EMDR Therapists in Evanston, IL
I integrate evidenced-based practices such as breath-work, mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally Focused Therapy, all under a psychodynamic therapy lens.
You matter. I seek to highlight & build upon your unique strengths with a focus on overall wellness in mind, body, spirit & community. I believe we all have the tools to reach our highest potential. I aim to understand what might be getting in the way of you being your most authentic, talented self. I specialize in helping others access & heal their pain by engaging the nervous system to unlock trauma & emotions to release them. Body integration allows us to feel alive & open to get more of life. I blend evidenced-based practices such as somatic, breathwork, mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, & EFT under a psychodynamic therapy lens.
I integrate evidenced-based practices such as breath-work, mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally Focused Therapy, all under a psychodynamic therapy lens.
You matter. I seek to highlight & build upon your unique strengths with a focus on overall wellness in mind, body, spirit & community. I believe we all have the tools to reach our highest potential. I aim to understand what might be getting in the way of you being your most authentic, talented self. I specialize in helping others access & heal their pain by engaging the nervous system to unlock trauma & emotions to release them. Body integration allows us to feel alive & open to get more of life. I blend evidenced-based practices such as somatic, breathwork, mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, & EFT under a psychodynamic therapy lens.
I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which helps to heal traumatic experiences and change self-limiting beliefs and patterns of behavior), Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
We all hold beliefs about who we are--some of those beliefs are positive and motivate us to do what we need to and want to, but some are negative and prevent us from living the life we want. Sometimes we know what those negative beliefs are; we are very familiar with them and feel like we can’t escape them. Other times we aren’t quite sure why we keep finding ourselves doing the same hurtful actions over and over again. I work with you to discover what negative beliefs are impacting your present and preventing the life and relationships you want to enjoy.
I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which helps to heal traumatic experiences and change self-limiting beliefs and patterns of behavior), Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
We all hold beliefs about who we are--some of those beliefs are positive and motivate us to do what we need to and want to, but some are negative and prevent us from living the life we want. Sometimes we know what those negative beliefs are; we are very familiar with them and feel like we can’t escape them. Other times we aren’t quite sure why we keep finding ourselves doing the same hurtful actions over and over again. I work with you to discover what negative beliefs are impacting your present and preventing the life and relationships you want to enjoy.
I draw on cutting edge interventions including EMDR, CBT, IFS, and EFT as well as attuned, empathic conversation to help people regulate their emotional state, learn new skills, develop effective strategies, and resolve old blockages.
Would you like a step by step plan to break free from depression, anxiety, or post traumatic stress? I've consolidated over a decade of clinical experience and study of evidence based models into a 3 phase plan that is trauma informed and strengths based to help adults of all ages to: 1. Stabilize, 2. Resolve the root causes of symptoms, and 3. Expand healthy control over their lives. I've laid out this plan for free on my website for anyone to use. Within this framework I integrate various therapeutic models to help clients achieve their goals. I am also equipped to weave faith and spirituality into the work if clients wish.
I draw on cutting edge interventions including EMDR, CBT, IFS, and EFT as well as attuned, empathic conversation to help people regulate their emotional state, learn new skills, develop effective strategies, and resolve old blockages.
Would you like a step by step plan to break free from depression, anxiety, or post traumatic stress? I've consolidated over a decade of clinical experience and study of evidence based models into a 3 phase plan that is trauma informed and strengths based to help adults of all ages to: 1. Stabilize, 2. Resolve the root causes of symptoms, and 3. Expand healthy control over their lives. I've laid out this plan for free on my website for anyone to use. Within this framework I integrate various therapeutic models to help clients achieve their goals. I am also equipped to weave faith and spirituality into the work if clients wish.
I use a variety of healing modalities, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (parts of the self), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and imagery.
Overwhelming experiences and the suffering life often throws our way can keep us stuck in patterns that help us survive but continue to dominate our lives even when we no longer need them. Together, we will co-create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs. I offer a variety of options to help you build an increased sense of peace and empowerment. With those skills, we build the strength and resources to go to the places inside that need witnessing, nurturing and healing.
I use a variety of healing modalities, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (parts of the self), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and imagery.
Overwhelming experiences and the suffering life often throws our way can keep us stuck in patterns that help us survive but continue to dominate our lives even when we no longer need them. Together, we will co-create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs. I offer a variety of options to help you build an increased sense of peace and empowerment. With those skills, we build the strength and resources to go to the places inside that need witnessing, nurturing and healing.
Leslie King
Counselor, EdD, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Jung Institute of Chicago; August 2015 I Level I & II EMDR training.
Seeking counseling is a courageous first step to confront pain and distress in your life with the intention of bringing healing, resolution and growth. If you are dealing with difficulties in you life and/or you aspire to emotionally grow I would like to help. I will provide a caring, safe, and comfortable environment where you can feel heard and understood. Together you and I will identify your needs as well as your strengths and work toward reaching your personal goals. These goals begin with understanding your unique perspective and then working to untangle the behaviors, emotions or thoughts that bring distress, disharmony, or pain.
Jung Institute of Chicago; August 2015 I Level I & II EMDR training.
Seeking counseling is a courageous first step to confront pain and distress in your life with the intention of bringing healing, resolution and growth. If you are dealing with difficulties in you life and/or you aspire to emotionally grow I would like to help. I will provide a caring, safe, and comfortable environment where you can feel heard and understood. Together you and I will identify your needs as well as your strengths and work toward reaching your personal goals. These goals begin with understanding your unique perspective and then working to untangle the behaviors, emotions or thoughts that bring distress, disharmony, or pain.
Teletherapy Emdr Offered Rosy Tyree
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MAAT, ATR, LCPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to traditional talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, I also employ more progressive forms of therapy such as compassionate focused therapy, EMDR, BSP, strengths-based approach, energy psychology and art therapy.
Are you tired of feeling anxious and depressed? Do you have intrusive and/or brooding thoughts that may be connected to an old memory or issue that is hard to quiet? Are you tired of feeling miserable and would like to learn tangible and useful techniques that will help take the edge and, in some instances, eliminate these thoughts and feelings? If you are ready to make that change, are open minded to learning non-traditional therapeutic methods, then please reach out to me and we’ll get started! As of now, I am taking new clients with convenient Saturday and Sunday hours. I am providing teletherapy / Skype services.
In addition to traditional talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, I also employ more progressive forms of therapy such as compassionate focused therapy, EMDR, BSP, strengths-based approach, energy psychology and art therapy.
Are you tired of feeling anxious and depressed? Do you have intrusive and/or brooding thoughts that may be connected to an old memory or issue that is hard to quiet? Are you tired of feeling miserable and would like to learn tangible and useful techniques that will help take the edge and, in some instances, eliminate these thoughts and feelings? If you are ready to make that change, are open minded to learning non-traditional therapeutic methods, then please reach out to me and we’ll get started! As of now, I am taking new clients with convenient Saturday and Sunday hours. I am providing teletherapy / Skype services.
Dr. Denise Simmons Giblin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DMin, MS, LCSW, EMDR, Couples
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60201
Or are you a person needing help with anxiety, depression or PTSD? I use EMDR and other mind/body techniques to help you find love and care for yourself.
People come to me with problems of anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I have been in practice for 28 years working with adults of all ages, and I am attuned to understanding childhood patterns that no longer work and may contribute to one's current stress. Trained in both psychodynamic understanding, as well as the newer modes of somatic intervention, I remain focused while maintaining a constancy of care and compassion. As clients and therapists, we all work with our strongest intention to create a peaceful and centered approach to ourselves and with the people most important to us.
Or are you a person needing help with anxiety, depression or PTSD? I use EMDR and other mind/body techniques to help you find love and care for yourself.
People come to me with problems of anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I have been in practice for 28 years working with adults of all ages, and I am attuned to understanding childhood patterns that no longer work and may contribute to one's current stress. Trained in both psychodynamic understanding, as well as the newer modes of somatic intervention, I remain focused while maintaining a constancy of care and compassion. As clients and therapists, we all work with our strongest intention to create a peaceful and centered approach to ourselves and with the people most important to us.
Rhonda Harvey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60202 (Online Only)
I am trained in CBT, EMDR and IFS- which are very helpful modalities in treating a myriad of issues and traumas from the big, major, life events to the bruises and abrasions you get just from daily living.
It is common to feel like the wheels have fallen off after life hands you the unexpected. Some people are looking to get back to a former level of functioning and for others that level wasn't good enough. It can be helpful to explore new ways of thinking about your life. You absolutely can heal, restore and transform. Let's work on moving forward.
I am trained in CBT, EMDR and IFS- which are very helpful modalities in treating a myriad of issues and traumas from the big, major, life events to the bruises and abrasions you get just from daily living.
It is common to feel like the wheels have fallen off after life hands you the unexpected. Some people are looking to get back to a former level of functioning and for others that level wasn't good enough. It can be helpful to explore new ways of thinking about your life. You absolutely can heal, restore and transform. Let's work on moving forward.
I am trained in EMDR, CBT, attachment theory, relational therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems, integrative couples and relationship therapy, and strengths-based therapy.
I work with individuals, couples, and teenagers on a variety of issues, including relationship issues, emotional regulation, anxiety, life transitions, identity issues, trauma, and executive functioning issues. Additionally, I work with infidelity, polyamory, the queer community, the kink community, and family systems. I have experience working with people across their lifespans, ranging from adolescents to older adults, individuals with developmental disabilities, and people of various cultural and economic backgrounds. I specialize in working with adults with ADHD and autism, couples, and trauma.
I am trained in EMDR, CBT, attachment theory, relational therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems, integrative couples and relationship therapy, and strengths-based therapy.
I work with individuals, couples, and teenagers on a variety of issues, including relationship issues, emotional regulation, anxiety, life transitions, identity issues, trauma, and executive functioning issues. Additionally, I work with infidelity, polyamory, the queer community, the kink community, and family systems. I have experience working with people across their lifespans, ranging from adolescents to older adults, individuals with developmental disabilities, and people of various cultural and economic backgrounds. I specialize in working with adults with ADHD and autism, couples, and trauma.
We integrate traditional psychotherapy with Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Breathwork, Somatic work, Emotionally Focused Therapy, coaching, and other evidence-based approaches through teletherapy.
My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe space where you can explore and heal the difficult and painful issues that are showing up in your life. Together we will move beyond problem-solving into releasing the deeply held mistaken beliefs and core unresolved issues behind your symptoms. My body-centered and somatic approach allows me to work directly with your nervous system to address symptoms like anxiety, racing thoughts, and irrational fears as well as feeling stuck, depressed and unavailable or unresponsive to life and relationships.
We integrate traditional psychotherapy with Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Breathwork, Somatic work, Emotionally Focused Therapy, coaching, and other evidence-based approaches through teletherapy.
My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe space where you can explore and heal the difficult and painful issues that are showing up in your life. Together we will move beyond problem-solving into releasing the deeply held mistaken beliefs and core unresolved issues behind your symptoms. My body-centered and somatic approach allows me to work directly with your nervous system to address symptoms like anxiety, racing thoughts, and irrational fears as well as feeling stuck, depressed and unavailable or unresponsive to life and relationships.
I am also trained in EMDR.
Life’s most difficult experiences can provide seeds for change. On our own, it can be challenging to see their potential. I aim to create a non-judgmental and authentic space for exploration and growth. I often work with young adults, clients in the midst life transitions, those experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, clients in recovery from addictions, and those experiencing the impacts of trauma.
I am also trained in EMDR.
Life’s most difficult experiences can provide seeds for change. On our own, it can be challenging to see their potential. I aim to create a non-judgmental and authentic space for exploration and growth. I often work with young adults, clients in the midst life transitions, those experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, clients in recovery from addictions, and those experiencing the impacts of trauma.
15 Second Videos
Ruth Minnick
Andrew Ross
Emma Cheski
Steven Neren
Chelsea Dillavou
Sherri A Wandler
Emily Perepa
Therapy for Queer Chicagoans
Chih-Hsien Lin
Annie Novotny
Sujai Chang
Mindful Psychology Associates
Kaitlin Skog
M. Cecilia Bocanegra, LCPC, PMH-C
Evanston Counseling, PLLC
Jenny White
Patrick M McKee
Sunyata Kopriva
Katherine M. Hayes
Sam Rustum
Kenneth Washington
I offer compassionate support and the chance to be truly heard and accepted just as you are. I work within a holistic framework that encompasses many different approaches (Person Centered, Behavioral, IFS, EMDR, Mindfulness, Body/Mind). Depending on your needs and preferences, your therapy may include exploring your inner world, getting feedback and support, healing past emotional wounds, obtaining clarity and insight, finding new directions, or trying on new behaviors and skills. We will work together to find approaches that are most effective for you.
I offer compassionate support and the chance to be truly heard and accepted just as you are. I work within a holistic framework that encompasses many different approaches (Person Centered, Behavioral, IFS, EMDR, Mindfulness, Body/Mind). Depending on your needs and preferences, your therapy may include exploring your inner world, getting feedback and support, healing past emotional wounds, obtaining clarity and insight, finding new directions, or trying on new behaviors and skills. We will work together to find approaches that are most effective for you.
Erica Bench Emdr Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, LPC, LMHP, EMDR AC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
Accepting New Clients! I believe you have the power within yourself to change. Together we will tap into your strength, courage, and insight to achieve your goals. I specialize in treating trauma through the use of EMDR, IFS, traditional talk, and other treatment modalities. I often work with busy professionals and college students-or anyone suffering from trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem, depression, stress, and anxiety. I am non-judgmental and professional, although when appropriate, I've been known to crack a joke because sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.
Accepting New Clients! I believe you have the power within yourself to change. Together we will tap into your strength, courage, and insight to achieve your goals. I specialize in treating trauma through the use of EMDR, IFS, traditional talk, and other treatment modalities. I often work with busy professionals and college students-or anyone suffering from trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem, depression, stress, and anxiety. I am non-judgmental and professional, although when appropriate, I've been known to crack a joke because sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.
Depending on the person, my approach draws from different orientations such as person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy.
How many times a day do you get asked the question, “How are you?” Out of these times, how often do you actually answer the question truthfully? When you come into my office, I want you to feel comfortable answering that question with authenticity–and feel at peace. If you are navigating challenges like anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, trauma, relationship issues, substance use disorders and/or struggles with-esteem, I am here to help guide and empower you. I value working with a wide range of people spanning socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, and with different mental challenges, ensuring all have access.
Depending on the person, my approach draws from different orientations such as person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy.
How many times a day do you get asked the question, “How are you?” Out of these times, how often do you actually answer the question truthfully? When you come into my office, I want you to feel comfortable answering that question with authenticity–and feel at peace. If you are navigating challenges like anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, trauma, relationship issues, substance use disorders and/or struggles with-esteem, I am here to help guide and empower you. I value working with a wide range of people spanning socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, and with different mental challenges, ensuring all have access.
I am trained in EMDR and can utilize this modality to help you integrate and heal from traumatic or disturbing life events.
I am a licensed professional counselor working with adolescents, adults, and couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, low self esteem, body image, and difficult family dynamics. My goal is to provide a safe and empathetic therapy space where you feel heard and understood as we navigate your journey towards growth and healing.
I am trained in EMDR and can utilize this modality to help you integrate and heal from traumatic or disturbing life events.
I am a licensed professional counselor working with adolescents, adults, and couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, low self esteem, body image, and difficult family dynamics. My goal is to provide a safe and empathetic therapy space where you feel heard and understood as we navigate your journey towards growth and healing.
I frequently use Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy and EMDR as these modalities assist the clients to access feelings and memories that have been buried.
To "know thyself" - to wake up to yourself, is the most worthy of quests. I work with mind, body, and spirit to bring you back to yourself. The body never lies. When we tune into the body we find our own truth, wisdom, and guidance. This happens when we calm down, relax, and pay attention. There are often emotions or experiences that have waited years to be acknowledged and expressed. It doesn't work to close the door on the past. Until we review, process, and open to healing we tend to re-capitulate the events in our past.
I frequently use Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy and EMDR as these modalities assist the clients to access feelings and memories that have been buried.
To "know thyself" - to wake up to yourself, is the most worthy of quests. I work with mind, body, and spirit to bring you back to yourself. The body never lies. When we tune into the body we find our own truth, wisdom, and guidance. This happens when we calm down, relax, and pay attention. There are often emotions or experiences that have waited years to be acknowledged and expressed. It doesn't work to close the door on the past. Until we review, process, and open to healing we tend to re-capitulate the events in our past.
Trainings and certifications include but are not limited to EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EFT, Child Sexual Abuse treatment and the Collaborative Change Model.
I look forward to supporting a diverse array of clients and their families on their individualized healing journey, concentrating in work with adults, children and adolescents needing developmentally sensitized mental health assessment and treatment. Specialized experience working with multiple client populations including: trauma survivors, eating disorders, families involved in the foster care system and adoption, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders along with matters of social/cultural oppression and justice.
Trainings and certifications include but are not limited to EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EFT, Child Sexual Abuse treatment and the Collaborative Change Model.
I look forward to supporting a diverse array of clients and their families on their individualized healing journey, concentrating in work with adults, children and adolescents needing developmentally sensitized mental health assessment and treatment. Specialized experience working with multiple client populations including: trauma survivors, eating disorders, families involved in the foster care system and adoption, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders along with matters of social/cultural oppression and justice.
Having said that, I work from a psychodynamic perspective informed by mindfulness, cultural sensitivity, somatic awareness, and EMDR trauma treatment therapy.
I view therapy as a collaborative process: I accompany you on your journey and we work together, in a spirit of genuine curiosity, to foster your self-awareness, insight into patterns which are no longer working for you, and the capacity to make conscious choices that will lead to a more meaningful and satisfying life. I find each therapy process differs in accordance with one’s personal story, needs, values, and goals. I believe an individual comes to therapy having done the best they could with what they know and no subject is taboo. My style is warm and empathic, creative and non-judgmental.
Having said that, I work from a psychodynamic perspective informed by mindfulness, cultural sensitivity, somatic awareness, and EMDR trauma treatment therapy.
I view therapy as a collaborative process: I accompany you on your journey and we work together, in a spirit of genuine curiosity, to foster your self-awareness, insight into patterns which are no longer working for you, and the capacity to make conscious choices that will lead to a more meaningful and satisfying life. I find each therapy process differs in accordance with one’s personal story, needs, values, and goals. I believe an individual comes to therapy having done the best they could with what they know and no subject is taboo. My style is warm and empathic, creative and non-judgmental.
Mie Tamura
Counselor, LCPC , ATR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60202
Waitlist for new clients
My approach is the integration of various methods including EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS model, somatic-based therapy, Mindfulness and Art therapy / Sand tray therapy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the effects of trauma, by challenging circumstances, or just feeling stuck in life? Do you have a hard time expressing or describing your feeling in words? My therapy is rooted in care and trust. With compassion, understanding and guidance, I assist my clients to increase their self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness and reconnect with their own inner strength to overcome the hardships in their lives. With my background as a clinical trauma specialist, an expressive artist and a Japanese immigrant, I am uniquely positioned to help guide you towards a more positive and empowered life journey.
My approach is the integration of various methods including EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS model, somatic-based therapy, Mindfulness and Art therapy / Sand tray therapy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the effects of trauma, by challenging circumstances, or just feeling stuck in life? Do you have a hard time expressing or describing your feeling in words? My therapy is rooted in care and trust. With compassion, understanding and guidance, I assist my clients to increase their self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness and reconnect with their own inner strength to overcome the hardships in their lives. With my background as a clinical trauma specialist, an expressive artist and a Japanese immigrant, I am uniquely positioned to help guide you towards a more positive and empowered life journey.
I utilize a mix of reality, symptom-focused treatment and existential therapy alongside experiential therapies that include: EMDR, Brainspotting, Mindfulness and Meditation.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in Complex Trauma, Athletics-Focused Counseling, Gender-Affirming Care, Gambling, Alcohol and Drug use. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and athletic populations using a collaborative approach that fosters a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. My goal is to work together with you to help navigate your life’s journey. If you have ever felt blocked or unreasonably triggered, have had flashbacks to unpleasant moments in your life, or are unreasonably afraid of the future, we can work towards more adaptive responses to otherwise detrimental, "freezing" moments.
I utilize a mix of reality, symptom-focused treatment and existential therapy alongside experiential therapies that include: EMDR, Brainspotting, Mindfulness and Meditation.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in Complex Trauma, Athletics-Focused Counseling, Gender-Affirming Care, Gambling, Alcohol and Drug use. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and athletic populations using a collaborative approach that fosters a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. My goal is to work together with you to help navigate your life’s journey. If you have ever felt blocked or unreasonably triggered, have had flashbacks to unpleasant moments in your life, or are unreasonably afraid of the future, we can work towards more adaptive responses to otherwise detrimental, "freezing" moments.
See more therapy options for Evanston
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for Evanston
- Glencoe
- Glenview
- Kenilworth
- Lakeview
- Lincolnwood
- Morton Grove
- Niles
- Northfield
- Park Ridge
- Skokie
- Wilmette
- Winnetka
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.