EMDR Therapists in La Porte, IN
![Photo of Stacey Garcelon, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48063008-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I help people heal from emotional wounds; cultivate resiliency; and promote mental wellness. I'm availaable at Anam Cara Counseling and horse farm in the peaceful countryside of Rolling Prairie/La Porte. I provide traditional talk therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and/or Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. This is a powerful and highly effective form of therapy where you will interact with horses for personal insight and behavior change. There is no riding involved; and no horse experience is needed.
I help people heal from emotional wounds; cultivate resiliency; and promote mental wellness. I'm availaable at Anam Cara Counseling and horse farm in the peaceful countryside of Rolling Prairie/La Porte. I provide traditional talk therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and/or Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. This is a powerful and highly effective form of therapy where you will interact with horses for personal insight and behavior change. There is no riding involved; and no horse experience is needed.
![Photo of Rebecca Rowe, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44d2972b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Rowe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Porte, IN 46350 (Online Only)
My practice incorporates CBT, Mindfulness and EMDR.
Your once bubbly and talkative teen is now spending all of their time in their room, withdrawing from loved ones and feeling alone with increasing stress. You feel like you haven't been able to connect with them, and wonder what's happening in their lives. You have noticed they are more distant, sad, or angry but aren't sure why, and when you try to help you feel like it makes everything worse. The things that you used to talk about and enjoy together don't interest them anymore. You are starting to feel like you are losing your son or daughter.
My practice incorporates CBT, Mindfulness and EMDR.
Your once bubbly and talkative teen is now spending all of their time in their room, withdrawing from loved ones and feeling alone with increasing stress. You feel like you haven't been able to connect with them, and wonder what's happening in their lives. You have noticed they are more distant, sad, or angry but aren't sure why, and when you try to help you feel like it makes everything worse. The things that you used to talk about and enjoy together don't interest them anymore. You are starting to feel like you are losing your son or daughter.
![Photo of Jennifer Ann Cimbala, LMHC, LCAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43836b82-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have completed Training I and II for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) which is an intervention to help relieve symptoms of Post traumatic Stress as well as other issues.
I have been working in the counseling field for over twenty years and love what I do. I help people with many problems including depression, anxiety, grief, stress, trauma and addiction. I especially have a passion for helping people with addiction and trauma issues. I believe that there is good and strength in every human being. I feel it is my role as a licensed mental health counselor and licensed clinical addictions counselor to help people find their inner strength and improve coping so that they can function at their best.
I have completed Training I and II for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) which is an intervention to help relieve symptoms of Post traumatic Stress as well as other issues.
I have been working in the counseling field for over twenty years and love what I do. I help people with many problems including depression, anxiety, grief, stress, trauma and addiction. I especially have a passion for helping people with addiction and trauma issues. I believe that there is good and strength in every human being. I feel it is my role as a licensed mental health counselor and licensed clinical addictions counselor to help people find their inner strength and improve coping so that they can function at their best.
![Photo of Nancy Hoback, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61220732-45f8-4fb8-bbcb-6c7e2c162e1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in EMDR and Internal Family Systems Therapy.
If you feel overwhelmed by small things, if panic attacks or anxiety are holding you back, if you feel down or depressed, it may be time to seek counseling. If you just feel that you want more out of life, therapy can also be a great way to acheive that. I can help you learn to manage depression and anxiety, while growing in confidence and self value. You can become the person you were meant to be. Call me for a brief telephone consult. I can help.
I am a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in EMDR and Internal Family Systems Therapy.
If you feel overwhelmed by small things, if panic attacks or anxiety are holding you back, if you feel down or depressed, it may be time to seek counseling. If you just feel that you want more out of life, therapy can also be a great way to acheive that. I can help you learn to manage depression and anxiety, while growing in confidence and self value. You can become the person you were meant to be. Call me for a brief telephone consult. I can help.
![Photo of Rosina Robinson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2e5a4899-6dee-427a-8b8b-877af2f0dc69/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rosina Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Porte, IN 46350
I work with women who are ready to take the next step in their lives. These women may be professionals looking to advance their careers or women who are now ready to shine in the next chapter in their lives. They struggle with putting themselves first, setting boundaries, self-care, self-love, and confidence. They want more and need help getting the confidence and skills to achieve their goals that they want and deserve. I love what makes you unique.
I work with women who are ready to take the next step in their lives. These women may be professionals looking to advance their careers or women who are now ready to shine in the next chapter in their lives. They struggle with putting themselves first, setting boundaries, self-care, self-love, and confidence. They want more and need help getting the confidence and skills to achieve their goals that they want and deserve. I love what makes you unique.
![Photo of Lauren Reimink, MSW, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69e6806b-2afd-486a-bd83-db8efbcba9fe/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Reimink
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Porte, IN 46350
Please send an email for all inquires about taking new clients for the fasted response time. My approach is to support people towards becoming their authentic selves. I believe in a "person in environment" approach and have a holistic therapy style. I try to understand first and foremost that although your pain and experiences may be similar to someone else, that no two people are alike, therefore, the degree to which your circumstances effects you is unique and personal to you. My goal is to empower you to get back in touch with your needs, and find effective / healthy ways to get through difficult times.
Please send an email for all inquires about taking new clients for the fasted response time. My approach is to support people towards becoming their authentic selves. I believe in a "person in environment" approach and have a holistic therapy style. I try to understand first and foremost that although your pain and experiences may be similar to someone else, that no two people are alike, therefore, the degree to which your circumstances effects you is unique and personal to you. My goal is to empower you to get back in touch with your needs, and find effective / healthy ways to get through difficult times.
![Photo of Michelle Bazin-Johnson, MSW, LCSW, JD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4c9805e-7b3e-4777-97e8-844907a84136/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Bazin-Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, JD
Verified Verified
La Porte, IN 46350
Not accepting new clients
Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us.- David Richo. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an extensive background working with individuals and couples, I want to face those wounds with you and help you find the best part of yourself. And whether those wounds are mental health issues, past traumas, relationship or family issues and whether they impact you individually, as a couple, or as a family, a safe, therapeutic setting can help you heal those wounds and be the best you can possibly be, for yourself and for others.
Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us.- David Richo. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an extensive background working with individuals and couples, I want to face those wounds with you and help you find the best part of yourself. And whether those wounds are mental health issues, past traumas, relationship or family issues and whether they impact you individually, as a couple, or as a family, a safe, therapeutic setting can help you heal those wounds and be the best you can possibly be, for yourself and for others.
![Photo of Sandra Carbajal, LMHC, LCAC, CCTP, IFS-CL, EMDR-CL, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2a06fe8-a5bb-4b71-8be3-8873ba2e15cc/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sandra Carbajal
Counselor, LMHC, LCAC, CCTP, IFS-CL, EMDR-CL
Verified Verified
La Porte, IN 46350
Not accepting new clients
Feeling overwhelmed, tired, depressed, and hopeless? Experiencing overwhelming emotions, visuals, voices, somatic sensations, and flashbacks? Always looking for danger in safe places? Struggling with generational/Legacy trauma? Even the strongest finds it difficult to enjoy normal life experiences when enduring emotional trauma. These events can take the joy of life and emotional connection with family and friends. As a professional trauma therapist, I can help you gain insight on traumatic events, uncover personal strengths, and have a more positive relationship with your past.
Feeling overwhelmed, tired, depressed, and hopeless? Experiencing overwhelming emotions, visuals, voices, somatic sensations, and flashbacks? Always looking for danger in safe places? Struggling with generational/Legacy trauma? Even the strongest finds it difficult to enjoy normal life experiences when enduring emotional trauma. These events can take the joy of life and emotional connection with family and friends. As a professional trauma therapist, I can help you gain insight on traumatic events, uncover personal strengths, and have a more positive relationship with your past.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Ellen Shannon - Phoenix Associates, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/efa2b7e6-f370-468e-a56f-79981a57c245/1/320x400.jpeg)
Phoenix Associates offers a robust range of services, including an outpatient substance abuse program, marriage and family therapy, individualized counseling incorporating modalities such as EMDR, and a wide variety of group therapies.
Phoenix Associates serves the Fort Wayne community through our outpatient mental health facility, providing sensitive, expert, and individualized care to community members from all walks of life. Our knowledgeable, caring team of licensed social workers, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors have the tools and training to meet your treatment needs. Services are offered in individual, family and group settings, allowing you or your loved one the full benefit of a wide variety of treatment options.
Phoenix Associates offers a robust range of services, including an outpatient substance abuse program, marriage and family therapy, individualized counseling incorporating modalities such as EMDR, and a wide variety of group therapies.
Phoenix Associates serves the Fort Wayne community through our outpatient mental health facility, providing sensitive, expert, and individualized care to community members from all walks of life. Our knowledgeable, caring team of licensed social workers, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors have the tools and training to meet your treatment needs. Services are offered in individual, family and group settings, allowing you or your loved one the full benefit of a wide variety of treatment options.
![Photo of Amanda Moss, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aca8cfd4-935f-4121-affe-66811db83e62/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Moss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Training on specific models of psycho therapy include emotionally focused couples therapy, EMDR, DBT, CBT, and mindfulness.
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker that has been in the mental health field since 2015. I am currently accepting new patients. I have always had a passion for helping others achieve their goals and reach their full potential. I enjoy working with those that struggle with addiction, depression, trauma, anxiety, stressful life situations, and relational issues. Our connections with others are so important and when we struggle in relation to others is often when we seek outside help.
Training on specific models of psycho therapy include emotionally focused couples therapy, EMDR, DBT, CBT, and mindfulness.
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker that has been in the mental health field since 2015. I am currently accepting new patients. I have always had a passion for helping others achieve their goals and reach their full potential. I enjoy working with those that struggle with addiction, depression, trauma, anxiety, stressful life situations, and relational issues. Our connections with others are so important and when we struggle in relation to others is often when we seek outside help.
![Photo of Molly McCrory, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80e03ae3-e585-4645-9ae9-e3bcf6530552/1/320x400.jpeg)
Molly McCrory
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
I utilize an integrative approach and I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - EMDR. It is a laser focused therapy to address the root issue of trauma/negative experiences, as well as helping address symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, panic, trauma and so much more. It is possible for people of all ages and experiences to benefit from EMDR, and I am humbled when given the opportunity to assist someone through this process.
I utilize an integrative approach and I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - EMDR. It is a laser focused therapy to address the root issue of trauma/negative experiences, as well as helping address symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, panic, trauma and so much more. It is possible for people of all ages and experiences to benefit from EMDR, and I am humbled when given the opportunity to assist someone through this process.
![Photo of Julie DeJesus, MS, LMHC-A, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48270daf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in helping individuals work through acute and complex trauma, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety through various modalities including talk therapy, IFS, and EMDR.
Do irrational beliefs about yourself affect your confidence, relationships, work performance, goals, and overall happiness? Have you endured a traumatic event or did you have a traumatic childhood? I have a passion for helping adults through difficult times. I also believe our mental health is just as important as our physical health! My goal is to help you discover and learn a new belief system about yourself and to change assumptions that have been interfering with a healthy "you" for years. This is your trauma journey through healing and I am here to help navigate at your own pace.
I specialize in helping individuals work through acute and complex trauma, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety through various modalities including talk therapy, IFS, and EMDR.
Do irrational beliefs about yourself affect your confidence, relationships, work performance, goals, and overall happiness? Have you endured a traumatic event or did you have a traumatic childhood? I have a passion for helping adults through difficult times. I also believe our mental health is just as important as our physical health! My goal is to help you discover and learn a new belief system about yourself and to change assumptions that have been interfering with a healthy "you" for years. This is your trauma journey through healing and I am here to help navigate at your own pace.
![Photo of Laci Parcell - Still Waters Counseling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a05ef8cd-fdd8-4b08-aa17-d0a560d7e124/1/320x400.jpeg)
Still Waters Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Lafayette, IN 47906
I am certified in EMDR, I have a background in working with disordered eating behaviors, I am a sex informed therapist, I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and mindfulness.
I love working with clients who are curious about themselves. Anxiety, depression, perfectionism, spirituality, relationship issues and self acceptance are the areas I work with most frequently. I see adolescants through adulthood. Life has many transitions, twists and turns. I enjoying being part of the process as clients begin to connect pieces of life and reframe the negative narratives they once believed into empowerment and strength.
I am certified in EMDR, I have a background in working with disordered eating behaviors, I am a sex informed therapist, I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and mindfulness.
I love working with clients who are curious about themselves. Anxiety, depression, perfectionism, spirituality, relationship issues and self acceptance are the areas I work with most frequently. I see adolescants through adulthood. Life has many transitions, twists and turns. I enjoying being part of the process as clients begin to connect pieces of life and reframe the negative narratives they once believed into empowerment and strength.
![Photo of Alexandra Swackhamer, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5c498bf-eaed-4164-8eb3-6ddb3f378237/1/320x400.png)
Hello! My name is Alexandra Swackhamer. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have been practicing for nearly 15 years. I work with a wide variety of individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, adjustment to life changes, and grief/loss. I am client centered, open and affirming, meeting clients wherever they are at in their journey. I utilize Motivation Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR to help clients meet their unique therapy goals.
Hello! My name is Alexandra Swackhamer. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have been practicing for nearly 15 years. I work with a wide variety of individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, adjustment to life changes, and grief/loss. I am client centered, open and affirming, meeting clients wherever they are at in their journey. I utilize Motivation Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR to help clients meet their unique therapy goals.
![Photo of Kelsey Tiernon, MA, LMHC, LCACA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9cb7627f-0fbb-4725-8ce7-00c6c52eb20d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsey Tiernon
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LCACA
Verified Verified
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I have experience working with teens and adults with chronic pain and illness, addiction, trauma, life transitions, depression and anxiety.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I have experience working with teens and adults with chronic pain and illness, addiction, trauma, life transitions, depression and anxiety.
![Photo of Toni Durda, LPC, LMHC , NCC, CMHC, CCTP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65e4f38c-952d-42c1-85d8-223309a44b29/1/320x400.jpeg)
Toni Durda
Counselor, LPC, LMHC , NCC, CMHC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Lafayette, IN 47905 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I also have trauma focused training, which includes EMDR.
Life is full of obstacles, whether they started early on in our life or later. Regardless, these life events can impact us in ways that can cause emotional, physical, and mental responses that we don’t always understand. We can get caught up in patterns and behavior we desperately want to breakout of but feel powerless to change. I truly understand the frustrations and hopelessness that can come with this, making it even more difficult to navigate through life and relationship-most often the ones that mean the most to us.
I also have trauma focused training, which includes EMDR.
Life is full of obstacles, whether they started early on in our life or later. Regardless, these life events can impact us in ways that can cause emotional, physical, and mental responses that we don’t always understand. We can get caught up in patterns and behavior we desperately want to breakout of but feel powerless to change. I truly understand the frustrations and hopelessness that can come with this, making it even more difficult to navigate through life and relationship-most often the ones that mean the most to us.
![Photo of Kat Rutan, MSW, LSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3dc9269-92d1-4187-a4e2-e1bec94949f2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kat Rutan
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Waitlist for new clients
I have training in EMDR.
Wait list available. I am a trauma informed practitioner who works within a system's theory basis with a focus on your strengths. Areas of focus are relationship work, trauma work, and empowerment. I work with individuals, couples, and families to build a sense of strength for you to build your future on. We all have troubles in our past, I want to partner with you to build the skills that will make your future what you want it to be.
I have training in EMDR.
Wait list available. I am a trauma informed practitioner who works within a system's theory basis with a focus on your strengths. Areas of focus are relationship work, trauma work, and empowerment. I work with individuals, couples, and families to build a sense of strength for you to build your future on. We all have troubles in our past, I want to partner with you to build the skills that will make your future what you want it to be.
![Photo of Marsha Moore, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bafb73ff-12b4-444c-b8e3-2c81aced4427/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marsha Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Bend, IN 46617 (Online Only)
I focus on teens and adults using CBT, DBT, EMDR and other models to support clients in navigating their feelings to improve various life challenges.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed and struggle to cope with grief, sadness, depression, anxiety, etc.? I can help you navigate these feelings and offer suggestions to move forward toward hope to improve various life challenges. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University in 2018. I've worked in many different settings doing individual, group and family therapy. I have worked with individuals from teenagers to older adults who have experienced personal issues including, individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, abuse, grief, dependency, and many more.
I focus on teens and adults using CBT, DBT, EMDR and other models to support clients in navigating their feelings to improve various life challenges.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed and struggle to cope with grief, sadness, depression, anxiety, etc.? I can help you navigate these feelings and offer suggestions to move forward toward hope to improve various life challenges. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University in 2018. I've worked in many different settings doing individual, group and family therapy. I have worked with individuals from teenagers to older adults who have experienced personal issues including, individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, abuse, grief, dependency, and many more.
![Photo of Elizabeth Bolinger, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b92df755-e7c0-4750-bad4-27f93ca10fab/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am EMDR-trained and currently pursuing EMDR certification.
My therapy space is designed to help clients explore, notice, and align with their needs and values, through further processing of internal and external experiences. The ideal client is on a journey to better understand self, others, and the world around them. Maybe they have some past trauma impacting functioning, or maybe the current season feels really hard and overwhelming. We offer deep curiosity about what healing looks like moving forward in life. They are open to feedback and willing to trust the process and work to further understand what resources and tools might be open to helping them cultivate the life they want.
I am EMDR-trained and currently pursuing EMDR certification.
My therapy space is designed to help clients explore, notice, and align with their needs and values, through further processing of internal and external experiences. The ideal client is on a journey to better understand self, others, and the world around them. Maybe they have some past trauma impacting functioning, or maybe the current season feels really hard and overwhelming. We offer deep curiosity about what healing looks like moving forward in life. They are open to feedback and willing to trust the process and work to further understand what resources and tools might be open to helping them cultivate the life they want.
![Photo of Margarete Brandenburg, MA-MFT, LMHC, DCEP, MDiv, ADV-EFT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b9dc3db-5716-43d9-8de1-8ea160b0607d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Margarete Brandenburg
Counselor, MA-MFT, LMHC, DCEP, MDiv, ADV-EFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, IN 47909
Along with being certified in EMDR I am also a diplomate in Energy Psychology and work through holistic methods that then empower the client to learn, take hom, and employ in all sorts of situations.
What? Me . .traumatized? Surely it's not as bad as. . someone else and Their experience. Trauma comes in many forms and disguises. The back part of the brain subconsciously feels we are in a battle or there's a bear in the cave. Our defenses/ways of coping and triggers arise in ways that aren't helpful or productive/controllable. Reactions/responses seem to come from out of nowhere. These can be signs/symptoms of anxiety, depression, and overwhelm. All can be addressed and shifted in counseling, particularly through EMDR. I am certified in that field and have found it to be life-changing for many.
Along with being certified in EMDR I am also a diplomate in Energy Psychology and work through holistic methods that then empower the client to learn, take hom, and employ in all sorts of situations.
What? Me . .traumatized? Surely it's not as bad as. . someone else and Their experience. Trauma comes in many forms and disguises. The back part of the brain subconsciously feels we are in a battle or there's a bear in the cave. Our defenses/ways of coping and triggers arise in ways that aren't helpful or productive/controllable. Reactions/responses seem to come from out of nowhere. These can be signs/symptoms of anxiety, depression, and overwhelm. All can be addressed and shifted in counseling, particularly through EMDR. I am certified in that field and have found it to be life-changing for many.
See more therapy options for La Porte
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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.