EMDR Therapists in Columbia, MD

Photo of Jane Bisco, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jane Bisco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044  (Online Only)
In working with families and individuals, I use both traditional psychotherapies such as positive psychology, psychodynamic techniques, and cognitive and behavioral therapies. In addition, I am trained in mind/body techniques such as EMDR and hypnosis. I also believe in the healing connections we make with nature and will often use pet therapy in assisting my clients to reach their goals.
In working with families and individuals, I use both traditional psychotherapies such as positive psychology, psychodynamic techniques, and cognitive and behavioral therapies. In addition, I am trained in mind/body techniques such as EMDR and hypnosis. I also believe in the healing connections we make with nature and will often use pet therapy in assisting my clients to reach their goals.
(410) 205-1650 View (410) 205-1650
Photo of Kit McFarlane, LCSW-C, MSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kit McFarlane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21045  (Online Only)
All of us encounter ups and downs in living our lives whether a bump in the road or a life-long challenge in which ongoing guidance is needed. I can help you understand why you are struggling; and more importantly, guide you to changes which will lead to more pleasure and productivity in your everyday life. More today than ever, we are finding that trauma – large and small is at the core of our difficulties. I am a graduate of the Ferentz Trauma Institute out of Baltimore with experience in EMDR and EFT Tapping.
All of us encounter ups and downs in living our lives whether a bump in the road or a life-long challenge in which ongoing guidance is needed. I can help you understand why you are struggling; and more importantly, guide you to changes which will lead to more pleasure and productivity in your everyday life. More today than ever, we are finding that trauma – large and small is at the core of our difficulties. I am a graduate of the Ferentz Trauma Institute out of Baltimore with experience in EMDR and EFT Tapping.
(443) 856-6251 View (443) 856-6251
Photo of Kelly Streit, LCPC
Kelly Streit
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045
I utilize EMDR, Ego State Therapy, Brainspotting, CBT, CBT-I, experiential approaches as well as, other modalities to help you feel your best.
Hi, I am Kelly. I'm an action-oriented trauma therapist that helps people feel the way they would like to feel. If your childhood was especially painful, you want to feel differently and you're ready for change, setting boundaries feels difficult and you feel overwhelmed by your day-to-day tasks, I am the therapist for you. I'm skilled in assisting adults ages 21+, who are experiencing challenges related to parenting guilt, anxiety, insomnia, grief, phobias, as well as have a special interest in PTSD, childhood trauma and working with veterans.
I utilize EMDR, Ego State Therapy, Brainspotting, CBT, CBT-I, experiential approaches as well as, other modalities to help you feel your best.
Hi, I am Kelly. I'm an action-oriented trauma therapist that helps people feel the way they would like to feel. If your childhood was especially painful, you want to feel differently and you're ready for change, setting boundaries feels difficult and you feel overwhelmed by your day-to-day tasks, I am the therapist for you. I'm skilled in assisting adults ages 21+, who are experiencing challenges related to parenting guilt, anxiety, insomnia, grief, phobias, as well as have a special interest in PTSD, childhood trauma and working with veterans.
(443) 494-2217 View (443) 494-2217
Photo of Revolon M Schmidt, MEd, LCPC, NCC, Counselor
Revolon M Schmidt
Counselor, MEd, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045  (Online Only)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, EFT Tapping and Mindfulness-Based to help my clients.
Talking about your concerns, and feelings, can help reduce stress. You will appreciate having someone to listen to you and realize that you are not alone. Whether you are struggling with a difficult situation, adjusting to a major change in your life, grieving the loss of someone you loved, or just needing to make some personal changes. As a mental health counselor, I have assisted others as they work through and move on from their problems. It takes time but aren't you worth it? We can schedule your appointments based on your availability.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, EFT Tapping and Mindfulness-Based to help my clients.
Talking about your concerns, and feelings, can help reduce stress. You will appreciate having someone to listen to you and realize that you are not alone. Whether you are struggling with a difficult situation, adjusting to a major change in your life, grieving the loss of someone you loved, or just needing to make some personal changes. As a mental health counselor, I have assisted others as they work through and move on from their problems. It takes time but aren't you worth it? We can schedule your appointments based on your availability.
(410) 983-6815 View (410) 983-6815
Photo of Rachel E Rentch, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel E Rentch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044  (Online Only)
My training background is in trauma treatment, evidenced based therapies & EMDR.
Accepting New Clients! Hello! Glad you made it to this site. Are you dealing with anxiety and stressors that you can't quite get a hold of? Feeling strains in your relationships, but not exactly sure how to improve them? Overwhelmed and need someone to listen? Many of us experience difficult things in life and eventually reach a point where we are ready to make sense of them and heal. There are many barriers, both past and present, that get in the way of us healing, growing and seeing the positive aspects of our lives. Therapy is a great first step in helping yourself feel better and more capable of living the life you want.
My training background is in trauma treatment, evidenced based therapies & EMDR.
Accepting New Clients! Hello! Glad you made it to this site. Are you dealing with anxiety and stressors that you can't quite get a hold of? Feeling strains in your relationships, but not exactly sure how to improve them? Overwhelmed and need someone to listen? Many of us experience difficult things in life and eventually reach a point where we are ready to make sense of them and heal. There are many barriers, both past and present, that get in the way of us healing, growing and seeing the positive aspects of our lives. Therapy is a great first step in helping yourself feel better and more capable of living the life you want.
(443) 398-3111 View (443) 398-3111
Photo of Bertha T Carrelli, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bertha T Carrelli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
In addition to weekly/biweekly therapy, I offer EMDR Intensives (multi-hour in depth treatment).
Are you ready to heal from trauma but "diving in" feels a little daunting? As an EMDR Certified therapist and EMDRIA approved Consultant with 20+ years of experience, I offer therapy that is both gentle and effective. Together, we can heal your painful experiences, strengthen your innate abilities, and transform anxiety into a sense of calm and confidence so that you can thrive in daily life and feel truly connected in relationships. I work with children (age 2 and up), teens, and adults and treat recent trauma, loss, medical trauma, childhood abuse, anxiety, PTSD, and C-PTSD. Additionally, I specialize in therapy for therapists.
In addition to weekly/biweekly therapy, I offer EMDR Intensives (multi-hour in depth treatment).
Are you ready to heal from trauma but "diving in" feels a little daunting? As an EMDR Certified therapist and EMDRIA approved Consultant with 20+ years of experience, I offer therapy that is both gentle and effective. Together, we can heal your painful experiences, strengthen your innate abilities, and transform anxiety into a sense of calm and confidence so that you can thrive in daily life and feel truly connected in relationships. I work with children (age 2 and up), teens, and adults and treat recent trauma, loss, medical trauma, childhood abuse, anxiety, PTSD, and C-PTSD. Additionally, I specialize in therapy for therapists.
(410) 862-4836 View (410) 862-4836
Photo of Suzanne Matty, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Suzanne Matty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
While I am trained in therapeutic methods which include EMDR, CBT, family therapy, psychodynamic therapy, narrative therapy, art therapy and several forms of relationship therapy, I tailor the process to the needs, preferences and strengths of each client.
My expertise and mission is to treat individuals seeking change. I strive to understand, counsel and empower clients who need relief from persistent anxiety, persistent depression, have experienced loss, have experienced trauma, and those who simply feel overwhelmed. I have successfully counseled couples and helped them repair and improve their relationships, deal with issues of trust, loss of affection and escalating conflict. Through a collaborative process we establish healthier relationship patterns, enhancing both partners' sense of connection and communication.
While I am trained in therapeutic methods which include EMDR, CBT, family therapy, psychodynamic therapy, narrative therapy, art therapy and several forms of relationship therapy, I tailor the process to the needs, preferences and strengths of each client.
My expertise and mission is to treat individuals seeking change. I strive to understand, counsel and empower clients who need relief from persistent anxiety, persistent depression, have experienced loss, have experienced trauma, and those who simply feel overwhelmed. I have successfully counseled couples and helped them repair and improve their relationships, deal with issues of trust, loss of affection and escalating conflict. Through a collaborative process we establish healthier relationship patterns, enhancing both partners' sense of connection and communication.
(410) 989-4371 x6 View (410) 989-4371 x6
Photo of Ian Caughlan, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ian Caughlan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
I'm also EMDR and CAMS Trained.
Congratulations on deciding to seek therapy! It isn’t easy work, but therapy can help you navigate your challenges and develop your strengths to build the life you want. I work with adolescents and adults individually, as well as people in romantic relationships (I am affirming of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures). My experience is with helping folks to address mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, to communicate more effectively and develop healthier relationships, to navigate stressful life transitions and existential concerns, and to heal from trauma.
I'm also EMDR and CAMS Trained.
Congratulations on deciding to seek therapy! It isn’t easy work, but therapy can help you navigate your challenges and develop your strengths to build the life you want. I work with adolescents and adults individually, as well as people in romantic relationships (I am affirming of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures). My experience is with helping folks to address mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, to communicate more effectively and develop healthier relationships, to navigate stressful life transitions and existential concerns, and to heal from trauma.
(410) 970-3369 View (410) 970-3369
Photo of Don L Firmani, LCSW-C, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Don L Firmani
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046  (Online Only)
I am a provider for ValueOptions Military OneSource working with veterans and their families, am trained in EMDR for treatment of anxiety, PTSD and related issues, and work with couples based on John Gottman's (Gottman Institute) and Susan Johnson's (Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) treatment approaches. 35 years of experience as a private business owner/manager, 28 years of counseling experience, a loving marriage and parenting/grand-parenting experience informs my work with adults and couples. I work in private practice via virtual only and was formerly a clinical supervisor and therapist for Catholic Charities.
I am a provider for ValueOptions Military OneSource working with veterans and their families, am trained in EMDR for treatment of anxiety, PTSD and related issues, and work with couples based on John Gottman's (Gottman Institute) and Susan Johnson's (Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) treatment approaches. 35 years of experience as a private business owner/manager, 28 years of counseling experience, a loving marriage and parenting/grand-parenting experience informs my work with adults and couples. I work in private practice via virtual only and was formerly a clinical supervisor and therapist for Catholic Charities.
(202) 601-3979 View (202) 601-3979
Photo of Bertha Carrelli, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bertha Carrelli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
In addition to weekly/biweekly therapy, I offer EMDR Intensives (multi-hour in depth treatment).
Are you ready to heal from trauma but "diving in" feels a little daunting? As an EMDR Certified therapist and EMDRIA approved Consultant with 20+ years of experience, I offer therapy that is both gentle and effective. Together, we can heal your painful experiences, strengthen your innate abilities, and transform anxiety into a sense of calm and confidence so that you can thrive in daily life and feel truly connected in relationships. I work with children (age 2 and up), teens, and adults and treat recent trauma, loss, medical trauma, childhood abuse, anxiety, PTSD, and C-PTSD. Additionally, I specialize in therapy for therapists.
In addition to weekly/biweekly therapy, I offer EMDR Intensives (multi-hour in depth treatment).
Are you ready to heal from trauma but "diving in" feels a little daunting? As an EMDR Certified therapist and EMDRIA approved Consultant with 20+ years of experience, I offer therapy that is both gentle and effective. Together, we can heal your painful experiences, strengthen your innate abilities, and transform anxiety into a sense of calm and confidence so that you can thrive in daily life and feel truly connected in relationships. I work with children (age 2 and up), teens, and adults and treat recent trauma, loss, medical trauma, childhood abuse, anxiety, PTSD, and C-PTSD. Additionally, I specialize in therapy for therapists.
(410) 469-8941 View (410) 469-8941
Photo of Gillian Mccusker - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Columbia, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Columbia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
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 Najwa Awad, LCSW-C, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Najwa Awad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046  (Online Only)
Counseling services, including EMDR, are available online.
I specialize in the clinical treatment of women, their children and families. Women are unique from any other clinical group and deserve to get individualized services tailored to meet their needs. My goal is to empower women, help alleviate their symptoms and address their personal goals for wellness. It is of utmost importance that my clients feel safe, respected and supported.
Counseling services, including EMDR, are available online.
I specialize in the clinical treatment of women, their children and families. Women are unique from any other clinical group and deserve to get individualized services tailored to meet their needs. My goal is to empower women, help alleviate their symptoms and address their personal goals for wellness. It is of utmost importance that my clients feel safe, respected and supported.
(410) 343-7545 View (410) 343-7545
Photo of Jessica Harris - Jessica Harris: EMDR, Brainspotting + Ketamine, MA, LCPC, LPC, Counselor
Jessica Harris: EMDR, Brainspotting + Ketamine
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044  (Online Only)
I offer EMDR, Brainspotting, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy intensives for rapid trauma healing in 3-5 extended sessions.
Are you a business leader or executive with limited time for weekly therapy but eager to reach your therapy goals quickly? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re struggling with personal relationships or navigating organizational changes that lead to perfectionism, performance anxiety, restlessness, unwanted memories of past traumas, and constantly feeling on edge, I can give you the tools you need for lasting relief and putting control back in your hands.
I offer EMDR, Brainspotting, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy intensives for rapid trauma healing in 3-5 extended sessions.
Are you a business leader or executive with limited time for weekly therapy but eager to reach your therapy goals quickly? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re struggling with personal relationships or navigating organizational changes that lead to perfectionism, performance anxiety, restlessness, unwanted memories of past traumas, and constantly feeling on edge, I can give you the tools you need for lasting relief and putting control back in your hands.
(240) 220-9423 View (240) 220-9423
Photo of Allison Gonzalez, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison Gonzalez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
I integrate various therapeutic modalities, including EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to tailor therapy to your unique needs.
I work with adults 18+. I’m deeply passionate about guiding individuals toward transformative changes. Embracing the belief in your intrinsic worth and autonomy, I am dedicated to a client-centered approach. This involves thoughtfully considering the diverse systems that shape your life along with your unique lived experiences. By recognizing and harnessing your strengths, I strive to enrich your perception of yourself, others, and the world you inhabit. Together, we'll explore the current and past events in your life that may be contributing to current stress or feeling like you're "stuck."
I integrate various therapeutic modalities, including EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to tailor therapy to your unique needs.
I work with adults 18+. I’m deeply passionate about guiding individuals toward transformative changes. Embracing the belief in your intrinsic worth and autonomy, I am dedicated to a client-centered approach. This involves thoughtfully considering the diverse systems that shape your life along with your unique lived experiences. By recognizing and harnessing your strengths, I strive to enrich your perception of yourself, others, and the world you inhabit. Together, we'll explore the current and past events in your life that may be contributing to current stress or feeling like you're "stuck."
(240) 387-5468 View (240) 387-5468
Photo of Robert M Ott, PhD, Psychologist
Robert M Ott
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
Waitlist for new clients
I have over 39 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families facing a wide range of issues. I like to tailor my approach to the methods that best match individual client needs. I am certified in EMDR and Hypnosis. I also use many humanistic, client centered approaches.
I have over 39 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families facing a wide range of issues. I like to tailor my approach to the methods that best match individual client needs. I am certified in EMDR and Hypnosis. I also use many humanistic, client centered approaches.
(443) 619-7439 View (443) 619-7439
Photo of Lauren Robbins, LCPC, Counselor
Lauren Robbins
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044  (Online Only)
My starting point is simple: you matter. Your story matters, your experience matters, your desire to heal, grow, and thrive matters. In all of our lives, however, there are times where we need help making sense of our stories. Whether it is trauma, anxiety, or general life transitions, I can support you in gaining a deeper sense of wholeness. I work with children ages 5+, teens, and adults. I take an eclectic approach to meeting you where you are at and I am EMDR trained in order to help you process past traumatic events that are causing you distress. You are not alone. Together we can help you take back control over your story.
My starting point is simple: you matter. Your story matters, your experience matters, your desire to heal, grow, and thrive matters. In all of our lives, however, there are times where we need help making sense of our stories. Whether it is trauma, anxiety, or general life transitions, I can support you in gaining a deeper sense of wholeness. I work with children ages 5+, teens, and adults. I take an eclectic approach to meeting you where you are at and I am EMDR trained in order to help you process past traumatic events that are causing you distress. You are not alone. Together we can help you take back control over your story.
(240) 512-6284 View (240) 512-6284
Photo of Lisa M Ott - Lisa M. Ott, LCSW-C, LLC, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa M. Ott, LCSW-C, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
I am an EMDR Certified Therapist.
The decision to begin psychotherapy takes courage and commitment. I work with individuals and couples, creating a safe environment for problem-solving, healing and growth. I believe there are discernible reasons for the pain people feel and the problem behaviors we sometimes exhibit, and that understanding those reasons is an important step in reducing painful symptoms and self-defeating behaviors, and in feeling better.
I am an EMDR Certified Therapist.
The decision to begin psychotherapy takes courage and commitment. I work with individuals and couples, creating a safe environment for problem-solving, healing and growth. I believe there are discernible reasons for the pain people feel and the problem behaviors we sometimes exhibit, and that understanding those reasons is an important step in reducing painful symptoms and self-defeating behaviors, and in feeling better.
(443) 296-5521 View (443) 296-5521
Photo of David J Pollin, PhD, Psychologist
David J Pollin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044  (Online Only)
I offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) as a rapid and effective treatment modality for a broad spectrum of problems, issues, and goals.
I value therapy and counseling as a collaborative process, driven by clients’ unique pathways towards their cherished goals. In our sessions, we focus on choice, acceptance, and the discovery and recovery of strengths and joys.
I offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) as a rapid and effective treatment modality for a broad spectrum of problems, issues, and goals.
I value therapy and counseling as a collaborative process, driven by clients’ unique pathways towards their cherished goals. In our sessions, we focus on choice, acceptance, and the discovery and recovery of strengths and joys.
(667) 200-3807 View (667) 200-3807
Photo of Hannah Fuller, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hannah Fuller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
I am trained in EMDR and I am a TBRI Practitioner.
I believe one of the most healing things we can do is understand our stories and how it affects our everyday life and relationships. These experiences can manifest in different ways such as anxiety, emotional numbness, or relationship challenges. The clients I work with have oftentimes experienced complex relational traumas in childhood and dysfunctional family dynamics. Through these difficult experiences, we develop coping strategies and protective behaviors, which may no longer be serving you.
I am trained in EMDR and I am a TBRI Practitioner.
I believe one of the most healing things we can do is understand our stories and how it affects our everyday life and relationships. These experiences can manifest in different ways such as anxiety, emotional numbness, or relationship challenges. The clients I work with have oftentimes experienced complex relational traumas in childhood and dysfunctional family dynamics. Through these difficult experiences, we develop coping strategies and protective behaviors, which may no longer be serving you.
(410) 324-6984 View (410) 324-6984
Photo of Andrew Stanton, LCSW-C, SAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrew Stanton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, SAP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045
Voted best in Howard County! Andrew's experience includes 25 years of specialization with children, adolescents, and families. Through working in a variety of settings he has developed exceptional skills working with trauma, emotional, and behavioral issues. He has had tremendous success working with some of the most at risk clients. He works with individuals, families and couples to help produce positive changes. He practices EMDR to help clients overcome traumas.
Voted best in Howard County! Andrew's experience includes 25 years of specialization with children, adolescents, and families. Through working in a variety of settings he has developed exceptional skills working with trauma, emotional, and behavioral issues. He has had tremendous success working with some of the most at risk clients. He works with individuals, families and couples to help produce positive changes. He practices EMDR to help clients overcome traumas.
(443) 380-4527 View (443) 380-4527
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.