EMDR Therapists in McHenry, IL

Photo of Cheryl Niemo, L, C, S, W, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cheryl Niemo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, L, C, S, W
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McHenry, IL 60050
I am professionally trained in EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, specifically developed to relieve symptoms of trauma.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience providing mental health services. I am a caring and competent practitioner with a focus on personal strengths and needs. Building a trusting relationship encompassing compassion, safety, and empowerment is central to my approach. I enjoy working with diverse populations and value the unique needs and preference of each individual.
I am professionally trained in EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, specifically developed to relieve symptoms of trauma.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience providing mental health services. I am a caring and competent practitioner with a focus on personal strengths and needs. Building a trusting relationship encompassing compassion, safety, and empowerment is central to my approach. I enjoy working with diverse populations and value the unique needs and preference of each individual.
(815) 938-0132 View (815) 938-0132
Photo of Amanda Eannarino, PsyD, LCPC, Counselor
Amanda Eannarino
Counselor, PsyD, LCPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
McHenry, IL 60050
I am trained in DBT, IMAGO's couples, Hypnosis, Behavioral Analysis, Brainspotting, Sex Therapy, IFS, CRM, TRM and EMDR.
I have been providing psychological services to Mchenry county for the last 18 years. My experience is diverse and my approach to therapy is evidenced-based. I comprehend mental health issues from not only a psychological, but also from a social and neurological perspective. With this being stated I have developed a unique and comprehensive understanding of my clients. I have worked with several challenging clients and pride myself in my ability to modify treatment interventions for each client's unique needs. Essentially treatment is a team approach and I am here to walk with the client on the path to recovery.
I am trained in DBT, IMAGO's couples, Hypnosis, Behavioral Analysis, Brainspotting, Sex Therapy, IFS, CRM, TRM and EMDR.
I have been providing psychological services to Mchenry county for the last 18 years. My experience is diverse and my approach to therapy is evidenced-based. I comprehend mental health issues from not only a psychological, but also from a social and neurological perspective. With this being stated I have developed a unique and comprehensive understanding of my clients. I have worked with several challenging clients and pride myself in my ability to modify treatment interventions for each client's unique needs. Essentially treatment is a team approach and I am here to walk with the client on the path to recovery.
(815) 390-4835 View (815) 390-4835
Photo of Kimberley Ann Giannini, PhD, LCPC, Counselor
Kimberley Ann Giannini
Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60051
I am also trained in EMDR and Brainspotting therapy.
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning but anyone can start today and make a new ending" -Maria Robinson. We cannot change what has happened in our past; however, we can start today and change how our future pans out. My name is Kimberley Giannini and I want to assist you in creating a meaningful purposeful life through creating a better understanding and resolving life obstacles. I am dedicated to assisting my clients in achieving personal life sanctification and well-being. My approach to therapy is evidence-based and holistic.
I am also trained in EMDR and Brainspotting therapy.
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning but anyone can start today and make a new ending" -Maria Robinson. We cannot change what has happened in our past; however, we can start today and change how our future pans out. My name is Kimberley Giannini and I want to assist you in creating a meaningful purposeful life through creating a better understanding and resolving life obstacles. I am dedicated to assisting my clients in achieving personal life sanctification and well-being. My approach to therapy is evidence-based and holistic.
(708) 572-4760 View (708) 572-4760
Photo of Richard McCoy, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Richard McCoy
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McHenry, IL 60050
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and specially trained in EMDR, and other modalities.
Do you feel like you have somehow became lost on the pathway of your life? Losing touch with those wonderful and unique parts of ourselves often leaves us feeling powerless and keeps us from moving forward to the bigger and better things we deserve. If you feel that the time to find yourself again is now, I would be happy to assist you to get back on the path to empowerment so you can get to where you're supposed to be.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and specially trained in EMDR, and other modalities.
Do you feel like you have somehow became lost on the pathway of your life? Losing touch with those wonderful and unique parts of ourselves often leaves us feeling powerless and keeps us from moving forward to the bigger and better things we deserve. If you feel that the time to find yourself again is now, I would be happy to assist you to get back on the path to empowerment so you can get to where you're supposed to be.
(815) 600-7999 View (815) 600-7999
Photo of Kathleen Hundt Terzinski, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Kathleen Hundt Terzinski
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McHenry, IL 60050
EMDR provides the foundation on which I help victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, those overcome with guilt or shame witnesses of horrific crimes, and a host of other traumatic experiences.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), National Certified Counselor and a fully trained Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) therapist . I received my Master of Arts/Science degree from Roosevelt University. I specialize in Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),anxiety, depression, addictions, fears, guilt and a range of life adjustment issues. I work with individuals to help make sense of the past to understand and neutralize the negative influence it has on present functioning and relationships. By clearing up the "debri" from the past, we can fully focus on being our best in the present and future.
EMDR provides the foundation on which I help victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, those overcome with guilt or shame witnesses of horrific crimes, and a host of other traumatic experiences.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), National Certified Counselor and a fully trained Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) therapist . I received my Master of Arts/Science degree from Roosevelt University. I specialize in Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),anxiety, depression, addictions, fears, guilt and a range of life adjustment issues. I work with individuals to help make sense of the past to understand and neutralize the negative influence it has on present functioning and relationships. By clearing up the "debri" from the past, we can fully focus on being our best in the present and future.
(224) 637-1596 View (224) 637-1596
Photo of Torrie L Benson-Pryor, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Torrie L Benson-Pryor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050
Waitlist for new clients
I am a certified EMDR therapist experienced in treating simple and complex traumas.
My experience in social services consists of 20+ years of growth, first as a case manager and Social Svc. Director prior to licensure, then clinical experience as a child and family therapist in community mental health, an LCSW in an small group practice, and now my own practice since February 2016. I have extensive knowledge working with people living with grief/loss, Childhood trauma, Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and Personality disorders. I am experienced and passionate about working with First Responders, Military, Medical Professional, and anyone that has had traumatic experiences.
I am a certified EMDR therapist experienced in treating simple and complex traumas.
My experience in social services consists of 20+ years of growth, first as a case manager and Social Svc. Director prior to licensure, then clinical experience as a child and family therapist in community mental health, an LCSW in an small group practice, and now my own practice since February 2016. I have extensive knowledge working with people living with grief/loss, Childhood trauma, Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and Personality disorders. I am experienced and passionate about working with First Responders, Military, Medical Professional, and anyone that has had traumatic experiences.
(815) 322-6310 View (815) 322-6310
Photo of Gina Collori, LCSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gina Collori
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McHenry, IL 60050
Waitlist for new clients
Evidenced based practices inform my approach, including CBT, DBT, and EMDR.
I truly believe that we have the capacity to heal, adapt and transform our lives. When given the right tools and support, we become empowered for change. The primary focus of my practice is support individuals as they work to cope and heal from complex trauma, addictive behaviors, and codependency. I strive to nurture and empower my clients without enabling. I am neurodivergent-affirming and support my clients in developing a greater understanding of themselves. I hold a warm, down to earth, and non-judgmental therapeutic space where all can feel secure.
Evidenced based practices inform my approach, including CBT, DBT, and EMDR.
I truly believe that we have the capacity to heal, adapt and transform our lives. When given the right tools and support, we become empowered for change. The primary focus of my practice is support individuals as they work to cope and heal from complex trauma, addictive behaviors, and codependency. I strive to nurture and empower my clients without enabling. I am neurodivergent-affirming and support my clients in developing a greater understanding of themselves. I hold a warm, down to earth, and non-judgmental therapeutic space where all can feel secure.
(847) 347-0387 View (847) 347-0387
Photo of Adam Marchiorello, MSEd, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Adam Marchiorello
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McHenry, IL 60050
These include IFS (internal family systems), narrative therapy, DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), and EMDR.
My current philosophy is that if PTSD is defined as past trauma experienced in the present via different symptoms, then every clinical presentation is one of trauma. Trauma focused therapists, such as myself, look at every client as unique and that they do not (and never have) fit into the boxes that other therapists have wanted them to fit into. Trauma therapists look at your past to better understand where your symptoms come from and how to resolve them. You will learn what you avoid and how you avoid it. Our hope is that you will work with us so that you can develop a more courageous attitude and face your unfinished business.
These include IFS (internal family systems), narrative therapy, DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), and EMDR.
My current philosophy is that if PTSD is defined as past trauma experienced in the present via different symptoms, then every clinical presentation is one of trauma. Trauma focused therapists, such as myself, look at every client as unique and that they do not (and never have) fit into the boxes that other therapists have wanted them to fit into. Trauma therapists look at your past to better understand where your symptoms come from and how to resolve them. You will learn what you avoid and how you avoid it. Our hope is that you will work with us so that you can develop a more courageous attitude and face your unfinished business.
(779) 209-0383 View (779) 209-0383
Photo of Lora Wiens - Hope & Healing Psychotherapy, P.C., PsyD, LCP, Psychologist
Hope & Healing Psychotherapy, P.C.
Psychologist, PsyD, LCP
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050
At Hope & Healing Psychotherapy, we are happy to offer in-depth psychotherapy for individual adults, couples, and teens. Not only do we provide empirically supported interventions such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), but we’re pleased to offer specialized treatment for trauma and sensory issues, such as the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), and EMDR. We support an integrative healing process that may include your spirituality, mindfulness, body work, yoga, nutrition, breath work, psychopharmacology, and connecting with the natural world.
At Hope & Healing Psychotherapy, we are happy to offer in-depth psychotherapy for individual adults, couples, and teens. Not only do we provide empirically supported interventions such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), but we’re pleased to offer specialized treatment for trauma and sensory issues, such as the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), and EMDR. We support an integrative healing process that may include your spirituality, mindfulness, body work, yoga, nutrition, breath work, psychopharmacology, and connecting with the natural world.
(224) 263-1527 View (224) 263-1527
Photo of Innovative Counseling Partners Pllc - Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC, MA, LPC, Counselor
Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050
We are trained in doing EMDR for trauma issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
We are trained in doing EMDR for trauma issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
(773) 312-3612 View (773) 312-3612
Photo of Amanda Karlen - Center for Therapeutic Svcs & Psychodiagnostics, Counselor
Center for Therapeutic Svcs & Psychodiagnostics
Counselor
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050
At Center for Therapeutic Services and Psychodiagnostics, we are committed to helping you with the most comprehensive, holistic services that are established in evidence-based treatment. You are unique and your circumstances are unique! We will apply a broad range of dynamic assessments that are individualized and tailored to fit your unique needs. We take a creative approach to treating complex mental health problems both on an individual and group level.
At Center for Therapeutic Services and Psychodiagnostics, we are committed to helping you with the most comprehensive, holistic services that are established in evidence-based treatment. You are unique and your circumstances are unique! We will apply a broad range of dynamic assessments that are individualized and tailored to fit your unique needs. We take a creative approach to treating complex mental health problems both on an individual and group level.
(779) 704-4110 View (779) 704-4110
Photo of Kimberly J Malczynski, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Kimberly J Malczynski
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050
I want to assist you in uncovering your true potential that allows you to lead a life that is worth celebrating. We cannot change difficult situations in the past, but we can work together to better understand and resolve these obstacles. We can work together to help you change relationships, behavior patterns, or negative outlook that may hold you back from experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful life. If you are looking for support and guidance or you are ready to make changes in your life, I can help you work toward achieving your goals.
I want to assist you in uncovering your true potential that allows you to lead a life that is worth celebrating. We cannot change difficult situations in the past, but we can work together to better understand and resolve these obstacles. We can work together to help you change relationships, behavior patterns, or negative outlook that may hold you back from experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful life. If you are looking for support and guidance or you are ready to make changes in your life, I can help you work toward achieving your goals.
(815) 673-7431 View (815) 673-7431
Photo of Kimberly J Malczynski, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Kimberly J Malczynski
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050
I want to assist you in uncovering your true potential that allows you to lead a life that is worth celebrating. We cannot change difficult situations in the past, but we can work together to better understand and resolve these obstacles. We can work together to help you change relationships, behavior patterns, or negative outlook that may hold you back from experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful life. If you are looking for support and guidance or you are ready to make changes in your life, I can help you work toward achieving your goals.
I want to assist you in uncovering your true potential that allows you to lead a life that is worth celebrating. We cannot change difficult situations in the past, but we can work together to better understand and resolve these obstacles. We can work together to help you change relationships, behavior patterns, or negative outlook that may hold you back from experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful life. If you are looking for support and guidance or you are ready to make changes in your life, I can help you work toward achieving your goals.
(815) 869-4858 View (815) 869-4858
Photo of Kelly DeHaan - Cherry Hill Counseling
Cherry Hill Counseling
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050
Cherry Hill Counseling is one of the longest-standing counseling practices in the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago. Cherry Hill has seven locations including: Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, McHenry, Deer Park, Chicago, Grayslake, and Wheaton. Our counseling services include: individual therapy, family therapy, counseling for children and adolescents, marital and premarital therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing.
Cherry Hill Counseling is one of the longest-standing counseling practices in the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago. Cherry Hill has seven locations including: Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, McHenry, Deer Park, Chicago, Grayslake, and Wheaton. Our counseling services include: individual therapy, family therapy, counseling for children and adolescents, marital and premarital therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing.
(847) 386-2109 View (847) 386-2109
Photo of Jason Sterwerf, MS, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jason Sterwerf
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60051
A trusting foundation with your therapist is the beginning to successful therapy. Our life experiences, exposure to trauma, and current events often impact behaviors and responses to these events, which can lead to the feeling of being misunderstood or confused. These issues often impact relationships, health, work, and self-esteem. A trusting collaboration with clients provides empowerment into gaining insight and self-awareness. My therapy style provides helpful guidance when clients are searching for improvements to their lives.
A trusting foundation with your therapist is the beginning to successful therapy. Our life experiences, exposure to trauma, and current events often impact behaviors and responses to these events, which can lead to the feeling of being misunderstood or confused. These issues often impact relationships, health, work, and self-esteem. A trusting collaboration with clients provides empowerment into gaining insight and self-awareness. My therapy style provides helpful guidance when clients are searching for improvements to their lives.
(815) 473-3393 View (815) 473-3393
Photo of Cindi-Marie Willoughby - Willoughby Center for Behavioral Health LLC, PsyD, Psychologist
Willoughby Center for Behavioral Health LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050  (Online Only)
The Willoughby Center focuses on the use of empirically supported therapeutic treatment options geared towards increasing a client's psychological flexibility, stress management skills, and overall functionality. Therapy consists of a collaborative and individualized approach, allowing rapport to blossom and work towards the clients chosen values to achieve a life worth living. Our center provides a variety of behaviorally focused, client-centered approaches to help clients effectively cope with life's challenges and struggles to start living not just surviving.
The Willoughby Center focuses on the use of empirically supported therapeutic treatment options geared towards increasing a client's psychological flexibility, stress management skills, and overall functionality. Therapy consists of a collaborative and individualized approach, allowing rapport to blossom and work towards the clients chosen values to achieve a life worth living. Our center provides a variety of behaviorally focused, client-centered approaches to help clients effectively cope with life's challenges and struggles to start living not just surviving.
(224) 293-4307 View (224) 293-4307
Photo of Genevieve Roig, PhD, LCPC, PLLC, Counselor
Genevieve Roig
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, PLLC
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! It is not easy searching for a counselor. You can be weighed down by not only this task, but the many powers at be preventing you from moving forward. I'm here to tell you that a lot of times we give many stressful variables a lot of power. We give so much power in fact, that you're not able to unpack what is real and what is the mind creating barriers to success and true joy. These variables can take many forms including addictions, depression, past traumatic events, and anxiety, especially related to future transitions. Most significantly, we lose a sense of who we are and what we have to offer others.
Hello and welcome! It is not easy searching for a counselor. You can be weighed down by not only this task, but the many powers at be preventing you from moving forward. I'm here to tell you that a lot of times we give many stressful variables a lot of power. We give so much power in fact, that you're not able to unpack what is real and what is the mind creating barriers to success and true joy. These variables can take many forms including addictions, depression, past traumatic events, and anxiety, especially related to future transitions. Most significantly, we lose a sense of who we are and what we have to offer others.
(847) 379-1539 View (847) 379-1539
Photo of Renae Mendez, LCSW   , Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renae Mendez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050
I believe therapy is an opportunity to create a new path toward living a meaningful life. Often struggles or hardships we experience push us into following old patterns that may not fit our values or how we want to effectively live our lives. It can also be space to understand how we can be more fulfilled or effective in our many roles. I specialize in treating trauma and whether the event happened a month ago, or 20 years ago, there are effective, evidence-based strategies we can use to grow beyond that harm. I also enjoy working with people in the areas of self-esteem, anxiety, attachment, relationships, & LGBTQIA+ issues.
I believe therapy is an opportunity to create a new path toward living a meaningful life. Often struggles or hardships we experience push us into following old patterns that may not fit our values or how we want to effectively live our lives. It can also be space to understand how we can be more fulfilled or effective in our many roles. I specialize in treating trauma and whether the event happened a month ago, or 20 years ago, there are effective, evidence-based strategies we can use to grow beyond that harm. I also enjoy working with people in the areas of self-esteem, anxiety, attachment, relationships, & LGBTQIA+ issues.
(224) 218-5387 View (224) 218-5387
Photo of Kathryn Scarmardo, MA, LCPC
Kathryn Scarmardo
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McHenry, IL 60050
I am a true believer that asking for help in times of need should be a normal part of the life process. Everyone deserves the opportunity to work towards having a better life; the life they want. However, life can put up a lot of barriers. It is my goal as a therapist to be able to help break down barriers with my clients. I pride myself on being a creative, warm, and ‘outside-the-box’ therapist. I think laughter and humor are also important in the therapeutic process as well. Animal-assisted therapy sessions available upon request.
I am a true believer that asking for help in times of need should be a normal part of the life process. Everyone deserves the opportunity to work towards having a better life; the life they want. However, life can put up a lot of barriers. It is my goal as a therapist to be able to help break down barriers with my clients. I pride myself on being a creative, warm, and ‘outside-the-box’ therapist. I think laughter and humor are also important in the therapeutic process as well. Animal-assisted therapy sessions available upon request.
(815) 912-0757 View (815) 912-0757
Photo of Mindy R Tomlinson, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Mindy R Tomlinson
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
McHenry, IL 60050
The poet Rumi said, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” Emotional wounding is a very real part of human experience. It can happen as a result of trauma, loss, rejection, a serious health diagnosis or unwanted change. Like a physical wound, if left untreated it can become infected and lead to symptoms like anxiety and depression. My name is Mindy Tomlinson and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I work with individuals to heal their wounds and enter the light where insight, clarity and acceptance lead to a renewed sense of normalcy and peace in their lives.
The poet Rumi said, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” Emotional wounding is a very real part of human experience. It can happen as a result of trauma, loss, rejection, a serious health diagnosis or unwanted change. Like a physical wound, if left untreated it can become infected and lead to symptoms like anxiety and depression. My name is Mindy Tomlinson and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I work with individuals to heal their wounds and enter the light where insight, clarity and acceptance lead to a renewed sense of normalcy and peace in their lives.
(815) 345-2693 View (815) 345-2693
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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.