EMDR Therapists in Portland, OR

Photo of J.C. Stewart, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
J.C. Stewart
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
Waitlist for new clients
Some common methods include EMDR, DBT, emotionally focused therapy, IFT, and brainspotting.
I have done some of my best work therapeutically with clients who have a hard time being kind to themselves. I've found that patterns of self-criticism or even self-harm often, though not always, originate in dynamics that were present at home growing up. Challenges from childhood, adolescence and young adulthood can continue to affect your daily life, including your functioning and relationships, and I'm here to help. I'm proud to work with members of the LGBTQ+ communities.
Some common methods include EMDR, DBT, emotionally focused therapy, IFT, and brainspotting.
I have done some of my best work therapeutically with clients who have a hard time being kind to themselves. I've found that patterns of self-criticism or even self-harm often, though not always, originate in dynamics that were present at home growing up. Challenges from childhood, adolescence and young adulthood can continue to affect your daily life, including your functioning and relationships, and I'm here to help. I'm proud to work with members of the LGBTQ+ communities.
(503) 741-2801 View (503) 741-2801
Photo of Siri Hoogen, PhD, Psychologist
Siri Hoogen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
We can approach this with traditional talk therapy, or by using the trauma-focused therapy EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), or a combination of both.
Are you frustrated that you can't "snap out of it" when you feel depressed, anxious, or making the same mistakes over and over again? Maybe you have felt stuck for a long time, wondering what's wrong with you that you can't find your way out. But all of us of us get lost in our suffering sometimes, because when you're in the middle of it, it's hard to see the way through. I offer the outside perspective and collaboration you need to get unstuck, to help you find your way back to a full and satisfying life.
We can approach this with traditional talk therapy, or by using the trauma-focused therapy EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), or a combination of both.
Are you frustrated that you can't "snap out of it" when you feel depressed, anxious, or making the same mistakes over and over again? Maybe you have felt stuck for a long time, wondering what's wrong with you that you can't find your way out. But all of us of us get lost in our suffering sometimes, because when you're in the middle of it, it's hard to see the way through. I offer the outside perspective and collaboration you need to get unstuck, to help you find your way back to a full and satisfying life.
(503) 298-6467 View (503) 298-6467
Photo of Jamie Lloyd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jamie Lloyd
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239  (Online Only)
Jamie Lloyd is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience providing therapy for individuals, groups, couples, and families. For the past 5 years, Jamie has worked in a rural primary care clinic doing integrated care and found it to be both challenging and rewarding. She has worked in two additional primary care settings as well as in private practice and additional agency settings, seeing clients of all ages and from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Her approach to therapy is most frequently Family Systems using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, or EMDR.
Jamie Lloyd is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience providing therapy for individuals, groups, couples, and families. For the past 5 years, Jamie has worked in a rural primary care clinic doing integrated care and found it to be both challenging and rewarding. She has worked in two additional primary care settings as well as in private practice and additional agency settings, seeing clients of all ages and from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Her approach to therapy is most frequently Family Systems using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, or EMDR.
(503) 832-6433 View (503) 832-6433
Photo of Sarah Jurrens, LMHC, LPCA, MCoun
Sarah Jurrens
LMHC, LPCA, MCoun
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97219  (Online Only)
My practice currently breaks services down into two parts: Client Centered Talk Therapy and EMDR Services for trauma, anxiety, depression, etc.
Accepting clients in Oregon and Washington! I specialize in working with women 18 and older who suffer from a history of trauma, self-confidence issues, ADHD, depression, anxiety, anger issues, lack of motivation, feeling disconnected from their body, isolation/loneliness, brain fog …and more.
My practice currently breaks services down into two parts: Client Centered Talk Therapy and EMDR Services for trauma, anxiety, depression, etc.
Accepting clients in Oregon and Washington! I specialize in working with women 18 and older who suffer from a history of trauma, self-confidence issues, ADHD, depression, anxiety, anger issues, lack of motivation, feeling disconnected from their body, isolation/loneliness, brain fog …and more.
(503) 400-3498 View (503) 400-3498
Photo of Lauren Barthelemy, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lauren Barthelemy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215
I am a therapist providing telehealth services for clients anywhere in Oregon. My training and education has been focused on creative therapy to help cope with traumatic experiences. I have training in brief therapy and EMDR. This unique background provides the opportunity to reach out to many populations. I have worked with individual 3-87 years old with a wide range of concerns. I have opened my practice to the birthing community, offering services for perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety. I am able to tailor treatment plans and methods to meet specific client needs through a creative approach.
I am a therapist providing telehealth services for clients anywhere in Oregon. My training and education has been focused on creative therapy to help cope with traumatic experiences. I have training in brief therapy and EMDR. This unique background provides the opportunity to reach out to many populations. I have worked with individual 3-87 years old with a wide range of concerns. I have opened my practice to the birthing community, offering services for perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety. I am able to tailor treatment plans and methods to meet specific client needs through a creative approach.
(412) 357-2946 View (412) 357-2946
Photo of Ryan Carroll, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ryan Carroll
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97203  (Online Only)
With EMDR you can adaptively process trauma & emerge stronger.
Are you ready to explore a new path and navigate life’s challenges successfully? You can transform and become truly authentic. As your guide, I will spark your curiosity and ignite motivation. I will actively listen, offer empathetic and compassionate feedback, and encourage self-discovery through introspection. On this path you will develop a growth mindset, truly believing that you can become better and improve with time and practice. As you begin to live the life you want to live you will start embracing challenges. As you start to harness the power of your mind, you’ll begin to get the results you want and move towards success.
With EMDR you can adaptively process trauma & emerge stronger.
Are you ready to explore a new path and navigate life’s challenges successfully? You can transform and become truly authentic. As your guide, I will spark your curiosity and ignite motivation. I will actively listen, offer empathetic and compassionate feedback, and encourage self-discovery through introspection. On this path you will develop a growth mindset, truly believing that you can become better and improve with time and practice. As you begin to live the life you want to live you will start embracing challenges. As you start to harness the power of your mind, you’ll begin to get the results you want and move towards success.
(971) 290-1067 View (971) 290-1067
Photo of Bridget Lovejoy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bridget Lovejoy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221  (Online Only)
I specialize in couples/relational work and I also am skilled in EMDR.
Welcome! I am accepting Oregonian clients online. And I see couples and individuals who come to me for many reasons: frustration, sadness, grief, worry, irritability, responses from past trauma and struggling to get along even though they really love their partner. Individuals who work with me have numerous unique needs and goals and the same is true for couples. But overall, people want inner freedom which opens their horizons and also grounds them in love, harmony and peace. People want to live in the present and have optimism about their future and feel connected to their loved ones.
I specialize in couples/relational work and I also am skilled in EMDR.
Welcome! I am accepting Oregonian clients online. And I see couples and individuals who come to me for many reasons: frustration, sadness, grief, worry, irritability, responses from past trauma and struggling to get along even though they really love their partner. Individuals who work with me have numerous unique needs and goals and the same is true for couples. But overall, people want inner freedom which opens their horizons and also grounds them in love, harmony and peace. People want to live in the present and have optimism about their future and feel connected to their loved ones.
(503) 461-7245 View (503) 461-7245
Photo of Brandt Hueser, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brandt Hueser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97204
In addition, I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which specializes in helping children and adults heal from trauma.
I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in working with children, adolescents, and adults. After graduating with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan in 2003, I have provided both home based and outpatient therapy to at risk youth and families. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and adults dealing with a wide range of issues. I believe that small shifts at any level, i.e. personal, environmental, or within relationships, can affect positive change within any individual and system.
In addition, I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which specializes in helping children and adults heal from trauma.
I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in working with children, adolescents, and adults. After graduating with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan in 2003, I have provided both home based and outpatient therapy to at risk youth and families. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and adults dealing with a wide range of issues. I believe that small shifts at any level, i.e. personal, environmental, or within relationships, can affect positive change within any individual and system.
(971) 205-2936 View (971) 205-2936
Photo of Jennifer Andrews, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Andrews
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97217
I offer Safety and Attachment Focused EMDR therapy and an eclectic, client-centered approach focusing on trauma, addiction, anxiety and depression.
Healing is available to you. Deep down, we all have the power to heal. Starting therapy takes courage, and it's not always easy to stick with it. But the changes it can bring to your life are huge. In our work together I strive to invite you to discover things about yourself you never knew, find parts of yourself you thought were lost, and learn how to bounce back stronger when life gets tough. I'm here to walk with you through this journey, gently helping you tap into your own inner wisdom where healing, growth, and a new you are waiting.
I offer Safety and Attachment Focused EMDR therapy and an eclectic, client-centered approach focusing on trauma, addiction, anxiety and depression.
Healing is available to you. Deep down, we all have the power to heal. Starting therapy takes courage, and it's not always easy to stick with it. But the changes it can bring to your life are huge. In our work together I strive to invite you to discover things about yourself you never knew, find parts of yourself you thought were lost, and learn how to bounce back stronger when life gets tough. I'm here to walk with you through this journey, gently helping you tap into your own inner wisdom where healing, growth, and a new you are waiting.
(541) 329-3330 View (541) 329-3330
Photo of Monica Drewer-Tabacchi, MA,  LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Monica Drewer-Tabacchi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97206  (Online Only)
I use EMDR for trauma and anxiety.
I believe that therapy can be social justice; self care can be a rebellion. I prioritize Queer, BIPOC and female identified care. All people are creative, resourceful and capable of growth. Change is difficult and we are all deserving of support. I am honored to work with folks through all of life’s transitions. If we decide to work together, we will identify goals and work through the barriers to becoming more healthy, happy and fulfilled. Email and I'll respond quickly. Phone calls may take longer.
I use EMDR for trauma and anxiety.
I believe that therapy can be social justice; self care can be a rebellion. I prioritize Queer, BIPOC and female identified care. All people are creative, resourceful and capable of growth. Change is difficult and we are all deserving of support. I am honored to work with folks through all of life’s transitions. If we decide to work together, we will identify goals and work through the barriers to becoming more healthy, happy and fulfilled. Email and I'll respond quickly. Phone calls may take longer.
(971) 407-5729 View (971) 407-5729
Photo of Kathleen Converse, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathleen Converse
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
I am trained in EMDR and Internal Family Systems informed.
Hi! I’m Kathleen Converse, LCSW (she/her). Are you struggling with anxiety or healing from past trauma? Do you feel like there are problems from your past affecting your current relationships? If so, I'd love to connect and see if we could be a good fit. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues.
I am trained in EMDR and Internal Family Systems informed.
Hi! I’m Kathleen Converse, LCSW (she/her). Are you struggling with anxiety or healing from past trauma? Do you feel like there are problems from your past affecting your current relationships? If so, I'd love to connect and see if we could be a good fit. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues.
(503) 946-9147 View (503) 946-9147
Photo of Michal Marie Pancheau, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michal Marie Pancheau
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
In addition to talk therapy, I often use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) as a powerful research-based tool for treating a variety of common concerns, and for healing the effects of traumatic memory.
I specialize in treating adults with personal, spiritual, and relational concerns, from a Christian worldview. I am passionate about helping you move from a place of difficulty into one of health, confidence, and emotional wholeness, so that you can thrive in your life and in your relationships, and succeed in the goals you've set for yourself. Issues I work with include depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, shame, guilt, abuse recovery, suicidal thoughts, conflict, forgiveness, body image issues, and family issues.
In addition to talk therapy, I often use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) as a powerful research-based tool for treating a variety of common concerns, and for healing the effects of traumatic memory.
I specialize in treating adults with personal, spiritual, and relational concerns, from a Christian worldview. I am passionate about helping you move from a place of difficulty into one of health, confidence, and emotional wholeness, so that you can thrive in your life and in your relationships, and succeed in the goals you've set for yourself. Issues I work with include depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, shame, guilt, abuse recovery, suicidal thoughts, conflict, forgiveness, body image issues, and family issues.
(503) 894-5783 View (503) 894-5783
Photo of Madalyn Twist, CSWA
Madalyn Twist
Clinical Social Work Associate, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
I am trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and I frequently draw from Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory, and other trauma-informed practices to meet your specific goals.
Are you ready to begin taking off the masks that you are afraid of living without but know you cannot live within? Together, we will gently remove old and new masks, allowing for the opportunity to get to know your inner Self. The Self is our inner being, our truth, our soul, our anchor, who often gets hidden away due to traumatic experiences, fears, and others’ expectations. Through witnessing how personal challenges - past and present - can impact individuals in distinct ways, I have grown increasingly passionate about helping others reconnect with life through Self-discovery.
I am trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and I frequently draw from Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory, and other trauma-informed practices to meet your specific goals.
Are you ready to begin taking off the masks that you are afraid of living without but know you cannot live within? Together, we will gently remove old and new masks, allowing for the opportunity to get to know your inner Self. The Self is our inner being, our truth, our soul, our anchor, who often gets hidden away due to traumatic experiences, fears, and others’ expectations. Through witnessing how personal challenges - past and present - can impact individuals in distinct ways, I have grown increasingly passionate about helping others reconnect with life through Self-discovery.
(971) 265-8474 View (971) 265-8474
Photo of Melissa Wijetunga, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa Wijetunga
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97218  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in trauma-informed approaches such as ACT, EMDR, & MBCT.
Whether you are new to seeking therapy or are well-versed with the process, I am committed to creating a warm and respectful space to support your sense of self and potential for growth. I work with individuals including children, teens, and adults. Do you find it difficult to cope with the challenges of family, work, or school? Has a recent circumstance caused you to feel lost or uncertain? Have your past traumas distorted your self-view as someone who is broken or unworthy? You can heal and I’m here to help. Together, we’ll build upon the talents and skills you already have to reach your future goals.
I am trained in trauma-informed approaches such as ACT, EMDR, & MBCT.
Whether you are new to seeking therapy or are well-versed with the process, I am committed to creating a warm and respectful space to support your sense of self and potential for growth. I work with individuals including children, teens, and adults. Do you find it difficult to cope with the challenges of family, work, or school? Has a recent circumstance caused you to feel lost or uncertain? Have your past traumas distorted your self-view as someone who is broken or unworthy? You can heal and I’m here to help. Together, we’ll build upon the talents and skills you already have to reach your future goals.
(503) 563-8619 View (503) 563-8619
Photo of Dominique Dallmayr, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dominique Dallmayr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212
I use a mix of skills from distress tolerance and emotional regulation, breath practices, guided imagery, CBT, parts work, flash and EMDR, and self compassion to help you reduce anxiety and depression while building healthy lifestyle changes.
Providing a safe place to share and connect form the foundation of our work together. Stress and anxiety, depression and grief can overwhelm anyone and I want to make sure you feel heard and supported. Learning and practicing healthy ways to cope and resolve issues in your life will bring you relief and new found confidence. Our work together can help you look at old issues, heal past wounds, and find ways to thrive in the present moment.
I use a mix of skills from distress tolerance and emotional regulation, breath practices, guided imagery, CBT, parts work, flash and EMDR, and self compassion to help you reduce anxiety and depression while building healthy lifestyle changes.
Providing a safe place to share and connect form the foundation of our work together. Stress and anxiety, depression and grief can overwhelm anyone and I want to make sure you feel heard and supported. Learning and practicing healthy ways to cope and resolve issues in your life will bring you relief and new found confidence. Our work together can help you look at old issues, heal past wounds, and find ways to thrive in the present moment.
(503) 662-9701 View (503) 662-9701
Photo of Kelsey Huber, MA, LPC-A
Kelsey Huber
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209
I am trained in EMDR and have done extensive research regarding somatic and behavioral therapies.
Are you seeking clarity, peace and stability in your life? As a team we will work to bring balance through self-discovery and strength. I specialize in trauma treatment, day-to-day stress, behavior change, attachment patterns, maladaptive coping strategies, anxiety, and depression. I believe in examining the self through a lens of understanding and self-compassion. We will discover and break down the roots of why you're not feeling fully satisfied with your life. Through a collaborative social justice oriented approach to counseling, we'll partner together to move towards healing in both a comfortable and challenging manner.
I am trained in EMDR and have done extensive research regarding somatic and behavioral therapies.
Are you seeking clarity, peace and stability in your life? As a team we will work to bring balance through self-discovery and strength. I specialize in trauma treatment, day-to-day stress, behavior change, attachment patterns, maladaptive coping strategies, anxiety, and depression. I believe in examining the self through a lens of understanding and self-compassion. We will discover and break down the roots of why you're not feeling fully satisfied with your life. Through a collaborative social justice oriented approach to counseling, we'll partner together to move towards healing in both a comfortable and challenging manner.
(971) 264-2266 View (971) 264-2266
Photo of Breena Beck, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Breena Beck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213  (Online Only)
I support individuals and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, & relationship challenges. I’m a trauma-informed therapist & I utilize various therapeutic interventions including EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, & Mindfulness. I support clients as they learn to allow emotions to inform rather than control. I am committed to creating a space that is inclusive & affirming to all who seek support.
I support individuals and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, & relationship challenges. I’m a trauma-informed therapist & I utilize various therapeutic interventions including EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, & Mindfulness. I support clients as they learn to allow emotions to inform rather than control. I am committed to creating a space that is inclusive & affirming to all who seek support.
(503) 506-6276 View (503) 506-6276
Photo of Allison Spector, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison Spector
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221
Therapy is deeply vulnerable work, but by building trust in the therapeutic relationship we can explore and identify automatic patterns and habits that may be keeping you from feeling your best and work together to practice new ways of living. In my work, I pull from a variety of theoretical approaches including Brainspotting, EMDR, CBT, Family Systems Theory, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Mindfulness Based practices.
Therapy is deeply vulnerable work, but by building trust in the therapeutic relationship we can explore and identify automatic patterns and habits that may be keeping you from feeling your best and work together to practice new ways of living. In my work, I pull from a variety of theoretical approaches including Brainspotting, EMDR, CBT, Family Systems Theory, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Mindfulness Based practices.
(503) 461-9786 View (503) 461-9786
Photo of Michael D'Angelo - Michael D'Angelo, MA, LMFT,OR, MFTA,WA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Michael D'Angelo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT,OR, MFTA,WA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
I specialize in EMDR and Internal Family Systems as well as mindfulness, somatic, expressive, and relational therapies.
I offer a warm and welcoming space for those seeking positive change in their lives or in relationship. Whether you and/or your loved ones are going through a family or life transition, experiencing relational difficulties, or needing support with emotional struggles, I can help you mobilize your strengths to meet and transform challenges in your life. As a supportive ally, I help you discover how to reduce anxiety, heal from traumas, transform relational patterns, and develop the skills needed to increase trust and connection with yourself and others.
I specialize in EMDR and Internal Family Systems as well as mindfulness, somatic, expressive, and relational therapies.
I offer a warm and welcoming space for those seeking positive change in their lives or in relationship. Whether you and/or your loved ones are going through a family or life transition, experiencing relational difficulties, or needing support with emotional struggles, I can help you mobilize your strengths to meet and transform challenges in your life. As a supportive ally, I help you discover how to reduce anxiety, heal from traumas, transform relational patterns, and develop the skills needed to increase trust and connection with yourself and others.
(971) 326-8538 View (971) 326-8538
Photo of Tonya Krake, MA , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tonya Krake
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212
I am a licensed provider with over 22 years of experience. I provide in-person and telehealth with individuals and couples of all ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations, ranging in age from 18 - 65+. My philosophy stems from a belief that life is an ever-changing process that provides the opportunities for individuals to develop into their own person; however, due to trauma or other painful or problematic issues, we may become stuck. My approach is warm, interactive, collaborative, and individualized drawing on different therapeutic models which may include mindfulness, psychodynamic, IFS, CBT, DBT, and EMDR approaches.
I am a licensed provider with over 22 years of experience. I provide in-person and telehealth with individuals and couples of all ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations, ranging in age from 18 - 65+. My philosophy stems from a belief that life is an ever-changing process that provides the opportunities for individuals to develop into their own person; however, due to trauma or other painful or problematic issues, we may become stuck. My approach is warm, interactive, collaborative, and individualized drawing on different therapeutic models which may include mindfulness, psychodynamic, IFS, CBT, DBT, and EMDR approaches.
(503) 758-4839 View (503) 758-4839
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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.