EMDR Therapists in Bethesda, MD
Comeback Counseling: Trauma-Informed Therapy
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CCTP-II, ASDCS
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
I am also specially trained in EMDR, DBT, internal family systems (IFS), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), all of which are effective in trauma treatment.
Certified trauma-informed therapist with training in EMDR, IFS, DBT, and CPT. I specialize in work with adult/adolescent clients with a history of trauma, whether single incident or complex and/or autism. These clients may present with PTSD, cPTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and more. My goal is to assist my clients with not only recovering after trauma, but enabling growth toward the person they want to be. I see survival as a strength, and the adaptations that allowed for that survival should be recognized as such to increase self-compassion and facilitate the next step.
I am also specially trained in EMDR, DBT, internal family systems (IFS), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), all of which are effective in trauma treatment.
Certified trauma-informed therapist with training in EMDR, IFS, DBT, and CPT. I specialize in work with adult/adolescent clients with a history of trauma, whether single incident or complex and/or autism. These clients may present with PTSD, cPTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and more. My goal is to assist my clients with not only recovering after trauma, but enabling growth toward the person they want to be. I see survival as a strength, and the adaptations that allowed for that survival should be recognized as such to increase self-compassion and facilitate the next step.
Additionally, I completed EMDR training through the Center For Excellence in 2021.
Are you struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma? Having a hard time with time management, motivation, and focus? Need to work through self-esteem issues and rocky personal relationships? I'd love to help! I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process where trust, empathy, and acceptance make up the building blocks of each session. I use a blend of techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing, and psychoanalytic theory to tailor a treatment plan and process that is unique to you.
Additionally, I completed EMDR training through the Center For Excellence in 2021.
Are you struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma? Having a hard time with time management, motivation, and focus? Need to work through self-esteem issues and rocky personal relationships? I'd love to help! I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process where trust, empathy, and acceptance make up the building blocks of each session. I use a blend of techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing, and psychoanalytic theory to tailor a treatment plan and process that is unique to you.
Heidi Emmer Safe Place Healing LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
Do you feel helpless and alone? Do you have a feeling of dread or threat of danger, even though you know it isn't there? Do you have negative beliefs about yourself that get in the way of your potential? I work with adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD. I specialize in EMDR. I believe that certain shaming experiences in early childhood, lead to negative core beliefs that cause depression and anxiety. We can, however change these negative beliefs to positive ones and find your strength and wisdom prevailing from these traumas. Let's work together to help you take charge of your life and begin your healing journey.
Do you feel helpless and alone? Do you have a feeling of dread or threat of danger, even though you know it isn't there? Do you have negative beliefs about yourself that get in the way of your potential? I work with adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD. I specialize in EMDR. I believe that certain shaming experiences in early childhood, lead to negative core beliefs that cause depression and anxiety. We can, however change these negative beliefs to positive ones and find your strength and wisdom prevailing from these traumas. Let's work together to help you take charge of your life and begin your healing journey.
I also offer EMDR to help process, and begin to free, clients from traumatic events they've experienced.
Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties? Perhaps you are facing trauma, grief/loss, or questions about a new direction to pursue/life transition. Each of these circumstances can begin to feel overwhelming for many people, and it can sometimes feel very hard to make a change. In these situations, having someone to support and help guide you through difficult periods in life can be of great benefit. In taking this first step, I want to assure you that I'll do everything I can to help you feel comfortable and understood, should you decide to begin your healing journey with me.
I also offer EMDR to help process, and begin to free, clients from traumatic events they've experienced.
Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties? Perhaps you are facing trauma, grief/loss, or questions about a new direction to pursue/life transition. Each of these circumstances can begin to feel overwhelming for many people, and it can sometimes feel very hard to make a change. In these situations, having someone to support and help guide you through difficult periods in life can be of great benefit. In taking this first step, I want to assure you that I'll do everything I can to help you feel comfortable and understood, should you decide to begin your healing journey with me.
I specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Method, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
I am passionate about helping my clients improve their relationships and alleviate suffering to find meaning, purpose, and build a life worth living. I also recognize how difficult the path of seeking help and making change can be and I will provide my skills, support, and compassion to you as you navigate your journey. Whether you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, isolated, burned out, or stuck, I will work with you to get through the challenges and difficulties you face. I enjoy working with couples and individuals and specialize in several modalities to treat trauma including EMDR & Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
I specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Method, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
I am passionate about helping my clients improve their relationships and alleviate suffering to find meaning, purpose, and build a life worth living. I also recognize how difficult the path of seeking help and making change can be and I will provide my skills, support, and compassion to you as you navigate your journey. Whether you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, isolated, burned out, or stuck, I will work with you to get through the challenges and difficulties you face. I enjoy working with couples and individuals and specialize in several modalities to treat trauma including EMDR & Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
PlayfulLeigh Psyched, LLC
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, MS/MA, LGPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20816 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
From EMDR, to PCIT to Expressive Therapies, we support what you need.
We work with individuals, families, and children. We specialize in trauma including generational trauma, perinatal, immigrants, parent-child relationship issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and family conflict. Our greatest intention is to help you understand yourself better and improve your quality of life and relationships. We tailor our approach to the needs of each person or family, responding to your unique problems, identities, and realities. This is not a one-size-fits-all practice because we are trauma-informed and social-emotional focused practices from a social justice framework.
From EMDR, to PCIT to Expressive Therapies, we support what you need.
We work with individuals, families, and children. We specialize in trauma including generational trauma, perinatal, immigrants, parent-child relationship issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and family conflict. Our greatest intention is to help you understand yourself better and improve your quality of life and relationships. We tailor our approach to the needs of each person or family, responding to your unique problems, identities, and realities. This is not a one-size-fits-all practice because we are trauma-informed and social-emotional focused practices from a social justice framework.
Kim Wiltshire
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
I also specialize in EMDR, a psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories.
I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space for my clients to feel safe and understood. I specialize in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, self-injury and other self-sabotaging behaviors. I work with teens and adults looking to develop a better understanding of their dysfunctional patterns in order to create effective and lasting change.
I also specialize in EMDR, a psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories.
I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space for my clients to feel safe and understood. I specialize in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, self-injury and other self-sabotaging behaviors. I work with teens and adults looking to develop a better understanding of their dysfunctional patterns in order to create effective and lasting change.
As a clinical social worker it is my passion to support my clients through difficulties they may be experiencing. I believe that no one size fits all and I tailor my treatment to meet my clients needs. I am trained in DBT, EMDR and ERP. I respect each client where they are and ensure that our work together focuses on what’s most important to them. Every client deserves a trusting environment to feel safe and supported. I would love the opportunity to provide that to anyone who is in need.
As a clinical social worker it is my passion to support my clients through difficulties they may be experiencing. I believe that no one size fits all and I tailor my treatment to meet my clients needs. I am trained in DBT, EMDR and ERP. I respect each client where they are and ensure that our work together focuses on what’s most important to them. Every client deserves a trusting environment to feel safe and supported. I would love the opportunity to provide that to anyone who is in need.
Deborah Kleiner Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
I also practice Internal Family Systems Therapy & EMDR.
I believe in the innate goodness of people. Problems arise when we lack the ability to communicate what's really going on within or can't get past defenses to understand another person's feelings or experiences. Most people haven't been taught the skills to be safe listeners and so we grow up believing that others don't have capacity to understand us. I love bringing people closer by teaching them to cross the bridge into the world of others without losing themselves. I teach emotional safety by demonstrating emotional safety and believe breakdowns create opportunities for new breakthroughs.
I also practice Internal Family Systems Therapy & EMDR.
I believe in the innate goodness of people. Problems arise when we lack the ability to communicate what's really going on within or can't get past defenses to understand another person's feelings or experiences. Most people haven't been taught the skills to be safe listeners and so we grow up believing that others don't have capacity to understand us. I love bringing people closer by teaching them to cross the bridge into the world of others without losing themselves. I teach emotional safety by demonstrating emotional safety and believe breakdowns create opportunities for new breakthroughs.
While my approach varies from person to person, I have specific training in several modalities including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma (CPT), exposure-based therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
There are many reasons why people make the choice to seek out therapy. Sometimes that reason isn't obvious and you might just feel "off", or maybe you've recognized patterns in your life that you'd like to interrupt but aren't quite sure how. Whatever your reason is, it is valid and important, and I would be honored to work through it with you. My experience thus far has centered around helping adolescents and adults navigate eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, body image distress, relationship issues, healthy masculinity development, and emotion regulation, in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
While my approach varies from person to person, I have specific training in several modalities including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma (CPT), exposure-based therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
There are many reasons why people make the choice to seek out therapy. Sometimes that reason isn't obvious and you might just feel "off", or maybe you've recognized patterns in your life that you'd like to interrupt but aren't quite sure how. Whatever your reason is, it is valid and important, and I would be honored to work through it with you. My experience thus far has centered around helping adolescents and adults navigate eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, body image distress, relationship issues, healthy masculinity development, and emotion regulation, in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Constance Angiuli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815 (Online Only)
I primarily practice EMDR therapy to allow clients to heal their emotional brain and to visualize the life they deserve.
I am a therapist with 20 years' experience providing holistic brain-based treatment for enhanced decision making and performance coaching as well as trauma informed therapy to adolescents and adults. This approach allows me to treat PTSD, anxiety and depression but also offers brain-based coaching for career challenges, performance enhancement, future visualization. My therapy style is client centered and non-judgmental. I focus on three areas - EMDR for trauma healing, depression and anxiety. EMDR (visualization) for sports injury recovery and EMDR for high level decision making (home purchase, college, career etc.)
I primarily practice EMDR therapy to allow clients to heal their emotional brain and to visualize the life they deserve.
I am a therapist with 20 years' experience providing holistic brain-based treatment for enhanced decision making and performance coaching as well as trauma informed therapy to adolescents and adults. This approach allows me to treat PTSD, anxiety and depression but also offers brain-based coaching for career challenges, performance enhancement, future visualization. My therapy style is client centered and non-judgmental. I focus on three areas - EMDR for trauma healing, depression and anxiety. EMDR (visualization) for sports injury recovery and EMDR for high level decision making (home purchase, college, career etc.)
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Comeback Counseling: Trauma-Informed Therapy
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Jennie Robinson
Carlee Myers
Morgan Levine
Andrea Miller
Katy Cribbs
Ryan Long
Ken Ovitz
Joseph Tropper
Emily Bitner
Sunrise Psychotherapy LLC
Michelle Sinkgraven
Braquelle Murphy Certified Emdr Therapist
Aaryn Kopp
Viktoriya Karakcheyeva
Andrea Zawatsky
Kelly Streit
Hilla Laver Flohr
Annie Miller
The Snow Psychology Group, LLC
Danny Miller
Lea Didion
Emma Wanroy
Katie O'Mailey
Wendy-Nia Griffin
Lily Kaufmann
Kristin G Sweeney
Anel Coss
Journey Counseling & Consulting, LLC
Maggie Graham
Heather O'Shaughnessy
Helene G. Brenner
Dorcas Austin
Julia Rasnake
Christa Carlton
Marie Aleman
Leo Hirsch Massey
I combine my psychodynamic training with different techniques and methods that I have incorporated throughout my many years of clinical practice such as mindfulness, EMDR, DBT, .
You feel confused, disoriented and in need of guidance. You have feelings of anxiety, a sense of emptiness and deep sadness. You reach out to friends and family members but there is still this deep need inside of you to find a way out of your confusion, your feelings of sadness and emptiness, your anxiety. Maybe you feel you've had enough with unsatisfying relationships. You want to find a way out of your loneliness, of your traumatic past. It is time for professional help. Let me help you.
I combine my psychodynamic training with different techniques and methods that I have incorporated throughout my many years of clinical practice such as mindfulness, EMDR, DBT, .
You feel confused, disoriented and in need of guidance. You have feelings of anxiety, a sense of emptiness and deep sadness. You reach out to friends and family members but there is still this deep need inside of you to find a way out of your confusion, your feelings of sadness and emptiness, your anxiety. Maybe you feel you've had enough with unsatisfying relationships. You want to find a way out of your loneliness, of your traumatic past. It is time for professional help. Let me help you.
Kristen Moyer- Childhood Trauma Recovery
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Specializing in trauma and attachment, I offer a blend of mind and body based therapy ( EMDR), psychodynamic therapy (IFS) and behavioral therapy (DBT).
Do you want to stop feeling stuck in patterns that cause negative consequences in your life? As a child, did you experience abuse, or feel unloved or neglected? Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by your past and it keeps you feeling depressed, anxious, or unhappy in your relationships. Do you feel like you are ready to break the cycles and begin to heal your trauma? Are you looking for someone who can help you rediscover your self-worth and self-love?
Specializing in trauma and attachment, I offer a blend of mind and body based therapy ( EMDR), psychodynamic therapy (IFS) and behavioral therapy (DBT).
Do you want to stop feeling stuck in patterns that cause negative consequences in your life? As a child, did you experience abuse, or feel unloved or neglected? Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by your past and it keeps you feeling depressed, anxious, or unhappy in your relationships. Do you feel like you are ready to break the cycles and begin to heal your trauma? Are you looking for someone who can help you rediscover your self-worth and self-love?
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Bethesda
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
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.
Jane Callen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20816
I utilize EMDR and also draw from deep experience as a first responder.
Using an EMDR and strengths-based approach, I will support you to become your best self, find calm, and reach a place of true self-acceptance. If you are feeling stressed or disconnected from friends and family, anxious, depressed, traumatized, or ready for a change in how live your life, know that it is possible to rediscover peace, gratitude and equanimity. My role is to facilitate your healing journey toward living and loving fully, and to help you bring compassionate awareness to see the beauty within and surrounding you. The first step will be to meet and see if we are a good fit.
I utilize EMDR and also draw from deep experience as a first responder.
Using an EMDR and strengths-based approach, I will support you to become your best self, find calm, and reach a place of true self-acceptance. If you are feeling stressed or disconnected from friends and family, anxious, depressed, traumatized, or ready for a change in how live your life, know that it is possible to rediscover peace, gratitude and equanimity. My role is to facilitate your healing journey toward living and loving fully, and to help you bring compassionate awareness to see the beauty within and surrounding you. The first step will be to meet and see if we are a good fit.
I use EMDR to create new pathways in the brain, allowing information that might have gotten stuck the opportunity to begin to move forward, so memories won't be as triggering.
I am passionate about helping my clients erase generational curses, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger, so they can go beyond surviving and enter into a new phase of life, where thriving begins. During intake, we discuss your needs and collaborate to create a pathway to help you achieve your goals.
I use EMDR to create new pathways in the brain, allowing information that might have gotten stuck the opportunity to begin to move forward, so memories won't be as triggering.
I am passionate about helping my clients erase generational curses, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger, so they can go beyond surviving and enter into a new phase of life, where thriving begins. During intake, we discuss your needs and collaborate to create a pathway to help you achieve your goals.
I utilize a number of therapy styles, which include EMDR, CBT and IFS.
I’m not good enough. I don’t trust others. It's hopeless. All of these are negative beliefs that a person may have for themselves. These negative beliefs affect us everyday and are the underlying cause of our unhappiness, stress, anxiety, depression, low moods and/or negative thoughts. If you identify with any of these beliefs or have other negative beliefs, I can help you.
I utilize a number of therapy styles, which include EMDR, CBT and IFS.
I’m not good enough. I don’t trust others. It's hopeless. All of these are negative beliefs that a person may have for themselves. These negative beliefs affect us everyday and are the underlying cause of our unhappiness, stress, anxiety, depression, low moods and/or negative thoughts. If you identify with any of these beliefs or have other negative beliefs, I can help you.
I use EMDR for Trauma, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (ISRT), CBT-P for Psychosis, I am a Certified Trauma Professional, and I am one of a handful of clinicians in the United States trained in Family-Focused Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (FFT).
You need to talk to someone. You're in a stressful place in your life. Not only is your desire for clarity and comfort at its peak but your need to find the right therapist is a leap of faith. Seeing me, you may find our sessions to be empowering, challenging, yet comfortable, and at times humorous. You can become energized by the unfolding of your story, and gaining new insights into your thoughts and feelings that no longer work for you. Are you having difficulties adjusting to life with a mental health disorder or struggling to make sense of a traumatic experience?
I use EMDR for Trauma, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (ISRT), CBT-P for Psychosis, I am a Certified Trauma Professional, and I am one of a handful of clinicians in the United States trained in Family-Focused Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (FFT).
You need to talk to someone. You're in a stressful place in your life. Not only is your desire for clarity and comfort at its peak but your need to find the right therapist is a leap of faith. Seeing me, you may find our sessions to be empowering, challenging, yet comfortable, and at times humorous. You can become energized by the unfolding of your story, and gaining new insights into your thoughts and feelings that no longer work for you. Are you having difficulties adjusting to life with a mental health disorder or struggling to make sense of a traumatic experience?
She is highly trained in the use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems and parts work, Attachment Style and Inner Child work, mindfulness, and incorporates Somatic Experiencing.
Laura has 14+ years of experience supporting those with anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, caregiver-child relationship struggles, adoption and foster care issues, complex-PTSD, PTSD, dissociation, and abuse (emotional, verbal, physical, sexual and religious abuse).
She is highly trained in the use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems and parts work, Attachment Style and Inner Child work, mindfulness, and incorporates Somatic Experiencing.
Laura has 14+ years of experience supporting those with anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, caregiver-child relationship struggles, adoption and foster care issues, complex-PTSD, PTSD, dissociation, and abuse (emotional, verbal, physical, sexual and religious abuse).
Rebecca Whitmore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I use contemporary modalities based in neuroscience including; IFS, EMDR, Intensive Short Term Psychotherapy, IMAGO Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Sand Therapy, Mindfulness, and Somatic Intervention.
We overcome difficulties, adjust to changes, and manage difficult emotions best when we do not have to go at it alone. I offer a supportive partnership to help you identify your goals and build capacity to experience joy, compassionate self regard, and healthy rewarding relationships. I have over 35 years of experience helping children, couples, adults, and parents who experience feeling stuck, alone, sad, anxious, or unable to find the forward motion to reach goals for well being. Together we can create a safe space to address difficult emotions, and identify resources and habits that support resiliency and wellness.
I use contemporary modalities based in neuroscience including; IFS, EMDR, Intensive Short Term Psychotherapy, IMAGO Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Sand Therapy, Mindfulness, and Somatic Intervention.
We overcome difficulties, adjust to changes, and manage difficult emotions best when we do not have to go at it alone. I offer a supportive partnership to help you identify your goals and build capacity to experience joy, compassionate self regard, and healthy rewarding relationships. I have over 35 years of experience helping children, couples, adults, and parents who experience feeling stuck, alone, sad, anxious, or unable to find the forward motion to reach goals for well being. Together we can create a safe space to address difficult emotions, and identify resources and habits that support resiliency and wellness.
See more therapy options for Bethesda
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for Bethesda
- Beltsville
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- Chevy Chase
- College Park
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- Hyattsville
- Kensington
- North Bethesda
- Potomac
- Rockville
- Silver Spring
- Takoma Park
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.