EMDR Therapists in Vancouver, WA

Photo of Darcy Jacquet, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Darcy Jacquet
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98683
Though I utilize a variety of counseling approaches including CBT and EMDR (for trauma and PTSD), I primarily operate from a “client-centered” therapy mode.
I believe that there is tremendous opportunity and potential for physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational healing and growth that can be achieved through counseling. Many struggle with depression, anxiety, self-doubt, trauma, self-image distortion, spiritual issues, communication difficulties, and lack of tools necessary to live in this ever-changing world. My role as a counselor is to come alongside and assist individuals, families, and groups that are motivated, to change at least one aspect of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
Though I utilize a variety of counseling approaches including CBT and EMDR (for trauma and PTSD), I primarily operate from a “client-centered” therapy mode.
I believe that there is tremendous opportunity and potential for physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational healing and growth that can be achieved through counseling. Many struggle with depression, anxiety, self-doubt, trauma, self-image distortion, spiritual issues, communication difficulties, and lack of tools necessary to live in this ever-changing world. My role as a counselor is to come alongside and assist individuals, families, and groups that are motivated, to change at least one aspect of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
(360) 300-5490 View (360) 300-5490
Photo of Jaclin Belabri, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Jaclin Belabri
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98684  (Online Only)
I have many tools available including EMDR, Art Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Attachment-based and others.
Are you feeling alone, ashamed or disconnected and feel like no one else understands what you are going through? Do you struggle to know who you are or what you stand for? There are reasons that you are feeling this way. I am here to help explore why you feel stuck and give you a way out of your pain. I have a passion to help women find their true essence by collaborating with them so they live out their full potential. I specialize in helping them understand how past trauma shaped their self-perception and impacted how they relate to the world. You can change old coping mechanisms and live life filled with connection, love and joy.
I have many tools available including EMDR, Art Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Attachment-based and others.
Are you feeling alone, ashamed or disconnected and feel like no one else understands what you are going through? Do you struggle to know who you are or what you stand for? There are reasons that you are feeling this way. I am here to help explore why you feel stuck and give you a way out of your pain. I have a passion to help women find their true essence by collaborating with them so they live out their full potential. I specialize in helping them understand how past trauma shaped their self-perception and impacted how they relate to the world. You can change old coping mechanisms and live life filled with connection, love and joy.
(360) 979-1652 View (360) 979-1652
Photo of undefined - Melanie Eaton, LCSW, LLC., LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melanie Eaton, LCSW, LLC.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660  (Online Only)
I bring a trauma informed approach with curiosity, space and evidenced based practices including education, ACT, EMDR and IFS.
Sometimes we find ourselves feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns in our mind, body, behavior or relationships. Other times we experience significant loss or an unexpected change in life. We can start to feel distant from ourselves, values and passions that get lost along the way. This can leave us feeling anxious, uninspired, disconnected, depressed or stuck. If you made the decision to reach out, you may have tried to make changes or cope on your own, but are struggling to achieve the peace or growth you seek. Therapy offers the comfort of navigating these challenges within the context of a private, safe and trusting relationship.
I bring a trauma informed approach with curiosity, space and evidenced based practices including education, ACT, EMDR and IFS.
Sometimes we find ourselves feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns in our mind, body, behavior or relationships. Other times we experience significant loss or an unexpected change in life. We can start to feel distant from ourselves, values and passions that get lost along the way. This can leave us feeling anxious, uninspired, disconnected, depressed or stuck. If you made the decision to reach out, you may have tried to make changes or cope on your own, but are struggling to achieve the peace or growth you seek. Therapy offers the comfort of navigating these challenges within the context of a private, safe and trusting relationship.
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Photo of Lauren Earle, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Lauren Earle
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98684
EMDR therapy helps folks move through past trauma, and relate to it in less distressing ways in the present.
You may have been dealing with anxious or distressing thoughts and feelings for a while now, but are finally noticing that they are unmanageable. This may look like loops in your thoughts and feelings, reliving past trauma, broken relationships, or feeling like your needs are never met. Rather than participating in life, it may feel like you’re just going through the motions. This can feel hopeless and exhausting. Through safety built on honesty and openness, I will work with you to become attuned to your internal world, identify your values, develop healthy relationships, and heal from past trauma. I am an EMDR trained therapist.
EMDR therapy helps folks move through past trauma, and relate to it in less distressing ways in the present.
You may have been dealing with anxious or distressing thoughts and feelings for a while now, but are finally noticing that they are unmanageable. This may look like loops in your thoughts and feelings, reliving past trauma, broken relationships, or feeling like your needs are never met. Rather than participating in life, it may feel like you’re just going through the motions. This can feel hopeless and exhausting. Through safety built on honesty and openness, I will work with you to become attuned to your internal world, identify your values, develop healthy relationships, and heal from past trauma. I am an EMDR trained therapist.
(360) 226-7781 View (360) 226-7781
Photo of undefined - Veteran & First Responder Mental Health, LMHC, LPC, Counselor
Veteran & First Responder Mental Health
Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98663
My name is Lindsey Torres and I specialize in counseling and training for military veterans, first responders and their spouses. Located in Vancouver Washington, with telehealth availability across Washington state. I work with many uniform related concerns to include military war trauma, law enforcement critical incidents (OIS, LODD's), career stress management, relationship issues, work life balance, PCS adjustment, depression and anxiety. EMDR and Prolonged Exposure therapy offered in person. I am in the Kaiser network.
My name is Lindsey Torres and I specialize in counseling and training for military veterans, first responders and their spouses. Located in Vancouver Washington, with telehealth availability across Washington state. I work with many uniform related concerns to include military war trauma, law enforcement critical incidents (OIS, LODD's), career stress management, relationship issues, work life balance, PCS adjustment, depression and anxiety. EMDR and Prolonged Exposure therapy offered in person. I am in the Kaiser network.
(360) 773-7760 View (360) 773-7760
Photo of Johanna Stacy, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Johanna Stacy
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661
Accepting new clients. Have you ever experienced feeling unworthy or that your needs don't matter? Are you ever feeling frustrated or stuck for not being able to freely express your true self and emotions? My approach to counseling is holistic and eclectic. I incorporate techniques that are personalized to your unique needs in a gentle and compassionate way. I blend psychoanalytic, internal family systems, and interpersonal experiential frameworks, as well as EMDR. I provide 2slgbtqia+, kink, body, and poly affirming care.
Accepting new clients. Have you ever experienced feeling unworthy or that your needs don't matter? Are you ever feeling frustrated or stuck for not being able to freely express your true self and emotions? My approach to counseling is holistic and eclectic. I incorporate techniques that are personalized to your unique needs in a gentle and compassionate way. I blend psychoanalytic, internal family systems, and interpersonal experiential frameworks, as well as EMDR. I provide 2slgbtqia+, kink, body, and poly affirming care.
(360) 228-3801 View (360) 228-3801
Photo of Stephanie Womack, LMHCA, Counselor
Stephanie Womack
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661
I am trained in EMDR and Flash technique, which gives me a unique lens in which to view and support the healing process of trauma.
My focus is on supporting adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, C/PTSD, grief, shame, boundary issues, adjustment difficulties, and relationship conflicts. I enjoy offering a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of each individual providing a holistic, person-centered approach that allows me to support clients individually and within their family systems. These interventions include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness practices.
I am trained in EMDR and Flash technique, which gives me a unique lens in which to view and support the healing process of trauma.
My focus is on supporting adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, C/PTSD, grief, shame, boundary issues, adjustment difficulties, and relationship conflicts. I enjoy offering a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of each individual providing a holistic, person-centered approach that allows me to support clients individually and within their family systems. These interventions include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness practices.
(360) 614-4927 x109 View (360) 614-4927 x109
Photo of Rachel Staben, LPC, LMHC, Counselor
Rachel Staben
Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661  (Online Only)
I draw from many modalities of treatment but tend to favor "parts work" or Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and EMDR.
Are you ready to find a safe place to explore what is leading to the pain and concerns in your life, while feeling more connected to yourself along the way? Do you want real effective ways to transform depression, anxiety, and other experiences into internal spaciousness, calm, and joy? Do you feel that your past continues to affect your present feelings and beliefs about yourself and the world? Do you feel that something within you is getting in the way of having the relationships you desire? Do you simply feel alone in your suffering? I would love to join you on your journey to finding greater healing and wellness.
I draw from many modalities of treatment but tend to favor "parts work" or Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and EMDR.
Are you ready to find a safe place to explore what is leading to the pain and concerns in your life, while feeling more connected to yourself along the way? Do you want real effective ways to transform depression, anxiety, and other experiences into internal spaciousness, calm, and joy? Do you feel that your past continues to affect your present feelings and beliefs about yourself and the world? Do you feel that something within you is getting in the way of having the relationships you desire? Do you simply feel alone in your suffering? I would love to join you on your journey to finding greater healing and wellness.
(360) 233-2780 View (360) 233-2780
Photo of Alissa Schober, MS, LMHC
Alissa Schober
Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98664  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Alissa Schober. I am passionate about helping children, teens, adults, and parent-child relationships heal and grow through their trauma and chronic stress experiences. My practice focuses on helping those I work with heal from trauma, such as sexual and physical abuse, neglect, and witnessing domestic violence. I also help clients learn to cope with mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. I use evidence-based practices such as EMDR, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and child-parent psychotherapy, focusing on nurturing a sense of safety, self-compassion, understanding, and connection.
Hello! My name is Alissa Schober. I am passionate about helping children, teens, adults, and parent-child relationships heal and grow through their trauma and chronic stress experiences. My practice focuses on helping those I work with heal from trauma, such as sexual and physical abuse, neglect, and witnessing domestic violence. I also help clients learn to cope with mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. I use evidence-based practices such as EMDR, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and child-parent psychotherapy, focusing on nurturing a sense of safety, self-compassion, understanding, and connection.
(360) 861-6223 View (360) 861-6223
Photo of Caitlin Truitt, MSW, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caitlin Truitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in EMDR and often draw on somatic therapies, attachment theory, and parts work.
Experiencing trauma, loss, or upheaval is destabilizing and isolating. It can erode the relationships we value the most while making us call into question our sense of identity. Even if we avoid consciously thinking about it, the imprint of our past can wreak havoc on our physical health, our nervous system, and our present experience. The healing process asks us tune into our intuition and our bodies so that we can notice which parts of ourselves most need our attention and care. I can offer tools and support for those seeking to regain a sense of safety and connection with themselves, others, and the world around them.
I am trained in EMDR and often draw on somatic therapies, attachment theory, and parts work.
Experiencing trauma, loss, or upheaval is destabilizing and isolating. It can erode the relationships we value the most while making us call into question our sense of identity. Even if we avoid consciously thinking about it, the imprint of our past can wreak havoc on our physical health, our nervous system, and our present experience. The healing process asks us tune into our intuition and our bodies so that we can notice which parts of ourselves most need our attention and care. I can offer tools and support for those seeking to regain a sense of safety and connection with themselves, others, and the world around them.
(360) 218-0915 View (360) 218-0915
Photo of Esther Pfeiffer, LMHC, Counselor
Esther Pfeiffer
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98684
I specialize in grief counseling, as well as counseling for perinatal loss, in order to walk through the grieving process with you and help to imagine what the future can look like one step at a time. I also utilize EMDR for trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns to stop the past from affecting the present and to create a different future. I help to create a coherent narrative to be able to move forward and live life more freely, without the learned patterns from the past. If you are ready to get help with grief, loss, trauma, attachment concerns, relationship struggles, depression, or self-esteem, please reach out!
I specialize in grief counseling, as well as counseling for perinatal loss, in order to walk through the grieving process with you and help to imagine what the future can look like one step at a time. I also utilize EMDR for trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns to stop the past from affecting the present and to create a different future. I help to create a coherent narrative to be able to move forward and live life more freely, without the learned patterns from the past. If you are ready to get help with grief, loss, trauma, attachment concerns, relationship struggles, depression, or self-esteem, please reach out!
(360) 585-8273 View (360) 585-8273
Photo of Marla Joy Carman, MAPC,  NCC, LMHC, LPC
Marla Joy Carman
Mental Health Counselor, MAPC, NCC, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98683
Waitlist for new clients
Please call 253-352-2480 or email me directly at inner.wellth@yahoo.com to schedule an intake or a free consultation for 15 minutes. It can be a scary thing to reach out for help and support! You might feel like there might be judgment or misunderstanding! Maybe you're puzzled as to why you haven't reached your goals, wondering what's holding you back? What are the barriers? I also offer EMDR and ART (accelerated resolution therapy) if we feel you're "stuck". Maybe you've never considered what you really want in life? Are you in a transition in life? I'd love to help you get to where you want to go!
Please call 253-352-2480 or email me directly at inner.wellth@yahoo.com to schedule an intake or a free consultation for 15 minutes. It can be a scary thing to reach out for help and support! You might feel like there might be judgment or misunderstanding! Maybe you're puzzled as to why you haven't reached your goals, wondering what's holding you back? What are the barriers? I also offer EMDR and ART (accelerated resolution therapy) if we feel you're "stuck". Maybe you've never considered what you really want in life? Are you in a transition in life? I'd love to help you get to where you want to go!
(360) 516-4796 View (360) 516-4796
Photo of undefined - Boehm Counseling & Consulting Services, MS, LMHC, MAC, Counselor
Boehm Counseling & Consulting Services
Counselor, MS, LMHC, MAC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98685
Specialty services include:Intervention, Family Crisis Therapy, Military Focused Family Life ,Traditional Therapy, Trauma(PTSD), Suicide Prevention/Intervention, EMDR, Sports Performance Psychology, Life Coaching.
Client motivation focused;,believing personal change is possible for anyone who desires it. The human spirit is powerful and will persevere if nurtured, empowered & supported. My therapeutic approach: teaching, empower, intervene &support for the therapeutic change process with clients. Combining education + professional & personal experience I provide a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic approach conducive to healthy changes. Perspective of personal strengths vs the medical model of "sickness" clients are empowered with hope and skills for positive change.
Specialty services include:Intervention, Family Crisis Therapy, Military Focused Family Life ,Traditional Therapy, Trauma(PTSD), Suicide Prevention/Intervention, EMDR, Sports Performance Psychology, Life Coaching.
Client motivation focused;,believing personal change is possible for anyone who desires it. The human spirit is powerful and will persevere if nurtured, empowered & supported. My therapeutic approach: teaching, empower, intervene &support for the therapeutic change process with clients. Combining education + professional & personal experience I provide a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic approach conducive to healthy changes. Perspective of personal strengths vs the medical model of "sickness" clients are empowered with hope and skills for positive change.
(360) 215-3885 View (360) 215-3885
Photo of Linda Romig, LMHC, Counselor
Linda Romig
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98663
I believe that clients and counselors partner together to work towards optimum mental health for each client. I believe in client involvement in setting and working towards those goals through a variety of clinical interventions with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR and DBT.
I believe that clients and counselors partner together to work towards optimum mental health for each client. I believe in client involvement in setting and working towards those goals through a variety of clinical interventions with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR and DBT.
(360) 301-7940 View (360) 301-7940
Photo of undefined - April Rosenberg, LICSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
April Rosenberg, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
Waitlist for new clients
Among other techniques, I use Cognitive Behavioral, EMDR, DBT and Gestalt Therapies.
You have come to the right place if you are looking for an experienced professional who takes your well being very seriously. I have worked in the mental health field since 1994 and have been licensed since 2003. I specialize in working with veterans, medical personnel, civil servants and educators, among others. I have served my community as a crisis responder, and as a medical and forensic social worker helping people struggling with medical challenges, anxiety and depression. I invite you to send an email if you are interested in a 15 minute consultation.
Among other techniques, I use Cognitive Behavioral, EMDR, DBT and Gestalt Therapies.
You have come to the right place if you are looking for an experienced professional who takes your well being very seriously. I have worked in the mental health field since 1994 and have been licensed since 2003. I specialize in working with veterans, medical personnel, civil servants and educators, among others. I have served my community as a crisis responder, and as a medical and forensic social worker helping people struggling with medical challenges, anxiety and depression. I invite you to send an email if you are interested in a 15 minute consultation.
(360) 837-6681 View (360) 837-6681
Photo of Lawrance McClung, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lawrance McClung
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
EMDR trained and member of EMDRIA, I have extensive experience working with chronic and acute trauma and severe mental health conditions.
I provide an inclusive space for gender identity exploration and affirmation. All people deserve to embrace their inherent worth and dignity, I encourage and support people as they grow into living fully as their authentic self. EMDR trained, I assist people reprocess their trauma in an accepting and validating space to reduce symptoms of PTSD and regain confidence in their sense of safety. I I offer support and skills for individuals with mental health conditions including Bipolar I and psychosis for symptom reduction, stabilization and maintenance.
EMDR trained and member of EMDRIA, I have extensive experience working with chronic and acute trauma and severe mental health conditions.
I provide an inclusive space for gender identity exploration and affirmation. All people deserve to embrace their inherent worth and dignity, I encourage and support people as they grow into living fully as their authentic self. EMDR trained, I assist people reprocess their trauma in an accepting and validating space to reduce symptoms of PTSD and regain confidence in their sense of safety. I I offer support and skills for individuals with mental health conditions including Bipolar I and psychosis for symptom reduction, stabilization and maintenance.
(360) 745-1123 View (360) 745-1123
Photo of Daniel Baxley, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Daniel Baxley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98665  (Online Only)
My practice incorporates mindfulness, EMDR, DBT, IFS, poly-vagal theory and many other practices alongside a spirit of collaboration, grace and compassion.
Our existence in this world comes with hopes, aspirations and dreams. It also comes with disappointments, challenges and hardships which can overshadow our light and purpose. These obstacles on our path to our most authentic self may have been passed down to us from our family or an injustice burdened onto us as along the way. Somewhere, amongst all of these parts of ourselves, there is hope and a belief that we can be at peace with our past and artfully manage our present so that we can fully embrace the future we deserve.
My practice incorporates mindfulness, EMDR, DBT, IFS, poly-vagal theory and many other practices alongside a spirit of collaboration, grace and compassion.
Our existence in this world comes with hopes, aspirations and dreams. It also comes with disappointments, challenges and hardships which can overshadow our light and purpose. These obstacles on our path to our most authentic self may have been passed down to us from our family or an injustice burdened onto us as along the way. Somewhere, amongst all of these parts of ourselves, there is hope and a belief that we can be at peace with our past and artfully manage our present so that we can fully embrace the future we deserve.
(360) 226-5579 View (360) 226-5579
Photo of Jeanne L Meyer Emdr Consultant Clinical Supervisor, LPC, MAC, LMHC, Counselor
Jeanne L Meyer Emdr Consultant Clinical Supervisor
Counselor, LPC, MAC, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98665
Waitlist for new clients
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for symptoms of anxiety, craving and past trauma.
You are a therapist looking for a supervisor who has structure, humor, experience and a supportive and enthusiastic style. I am a supervisor looking for supervisees for Licensure in OR and WA state. I have over 10 years of experience with supervision and consultation. Work with me will focus on Counselor Competencies. We will write a Professional Development plan that is specific to your skills and area of specialty. Or you may be a therapist looking for a consultant to get certified in EMDR therapy.
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for symptoms of anxiety, craving and past trauma.
You are a therapist looking for a supervisor who has structure, humor, experience and a supportive and enthusiastic style. I am a supervisor looking for supervisees for Licensure in OR and WA state. I have over 10 years of experience with supervision and consultation. Work with me will focus on Counselor Competencies. We will write a Professional Development plan that is specific to your skills and area of specialty. Or you may be a therapist looking for a consultant to get certified in EMDR therapy.
(360) 529-4833 View (360) 529-4833
Photo of Robert G McQuillen, LMHC, MS, NCC, Counselor
Robert G McQuillen
Counselor, LMHC, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98684
As an EMDR trained therapist, I Help clients reprocess troubling memories with a simple but effective method that accelerates the brains ability to process and heal a troubling memory.
Counseling works best when there is an understanding of your concern and a plan of action for making positive change. I see counseling as a collaborative process; I will work with you to find ways of dealing with challenges that result in improvement for you, your partner, and for your family. My ideal client is curious about how they could live a more fulfilling life. I also enjoy working with reluctant or skeptical clients who may have had a bad experience in counseling before.
As an EMDR trained therapist, I Help clients reprocess troubling memories with a simple but effective method that accelerates the brains ability to process and heal a troubling memory.
Counseling works best when there is an understanding of your concern and a plan of action for making positive change. I see counseling as a collaborative process; I will work with you to find ways of dealing with challenges that result in improvement for you, your partner, and for your family. My ideal client is curious about how they could live a more fulfilling life. I also enjoy working with reluctant or skeptical clients who may have had a bad experience in counseling before.
(360) 797-5924 View (360) 797-5924
Photo of undefined - Blue Leaf Mental Wellness Center, LMFT, LMHC, LICSW, Psychologist
Blue Leaf Mental Wellness Center
Psychologist, LMFT, LMHC, LICSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661
Do you feel held back by worry, fear, or past trauma? Are you struggling to break free from negative patterns in your relationships? The past few years have been challenging for many of us, but we believe that everyone has the potential for growth and positive change. Blue Leaf therapists use evidence-based strategies such as EMDR to help you overcome obstacles and live your best life. Take the brave first step towards a brighter future and contact us today.
Do you feel held back by worry, fear, or past trauma? Are you struggling to break free from negative patterns in your relationships? The past few years have been challenging for many of us, but we believe that everyone has the potential for growth and positive change. Blue Leaf therapists use evidence-based strategies such as EMDR to help you overcome obstacles and live your best life. Take the brave first step towards a brighter future and contact us today.
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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.