EMDR Therapists in Medway, MA
![Photo of Deborah Rouslin, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4779265d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in trauma work and am trained in EMDR.
As of Feb 18, 2024 my practice is full. I will post as i have openings going forward. Please contact me only through email. Hello and welcome to my Private Practice. I understand how difficult and scary it can be to take this first step and reach out for help and support. Life sometimes is not easy and we find ourselves navigating issues such as trauma, parenting, relationships. or unexpected loss. My style is oriented around growth and strength. I am here and ready to help.
I specialize in trauma work and am trained in EMDR.
As of Feb 18, 2024 my practice is full. I will post as i have openings going forward. Please contact me only through email. Hello and welcome to my Private Practice. I understand how difficult and scary it can be to take this first step and reach out for help and support. Life sometimes is not easy and we find ourselves navigating issues such as trauma, parenting, relationships. or unexpected loss. My style is oriented around growth and strength. I am here and ready to help.
Barbara Annie Ford Geiger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Medway, MA 02053
My specialties include EMDR, Gentle Reprocessing, deep psychotherapy, brain spotting, body/mind, advocacy, medical social work, mindfulness.
Life sometimes could be better. If you are trying to cope with difficult circumstances, trauma, anxiety, depression, medical concerns, changes in life, or are simply having a difficult time thriving, this is a moment when reaching out for help can be a relief and a bridge to resilience. Our work can help you establish a peaceful, joy filled life with right relationships, sense of purpose, resolution of trauma; and for those attempting success in an endeavor, help to achieve peak performance. Areas addressed include parenting with special needs. I work with individuals, couples, young adults, children, parents, families.
My specialties include EMDR, Gentle Reprocessing, deep psychotherapy, brain spotting, body/mind, advocacy, medical social work, mindfulness.
Life sometimes could be better. If you are trying to cope with difficult circumstances, trauma, anxiety, depression, medical concerns, changes in life, or are simply having a difficult time thriving, this is a moment when reaching out for help can be a relief and a bridge to resilience. Our work can help you establish a peaceful, joy filled life with right relationships, sense of purpose, resolution of trauma; and for those attempting success in an endeavor, help to achieve peak performance. Areas addressed include parenting with special needs. I work with individuals, couples, young adults, children, parents, families.
![Photo of Linda Standley - Linda Standley: EMDR Intensives, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6bde7bc-f61a-4062-a985-c2ce847c8174/1/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Standley: EMDR Intensives
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Medway, MA 02053
Waitlist for new clients
As a Certified EMDR Clinician and an Approved EMDR Consultant, I specialize in working with busy career professionals who are seeking to feel unburdened by the past and who are motivated to live their best life. During much of my career I have worked with survivors of relational and complex trauma including sexual assault, domestic violence as well as with adult survivors of childhood trauma. I enjoy working with other helping professionals clinically as well as by providing clinical consultation and supervision.
As a Certified EMDR Clinician and an Approved EMDR Consultant, I specialize in working with busy career professionals who are seeking to feel unburdened by the past and who are motivated to live their best life. During much of my career I have worked with survivors of relational and complex trauma including sexual assault, domestic violence as well as with adult survivors of childhood trauma. I enjoy working with other helping professionals clinically as well as by providing clinical consultation and supervision.
![Photo of Gabrielle Marie Siraco, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6623a6b-2cec-41a0-a76b-acd84bce3c81/4/320x400.jpeg)
I use evidence-based practices to help clients process disturbing life events through EMDR therapy and learn coping skills based on DBT.
Living with stress, anxiety, and/or depression can be exhausting. Learning strategies to manage symptoms can be liberating. I work with adolescents and adults who are looking for ways to manage a variety of concerns -from the stress of daily life to major mental illness and trauma.
I use evidence-based practices to help clients process disturbing life events through EMDR therapy and learn coping skills based on DBT.
Living with stress, anxiety, and/or depression can be exhausting. Learning strategies to manage symptoms can be liberating. I work with adolescents and adults who are looking for ways to manage a variety of concerns -from the stress of daily life to major mental illness and trauma.
![Photo of Matthew J Ludensky - Matt Counseling Services, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/513e6212-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Matt Counseling Services
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medway, MA 02053
Waitlist for new clients
I would like to thank all of the people on the front line for risking their lives to save ours. I am certified in EMDR and prolonged exposure, both have been proven to do well with acute stress symptoms. If you work on the front lines (healthcare, grocery stores, construction, etc) please reach out so I can help you as much as possible. Currently, I am only accepting new clients that have a PTSD diagnosis. I apologize for any inconvenience. If you feel like I am great for you please reach out!
I would like to thank all of the people on the front line for risking their lives to save ours. I am certified in EMDR and prolonged exposure, both have been proven to do well with acute stress symptoms. If you work on the front lines (healthcare, grocery stores, construction, etc) please reach out so I can help you as much as possible. Currently, I am only accepting new clients that have a PTSD diagnosis. I apologize for any inconvenience. If you feel like I am great for you please reach out!
![Photo of Susannah Barry, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db6f6ee3-5022-48d7-8772-c9b4afca20b7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Susannah received her Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern University and went on to complete her Master of Social Work degree at Simmons College. She has experience working in a variety of clinical settings including community based mental health, residential treatment, and private practice. Susannah’s clinical training is in the treatment of complex trauma and she is trained in various trauma treatment models including Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC), Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
Susannah received her Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern University and went on to complete her Master of Social Work degree at Simmons College. She has experience working in a variety of clinical settings including community based mental health, residential treatment, and private practice. Susannah’s clinical training is in the treatment of complex trauma and she is trained in various trauma treatment models including Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC), Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
![Photo of Lubenji Danielle Laforest - Trauma to Hope Counseling Services, MA, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6642eda-535a-4a6e-ade4-c8467d33f62d/3/320x400.png)
Trauma to Hope Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Medway, MA 02053 (Online Only)
Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started! I am licensed in Massachusetts with eight years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence.
Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started! I am licensed in Massachusetts with eight years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence.
![Photo of Bridget Greenwald, MA, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af4338a7-0b9a-4213-95a4-d548fa774eac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy can help you manage life's varied challenges and live a more fulfilled life. It can help you understand what you're feeling, why and how to cope. Just like visiting your doctor for regular wellness exams, or your dentist for checkups, meeting with a therapist can help keep your mental health in order. In our sessions, you will be offered a comfortable, safe and nurturing environment in which to understand your personal, emotional, spiritual and relational struggles.
Therapy can help you manage life's varied challenges and live a more fulfilled life. It can help you understand what you're feeling, why and how to cope. Just like visiting your doctor for regular wellness exams, or your dentist for checkups, meeting with a therapist can help keep your mental health in order. In our sessions, you will be offered a comfortable, safe and nurturing environment in which to understand your personal, emotional, spiritual and relational struggles.
![Photo of Samara Burke, MA, LMHC, CCTP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48256129-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Samara Burke
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Medway, MA 02053 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
With experience providing CBT, expressive art therapies, EMDR, and a certification in treating trauma, I can find an intervention that meets your needs.
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety or depression? Experienced a traumatic event, upbringing, or significant loss? Maybe you're a new parent or parent-to-be struggling with anxiety, or depression? Or even a seasoned parent overwhelmed by managing it all? Going through a major life transition? Or perhaps your child has become increasingly more stressed, worried, irritable, or withdrawn?
With experience providing CBT, expressive art therapies, EMDR, and a certification in treating trauma, I can find an intervention that meets your needs.
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety or depression? Experienced a traumatic event, upbringing, or significant loss? Maybe you're a new parent or parent-to-be struggling with anxiety, or depression? Or even a seasoned parent overwhelmed by managing it all? Going through a major life transition? Or perhaps your child has become increasingly more stressed, worried, irritable, or withdrawn?
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Dawn Skop - Dawn Skop, LMHC , LMHC, LADC1, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91005c44-2ab7-4ac3-bf48-5a8f94500f29/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer talk therapy, EMDR, Reiki, IFS, and hypnotherapy.
Things are really intense and scary in the world these days. And there’s a tremendous amount of grief, loss and anxiety that many of us are dealing with on all of levels. Because of that reality it might be hard to feel OK about the places in your life where you are doing well and feeling joy. Are you seeking personal growth or professional development to address barriers to desired outcomes? Interested in living a life of purpose and meaning through choice and action? Wanting to engage in deep emotional and spiritual healing?
I offer talk therapy, EMDR, Reiki, IFS, and hypnotherapy.
Things are really intense and scary in the world these days. And there’s a tremendous amount of grief, loss and anxiety that many of us are dealing with on all of levels. Because of that reality it might be hard to feel OK about the places in your life where you are doing well and feeling joy. Are you seeking personal growth or professional development to address barriers to desired outcomes? Interested in living a life of purpose and meaning through choice and action? Wanting to engage in deep emotional and spiritual healing?
![Photo of Brianna Sculley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2640efc0-d8de-4dd0-ac31-c133504d81ed/2/320x400.png)
Brianna Sculley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dover, MA 02030 (Online Only)
I am intensively trained in providing Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
It takes courage and strength to share your personal struggles with a therapist. My goal is to help assist you in your journey of discovering ways to cope and manage your mental health with respect, kindness, and warmth. There is something truly incredible about a human being living their authentic and complete truth without feeling burdened by mental or emotional blocks.
I am intensively trained in providing Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
It takes courage and strength to share your personal struggles with a therapist. My goal is to help assist you in your journey of discovering ways to cope and manage your mental health with respect, kindness, and warmth. There is something truly incredible about a human being living their authentic and complete truth without feeling burdened by mental or emotional blocks.
![Photo of Antoanette Gonzales, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94c0d46f-3058-46a6-bf27-1bde1aa3a4bc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am uniquely trained in EMDR and use CBT, DBT and solution-focused methods to tailor therapy strategies to clients' unique goals and circumstances.
Whether clients are facing new stressors that impact their mood, relationships or behavior or they're struggling with long-standing concerns from childhood development, their family history or traumatic loss, I understand the isolation these challenges can bring and the difficulty that comes with processing and adjustment. For you and your relationships or for your child and family, beginning the journey toward change can be hard and overwhelming. Through a warm and collaborative approach, my work is focused on supporting clients as they begin and continue on their journey to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and relating.
I am uniquely trained in EMDR and use CBT, DBT and solution-focused methods to tailor therapy strategies to clients' unique goals and circumstances.
Whether clients are facing new stressors that impact their mood, relationships or behavior or they're struggling with long-standing concerns from childhood development, their family history or traumatic loss, I understand the isolation these challenges can bring and the difficulty that comes with processing and adjustment. For you and your relationships or for your child and family, beginning the journey toward change can be hard and overwhelming. Through a warm and collaborative approach, my work is focused on supporting clients as they begin and continue on their journey to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and relating.
![Photo of Manjit Khalsa, EdD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f78d889-5562-42d6-aacb-2e959d8b05f4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Manjit began her career in mental health as a psychologist working with the innovative Neuro-Linguistic Programming and later became extremely proficient in EMDR therapy.
Manjit’s diverse and extensive experience will bring a new edge to the counseling session. She is passionate about meeting clients where they are at and will work with you to find a solution to a problem. She believes in the power everyone has in them to overcome their obstacles and find new life. Manjit’s experience working the mind and body enables her to see problems as multi-faceted. Her job as a psychologist is to help you apply the best strategies to solve the problem yourself and grow stronger from it.
Manjit began her career in mental health as a psychologist working with the innovative Neuro-Linguistic Programming and later became extremely proficient in EMDR therapy.
Manjit’s diverse and extensive experience will bring a new edge to the counseling session. She is passionate about meeting clients where they are at and will work with you to find a solution to a problem. She believes in the power everyone has in them to overcome their obstacles and find new life. Manjit’s experience working the mind and body enables her to see problems as multi-faceted. Her job as a psychologist is to help you apply the best strategies to solve the problem yourself and grow stronger from it.
Grishelda Hogan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, ACSW, BCPC
Verified Verified
Mendon, MA 01756
I am trained in several modalities recognized as gold standard in treatment including: Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Whole Health Coaching, Multi-Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
My name is Grishelda Hogan, LICSW, and I have 20 years experience working with adults, children, families and leading groups. I am the founder of the Center for Integrated Wellness( CIW). My personal approach working with clients is a collaborative and creative process. All treatment and coaching is personalized and will offer therapeutic evidence base practice while incorporating holistic and wellness treatment options. As I work with the whole person this may include physical health, life/ work balance, spirituality, personal development, relationships and looking at how your environment plays a role in your overall health.
I am trained in several modalities recognized as gold standard in treatment including: Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Whole Health Coaching, Multi-Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
My name is Grishelda Hogan, LICSW, and I have 20 years experience working with adults, children, families and leading groups. I am the founder of the Center for Integrated Wellness( CIW). My personal approach working with clients is a collaborative and creative process. All treatment and coaching is personalized and will offer therapeutic evidence base practice while incorporating holistic and wellness treatment options. As I work with the whole person this may include physical health, life/ work balance, spirituality, personal development, relationships and looking at how your environment plays a role in your overall health.
![Photo of Lauren Milikin, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b3d6641-0084-4f88-81c2-fd50421cf4bf/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have specialized training in trauma and predominantly utilize experiential and somatic modalities like EMDR and Psychodrama in my therapeutic practice.
Do you struggle with anxious thoughts, a lack of motivation, or watching yourself fall into the same patterns over and over? Chronic stress and hardship can leave us feeling stuck in loops we don’t know how to escape, destroy our sense of self-worth, and leave us questioning who we are. My clients are primarily adult individuals who have experienced trauma, whether an isolated event, or a series of seemingly small events that have left a big impact over time. I also have a heart for working with clients who have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, life transitions, issues with identity and self-worth, and spiritual abuse.
I have specialized training in trauma and predominantly utilize experiential and somatic modalities like EMDR and Psychodrama in my therapeutic practice.
Do you struggle with anxious thoughts, a lack of motivation, or watching yourself fall into the same patterns over and over? Chronic stress and hardship can leave us feeling stuck in loops we don’t know how to escape, destroy our sense of self-worth, and leave us questioning who we are. My clients are primarily adult individuals who have experienced trauma, whether an isolated event, or a series of seemingly small events that have left a big impact over time. I also have a heart for working with clients who have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, life transitions, issues with identity and self-worth, and spiritual abuse.
![Photo of Kristen E Kohlmeyer, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b2407c9-b079-4558-b687-840df7c8bdb0/2/320x400.jpeg)
I partner with individuals to create a positive and supportive environment to help them cope with life transitions, stressors and/or traumatic experiences. Exposure to trauma or distressing events can impact our whole selves including our thoughts, feelings, actions and identity. To help restore peace and promote healing, I use EMDR therapy. By using EMDR and mindfulness techniques, I understand and can help with the range of ways our bodies and minds react to difficult and distressing life events. This approach helps clients gently process their difficult experiences and build up resilience, hope and healing.
I partner with individuals to create a positive and supportive environment to help them cope with life transitions, stressors and/or traumatic experiences. Exposure to trauma or distressing events can impact our whole selves including our thoughts, feelings, actions and identity. To help restore peace and promote healing, I use EMDR therapy. By using EMDR and mindfulness techniques, I understand and can help with the range of ways our bodies and minds react to difficult and distressing life events. This approach helps clients gently process their difficult experiences and build up resilience, hope and healing.
![Photo of Felicia McParland- Trauma Specialist, MEd, MSW, LMHC, CCTP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db46eb24-452a-42d7-9550-50c446b136c0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Felicia McParland- Trauma Specialist
Counselor, MEd, MSW, LMHC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Walpole, MA 02081 (Online Only)
As a Trauma Specialist, I will take you on a journey of healing using Attachment-Focused EMDR, Brainspotting, and I incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, Mind-Body techniques, and Mindfulness to help you heal and feel at peace.
You may have been emotionally, sexually, verbally, physically abused and/or neglected. You may be a survivor of Parental Alienation, another form of abuse; a child or the targeted parent. You want to be healed, not just struggling in life. You want your terrifying panic attacks that no one understands to be gone. You want to stop struggling and live the life you were meant to. You want your relationship with yourself and others to be healthier. Is the abuse/neglect you survived still affecting your life? It doesn't have to anymore. There is hope and healing. PTSD, Complex-PTSD (C-PTSD), Agoraphobia, and panic can be healed forever.
As a Trauma Specialist, I will take you on a journey of healing using Attachment-Focused EMDR, Brainspotting, and I incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, Mind-Body techniques, and Mindfulness to help you heal and feel at peace.
You may have been emotionally, sexually, verbally, physically abused and/or neglected. You may be a survivor of Parental Alienation, another form of abuse; a child or the targeted parent. You want to be healed, not just struggling in life. You want your terrifying panic attacks that no one understands to be gone. You want to stop struggling and live the life you were meant to. You want your relationship with yourself and others to be healthier. Is the abuse/neglect you survived still affecting your life? It doesn't have to anymore. There is hope and healing. PTSD, Complex-PTSD (C-PTSD), Agoraphobia, and panic can be healed forever.
![Photo of Meghan Gilliland, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53e380b1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Meghan Gilliland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Dover, MA 02030 (Online Only)
I specialize in using EMDR, an evidence based psychotherapy that is effective for a range of trauma-related disorders and life challenges including PTSD, anxiety, depression, addictions, and relationship difficulties.
Do you find yourself overthinking everything or battling an internal critic that tells you what you are doing wrong all the time? You've decided to reach out for therapy because you are tired of managing your insecurities and want to get to the root of the problem. Whether you have a history of trauma that you are ready to work through, or more recent life challenges, I can help.
I specialize in using EMDR, an evidence based psychotherapy that is effective for a range of trauma-related disorders and life challenges including PTSD, anxiety, depression, addictions, and relationship difficulties.
Do you find yourself overthinking everything or battling an internal critic that tells you what you are doing wrong all the time? You've decided to reach out for therapy because you are tired of managing your insecurities and want to get to the root of the problem. Whether you have a history of trauma that you are ready to work through, or more recent life challenges, I can help.
![Photo of Sheila DeMelle, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c2f47d9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Sheila DeMelle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Dover, MA 02030
Waitlist for new clients
I am both EMDR Certified and ASCH Certified.
Do you want to find a therapist who is attentive, respectful, empathic and effective? Are you struggling with feelings of deep sadness or anxiety? Do you find certain issues in your life overwhelming? I will provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for you to talk comfortably about your problems, challenges, hopes and goals. I enjoy developing warm and trusting relationships with my clients, and believe that you deserve to be happier.
I am both EMDR Certified and ASCH Certified.
Do you want to find a therapist who is attentive, respectful, empathic and effective? Are you struggling with feelings of deep sadness or anxiety? Do you find certain issues in your life overwhelming? I will provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for you to talk comfortably about your problems, challenges, hopes and goals. I enjoy developing warm and trusting relationships with my clients, and believe that you deserve to be happier.
![Photo of Maria Rheba Estante, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2b3b933-27b4-4ad2-bf0d-c8206f779e41/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maria Rheba Estante
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Dover, MA 02030 (Online Only)
EMDR and Flash Technique for trauma.
Do you have intrusive thoughts that become distracting and disrupt your day? Do you feel compelled to perform certain acts or rituals to alleviate your anxiety? Have you experienced a traumatic event that still haunts you? Has the stress of moving to a new country impacted your well- being? Are you lonely and struggling in an unfamiliar environment? You can move beyond your struggles. Gain coping skills to manage your OCD, heal from trauma and thrive in your new home. Reach out now, I look forward to hearing your story. Clinical supervision for pre-licensed therapists in California. Professional Consultations for clinicians.
EMDR and Flash Technique for trauma.
Do you have intrusive thoughts that become distracting and disrupt your day? Do you feel compelled to perform certain acts or rituals to alleviate your anxiety? Have you experienced a traumatic event that still haunts you? Has the stress of moving to a new country impacted your well- being? Are you lonely and struggling in an unfamiliar environment? You can move beyond your struggles. Gain coping skills to manage your OCD, heal from trauma and thrive in your new home. Reach out now, I look forward to hearing your story. Clinical supervision for pre-licensed therapists in California. Professional Consultations for clinicians.
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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.