EMDR Therapists in Ann Arbor, MI
Lesley Farrell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, EMDR, TF-CBT
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
I specialize in trauma in any form, and I find using a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR creates a sense of body regulation and tolerance.
When life hurts the most is often when we have the greatest capacity for growth and evolution. Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief? Are you having anxiety about a life transition? With a guided hand, you can learn the tools to heal and thrive. You can feel more assured and in alignment with your life's path and purpose. Our process and timeframe will be tailored to the concerns and goals you present. I can help you work through grief and loss, adjust to life transitions, and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
I specialize in trauma in any form, and I find using a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR creates a sense of body regulation and tolerance.
When life hurts the most is often when we have the greatest capacity for growth and evolution. Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief? Are you having anxiety about a life transition? With a guided hand, you can learn the tools to heal and thrive. You can feel more assured and in alignment with your life's path and purpose. Our process and timeframe will be tailored to the concerns and goals you present. I can help you work through grief and loss, adjust to life transitions, and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Caytlin Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Drawing from evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Gottman Method, mindfulness, EMDR, and trauma-informed care, I tailor my interventions to meet each client's specific needs and goals.
Welcome! I specialize in working with individuals 18+ and couples facing a range of concerns, including intimacy and relationship issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and infidelity. Each individual's journey is unique, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore openly. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration, aiming to empower clients to overcome challenges and cultivate a life of fulfillment and resilience.
Drawing from evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Gottman Method, mindfulness, EMDR, and trauma-informed care, I tailor my interventions to meet each client's specific needs and goals.
Welcome! I specialize in working with individuals 18+ and couples facing a range of concerns, including intimacy and relationship issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and infidelity. Each individual's journey is unique, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore openly. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration, aiming to empower clients to overcome challenges and cultivate a life of fulfillment and resilience.
Megan McClure Epskamp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CAADC
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
I utilize a blend of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, and holistic practices.
Do you find yourself asking questions like: “Why can’t I move on from my past?” “Why do I keep having the same conflicts in my relationships?” “What am I doing with my life?” and/or “Do I have a healthy relationship with alcohol or vaping?”. You’re not alone—I have helped many people who have faced similar struggles, and it’s a sign of strength that you are starting to notice that there is a problem. In our sessions, you will find a safe, non-judgmental space where you can express yourself openly and explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
I utilize a blend of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, and holistic practices.
Do you find yourself asking questions like: “Why can’t I move on from my past?” “Why do I keep having the same conflicts in my relationships?” “What am I doing with my life?” and/or “Do I have a healthy relationship with alcohol or vaping?”. You’re not alone—I have helped many people who have faced similar struggles, and it’s a sign of strength that you are starting to notice that there is a problem. In our sessions, you will find a safe, non-judgmental space where you can express yourself openly and explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
I have specialized training in Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, CBT, Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics.
As a licensed master clinical social worker, I offer therapy in a non-judgmental, safe and confidential environment. I provide a space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their concerns so that we can work together to gain insight on life's stresses and struggles. I collaborate with clients to develop effective coping mechanisms, process through life experiences, and accomplish personal goals. My clinical background includes therapy with individual, couples, and families related to trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, anger management, and grief and loss concerns.
I have specialized training in Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, CBT, Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics.
As a licensed master clinical social worker, I offer therapy in a non-judgmental, safe and confidential environment. I provide a space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their concerns so that we can work together to gain insight on life's stresses and struggles. I collaborate with clients to develop effective coping mechanisms, process through life experiences, and accomplish personal goals. My clinical background includes therapy with individual, couples, and families related to trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, anger management, and grief and loss concerns.
Sarah Rollins | Somatic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, SEP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (Online Only)
I integrate my experience at Michigan Medicine and training in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and an attachment lens.
You're exhausted from trying to hold it together. No matter how hard you try, you constantly feel stuck. Your body won't let go of trauma and stress. You feel like you are always on alert. It feels like there's always a threat. You feel as though something you wrong with you. You worry that you are broken. It seems like you have lost your way, but you know there is more to you than your past. You are ready to heal and no longer want to be stuck in the past. You're not ready to give up. You know this is the time for change but you aren't sure where to turn or what to do. You are ready to release the trauma trapped inside.
I integrate my experience at Michigan Medicine and training in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and an attachment lens.
You're exhausted from trying to hold it together. No matter how hard you try, you constantly feel stuck. Your body won't let go of trauma and stress. You feel like you are always on alert. It feels like there's always a threat. You feel as though something you wrong with you. You worry that you are broken. It seems like you have lost your way, but you know there is more to you than your past. You are ready to heal and no longer want to be stuck in the past. You're not ready to give up. You know this is the time for change but you aren't sure where to turn or what to do. You are ready to release the trauma trapped inside.
Alice Vandecaveye
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
I enjoy working with clients that are motivated for change. We address the need for action behind the intention for change. I have 30 years of experience in counseling adults and teenagers challenged with depression, anxiety, grief and loss. I am trained in Trauma therapy with a Certification in EMDR therapy. Recently, trained in EMDR 2.0. I work with individuals that struggle with past experiences that shape negative beliefs about themselves and through EMDR therapy they can shift to a positive belief about themselves to have a better quality of life.
I enjoy working with clients that are motivated for change. We address the need for action behind the intention for change. I have 30 years of experience in counseling adults and teenagers challenged with depression, anxiety, grief and loss. I am trained in Trauma therapy with a Certification in EMDR therapy. Recently, trained in EMDR 2.0. I work with individuals that struggle with past experiences that shape negative beliefs about themselves and through EMDR therapy they can shift to a positive belief about themselves to have a better quality of life.
Therapy approaches include CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, ACT, and Collaborative Problem Solving.
For anyone searching for an ally in approaching the challenges of life, choosing therapy can be a great option. Some of the issues I work on are trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD. I specialize in working with individual adults, adolescents, families (parent-child focus), and athletes. Another specialty is helping individuals and families from adolescence to adulthood in navigating neurodivergence, especially as related to Autism. I welcome folks from any walk of life, though my practice is explicitly anti-racist, LGBTQQ+ positive, disability-conscious, and cognizant of systemic harm. I can also offer affordable LLMSW supervision.
Therapy approaches include CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, ACT, and Collaborative Problem Solving.
For anyone searching for an ally in approaching the challenges of life, choosing therapy can be a great option. Some of the issues I work on are trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD. I specialize in working with individual adults, adolescents, families (parent-child focus), and athletes. Another specialty is helping individuals and families from adolescence to adulthood in navigating neurodivergence, especially as related to Autism. I welcome folks from any walk of life, though my practice is explicitly anti-racist, LGBTQQ+ positive, disability-conscious, and cognizant of systemic harm. I can also offer affordable LLMSW supervision.
Dr. Jennifer Tang Cole
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Through science-based therapies, like trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy, we’ll work together to find coping strategies and tools that you can use every day.
Are you experiencing a high level of stress and burnout? Do you struggle to balance the demands of home and work life? Are you tired of feeling like you're stuck in a cycle of fights with your partner? Maybe you feel emotionally disconnected, and the stress from one area of your life spills over to others. If you've reached the point of saying, "Enough is enough,” let’s explore therapy that works. Hi, I’m Dr. Jennifer Tang Cole, a trauma and couples therapist located in Ann Arbor, Michigan and licensed in FL, NJ, MA, MI and DC. I help adults and couples balance the demands of life to find healing.
Through science-based therapies, like trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy, we’ll work together to find coping strategies and tools that you can use every day.
Are you experiencing a high level of stress and burnout? Do you struggle to balance the demands of home and work life? Are you tired of feeling like you're stuck in a cycle of fights with your partner? Maybe you feel emotionally disconnected, and the stress from one area of your life spills over to others. If you've reached the point of saying, "Enough is enough,” let’s explore therapy that works. Hi, I’m Dr. Jennifer Tang Cole, a trauma and couples therapist located in Ann Arbor, Michigan and licensed in FL, NJ, MA, MI and DC. I help adults and couples balance the demands of life to find healing.
The modalities I utilize are TFCBT, ACT, EMDR, and narrative therapy.
I am a queer, fat, neuro-divergent, Psychotherapist that specializes in working with queer individuals no matter where they fall on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum. I have been working with queer folks for the past 7 years on issues surrounding access to health care, behavioral health, and advocacy. I also specialize in gender affirming care working with clients to access hormone therapy and procedures through advocating for their needs and letter writing. Another specialization is working with fat individuals on navigating our fatphobic/sizeist society, medical system, and internalized fatphobia. I am also available for LLMSW supervision!
The modalities I utilize are TFCBT, ACT, EMDR, and narrative therapy.
I am a queer, fat, neuro-divergent, Psychotherapist that specializes in working with queer individuals no matter where they fall on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum. I have been working with queer folks for the past 7 years on issues surrounding access to health care, behavioral health, and advocacy. I also specialize in gender affirming care working with clients to access hormone therapy and procedures through advocating for their needs and letter writing. Another specialization is working with fat individuals on navigating our fatphobic/sizeist society, medical system, and internalized fatphobia. I am also available for LLMSW supervision!
I’m trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and eye movement desensitization reprocessing ( EMDR) therapy.
My experience as a therapist has shown me the power of creating a connection that fosters exploration and growth. My experience as a client has shown me how profound it is to have the space to speak openly about the pressures weighing on the mind and body. I use a holistic and trauma-informed approach to get to know my clients, their strengths, and their goals. The type of therapy we do together will be unique to client needs, wants, and circumstances.
I’m trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and eye movement desensitization reprocessing ( EMDR) therapy.
My experience as a therapist has shown me the power of creating a connection that fosters exploration and growth. My experience as a client has shown me how profound it is to have the space to speak openly about the pressures weighing on the mind and body. I use a holistic and trauma-informed approach to get to know my clients, their strengths, and their goals. The type of therapy we do together will be unique to client needs, wants, and circumstances.
Hello and welcome! You are so courageous for considering the next step in your healing journey. My name is Jennifer (Jen) Towns (she/her). I invite you to a safe space where you can learn to trust, speak your truth, and work towards emotional growth and change. I practice trauma-informed integrative therapy - blending somatic body work, EMDR, IFS / ego-state parts work, and a general recognition of the impact of traumas and attachment wounds on ourselves and our relationships. I believe that everyone has the potential for healing and accessing their most authentic selves.
Hello and welcome! You are so courageous for considering the next step in your healing journey. My name is Jennifer (Jen) Towns (she/her). I invite you to a safe space where you can learn to trust, speak your truth, and work towards emotional growth and change. I practice trauma-informed integrative therapy - blending somatic body work, EMDR, IFS / ego-state parts work, and a general recognition of the impact of traumas and attachment wounds on ourselves and our relationships. I believe that everyone has the potential for healing and accessing their most authentic selves.
15 Second Videos
Caytlin Schultz
Sarah Rollins | Somatic Therapy
Jennifer Towns
Jean Leverich, PhD, LMSW, PLLC
Kelsey Benjamin
Amber Silva
Lisa Olinger: Aasect Certified Sex Therapist
Nick Salisbury
Chris Couling
Embodied Wellness, PLLC - Immediate Openings!
Kailah Ayres-Tuttle
Zoe Russick Steinfield
Kathleen Nelson, LMSW, ACSW
Joseph Forrest
Cameron Froude
Kathryn Anne-Lauer Hoover
Ke Liu
Bradley Will
Tena Thomas
Joseph Burclaw
Deepwater Counseling
Altus Home Counseling and Counselor Supervision
Great Lakes Psychology Group - Ann Arbor
Johanna L Phillips
RoomToTalk
Ieeia Currie Teletherapist
Great Lakes Psychology Group - Okemos
Plymouth Mental Health
Amanda N Trent
Paula Kirsch
Lauren Krzyzaniak
Lauren Krzyzaniak
Amanda Kearns
Peaks Therapy, L.L.C.
Laura Thomas
Kim Bakhai
The decision to start therapy signals an interest and curiosity about becoming more grounded and present in our lives. Each of us has a unique set of strengths and challenges that shape who we are and how we experience relationships. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed and draws on psychodynamic, sensorimotor, and mindfulness based modalities. I work with clients from a practical, here-and-now perspective while attending to the impact of relational, cultural, and early childhood experiences. I am Level 1 Basic Trained in Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR. I also work with grief & loss, depression, and body image/acceptance.
The decision to start therapy signals an interest and curiosity about becoming more grounded and present in our lives. Each of us has a unique set of strengths and challenges that shape who we are and how we experience relationships. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed and draws on psychodynamic, sensorimotor, and mindfulness based modalities. I work with clients from a practical, here-and-now perspective while attending to the impact of relational, cultural, and early childhood experiences. I am Level 1 Basic Trained in Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR. I also work with grief & loss, depression, and body image/acceptance.
Jean Leverich, PhD, LMSW, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
EMDR can be transformative! You deserve to live your best life and thrive.
I provide EMDR for healthcare providers, first responders and helping professionals. You work hard, but painful experiences from your past keep you stuck. Perhaps you over-schedule, over-commit, and always keep yourself busy. You listen to podcasts about stress and time management, but have a hard time relaxing because your brain won’t shut off. Or you haven’t slept well in ages, and you never feel rested. Maybe you can’t stop thinking about an incident or situation, or maybe you overreact to certain people and situations or feel jumpy and panicky. You know that you have so much more potential and are ready work to feel better now.
EMDR can be transformative! You deserve to live your best life and thrive.
I provide EMDR for healthcare providers, first responders and helping professionals. You work hard, but painful experiences from your past keep you stuck. Perhaps you over-schedule, over-commit, and always keep yourself busy. You listen to podcasts about stress and time management, but have a hard time relaxing because your brain won’t shut off. Or you haven’t slept well in ages, and you never feel rested. Maybe you can’t stop thinking about an incident or situation, or maybe you overreact to certain people and situations or feel jumpy and panicky. You know that you have so much more potential and are ready work to feel better now.
Michael Meza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CAADC
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Crisis Management, Person Centered, and Strength Based approaches.
This world can be a challenging and unforgiving place. I want to invite you into a space of safety and healing without stigma or judgment. It is important to be heard and understood. I come from a trauma informed approach which simply means I understand how the past can shape our present. I provide services to an array of beautiful souls that may have survived abuse, tragedy, grief, or loss. If you have made it this far, then that means you are a survivor. I want to help you transition into a place of balance and hope.
I am trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Crisis Management, Person Centered, and Strength Based approaches.
This world can be a challenging and unforgiving place. I want to invite you into a space of safety and healing without stigma or judgment. It is important to be heard and understood. I come from a trauma informed approach which simply means I understand how the past can shape our present. I provide services to an array of beautiful souls that may have survived abuse, tragedy, grief, or loss. If you have made it this far, then that means you are a survivor. I want to help you transition into a place of balance and hope.
Kelsey Benjamin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
As an EMDR therapist, I use EMDR to help clients heal from the most difficult moments in their life.
Have you experienced a negative life changing event and have not felt the same since? Were you raised in an unhealthy or abusive home? Have you seen improvement with talk therapy but need something more? You could have trauma. Trauma can develop from a single incident like a car accident or sexual assault. It can also develop from multiple negative experiences over time. This could look like working in a toxic environment, having a very critical coach or parent or living in a home with domestic violence. If you are struggling with day to day life as a result of unresolved trauma, let's talk about using a different approach.
As an EMDR therapist, I use EMDR to help clients heal from the most difficult moments in their life.
Have you experienced a negative life changing event and have not felt the same since? Were you raised in an unhealthy or abusive home? Have you seen improvement with talk therapy but need something more? You could have trauma. Trauma can develop from a single incident like a car accident or sexual assault. It can also develop from multiple negative experiences over time. This could look like working in a toxic environment, having a very critical coach or parent or living in a home with domestic violence. If you are struggling with day to day life as a result of unresolved trauma, let's talk about using a different approach.
Matthew Milliken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
My clinical focus brings a number of trauma-based treatments together including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
There are times life overwhelmingly challenged us and we somehow prevailed. However, for some of us, our thoughts, emotions, or bodies became stuck in the aftermath of it all. This may look like always feeling down, constantly on edge, or numbing life's pain away. Whether it's recent stress or a traumatic experience, the space for therapy is one where we explore the avenue that can help resolve old echoes from past experience.
My clinical focus brings a number of trauma-based treatments together including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
There are times life overwhelmingly challenged us and we somehow prevailed. However, for some of us, our thoughts, emotions, or bodies became stuck in the aftermath of it all. This may look like always feeling down, constantly on edge, or numbing life's pain away. Whether it's recent stress or a traumatic experience, the space for therapy is one where we explore the avenue that can help resolve old echoes from past experience.
John R Rathje
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC , NBCC, SSCM
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
With training in a variety of methods, including EMDR/Trauma-Based Modalities, TA, Redecision Therapy, Personality-Focused Treatment, CBT, and DBT, I am convinced that safety and belonging are at the core of becoming whole.
I've been described as compassionate and warm, open to everyone. I provide a trusted place for you to do your work to affect positive changes in your situation, whether that's individual or couple therapy. I focus on creating a safe and trusting relationship with each client, working collaboratively to help meet their goals and experience transformation. I believe every person is competent and worthy of love.
With training in a variety of methods, including EMDR/Trauma-Based Modalities, TA, Redecision Therapy, Personality-Focused Treatment, CBT, and DBT, I am convinced that safety and belonging are at the core of becoming whole.
I've been described as compassionate and warm, open to everyone. I provide a trusted place for you to do your work to affect positive changes in your situation, whether that's individual or couple therapy. I focus on creating a safe and trusting relationship with each client, working collaboratively to help meet their goals and experience transformation. I believe every person is competent and worthy of love.
It’s through connection that we find meaning and discover we are not alone. I love working with clients who are curious and ready for positive change. I use Internal Family Systems, EMDR and other evidence-based tools to help my clients navigate their own process of self exploration, resolve trauma, and move in the direction of healing and growth. I believe therapy is an opportunity to explore what is unsaid or undiscovered in our experience. We can learn to hold space for the parts of ourselves most in need of our love and appreciation so we can truly live our most fulfilled life.
It’s through connection that we find meaning and discover we are not alone. I love working with clients who are curious and ready for positive change. I use Internal Family Systems, EMDR and other evidence-based tools to help my clients navigate their own process of self exploration, resolve trauma, and move in the direction of healing and growth. I believe therapy is an opportunity to explore what is unsaid or undiscovered in our experience. We can learn to hold space for the parts of ourselves most in need of our love and appreciation so we can truly live our most fulfilled life.
My focus in on persons 18 and older who seek counseling for a wide variety of reasons and specialize in treating depression, anxiety, mood disorder, self-esteem, behavioral issues, phase of life issues, relationships and I am also a licensed EMDR trauma therapist.
I have received both my Undergraduate and Graduate degrees from the University of Michigan. I am also a United States Air Force Veteran. I have over 30 years of direct clinical experience working with a broad variety of clients across numerous clinical presentations. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings as well as forensic mental health, but my passion is working in the private practice setting. I truly enjoy my work and blend a sense of humor with dedication and empathy that I believe helps my clients develop a sense of ease as they work along their counseling journey.
My focus in on persons 18 and older who seek counseling for a wide variety of reasons and specialize in treating depression, anxiety, mood disorder, self-esteem, behavioral issues, phase of life issues, relationships and I am also a licensed EMDR trauma therapist.
I have received both my Undergraduate and Graduate degrees from the University of Michigan. I am also a United States Air Force Veteran. I have over 30 years of direct clinical experience working with a broad variety of clients across numerous clinical presentations. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings as well as forensic mental health, but my passion is working in the private practice setting. I truly enjoy my work and blend a sense of humor with dedication and empathy that I believe helps my clients develop a sense of ease as they work along their counseling journey.
Lindsey Beaver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
With the help of EMDR and Internal Family Systems, I can provide a place for you to safely get to the root in a non-judgemental empathetic space, to get in touch with yourself on a new level.
Have you ever found yourself unable to feel better, despite past attempts to think your way out and move forward? Like a cycle you can't escape? Is it sometimes hard to "human"- to socialize, get yourself to focus, to navigate sensory overwhelm, or even to communicate to others? Maybe you've seen therapists in the past who seemed to be puzzled by you or not on your wavelength so you felt stuck. Are you looking to get to the root of these challenges and heal them for good instead of chronically coping just to get by? Do you need to make a change, but don't want to simply talk about your feelings? The good news is everyone can heal.
With the help of EMDR and Internal Family Systems, I can provide a place for you to safely get to the root in a non-judgemental empathetic space, to get in touch with yourself on a new level.
Have you ever found yourself unable to feel better, despite past attempts to think your way out and move forward? Like a cycle you can't escape? Is it sometimes hard to "human"- to socialize, get yourself to focus, to navigate sensory overwhelm, or even to communicate to others? Maybe you've seen therapists in the past who seemed to be puzzled by you or not on your wavelength so you felt stuck. Are you looking to get to the root of these challenges and heal them for good instead of chronically coping just to get by? Do you need to make a change, but don't want to simply talk about your feelings? The good news is everyone can heal.
See more therapy options for Ann Arbor
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for Ann Arbor
See More EMDR TherapistsEMDR 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.