EMDR Therapists in Peabody, MA

North Shore Clinicians Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01960
Our clinicians offer CBT, DBT, Narrative, IFS, EMDR and so much more.
At North Shore Clinicians Group we treat individuals, couples and families with a vast range of needs. We strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment free from judgement and criticism. At NSCG we provide extensive and on going training to all our clinician to ensure we are up to date on new modalities and interventions to offer the highest quality of care to all of our clients.
Our clinicians offer CBT, DBT, Narrative, IFS, EMDR and so much more.
At North Shore Clinicians Group we treat individuals, couples and families with a vast range of needs. We strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment free from judgement and criticism. At NSCG we provide extensive and on going training to all our clinician to ensure we are up to date on new modalities and interventions to offer the highest quality of care to all of our clients.
(978) 769-9088 View (978) 769-9088
Photo of Audrey Everson, LMHC, LCMHC, Counselor
Audrey Everson
Counselor, LMHC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01960  (Online Only)
I use mind body methods such as EMDR and EFT that provide effective results in a short period of time.
It's not uncommon for people to find themselves unable to get a handle on their mental and emotional worlds at certain times in their life. Whatever you are suffering from, it only takes the desire to make changes and the courage to ask for help that sets you on a path to feeling better. It is the start that stops most people, so congrats to you for making the first step! Whether you're coping with PTSD/trauma, or needing to overcome anxiety, depression, self esteem, OCD, and more. I use methods and modalities that can produce positive results in a short period of time, and are easy to learn and use on your own as well.
I use mind body methods such as EMDR and EFT that provide effective results in a short period of time.
It's not uncommon for people to find themselves unable to get a handle on their mental and emotional worlds at certain times in their life. Whatever you are suffering from, it only takes the desire to make changes and the courage to ask for help that sets you on a path to feeling better. It is the start that stops most people, so congrats to you for making the first step! Whether you're coping with PTSD/trauma, or needing to overcome anxiety, depression, self esteem, OCD, and more. I use methods and modalities that can produce positive results in a short period of time, and are easy to learn and use on your own as well.
(781) 625-3951 View (781) 625-3951
Photo of Toni Marie Mazzaglia, CMHC, Counselor
Toni Marie Mazzaglia
Counselor, CMHC
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01960  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR, DBT and MBSR and I use these tools to help clients process and cope with traumatic events as well as daily life stressors and everything in between.
Greetings, I am a clinical mental health counselor licensed in MA and UT, with over twenty years experience working with a variety of clients. I specialize in treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression and adoption, attachment and family systems issues and parent coaching. I have experience with complex needs and diagnoses and am also trained in brief solution focused approaches, allowing me to support a range of clients. I believe in a holistic, mindfulness-based approach to building wellness and creating a safe space for people to identify needs and goals and work through the process in a guided and supported manner.
I am trained in EMDR, DBT and MBSR and I use these tools to help clients process and cope with traumatic events as well as daily life stressors and everything in between.
Greetings, I am a clinical mental health counselor licensed in MA and UT, with over twenty years experience working with a variety of clients. I specialize in treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression and adoption, attachment and family systems issues and parent coaching. I have experience with complex needs and diagnoses and am also trained in brief solution focused approaches, allowing me to support a range of clients. I believe in a holistic, mindfulness-based approach to building wellness and creating a safe space for people to identify needs and goals and work through the process in a guided and supported manner.
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Photo of Laurie J. Estey, MA, LMHC, CYT, Counselor
Laurie J. Estey
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CYT
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01960  (Online Only)
I am certified in trauma-specific techniques: EMDR, EFT Tapping, Yoga Therapy, Polyvagal theory, Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers and Yoga.
CURRENTLY TAKING SELF PAY CLIENTS. I have had much experience helping people with their emotional pain, unresolved trauma, fear, anxiety, confusion, grief, stress, inner critic and self worth. I can assist you in identifying personal strengths, get in touch with your intuition, develop appropriate boundaries and bring the unconscious to awareness. I will help you let go of narratives that hold you back, and then assist you in connecting with your personal power and authentic self.
I am certified in trauma-specific techniques: EMDR, EFT Tapping, Yoga Therapy, Polyvagal theory, Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers and Yoga.
CURRENTLY TAKING SELF PAY CLIENTS. I have had much experience helping people with their emotional pain, unresolved trauma, fear, anxiety, confusion, grief, stress, inner critic and self worth. I can assist you in identifying personal strengths, get in touch with your intuition, develop appropriate boundaries and bring the unconscious to awareness. I will help you let go of narratives that hold you back, and then assist you in connecting with your personal power and authentic self.
(978) 894-0039 View (978) 894-0039
Photo of Stacey Billington, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacey Billington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peabody, MA 01960  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a trauma-focused therapist and primarily use Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy which my clients love and find very effective! I also use EMDR and energy clearing techniques that are especially helpful for healing traumatic memories, clear out old negative beliefs that do not serve us anymore, and to create healthier relationships with others.
Do you struggle with unworthiness and not good enough feelings? Do fears of failure and limiting negative beliefs keep you from taking action in achieving your goals? Perhaps you recognize that your past is getting in the way and it's time to do something about it. Do you tend to cope with stress in unhealthy ways? Are you struggling in relationships and feeling lonely and discontent? For over 20 years I have helped people to heal their past, learn to truly love themselves and to start living their best lives. I specialize in healing from narcissistic abuse, depression, anxiety, and relationship dissatisfaction.
I am a trauma-focused therapist and primarily use Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy which my clients love and find very effective! I also use EMDR and energy clearing techniques that are especially helpful for healing traumatic memories, clear out old negative beliefs that do not serve us anymore, and to create healthier relationships with others.
Do you struggle with unworthiness and not good enough feelings? Do fears of failure and limiting negative beliefs keep you from taking action in achieving your goals? Perhaps you recognize that your past is getting in the way and it's time to do something about it. Do you tend to cope with stress in unhealthy ways? Are you struggling in relationships and feeling lonely and discontent? For over 20 years I have helped people to heal their past, learn to truly love themselves and to start living their best lives. I specialize in healing from narcissistic abuse, depression, anxiety, and relationship dissatisfaction.
(978) 613-3294 View (978) 613-3294
Photo of Alycia Thornton, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Alycia Thornton
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peabody, MA 01960
I am trained in EMDR and I am certified in the RTM Protocol (Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memory) both are effective treatments for PTSD and trauma related symptoms.
The past informs the present to help the future. Although we are not the sum of our problems, our early experiences with caregivers heavily influence how we operate in every aspect of life. I focus on helping people to overcome the challenges of trauma and PTSD symptoms and to understand the influence of these on relationships. An important part of the work I do is assisting loved ones of people with addiction who often find themselves dealing with significant anxiety, depressive symptoms, and relationship difficulties.
I am trained in EMDR and I am certified in the RTM Protocol (Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memory) both are effective treatments for PTSD and trauma related symptoms.
The past informs the present to help the future. Although we are not the sum of our problems, our early experiences with caregivers heavily influence how we operate in every aspect of life. I focus on helping people to overcome the challenges of trauma and PTSD symptoms and to understand the influence of these on relationships. An important part of the work I do is assisting loved ones of people with addiction who often find themselves dealing with significant anxiety, depressive symptoms, and relationship difficulties.
(978) 928-0454 View (978) 928-0454
Photo of Kristin Bramante, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Kristin Bramante
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01960  (Online Only)
As a licensed mental health counselor, I offer an effective therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR), a Gold Standard treatment for trauma.
Are you feeling like you have lost your balance? Are you avoiding people, places, or situations because of anxiety, depression, or a recent trauma? Do you feel like you’re walking on eggshells in your relationships because you aren’t able to express how you really feel? Maybe you experienced childhood trauma and you need help to process and understand what happened to you so that you can create a different narrative for your life. All of these situations can be very painful and reaching out to a stranger is courageous step! I strive to create a trusting and nonjudgemental space for you. I hope you will take a moment to call.
As a licensed mental health counselor, I offer an effective therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR), a Gold Standard treatment for trauma.
Are you feeling like you have lost your balance? Are you avoiding people, places, or situations because of anxiety, depression, or a recent trauma? Do you feel like you’re walking on eggshells in your relationships because you aren’t able to express how you really feel? Maybe you experienced childhood trauma and you need help to process and understand what happened to you so that you can create a different narrative for your life. All of these situations can be very painful and reaching out to a stranger is courageous step! I strive to create a trusting and nonjudgemental space for you. I hope you will take a moment to call.
(508) 439-6149 View (508) 439-6149
Photo of Samantha Johnson - Samantha Johnson, LICSW, Leek Therapy, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samantha Johnson, LICSW, Leek Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01960  (Online Only)
I use evidence-based strategies such as EMDR, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness to help you understand, care, and heal yourself from anxiety, stress, and trauma.
I am a partner at Leek Therapy. I predominantly work with adolescents, young adults, and adults in the following areas: trauma/PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety and phobias, mood disorders, and personality disorders. My therapeutic approach is strengths based and person centered. I strive to provide a non-judgmental, safe space to problem solve, work through struggles, and build effective coping skills. Our life experiences and stressors can make this feel extremely difficult. Maybe you’ve tried to do this on your own, but feel stuck. I want to help you to feel unstuck.
I use evidence-based strategies such as EMDR, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness to help you understand, care, and heal yourself from anxiety, stress, and trauma.
I am a partner at Leek Therapy. I predominantly work with adolescents, young adults, and adults in the following areas: trauma/PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety and phobias, mood disorders, and personality disorders. My therapeutic approach is strengths based and person centered. I strive to provide a non-judgmental, safe space to problem solve, work through struggles, and build effective coping skills. Our life experiences and stressors can make this feel extremely difficult. Maybe you’ve tried to do this on your own, but feel stuck. I want to help you to feel unstuck.
(774) 484-7102 View (774) 484-7102
Photo of Stephen Medina - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Salem, Counselor
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Salem
Counselor
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01960
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
(855) 524-5193 View (855) 524-5193
Photo of Toni Marie Mazzaglia, CMHC
Toni Marie Mazzaglia
Mental Health Counselor, CMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peabody, MA 01960  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR, DBT and MBSR and I use these tools to help clients process and cope with traumatic events as well as daily life stressors and everything in between.
Greetings, I am a clinical mental health counselor licensed in UT and MA, with over twenty years of experience working with a variety of clients. I specialize in treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression and adoption, attachment and family systems issues and parent coaching. I have experience with complex needs and diagnoses and am also trained in brief solution focused approaches, allowing me to support a range of clients. I believe in a holistic, mindfulness-based approach to building wellness and creating a safe space for people to identify needs and goals and work through the process in a guided and supported manner.
I am trained in EMDR, DBT and MBSR and I use these tools to help clients process and cope with traumatic events as well as daily life stressors and everything in between.
Greetings, I am a clinical mental health counselor licensed in UT and MA, with over twenty years of experience working with a variety of clients. I specialize in treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression and adoption, attachment and family systems issues and parent coaching. I have experience with complex needs and diagnoses and am also trained in brief solution focused approaches, allowing me to support a range of clients. I believe in a holistic, mindfulness-based approach to building wellness and creating a safe space for people to identify needs and goals and work through the process in a guided and supported manner.
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Photo of Robin Broady, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robin Broady
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01961
Do you feel stuck, not listened to or stressed by life and life's changes? I am greatly rewarded by helping people work through the stresses and problems in their lives. I am patient, understanding and creative.I especially enjoy helping people resolve conflicts within their family or personal life. I welcome clients seeking to deal with family pressures, relationship issues, transitional challenges and the need to develop control of their lives. My goal is to establish a sense of empowerment in my clients.
Do you feel stuck, not listened to or stressed by life and life's changes? I am greatly rewarded by helping people work through the stresses and problems in their lives. I am patient, understanding and creative.I especially enjoy helping people resolve conflicts within their family or personal life. I welcome clients seeking to deal with family pressures, relationship issues, transitional challenges and the need to develop control of their lives. My goal is to establish a sense of empowerment in my clients.
(781) 399-0181 View (781) 399-0181
Photo of Kimberlee Worth, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kimberlee Worth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01960
We may encounter many challenges along our path. Challenges may include loss, chronic/terminal illness, trauma and mood disruption. At times, we can manage these challenges on our own. At other times, working with someone can be of benefit - perhaps even a necessity - allowing us to understand and move through the challenge; reconnect with ourselves and others and generally function better in the world. As a licensed psychotherapist and clinical social worker, I offer my knowledge, skill, curiosity and compassion in a safe, comfortable and non-judgmental environment to support you and/or family members in this process.
We may encounter many challenges along our path. Challenges may include loss, chronic/terminal illness, trauma and mood disruption. At times, we can manage these challenges on our own. At other times, working with someone can be of benefit - perhaps even a necessity - allowing us to understand and move through the challenge; reconnect with ourselves and others and generally function better in the world. As a licensed psychotherapist and clinical social worker, I offer my knowledge, skill, curiosity and compassion in a safe, comfortable and non-judgmental environment to support you and/or family members in this process.
(781) 912-3763 View (781) 912-3763
Photo of Janelle Bruno, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janelle Bruno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01960  (Online Only)
You dread the sound of your alarm clock in the morning and desperately look forward to bedtime before the day has started. You feel on edge and overwhelmed. You no longer go out with friends because you’re exhausted from caring for others. Anxiety is scary and can disrupt your life. It is exhausting. You deserve a life that is enjoyable and worth living.
You dread the sound of your alarm clock in the morning and desperately look forward to bedtime before the day has started. You feel on edge and overwhelmed. You no longer go out with friends because you’re exhausted from caring for others. Anxiety is scary and can disrupt your life. It is exhausting. You deserve a life that is enjoyable and worth living.
(351) 200-3398 View (351) 200-3398
Photo of Alison K Leach, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Alison K Leach
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peabody, MA 01960
Waitlist for new clients
Taking the first steps toward change can be difficult, but you don't have to do it alone. I can provide a safe space for you to talk about your symptoms and challenges, work with you to identify your personal goals, and offer tools and insights to support your journey.
Taking the first steps toward change can be difficult, but you don't have to do it alone. I can provide a safe space for you to talk about your symptoms and challenges, work with you to identify your personal goals, and offer tools and insights to support your journey.
(617) 860-3372 View (617) 860-3372
Photo of Darcy Desautels, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Darcy Desautels
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peabody, MA 01960  (Online Only)
It takes courage to listen and deeply look into troubling thoughts and feelings. You may be struggling to redefine your identity and get a stronger sense of self. Life isn't going the way had hoped. I help clients deal with stress, anxiety, sadness and relationships. Periods of anxiety and depress can upset the balance of relationships and fuel doubts, insecurities and fears. Let's remove obstacles to living your greater self now.
It takes courage to listen and deeply look into troubling thoughts and feelings. You may be struggling to redefine your identity and get a stronger sense of self. Life isn't going the way had hoped. I help clients deal with stress, anxiety, sadness and relationships. Periods of anxiety and depress can upset the balance of relationships and fuel doubts, insecurities and fears. Let's remove obstacles to living your greater self now.
(774) 260-6507 View (774) 260-6507
Photo of Emily Kulkarni, MEd, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Emily Kulkarni
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd, MS
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01960  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you are struggling with sadness, anger, worry, or feeling alone and overwhelmed, reaching out for help is courageous. I create a nonjudgmental space that is warm, genuine, and collaborative to help you find relief and feel seen. Through compassion and a sense of humor, clients have shared that they feel they could authentically be themselves with me. Together, we'll use various evidence-based techniques to help you explore, heal, and make changes in your life that are important to you.
Whether you are struggling with sadness, anger, worry, or feeling alone and overwhelmed, reaching out for help is courageous. I create a nonjudgmental space that is warm, genuine, and collaborative to help you find relief and feel seen. Through compassion and a sense of humor, clients have shared that they feel they could authentically be themselves with me. Together, we'll use various evidence-based techniques to help you explore, heal, and make changes in your life that are important to you.
(978) 581-2056 View (978) 581-2056
Photo of Traci M Parsons, LMHC, Counselor
Traci M Parsons
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peabody, MA 01960  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am trained and certified in EMDR for trauma.
Working with clients is not only my job, its my passion. I work with individuals, families and couples. I work with clients who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBT issues, marriage and family issues and have a concentration with first responders. If we speak on the phone and I do not feel I am skilled in your area of need, I will be happy to try to refer you to another therapist.
I am trained and certified in EMDR for trauma.
Working with clients is not only my job, its my passion. I work with individuals, families and couples. I work with clients who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBT issues, marriage and family issues and have a concentration with first responders. If we speak on the phone and I do not feel I am skilled in your area of need, I will be happy to try to refer you to another therapist.
(978) 925-3397 View (978) 925-3397
Photo of Maureen Callahan Smith - Maureen Callahan Smith LICSW, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maureen Callahan Smith LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01961  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
In addition to working with depression, anxiety, trauma & grief, I've also assisted those trying to complete a book or thesis, or pass a major professional exam using EMDR.
What is it that you want and need in your life, and what is getting in your way? Perhaps you don't even know yet. My work is dedicated to helping people move forward and feel more like they want to feel. I incorporate a strong Mind-Body approach using tools which have proven both practical and effective, such as EMDR, EFT, Internal Family Systems and mindfulness. I have great confidence that bringing curiosity, compassion and yes, even humor, together we can find your answers and create change. Again and again, I have seen clients come in frozen and stuck, then able to leave with positive life patterns in place.
In addition to working with depression, anxiety, trauma & grief, I've also assisted those trying to complete a book or thesis, or pass a major professional exam using EMDR.
What is it that you want and need in your life, and what is getting in your way? Perhaps you don't even know yet. My work is dedicated to helping people move forward and feel more like they want to feel. I incorporate a strong Mind-Body approach using tools which have proven both practical and effective, such as EMDR, EFT, Internal Family Systems and mindfulness. I have great confidence that bringing curiosity, compassion and yes, even humor, together we can find your answers and create change. Again and again, I have seen clients come in frozen and stuck, then able to leave with positive life patterns in place.
(978) 248-0154 View (978) 248-0154
Photo of Denise Koelsch, LICSW, MSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Denise Koelsch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, MA
Verified Verified
Peabody, MA 01960
Not accepting new clients
The body-centered, mindfulness-based psychotherapy approaches include Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Response ( EMDR), Life Force Yoga level 1 & Brain Spotting.
I specialize in depression, anxiety and trauma, and the use of alternative psychotherapy approaches. (However, I do offer traditional approaches). These new psychotherapies are body-centered and mindfulness-based. In other words, we are more than our thoughts - we are our sensations, feelings and that something which is greater than the self, the transpersonal. These new psychotherapies work directly with client's moment to moment awareness of what is felt or sensed within the body. These felt sensed experiences are then processed through cognition which then allow for the opportunity of insight, change and healing.
The body-centered, mindfulness-based psychotherapy approaches include Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Response ( EMDR), Life Force Yoga level 1 & Brain Spotting.
I specialize in depression, anxiety and trauma, and the use of alternative psychotherapy approaches. (However, I do offer traditional approaches). These new psychotherapies are body-centered and mindfulness-based. In other words, we are more than our thoughts - we are our sensations, feelings and that something which is greater than the self, the transpersonal. These new psychotherapies work directly with client's moment to moment awareness of what is felt or sensed within the body. These felt sensed experiences are then processed through cognition which then allow for the opportunity of insight, change and healing.
(508) 205-8193 View (508) 205-8193
Photo of Elizabeth Planje, LMHC, Counselor
Elizabeth Planje
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peabody, MA 01960
Not accepting new clients
I am also EMDR trained.
I am passionate about supporting children and adults to heal from past hurt, whether it be from an event they might name as "trauma" or from a series of challenges. I work to support the whole person- mind, body, and spirit- and I integrate different techniques (including expressive therapy). I also invite individuals to bring spiritual parts of themselves to the work, e.g., their passions, beliefs, values and meaning-making systems. I work from a self-as-instrument model and also am interested in supporting providers and caregivers so they can be their best for the people they support.
I am also EMDR trained.
I am passionate about supporting children and adults to heal from past hurt, whether it be from an event they might name as "trauma" or from a series of challenges. I work to support the whole person- mind, body, and spirit- and I integrate different techniques (including expressive therapy). I also invite individuals to bring spiritual parts of themselves to the work, e.g., their passions, beliefs, values and meaning-making systems. I work from a self-as-instrument model and also am interested in supporting providers and caregivers so they can be their best for the people they support.
(617) 431-6773 View (617) 431-6773
1
EMDR Therapists

Who is EMDR for?

EMDR was initially developed as a treatment for individuals with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for whom memories of a deeply distressing experience can be inadvertently triggered by random everyday events. The procedure has since been applied in the treatment of many other conditions. For example, it is used by some therapists to treat anxiety disorders including panic and phobias, depression, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and some personality disorders. It is suitable for adolescents and adults.

Why do people need EMDR?

People need EMDR as a way to manage distressing memories that in some way hamper the ability to function in the present. The procedure is believed to target the way memories are stored in the brain. Evidence indicates that past disturbing experiences cause ongoing distress because they were not adequately processed, and when such memories are triggered in the present, they are accompanied by all the emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations as the initial experience.

What problems does EMDR treat?

First and foremost, EMDR is intended as a treatment for PTSD, to defuse distressing memories that intrude on and impair everyday functioning. It is also often used to help those who are subject to panic attacks, phobias, and other forms of anxiety. In addition, EMDR has been used to treat individuals with depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders.

What happens in EMDR therapy?

First the therapist takes an individual’s history, and then the therapist and client decide which distressing experience(s) will be the target(s) of the exercise, delivered via a side-to-side visual stimulus requiring lateral eye movements. The client will be asked to activate thoughts, feelings, and any body sensations related to the troubling experience. The eye movements are said to reduce the emotional charge of the memory, so that the experience can then be safely discussed with the therapist and digested, minimizing its ability to trigger anxiety.