EMDR Therapists in Weston, MA

Photo of Becca Reed, LCSW, LICSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Becca Reed
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Weston, MA 02493  (Online Only)
I offer EMDR therapy & brainspotting intensives to kick-off your healing process, because feeling better shouldn’t take months or even years to occur.
You are a woman who wants to feel like you have your feet underneath you, but deep down you are struggling with constantly feeling on edge or disconnected from life. You may have had a life changing event or maybe several events that are weighing heavily on you. You may be fed up trying to survive the day to day. You might not remember a time when things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to release the things weighing you down. You’re ready to have a better sense of control over your life. Most of all, you’re ready to transform into the best version of yourself.
I offer EMDR therapy & brainspotting intensives to kick-off your healing process, because feeling better shouldn’t take months or even years to occur.
You are a woman who wants to feel like you have your feet underneath you, but deep down you are struggling with constantly feeling on edge or disconnected from life. You may have had a life changing event or maybe several events that are weighing heavily on you. You may be fed up trying to survive the day to day. You might not remember a time when things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to release the things weighing you down. You’re ready to have a better sense of control over your life. Most of all, you’re ready to transform into the best version of yourself.
(207) 518-7508 View (207) 518-7508
Photo of Bambi M Rattner, PsyD, Psychologist
Bambi M Rattner
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Weston, MA 02493
We all have the capacity to experience joy and happiness, but when we carry unresolved trauma of any type, life can become a constant struggle. I specialize in private intensive therapy retreats that offer significant results in days, not years. My retreats combine recent advances in neuroscience and attachment research with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Progressive Counting (PC) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), enabling us to work with your underlying core issues – to get right to the heart of the problem – so that your symptoms are totally eliminated or significantly decreased.
We all have the capacity to experience joy and happiness, but when we carry unresolved trauma of any type, life can become a constant struggle. I specialize in private intensive therapy retreats that offer significant results in days, not years. My retreats combine recent advances in neuroscience and attachment research with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Progressive Counting (PC) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), enabling us to work with your underlying core issues – to get right to the heart of the problem – so that your symptoms are totally eliminated or significantly decreased.
(413) 327-9376 View (413) 327-9376
Photo of Dr. Cammy | Bliss In Being, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Cammy | Bliss In Being
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Weston, MA 02193  (Online Only)
Now is the time to get YOUR life back! We are currently accepting a limited number of clients for customized programs, including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Gottman Therapy, and intensive couple seminars.
Are you looking for relief from stress, worry, insomnia, or low mood? Has your partnership lost its sparkle? Does your body feel on edge and exhausted? Life doesn’t have to be so hard. Let’s work together and achieve the goals that have been just out of reach. E-mail me today and let's schedule a free consult. During that consult, we will discuss your strengths and the barriers that have held you back. Together, we will develop a customized program to meet your exact needs. All of our programs include top-tier, evidence-based interventions, like EMDR, Gottman Couple Method, Cognitive Processing, and more. Call to schedule!
Now is the time to get YOUR life back! We are currently accepting a limited number of clients for customized programs, including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Gottman Therapy, and intensive couple seminars.
Are you looking for relief from stress, worry, insomnia, or low mood? Has your partnership lost its sparkle? Does your body feel on edge and exhausted? Life doesn’t have to be so hard. Let’s work together and achieve the goals that have been just out of reach. E-mail me today and let's schedule a free consult. During that consult, we will discuss your strengths and the barriers that have held you back. Together, we will develop a customized program to meet your exact needs. All of our programs include top-tier, evidence-based interventions, like EMDR, Gottman Couple Method, Cognitive Processing, and more. Call to schedule!
(202) 980-4152 View (202) 980-4152
Photo of Rita Vatcher, LMHC, MCCS, CAGS, RPT-S, Counselor
Rita Vatcher
Counselor, LMHC, MCCS, CAGS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Weston, MA 02193
Interventions include art therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, and EMDR.
I love to work with kids and adolescents and their families. I believe people don't have "problems" but rather "challenges" they learn to move through or re-frame. Together we learn new ways of doing things; new ways of looking at things; find a new path of our own choosing that feels better than the one we were on; relate to ourselves and others in a healthier way; learn to smile and laugh more; find the things we are good at doing; make a contribution; stress less; be who we are meant to be, and love who we are as a person!
Interventions include art therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, and EMDR.
I love to work with kids and adolescents and their families. I believe people don't have "problems" but rather "challenges" they learn to move through or re-frame. Together we learn new ways of doing things; new ways of looking at things; find a new path of our own choosing that feels better than the one we were on; relate to ourselves and others in a healthier way; learn to smile and laugh more; find the things we are good at doing; make a contribution; stress less; be who we are meant to be, and love who we are as a person!
(508) 471-3442 View (508) 471-3442
Photo of Amanda Roberts Emdr, PhD, MA, Psychologist
Amanda Roberts Emdr
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Weston, MA 02493  (Online Only)
I am an EMDR expert of 26 years.
I have a virtual practice in several states on the East coast and am able to practice in close to 40 others. Online therapy is the new wave as a result of the pandemic and beyond. Telehealth offers not only additional safety but greater convenience in your already busy life. I studied psychology at Harvard University, Berkeley and the University of San Francisco. I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The California Institute in San Francisco.
I am an EMDR expert of 26 years.
I have a virtual practice in several states on the East coast and am able to practice in close to 40 others. Online therapy is the new wave as a result of the pandemic and beyond. Telehealth offers not only additional safety but greater convenience in your already busy life. I studied psychology at Harvard University, Berkeley and the University of San Francisco. I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The California Institute in San Francisco.
(413) 327-9082 View (413) 327-9082
Photo of Sarah Keniston, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Keniston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Weston, MA 02493  (Online Only)
If you are anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or experiencing panic attacks, and wish you could start enjoying your life, I can help. As a therapist, I take an active role and will not only listen carefully but will also offer feedback and suggestions. I respect that you will know what suggestions to accept, and will help you to find the patience to try things a few ways if that is what it takes. I offer a supportive, caring environment where I will take the time to fully understand what you are struggling with so that together, we can find your strengths and change the patterns or situations that have been causing you to be unhappy.
If you are anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or experiencing panic attacks, and wish you could start enjoying your life, I can help. As a therapist, I take an active role and will not only listen carefully but will also offer feedback and suggestions. I respect that you will know what suggestions to accept, and will help you to find the patience to try things a few ways if that is what it takes. I offer a supportive, caring environment where I will take the time to fully understand what you are struggling with so that together, we can find your strengths and change the patterns or situations that have been causing you to be unhappy.
(857) 230-0879 View (857) 230-0879
Photo of Mary Tate, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Tate
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Weston, MA 02493
It requires a lot of strength and courage to ask for help. Reaching out can be scary and unsettling, but you don't have to do it alone. I acknowledge what it took for you to seek help, and want to provide a safe, warm and comfortable environment for you to talk and open up. A strong therapeutic alliance is the key in ensuring honest, open, and constructive communication. In my sessions, I like to work together as two experts tackling your problems. I am direct, interactive, and genuine and will always be honest and upfront with you.
It requires a lot of strength and courage to ask for help. Reaching out can be scary and unsettling, but you don't have to do it alone. I acknowledge what it took for you to seek help, and want to provide a safe, warm and comfortable environment for you to talk and open up. A strong therapeutic alliance is the key in ensuring honest, open, and constructive communication. In my sessions, I like to work together as two experts tackling your problems. I am direct, interactive, and genuine and will always be honest and upfront with you.
(214) 949-1259 View (214) 949-1259
Photo of Cheryl Guerriero, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cheryl Guerriero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Weston, MA 02493  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with adults to meet their goals in an empathetic and supportive way. I work collaboratively with individuals to heal patterns that are creating difficulties in their lives. My style is down to earth, relaxed, supportive and compassionate, but can be guided when needed.
I enjoy working with adults to meet their goals in an empathetic and supportive way. I work collaboratively with individuals to heal patterns that are creating difficulties in their lives. My style is down to earth, relaxed, supportive and compassionate, but can be guided when needed.
(617) 229-6938 View (617) 229-6938
Photo of George E Sawin, LICSW, SAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
George E Sawin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, SAP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Weston, MA 02493
Yes I'm accepting new clients and referrals. I'm a Husband, Dad and Grandpa and employ those life's lessons, as well as my professional training and experience to help couples and single adults get what they want out of life. My approach is straight forward and solution focused to that objective. As a former police officer, I bring a keen insight to the lives, experiences and challenges that law enforcement families experience. Clients wishing to come to a deeper understanding of themselves, their spirituality and their relationships will enjoy the real life, honest and to the heart approach of my practice.e
Yes I'm accepting new clients and referrals. I'm a Husband, Dad and Grandpa and employ those life's lessons, as well as my professional training and experience to help couples and single adults get what they want out of life. My approach is straight forward and solution focused to that objective. As a former police officer, I bring a keen insight to the lives, experiences and challenges that law enforcement families experience. Clients wishing to come to a deeper understanding of themselves, their spirituality and their relationships will enjoy the real life, honest and to the heart approach of my practice.e
(781) 366-0615 View (781) 366-0615
Photo of Kimberly O'Brien - Unlimited Resilience LLC, PhD, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Unlimited Resilience LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LICSW
Verified Verified
Weston, MA 02493
Unlimited Resilience LLC is a private mental health practice for athletes by athletes. We see athletes of all ages and all abilities, from recreational youth to professional adults. Athletes come to us for a variety of reasons including depression, anxiety, disordered eating, compulsive exercise, recovering from injury, mental toughness, performance anxiety, and many others!
Unlimited Resilience LLC is a private mental health practice for athletes by athletes. We see athletes of all ages and all abilities, from recreational youth to professional adults. Athletes come to us for a variety of reasons including depression, anxiety, disordered eating, compulsive exercise, recovering from injury, mental toughness, performance anxiety, and many others!
(774) 208-0278 View (774) 208-0278
Photo of David Polidi, LICSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David Polidi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Weston, MA 02193  (Online Only)
Since 2000, I have been working with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. More recently, I have helping people manage traumas. Do you feel like you would like to do more with your life? Are you held back by overwhelming thoughts, and large emotions (or no emotions at all)? If so, I believe I can be helpful. I have experience helping people increase their hope, and belief in themselves. I enjoy working with couples also, and helping them feel heard, understood and appreciated. If we are a good match, I would be happy to work with you!
Since 2000, I have been working with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. More recently, I have helping people manage traumas. Do you feel like you would like to do more with your life? Are you held back by overwhelming thoughts, and large emotions (or no emotions at all)? If so, I believe I can be helpful. I have experience helping people increase their hope, and belief in themselves. I enjoy working with couples also, and helping them feel heard, understood and appreciated. If we are a good match, I would be happy to work with you!
(508) 635-5688 View (508) 635-5688
Photo of Janet Read, LMHC, Counselor
Janet Read
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Weston, MA 02493
If you’re here, you’re looking for help with something that's going on for you in your life. Maybe you’re looking for support as you navigate a transition, mourn a loss, or face a challenge. Or maybe something has been affecting you or your relationships, or keeping you stuck, and you're unsure of how to get to a better place. You may even have tried therapy before, but didn’t find it as helpful as you’d hoped, and you might be worried you can’t be helped. Or maybe personal development and self-understanding are important to you, and you welcome therapy as a part of your growth and evolution.
If you’re here, you’re looking for help with something that's going on for you in your life. Maybe you’re looking for support as you navigate a transition, mourn a loss, or face a challenge. Or maybe something has been affecting you or your relationships, or keeping you stuck, and you're unsure of how to get to a better place. You may even have tried therapy before, but didn’t find it as helpful as you’d hoped, and you might be worried you can’t be helped. Or maybe personal development and self-understanding are important to you, and you welcome therapy as a part of your growth and evolution.
(978) 643-9629 View (978) 643-9629
Photo of Madeleine Karpel, PhD, Psychologist
Madeleine Karpel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Weston, MA 02193
Not accepting new clients
I offer a range of therapy modalities, including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Interpersonal Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Please note, I am not currently able to accept new clients. I am a licensed clinical psychologist, providing individual therapy to adults (21 and older). I specialize in the treatment of trauma (PTSD, complex trauma), and also work with stress, burnout, depression, and life transitions, such as divorce, retirement, or return from military deployment. I also provide therapy to LGBTQIA+ and Gender-Diverse individuals navigating aspects of their intersecting identities, and/or gender identity and expression. My interpersonal style is warm, respectful, empathic, and practical.
I offer a range of therapy modalities, including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Interpersonal Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Please note, I am not currently able to accept new clients. I am a licensed clinical psychologist, providing individual therapy to adults (21 and older). I specialize in the treatment of trauma (PTSD, complex trauma), and also work with stress, burnout, depression, and life transitions, such as divorce, retirement, or return from military deployment. I also provide therapy to LGBTQIA+ and Gender-Diverse individuals navigating aspects of their intersecting identities, and/or gender identity and expression. My interpersonal style is warm, respectful, empathic, and practical.
(857) 663-7734 View (857) 663-7734
Photo of Sarah LaFontaine - Rising Hope Counseling Services, LMHC, LPC, Counselor
Rising Hope Counseling Services
Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Weston, MA 02493  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
As an EMDR and trauma therapist I believe that we all respond differently to stressors, whether they take us by surprise or whether we see them coming.
You didn’t expect life to look like this. You feel overwhelmed, disillusioned, or like your life is never going to change. You feel disconnected from your friends, family, and maybe even yourself. But you don’t want to live your life this way anymore. You’re no longer happy with the status quo. Most of all, you’re ready to feel free and regain control of your life. Therapy can help you manage the stress in your life and create the life you want, whatever that may look like.
As an EMDR and trauma therapist I believe that we all respond differently to stressors, whether they take us by surprise or whether we see them coming.
You didn’t expect life to look like this. You feel overwhelmed, disillusioned, or like your life is never going to change. You feel disconnected from your friends, family, and maybe even yourself. But you don’t want to live your life this way anymore. You’re no longer happy with the status quo. Most of all, you’re ready to feel free and regain control of your life. Therapy can help you manage the stress in your life and create the life you want, whatever that may look like.
(401) 618-4494 View (401) 618-4494
Photo of Heather Audette, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Heather Audette
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Weston, MA 02493  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Does life look pretty good from the outside, but leave you feeling scattered, stressed out, and overwhelmed? Maybe you're tired of dealing with constant worry, overthinking, and self-doubt. It might feel like you’re drowning in lists, schedules, deadlines … and everyone else’s needs and expectations. If most of your time and energy is taken up by just getting through the day, you may be left feeling completely exhausted. Somewhere between trying to exceed expectations and just staying afloat, you might have even lost sight of yourself.
Does life look pretty good from the outside, but leave you feeling scattered, stressed out, and overwhelmed? Maybe you're tired of dealing with constant worry, overthinking, and self-doubt. It might feel like you’re drowning in lists, schedules, deadlines … and everyone else’s needs and expectations. If most of your time and energy is taken up by just getting through the day, you may be left feeling completely exhausted. Somewhere between trying to exceed expectations and just staying afloat, you might have even lost sight of yourself.
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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Wenhui Yang, LMHC, Counselor
Wenhui Yang
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Newton, MA 02466
Waitlist for new clients
Are you aware of your people-pleasing tendency? Are you hoping to break the chains of self-doubt and overthinking? Are you aware how your past has impacted distress tolerance window? Are you open to treat self like a friend? Are you ready to make room for self-exploration? Are you considering EMDR treatment to reduce impacts from past traumatic incidents?.
Wenhui Yang is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with MAPsc LLC. Wenhui has 20+ years of experiencing working in various kinds of settings, including Community Outpatient Clinics, Emergency Services Program, Crisis Stabilization Units, Urgent Care Clinic, Psychiatric Admission Department, Trauma Center and latest Higher Education Counseling Centers. My lived in experience as an international student/an immigrant/an Asian/Asian American provider allow me to carry curious and multicultural lens while support individuals in managing emotions in relation to life events. I believe deeply in "you are the expert of your life experiences."
Are you aware of your people-pleasing tendency? Are you hoping to break the chains of self-doubt and overthinking? Are you aware how your past has impacted distress tolerance window? Are you open to treat self like a friend? Are you ready to make room for self-exploration? Are you considering EMDR treatment to reduce impacts from past traumatic incidents?.
Wenhui Yang is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with MAPsc LLC. Wenhui has 20+ years of experiencing working in various kinds of settings, including Community Outpatient Clinics, Emergency Services Program, Crisis Stabilization Units, Urgent Care Clinic, Psychiatric Admission Department, Trauma Center and latest Higher Education Counseling Centers. My lived in experience as an international student/an immigrant/an Asian/Asian American provider allow me to carry curious and multicultural lens while support individuals in managing emotions in relation to life events. I believe deeply in "you are the expert of your life experiences."
(508) 978-5907 View (508) 978-5907
Photo of Susan Elizabeth Aeschbach, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Elizabeth Aeschbach
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Waltham, MA 02451
I have 35+ years of experience and have been trained extensively in psychodynamic psychotherapy, hypnosis, mindfulness, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems).
I work in a very collaborative way to help you to achieve your personal goals. The fit is essential and so I invite you to meet with me to see if the match feels right. In our initial meetings I will want to get an understanding of what is working well in your life as well as what is not working well. I will also obtain a history and after a couple of sesions I will share with you my assessment of you and your problems and will recommend a treatment approach that I think will be helpful.
I have 35+ years of experience and have been trained extensively in psychodynamic psychotherapy, hypnosis, mindfulness, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems).
I work in a very collaborative way to help you to achieve your personal goals. The fit is essential and so I invite you to meet with me to see if the match feels right. In our initial meetings I will want to get an understanding of what is working well in your life as well as what is not working well. I will also obtain a history and after a couple of sesions I will share with you my assessment of you and your problems and will recommend a treatment approach that I think will be helpful.
(617) 500-1337 View (617) 500-1337
Photo of Catherine Harvey, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Catherine Harvey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Waltham, MA 02453
Additionally, I am currently undergoing certification in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), a proven treatment for trauma disorders.
My ideal client would be someone who is ready and willing to participate in treatment. I am comfortable with an array of different diagnoses and struggles. Their needs would include working towards tangible goals that we are able to breakdown in the treatment setting. They may want to work on self-esteem, depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms etc. They would want to minimize their symptoms and improve everyday functioning. The goal would ultimately be to no longer need treatment as they have reached their goals.
Additionally, I am currently undergoing certification in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), a proven treatment for trauma disorders.
My ideal client would be someone who is ready and willing to participate in treatment. I am comfortable with an array of different diagnoses and struggles. Their needs would include working towards tangible goals that we are able to breakdown in the treatment setting. They may want to work on self-esteem, depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms etc. They would want to minimize their symptoms and improve everyday functioning. The goal would ultimately be to no longer need treatment as they have reached their goals.
(617) 272-7968 View (617) 272-7968
Photo of Risheen Maheswaran Brown, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Risheen Maheswaran Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Newton, MA 02466
I am accepting referrals for weekly therapy and intensive EMDR therapy.
I work with clients to address a range of issues including anxiety and depression, problems at work or in relationships, stress and life transitions. I have a particular interest in serving clients who have experienced trauma as adults or in childhood. I primarily offer EMDR and emotion-focused therapy, but have advanced training in many approaches, including parts work and body-oriented therapy. I welcome clients who belong to historically marginalized groups and strive to create a space for clients to grapple with and make sense of their experience.
I am accepting referrals for weekly therapy and intensive EMDR therapy.
I work with clients to address a range of issues including anxiety and depression, problems at work or in relationships, stress and life transitions. I have a particular interest in serving clients who have experienced trauma as adults or in childhood. I primarily offer EMDR and emotion-focused therapy, but have advanced training in many approaches, including parts work and body-oriented therapy. I welcome clients who belong to historically marginalized groups and strive to create a space for clients to grapple with and make sense of their experience.
(781) 574-8957 View (781) 574-8957
Photo of Ashley O'Dell, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley O'Dell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Wellesley, MA 02481
Ashley is dedicated to providing affirmative care and has a passion for working with those healing from complex or acute trauma. In their therapeutic practice, informed by the nervous system and somatic therapy, Ashley strives to honor the ways in which our emotions and actions work to keep us safe, while also exploring how they may be disconnecting us from who and what we care about. Sessions with Ashley often focus on present-moment awareness, a mindfulness practice, and incorporate the principles of ego state therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and EMDR, without shying away from humor and celebrating joy.
Ashley is dedicated to providing affirmative care and has a passion for working with those healing from complex or acute trauma. In their therapeutic practice, informed by the nervous system and somatic therapy, Ashley strives to honor the ways in which our emotions and actions work to keep us safe, while also exploring how they may be disconnecting us from who and what we care about. Sessions with Ashley often focus on present-moment awareness, a mindfulness practice, and incorporate the principles of ego state therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and EMDR, without shying away from humor and celebrating joy.
(781) 731-1804 View (781) 731-1804
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.