotherapies: psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, experiential, and body-centered therapies in a phase structured protocol.
For over three decades,I have been helping adults of all ages deal with emotional difficulties including anxiety, depression, phobias, health concerns, grief, stress, and issues of aging.
I am an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) practitioner and consultant.
I offer many treatment modalities, and specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an information processing approach which integrates elements of many effective psychotherapies: psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, experiential, and body-centered therapies in a phase structured protocol.
For over three decades,I have been helping adults of all ages deal with emotional difficulties including anxiety, depression, phobias, health concerns, grief, stress, and issues of aging.
Using tools such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Hypnotherapy, I will work with you to redeem your authentic self! I provide therapy in French and English I provide telehealth using a HIPPA compliant platform.
Are you unhappy? Do you feel less and less motivated and it's getting hard for you to be yourself fully? Are you anxious? Depressed? Angry? Do you feel misunderstood and blamed? Are you overwhelmed? Do you feel lost and you don't know what to do? My therapy services can help you. Using therapy tools that work, I will help you overcome the road blocks that are on the way to your true self and to your happiness. My therapy services are client centered, individualized and strength based. Most importantly, they are tailored to meet your values and cultural needs.
Using tools such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Hypnotherapy, I will work with you to redeem your authentic self! I provide therapy in French and English I provide telehealth using a HIPPA compliant platform.
Are you unhappy? Do you feel less and less motivated and it's getting hard for you to be yourself fully? Are you anxious? Depressed? Angry? Do you feel misunderstood and blamed? Are you overwhelmed? Do you feel lost and you don't know what to do? My therapy services can help you. Using therapy tools that work, I will help you overcome the road blocks that are on the way to your true self and to your happiness. My therapy services are client centered, individualized and strength based. Most importantly, they are tailored to meet your values and cultural needs.
Victoria Rutsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
As a PMH-C & EMDR provider, mom of 2 boys, & as a person who has experienced life changes-I get it.
Did everyone tell you how wonderful pregnancy would be? Or how beautiful childbirth is? And now you feel like they all lied to your face. Or worse, maybe it was amazing for them but it’s terrible for you. You don’t get it and you’re wondering, Did I do something wrong? You’re feeling alone and misunderstood. Or maybe you’re struggling with life transitions such as parenting, a job change, or recovering from a scary event. I’m here to tell you that you can feel better, moving forward in your season of life with feelings of being in control, hopeful, and confident.
As a PMH-C & EMDR provider, mom of 2 boys, & as a person who has experienced life changes-I get it.
Did everyone tell you how wonderful pregnancy would be? Or how beautiful childbirth is? And now you feel like they all lied to your face. Or worse, maybe it was amazing for them but it’s terrible for you. You don’t get it and you’re wondering, Did I do something wrong? You’re feeling alone and misunderstood. Or maybe you’re struggling with life transitions such as parenting, a job change, or recovering from a scary event. I’m here to tell you that you can feel better, moving forward in your season of life with feelings of being in control, hopeful, and confident.
I have had specified training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy ( EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), & Suicide Prevention.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over half a decade of experience, I have had the great pleasure in serving individuals, couples, families, and therapy groups in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I have provided therapy services for folks aged 5 to 65, couples, families, trauma survivors, students, and LGBTQIA individuals and couples, supporting them in navigating difficult developmental milestones, career and life stressors, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance dependency, and much more.
I have had specified training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy ( EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), & Suicide Prevention.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over half a decade of experience, I have had the great pleasure in serving individuals, couples, families, and therapy groups in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I have provided therapy services for folks aged 5 to 65, couples, families, trauma survivors, students, and LGBTQIA individuals and couples, supporting them in navigating difficult developmental milestones, career and life stressors, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance dependency, and much more.
JerriAnn Grant
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in EMDR which has been shown to be an effective treatment for trauma.
I offer therapy for individuals, children, adolescents, and families. I work with my clients from an attachment based framework. Underlying my approach in working with clients is the understanding that what really gives us resilience and emotional health is the experience of being securely connected with other people and particularly those who are closest to us.
I am trained in EMDR which has been shown to be an effective treatment for trauma.
I offer therapy for individuals, children, adolescents, and families. I work with my clients from an attachment based framework. Underlying my approach in working with clients is the understanding that what really gives us resilience and emotional health is the experience of being securely connected with other people and particularly those who are closest to us.
Phillip H Lolonis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I specialize in the seamless integration of Team CBT, EMDR/Flash, IFS (Internal Family Systems "parts work"), and Mindfulness body awareness models.
I specialize in guiding individuals and families through intricate paths of healing, offering a unique blend of evidence-based models tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, habits/addictions, perfectionism, or grief, my holistic approach spans every facet of life – from home to work, school to sports. With expertise as a guide and therapist, I excel with those who enter with motivation to address their suffering and make the deliberate choice to dedicate time to their healing journey. This is 360 healing and I am here to help you.
I specialize in the seamless integration of Team CBT, EMDR/Flash, IFS (Internal Family Systems "parts work"), and Mindfulness body awareness models.
I specialize in guiding individuals and families through intricate paths of healing, offering a unique blend of evidence-based models tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, habits/addictions, perfectionism, or grief, my holistic approach spans every facet of life – from home to work, school to sports. With expertise as a guide and therapist, I excel with those who enter with motivation to address their suffering and make the deliberate choice to dedicate time to their healing journey. This is 360 healing and I am here to help you.
Don Elium
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
Trained in EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, Internal Family Systems, Gottman Couples Method, Developmental Couple Therapy, Discernment Counseling, Grief Recovery, & NVC that helps talk therapy bring about emotional, mental- behavioral changes to bring the best to you to your life circumstances.
Trying to make something work by pretending to feel, think or act in ways that go against how you really feel is exhausting to the body, mind and your spirit. This realization can feel very uncomfortable. However, it is the door to finding both your aliveness and yourself as you investigate what you really feel and think about the situations that are distressing in yourself, family and work situations. I'd like to help you make the actual changes that you need to make. I help you find and focus on what is actually alive in you. All sessions are TeleHealth that creates a safe environment in the convenience of your home or office.
Trained in EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, Internal Family Systems, Gottman Couples Method, Developmental Couple Therapy, Discernment Counseling, Grief Recovery, & NVC that helps talk therapy bring about emotional, mental- behavioral changes to bring the best to you to your life circumstances.
Trying to make something work by pretending to feel, think or act in ways that go against how you really feel is exhausting to the body, mind and your spirit. This realization can feel very uncomfortable. However, it is the door to finding both your aliveness and yourself as you investigate what you really feel and think about the situations that are distressing in yourself, family and work situations. I'd like to help you make the actual changes that you need to make. I help you find and focus on what is actually alive in you. All sessions are TeleHealth that creates a safe environment in the convenience of your home or office.
Kathryn Mehler-Clark
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
I incorporate EMDR as an intervention to facilitate safe and effective processing and integration of emotions, sensory information, and beliefs from the past and present to create a new sense of wholeness and a core feeling of joy.
Do you find yourself repeatedly reacting to recurring emotional triggers; trapped in repetitive negative cycles in your relationships, or unable to figure out how to move forward to a more positive, secure bond with your partner? My warmth, humor and interactive style creates trust and safety to encourage and support you. Clients express that they feel relief from symptoms of stress, such a anxiety or depression, and experience feeling more emotional flexibility and balance.
I incorporate EMDR as an intervention to facilitate safe and effective processing and integration of emotions, sensory information, and beliefs from the past and present to create a new sense of wholeness and a core feeling of joy.
Do you find yourself repeatedly reacting to recurring emotional triggers; trapped in repetitive negative cycles in your relationships, or unable to figure out how to move forward to a more positive, secure bond with your partner? My warmth, humor and interactive style creates trust and safety to encourage and support you. Clients express that they feel relief from symptoms of stress, such a anxiety or depression, and experience feeling more emotional flexibility and balance.
I am trained in EMDR as well as intersubjective psychoanlaysis.
Hi! I'm so glad you're here. Welcome to my profile. Many of the clients I've worked with have experienced a sense of feeling stuck in some area of their life whether it's in their relationships with themselves or with others. They desire for their life to look different, but are at a loss of how to create the change they're longing for and only end up feeling anxious, depressed, or attempting to fill the void or distract from the feelings of overwhelm that a different way of life is possible.
I am trained in EMDR as well as intersubjective psychoanlaysis.
Hi! I'm so glad you're here. Welcome to my profile. Many of the clients I've worked with have experienced a sense of feeling stuck in some area of their life whether it's in their relationships with themselves or with others. They desire for their life to look different, but are at a loss of how to create the change they're longing for and only end up feeling anxious, depressed, or attempting to fill the void or distract from the feelings of overwhelm that a different way of life is possible.
Monica Horowitz
Psychological Associate, MA , PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I have specialized training in; EMDR, neuropsychology, forensic psychology, sexual and childhood trauma, sexual identity and expression, domestic violence, bipolar disorders, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), anxiety disorders, emotional regulation, and self-injurious behaviors.
Hello! Let me congratulate you on taking the first step towards your-self discovery and personal healing. I understand how challenging it is to find a therapist who will honor, respect, and value the often private and personal information you share in session. I believe in providing clients space to feel safe enough to unpack suppressed emotions and thoughts while gently offering insights to how their patterns might be counterintuitive to the goals they want. The fundamentals of my practice include being genuine, compassionate, empowerment of others, unbiased, no judgments, and being scientifically sound.
I have specialized training in; EMDR, neuropsychology, forensic psychology, sexual and childhood trauma, sexual identity and expression, domestic violence, bipolar disorders, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), anxiety disorders, emotional regulation, and self-injurious behaviors.
Hello! Let me congratulate you on taking the first step towards your-self discovery and personal healing. I understand how challenging it is to find a therapist who will honor, respect, and value the often private and personal information you share in session. I believe in providing clients space to feel safe enough to unpack suppressed emotions and thoughts while gently offering insights to how their patterns might be counterintuitive to the goals they want. The fundamentals of my practice include being genuine, compassionate, empowerment of others, unbiased, no judgments, and being scientifically sound.
I am a respectful, open-minded, and compassionate mind/body psychotherapist who assists clients to find practical solutions to life challenges. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), a somatic therapy that enables people to heal from trauma and emotional distress. I am also certified in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), which addresses distress in couples and helps them to create a secure bond; and in the Hakomi Method, which studies how we organize internal experience. I am also trained in and Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy .
I am a respectful, open-minded, and compassionate mind/body psychotherapist who assists clients to find practical solutions to life challenges. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), a somatic therapy that enables people to heal from trauma and emotional distress. I am also certified in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), which addresses distress in couples and helps them to create a secure bond; and in the Hakomi Method, which studies how we organize internal experience. I am also trained in and Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy .
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
EMDR is the vehicle that will help you get there.
Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room? Had an overwhelming feeling of wanting to cry, but not really sure why? Thoughts and worries that keep you up at night? You are not alone, many of us struggle with depression and anxiety in our everyday lives. These struggles might cause us to not perform our best at work, keep us from concentrating in school and cause us to say things that we don’t mean to the ones that we love. I can help you identify what you want to improve in your life and create a safe space for you to be able to overcome the barriers preventing you from succeeding.
EMDR is the vehicle that will help you get there.
Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room? Had an overwhelming feeling of wanting to cry, but not really sure why? Thoughts and worries that keep you up at night? You are not alone, many of us struggle with depression and anxiety in our everyday lives. These struggles might cause us to not perform our best at work, keep us from concentrating in school and cause us to say things that we don’t mean to the ones that we love. I can help you identify what you want to improve in your life and create a safe space for you to be able to overcome the barriers preventing you from succeeding.
I offer trauma-informed care, including EMDR therapy and Flash Technique.
Therapy is for everyone. No matter where you are in your personal journey, my role is to hold a safe space for you to reflect, explore, heal and move towards your goals. Together, we’ll highlight the strengths and resilience you already have, as well as identify opportunities for shifts that align with your hopes and values. My therapeutic demeanor is warm, friendly, empathetic, and nonjudgmental. I strive to take a holistic approach to your mental health journey by considering a range of factors that may impact you. It is a tremendous privilege to hold space for my clients and be a companion on their therapy journeys.
I offer trauma-informed care, including EMDR therapy and Flash Technique.
Therapy is for everyone. No matter where you are in your personal journey, my role is to hold a safe space for you to reflect, explore, heal and move towards your goals. Together, we’ll highlight the strengths and resilience you already have, as well as identify opportunities for shifts that align with your hopes and values. My therapeutic demeanor is warm, friendly, empathetic, and nonjudgmental. I strive to take a holistic approach to your mental health journey by considering a range of factors that may impact you. It is a tremendous privilege to hold space for my clients and be a companion on their therapy journeys.
Eric Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CSAT-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I have received specialized training as a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and am trained in EMDR.
Has your addictive behavior gotten out of control? Are you struggling with pornography or compulsive sexual behavior? Do you need to repair damage caused in your relationship or rebuild trust? You are not alone and there is a way through it. I am the founder and clinical director of Pathway Therapy Center where we specialize in helping clients get through the crisis that addiction causes and work to find recovery and healing. Further, I offer weekly Men's recovery groups to help building community and reduce shame around addiction; an essential piece of the recovery process.
I have received specialized training as a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and am trained in EMDR.
Has your addictive behavior gotten out of control? Are you struggling with pornography or compulsive sexual behavior? Do you need to repair damage caused in your relationship or rebuild trust? You are not alone and there is a way through it. I am the founder and clinical director of Pathway Therapy Center where we specialize in helping clients get through the crisis that addiction causes and work to find recovery and healing. Further, I offer weekly Men's recovery groups to help building community and reduce shame around addiction; an essential piece of the recovery process.
I specialize in helping individuals (adults 18 and up) work through a wide range of issues. Some typical issues include depression, anxiety, OCD, infidelity, intimacy, relationship problems, addictions, transitions ( Marriage/divorce, career, empty-nest), trauma, ADD/ADHD, issue from childhood and other life issues. I have been treating these and other types of life problems for over 25 years. From my experience, I have found that people benefit from different therapeutic modalities and methods to achieve their goals and potential. Some of the modalities I find useful in addition to traditional in-depth psychotherapy include CBT/ERP, DBT, and EMDR.
I specialize in helping individuals (adults 18 and up) work through a wide range of issues. Some typical issues include depression, anxiety, OCD, infidelity, intimacy, relationship problems, addictions, transitions ( Marriage/divorce, career, empty-nest), trauma, ADD/ADHD, issue from childhood and other life issues. I have been treating these and other types of life problems for over 25 years. From my experience, I have found that people benefit from different therapeutic modalities and methods to achieve their goals and potential. Some of the modalities I find useful in addition to traditional in-depth psychotherapy include CBT/ERP, DBT, and EMDR.
Jennifer Villena
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Specializing in women’s mental health, I use a holistic approach and techniques like EMDR, CBT, expressive arts, and mindfulness to help you achieve your goals.
I am an EMDR-certified therapist in Walnut Creek, CA, serving all of California online, dedicated to helping individuals heal and grow through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. Life can be overwhelming, but you deserve a supportive space where you are heard. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. Whether you’re facing grief, women’s issues, or identity concerns, you don’t have to go through it alone. Together, we’ll work to rebuild your confidence and foster personal growth. Reach out today!
Specializing in women’s mental health, I use a holistic approach and techniques like EMDR, CBT, expressive arts, and mindfulness to help you achieve your goals.
I am an EMDR-certified therapist in Walnut Creek, CA, serving all of California online, dedicated to helping individuals heal and grow through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. Life can be overwhelming, but you deserve a supportive space where you are heard. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. Whether you’re facing grief, women’s issues, or identity concerns, you don’t have to go through it alone. Together, we’ll work to rebuild your confidence and foster personal growth. Reach out today!
Mind Matters Psychotherapy Coaching & EMDR
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
We have therapists who specialize in EMDR, eating disorders, substance use/abuse, complicated family dynamics, and more.
We are a group of clinicians committed to providing skilled, supportive therapy and coaching to our clients. Our therapists use a strength-based approach to building relationships with clients that provide the trust needed to make big change. We specialize in seeing women in transitional stages of life, including but not limited to; pre-and postpartum struggles, anxiety, eating disorders, addictive behaviors, depression, role confusion, relationship stress, parenting dynamics and trauma. We love to see couples, children and individual adults ready to move past barriers and experience more joy in relationships and life.
We have therapists who specialize in EMDR, eating disorders, substance use/abuse, complicated family dynamics, and more.
We are a group of clinicians committed to providing skilled, supportive therapy and coaching to our clients. Our therapists use a strength-based approach to building relationships with clients that provide the trust needed to make big change. We specialize in seeing women in transitional stages of life, including but not limited to; pre-and postpartum struggles, anxiety, eating disorders, addictive behaviors, depression, role confusion, relationship stress, parenting dynamics and trauma. We love to see couples, children and individual adults ready to move past barriers and experience more joy in relationships and life.
David Shaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94595 (Online Only)
The somatic work of Stanley Keleman and EMDR have been empowering in my life journey.
I have 45 years of experience helping clients talk about their current lives. With this information I am able to gain a clear description of what is important for my clients. I know each client has their unique ways of expressing themself. For my part I approach each client in a calm caring manner. My intention is to establish a safe environment for self-disclosure. Being a therapist is part of my passion in life. It has always been more than a career. It is part of my spiritual path. While the therapeutic method is important the connection the therapist and client have with one another is the key to the healing process.
The somatic work of Stanley Keleman and EMDR have been empowering in my life journey.
I have 45 years of experience helping clients talk about their current lives. With this information I am able to gain a clear description of what is important for my clients. I know each client has their unique ways of expressing themself. For my part I approach each client in a calm caring manner. My intention is to establish a safe environment for self-disclosure. Being a therapist is part of my passion in life. It has always been more than a career. It is part of my spiritual path. While the therapeutic method is important the connection the therapist and client have with one another is the key to the healing process.
Rhonda Barovsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
People come to therapy because they want to feel better. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, OCD, or relationship problems, if you have experienced rape, childhood abuse, domestic violence, please call me. I also work with people who have experienced the death of a loved one, including their child. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TEAM-CBT model developed by David Burns, MD, including powerful and effective techniques designed to move you from despair to joy. I also use EMDR, Hypnosis and Ketamine Assisted Therapy. "She was helpful, and understanding. I couldn't have gotten to where I am right now without her." KT
People come to therapy because they want to feel better. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, OCD, or relationship problems, if you have experienced rape, childhood abuse, domestic violence, please call me. I also work with people who have experienced the death of a loved one, including their child. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TEAM-CBT model developed by David Burns, MD, including powerful and effective techniques designed to move you from despair to joy. I also use EMDR, Hypnosis and Ketamine Assisted Therapy. "She was helpful, and understanding. I couldn't have gotten to where I am right now without her." KT
Allen Choi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
These include evidence-based approaches from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing ( EMDR), and somatic methods.
We all get stuck sometimes. Whether you're battling anxiety related to school or work, trapped in a stagnant job or deteriorating relationship, or grappling with feelings of depression or isolation, I am here to assist you. I work with teens, adults, and families and our big goal is to help you get "unstuck". Together, we'll figure out what a happy, meaningful life is for you and ways to overcome the obstacles that are getting in the way.
These include evidence-based approaches from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing ( EMDR), and somatic methods.
We all get stuck sometimes. Whether you're battling anxiety related to school or work, trapped in a stagnant job or deteriorating relationship, or grappling with feelings of depression or isolation, I am here to assist you. I work with teens, adults, and families and our big goal is to help you get "unstuck". Together, we'll figure out what a happy, meaningful life is for you and ways to overcome the obstacles that are getting in the way.
See more therapy options for Walnut Creek
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.