EMDR Therapists in Catonsville, MD

Photo of Heather Stanley, MSW, LCSW-C, CAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather Stanley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, CAS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
Recently trained in EMDR.
I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) with over 20 years professional experience, over 15 of which have been in private practice. I provide counseling for adults, children, adolescents, and families. In the past I worked at Villa Maria after School Program where I provided individual, group, and family therapy. I have attended school meetings, knowledgeable with IEP process and school behavioral management.
Recently trained in EMDR.
I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) with over 20 years professional experience, over 15 of which have been in private practice. I provide counseling for adults, children, adolescents, and families. In the past I worked at Villa Maria after School Program where I provided individual, group, and family therapy. I have attended school meetings, knowledgeable with IEP process and school behavioral management.
(443) 840-6620 View (443) 840-6620
Photo of Ellen Sloh, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ellen Sloh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228  (Online Only)
Congrats on taking the first step towards wellness and searching for a therapist! I believe that the therapeutic Alliance is important and you are the expert of your life and I bring in the professional guidance. Consistent daily practice of self-compassion, empathy, and healthy boundaries can overcome years of trauma and unhealthy coping skills. Everyone has the capacity to move towards mental wellness given appropriate resources and empathy. I utilize an eclectic style in my approach and implement CBT,DBT, EMDR along with a client centered approach because therapy is not one size fits all. I also provide Clinical Supervision.
Congrats on taking the first step towards wellness and searching for a therapist! I believe that the therapeutic Alliance is important and you are the expert of your life and I bring in the professional guidance. Consistent daily practice of self-compassion, empathy, and healthy boundaries can overcome years of trauma and unhealthy coping skills. Everyone has the capacity to move towards mental wellness given appropriate resources and empathy. I utilize an eclectic style in my approach and implement CBT,DBT, EMDR along with a client centered approach because therapy is not one size fits all. I also provide Clinical Supervision.
(410) 883-7872 View (410) 883-7872
Photo of Carrie Holland-Lee, LCPC
Carrie Holland-Lee
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
I use a client centered approach where I help the client focus on the skills and resources they have in order to help solve the problems they have in their life. I offer a warm, non-judgmental approach to therapy and am happy to help my clients learn and grow through their experiences. I am trained in EMDR and use this technique to help clients with a trauma work through and heal from their past. I also do marriage and couples counseling with all types of couples including those in non-monogamous relationships.
I use a client centered approach where I help the client focus on the skills and resources they have in order to help solve the problems they have in their life. I offer a warm, non-judgmental approach to therapy and am happy to help my clients learn and grow through their experiences. I am trained in EMDR and use this technique to help clients with a trauma work through and heal from their past. I also do marriage and couples counseling with all types of couples including those in non-monogamous relationships.
(443) 424-6237 View (443) 424-6237
Photo of Shelby Murtagh, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shelby Murtagh
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
I am EMDR trained to work with children, teens, and adults.
I work with clients who are ready to regain joy, feel better, and move forward from the past. Clients who are ready to take the next step in their healing journey, but might need a little help along the way are typically a great fit. I use a strengths-based perspective to help improve the skills clients already have in order to help them create a happier and healthier life for themselves and/or their families. I offer my services to children, teens, and adults who are seeking help for grief and loss, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
I am EMDR trained to work with children, teens, and adults.
I work with clients who are ready to regain joy, feel better, and move forward from the past. Clients who are ready to take the next step in their healing journey, but might need a little help along the way are typically a great fit. I use a strengths-based perspective to help improve the skills clients already have in order to help them create a happier and healthier life for themselves and/or their families. I offer my services to children, teens, and adults who are seeking help for grief and loss, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
(240) 617-4088 View (240) 617-4088
Photo of Liza Hicks, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Liza Hicks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Catonsville, MD 21228
My approach incorporates elements from Internal Family Systems, as well as EMDR.
I trust that finding a therapist is challenging and can be overwhelming. I am a caring, supportive, intelligent and well trained therapist. I am committed to helping people overcome challenges and pain in their lives.
My approach incorporates elements from Internal Family Systems, as well as EMDR.
I trust that finding a therapist is challenging and can be overwhelming. I am a caring, supportive, intelligent and well trained therapist. I am committed to helping people overcome challenges and pain in their lives.
(443) 406-2363 View (443) 406-2363
Photo of Tracey Mack, LCPC, CSOTP, CCTP, CDWF
Tracey Mack
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CSOTP, CCTP, CDWF
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
This pain can end with the use of EMDR as you will begin to notice changes immediately.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! Let's get to the real stuff!! Are you having a difficult time managing the "stuff" in your life? Whether it be depression, anxiety, substances, relationships, etc. We are living in a very fast pace world where our stuff can become overwhelming and may need some assistance. My belief to counseling is to assist the client where they are and aid in identifying solutions. Through therapy, I provide my clients with the tools that they need to live their life to the fullest and to discover the potential they have within themselves.
This pain can end with the use of EMDR as you will begin to notice changes immediately.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! Let's get to the real stuff!! Are you having a difficult time managing the "stuff" in your life? Whether it be depression, anxiety, substances, relationships, etc. We are living in a very fast pace world where our stuff can become overwhelming and may need some assistance. My belief to counseling is to assist the client where they are and aid in identifying solutions. Through therapy, I provide my clients with the tools that they need to live their life to the fullest and to discover the potential they have within themselves.
(410) 593-1739 View (410) 593-1739
Photo of Kelley Cohill, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelley Cohill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Catonsville, MD 21228
EMDR may be employed to resolve past trauma or blocks to change.
Change is possible by taking the first step. Perhaps you are feeling stuck, can’t seem to move forward. Maybe you’ve fallen into unhealthy habits that you can't shake. Despite your efforts, do you find that difficult emotions persist. Although life's ups and downs can feel daunting, I am here to provide compassionate support and practical tools to facilitate emotional well-being and personal growth.
EMDR may be employed to resolve past trauma or blocks to change.
Change is possible by taking the first step. Perhaps you are feeling stuck, can’t seem to move forward. Maybe you’ve fallen into unhealthy habits that you can't shake. Despite your efforts, do you find that difficult emotions persist. Although life's ups and downs can feel daunting, I am here to provide compassionate support and practical tools to facilitate emotional well-being and personal growth.
(410) 929-5860 View (410) 929-5860
Photo of Kimberly Maher
Kimberly Maher
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Catonsville, MD 21228  (Online Only)
I use a variety of modalities to include, but not limited to CBT, Mindfulness, Narrative, ACT, solution-focused and EMDR.
It is time for you to be empowered, time for you to leave your worries at the door, time to create a safe space to process your stressors, and redefine your feelings/thoughts/distress. I have been a therapist for over 10 years and believe that therapy is a team approach. You have the voice to work together to create your own new path. Each person is unique and the therapeutic approach should be that way as well. I do not believe in therapy being a "one shoe fits all" approach and as a result I am more of an eclectic therapist.
I use a variety of modalities to include, but not limited to CBT, Mindfulness, Narrative, ACT, solution-focused and EMDR.
It is time for you to be empowered, time for you to leave your worries at the door, time to create a safe space to process your stressors, and redefine your feelings/thoughts/distress. I have been a therapist for over 10 years and believe that therapy is a team approach. You have the voice to work together to create your own new path. Each person is unique and the therapeutic approach should be that way as well. I do not believe in therapy being a "one shoe fits all" approach and as a result I am more of an eclectic therapist.
(443) 781-8961 View (443) 781-8961
Photo of Amy Smith, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228  (Online Only)
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) which takes a distressing event and reduces disturbing feelings associated with it.
I provide telehealth therapy to individuals aged 18+ on a variety of issues and currently have weekday daytime availability. I have a passion for working with people that experience anxiety, trauma, and phase of life issues.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) which takes a distressing event and reduces disturbing feelings associated with it.
I provide telehealth therapy to individuals aged 18+ on a variety of issues and currently have weekday daytime availability. I have a passion for working with people that experience anxiety, trauma, and phase of life issues.
(410) 304-7078 View (410) 304-7078
Photo of Amanda Garratt, LCSW-C, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Garratt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, EMDR
Verified Verified
Catonsville, MD 21228
We’ll get into your body and OUT of your mind, using somatic techniques such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and meditation.
Your anxiety just won’t go away! Every day you’re plagued with incessant what-ifs and worries about what others think. The constant striving for perfection is exhausting, as is that judgmental voice in your head that keeps telling you what you did wrong or how you’re not enough. You can’t remember the last time you had a full night’s sleep. You have tried everything, and nothing has helped. Your brain just won’t stop, and if someone tells you to “relax” one more time, you’ll lose it.
We’ll get into your body and OUT of your mind, using somatic techniques such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and meditation.
Your anxiety just won’t go away! Every day you’re plagued with incessant what-ifs and worries about what others think. The constant striving for perfection is exhausting, as is that judgmental voice in your head that keeps telling you what you did wrong or how you’re not enough. You can’t remember the last time you had a full night’s sleep. You have tried everything, and nothing has helped. Your brain just won’t stop, and if someone tells you to “relax” one more time, you’ll lose it.
(443) 903-2454 View (443) 903-2454
Photo of Lulu Appel, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lulu Appel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
I am trained in and practice dialectical behavior therapy, play therapy, sand therapy, EMDR and trauma-informed therapy.
"You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the entire ocean in a drop." Rumi's words are my view of therapy, connection and growth.  To me, therapy is about discovering resiliency and meeting goals.  My clients make lasting changes in their lives as they gain new understanding of their struggles and expand their vision of what is possible.  I love watching clients of all ages increase happiness in their lives.
I am trained in and practice dialectical behavior therapy, play therapy, sand therapy, EMDR and trauma-informed therapy.
"You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the entire ocean in a drop." Rumi's words are my view of therapy, connection and growth.  To me, therapy is about discovering resiliency and meeting goals.  My clients make lasting changes in their lives as they gain new understanding of their struggles and expand their vision of what is possible.  I love watching clients of all ages increase happiness in their lives.
(443) 227-5943 View (443) 227-5943
Photo of Ilana Posner, LMSW, 	30237, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ilana Posner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, 30237
Verified Verified
Catonsville, MD 21228
We may incorporate EMDR to help reprocess difficult memories and reduce their emotional intensity, alongside other evidence-based therapies to facilitate healing and growth.
If you struggle with anxiety, racing thoughts about what-if scenarios, feeling the need to "earn" someone's love, or feeling pressured to be “perfect,” know that you're not alone. These are common experiences, and I'm here to help you navigate them. We can explore these experiences together, develop strategies to manage them, and ultimately create a more fulfilling and peaceful life. We'll explore coping skills to regulate emotions and challenge these limiting beliefs. I can help you create a more balanced life, where your needs are as important as everyone else’s. We'll integrate mindfulness, grounding, & somatic techniques.
We may incorporate EMDR to help reprocess difficult memories and reduce their emotional intensity, alongside other evidence-based therapies to facilitate healing and growth.
If you struggle with anxiety, racing thoughts about what-if scenarios, feeling the need to "earn" someone's love, or feeling pressured to be “perfect,” know that you're not alone. These are common experiences, and I'm here to help you navigate them. We can explore these experiences together, develop strategies to manage them, and ultimately create a more fulfilling and peaceful life. We'll explore coping skills to regulate emotions and challenge these limiting beliefs. I can help you create a more balanced life, where your needs are as important as everyone else’s. We'll integrate mindfulness, grounding, & somatic techniques.
(443) 264-3593 View (443) 264-3593
Photo of John Lawrence Potash, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
John Lawrence Potash
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Catonsville, MD 21228
I've been working as a therapist for people suffering from Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, bereavement, trauma issues, and addictions for over 30 years. I've also done much couples counseling and family counseling. In 2015 I obtained 50 hours training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), now considered the gold standard for treating people with life traumas as well as anxieties (Certified 2022). I've seen great results in faster time on these & other issues since. I look forward to helping you identify the changes you'd like to make and helping you enhance your strengths for achieving your goals.
I've been working as a therapist for people suffering from Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, bereavement, trauma issues, and addictions for over 30 years. I've also done much couples counseling and family counseling. In 2015 I obtained 50 hours training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), now considered the gold standard for treating people with life traumas as well as anxieties (Certified 2022). I've seen great results in faster time on these & other issues since. I look forward to helping you identify the changes you'd like to make and helping you enhance your strengths for achieving your goals.
(410) 697-5233 View (410) 697-5233
Photo of Kelly Streit, LCPC
Kelly Streit
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
I utilize EMDR, Ego State Therapy, Brainspotting, CBT, CBT-I, experiential approaches as well as, other modalities to help you feel your best.
Hi, I am Kelly. I'm an action-oriented trauma therapist that helps people feel the way they would like to feel. If your childhood was especially painful, you want to feel differently and you're ready for change, setting boundaries feels difficult and you feel overwhelmed by your day-to-day tasks, I am the therapist for you. I'm skilled in assisting adults ages 21+, who are experiencing challenges related to parenting guilt, anxiety, insomnia, grief, phobias, as well as have a special interest in PTSD, childhood trauma and working with veterans.
I utilize EMDR, Ego State Therapy, Brainspotting, CBT, CBT-I, experiential approaches as well as, other modalities to help you feel your best.
Hi, I am Kelly. I'm an action-oriented trauma therapist that helps people feel the way they would like to feel. If your childhood was especially painful, you want to feel differently and you're ready for change, setting boundaries feels difficult and you feel overwhelmed by your day-to-day tasks, I am the therapist for you. I'm skilled in assisting adults ages 21+, who are experiencing challenges related to parenting guilt, anxiety, insomnia, grief, phobias, as well as have a special interest in PTSD, childhood trauma and working with veterans.
(443) 494-2217 View (443) 494-2217
Photo of Nicole White-Samuels - Life Connection Services, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Life Connection Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
Nicole White-Samuels has worked in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, residential and private practice. Nicole White-Samuels is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), an evidenced based practice found extremely effective in providing relief and healing for those suffering with trauma, as well as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). an evidence-based practice used in treating children impacted by trauma. She is certified in Brainspotting assisting her clients to access, process and overcome unresolved trauma, negative emotions, and pain.
Nicole White-Samuels has worked in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, residential and private practice. Nicole White-Samuels is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), an evidenced based practice found extremely effective in providing relief and healing for those suffering with trauma, as well as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). an evidence-based practice used in treating children impacted by trauma. She is certified in Brainspotting assisting her clients to access, process and overcome unresolved trauma, negative emotions, and pain.
(410) 469-6681 View (410) 469-6681
Photo of Melania O'Hatnick, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Melania O'Hatnick
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
My expertise in EMDR, Body Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness, gives me a unique and successful approach to helping individuals heal from their past, conquer their fears, stop the emotional eating and manage their weight.
Do you feel you are not living your life at its full potential? Are you unsatisfied with the quality and direction of your life? Does self doubt, anxiety, sadness, anger or emotional eating interfere with your personal, professional or social life? Do you still feel the pain of past sexual or physical abuse, bullying, neglect, or feelings of being unloved? Do you cope by overeating? Has a military experience left you with unwanted intrusive thoughts and uncontrollable emotions? It is difficult to go through life with such overwhelming emotions, but there is hope and and I can help.
My expertise in EMDR, Body Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness, gives me a unique and successful approach to helping individuals heal from their past, conquer their fears, stop the emotional eating and manage their weight.
Do you feel you are not living your life at its full potential? Are you unsatisfied with the quality and direction of your life? Does self doubt, anxiety, sadness, anger or emotional eating interfere with your personal, professional or social life? Do you still feel the pain of past sexual or physical abuse, bullying, neglect, or feelings of being unloved? Do you cope by overeating? Has a military experience left you with unwanted intrusive thoughts and uncontrollable emotions? It is difficult to go through life with such overwhelming emotions, but there is hope and and I can help.
(443) 732-3021 View (443) 732-3021
Photo of Kelly Bishop, LPC, LCPC, Counselor
Kelly Bishop
Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
I use an integrated approach to celebrate the uniqueness of each person and most commonly utilize techniques from CBT, ACT, IFS, EMDR, and mindfulness.
Seeing patients in person in PA and remotely in MD. The journey through life is full of ups and downs and sometimes those downs can create barriers that make us feel stuck and can impact our ability to enjoy the ups. Though it might not feel like it, you have the power and strength to overcome those struggles; it just might take a little help, and hey, we ALL can use a little help navigating the curveballs of life! My mission is to provide that guidance to help unlock the answers within you to create that change you’ve been wishing for.
I use an integrated approach to celebrate the uniqueness of each person and most commonly utilize techniques from CBT, ACT, IFS, EMDR, and mindfulness.
Seeing patients in person in PA and remotely in MD. The journey through life is full of ups and downs and sometimes those downs can create barriers that make us feel stuck and can impact our ability to enjoy the ups. Though it might not feel like it, you have the power and strength to overcome those struggles; it just might take a little help, and hey, we ALL can use a little help navigating the curveballs of life! My mission is to provide that guidance to help unlock the answers within you to create that change you’ve been wishing for.
(717) 357-8230 View (717) 357-8230
Photo of Gardner McCullough, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gardner McCullough
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Catonsville, MD 21228
Together we will use a wide range of techniques tailored to fit your needs such as CBT, EMDR, trauma-focused therapy, all through a strength based model to achieve your goals.
Accepting new patients! Take a step towards healing with a compassionate LCSW-C specializing in anxiety, trauma, depression and high performing individuals. Drawing from over a decade of experience, I understand the unique challenges you may face. I tailor an approach that puts your needs first and foremost with a focus on helping you reach your goal. I integrate cognitive-behavioral models, including EMDR and CBT, with a patient-centered focus. My commitment is to guide you through challenges, fostering growth and resilience. Discover personalized therapy that empowers, motivates, and helps you get to the level you want to be.
Together we will use a wide range of techniques tailored to fit your needs such as CBT, EMDR, trauma-focused therapy, all through a strength based model to achieve your goals.
Accepting new patients! Take a step towards healing with a compassionate LCSW-C specializing in anxiety, trauma, depression and high performing individuals. Drawing from over a decade of experience, I understand the unique challenges you may face. I tailor an approach that puts your needs first and foremost with a focus on helping you reach your goal. I integrate cognitive-behavioral models, including EMDR and CBT, with a patient-centered focus. My commitment is to guide you through challenges, fostering growth and resilience. Discover personalized therapy that empowers, motivates, and helps you get to the level you want to be.
(410) 834-4858 View (410) 834-4858
Photo of Meg Henry, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Meg Henry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
If appropriate, I incorporate EMDR to process trauma, alongside other tools to guide your healing.
My goal as a therapist is to heIp you break free from what weighs you down and create a fulfilling, meaningful life. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. Together, we’ll work through what’s holding you back, using approaches that fit your needs—whether it’s focusing on mindfulness, exploring patterns from your past, or processing trauma.
If appropriate, I incorporate EMDR to process trauma, alongside other tools to guide your healing.
My goal as a therapist is to heIp you break free from what weighs you down and create a fulfilling, meaningful life. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. Together, we’ll work through what’s holding you back, using approaches that fit your needs—whether it’s focusing on mindfulness, exploring patterns from your past, or processing trauma.
(443) 390-5231 View (443) 390-5231
Photo of Megan Veon, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC, Art Therapist
Megan Veon
Art Therapist, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Catonsville, MD 21228
I utilize collaboration, art making, EMDR, connection, and insight in therapy sessions.
Accepting new clients at this time. You're ready. You've been thinking about it, and you have a goal in mind. You're looking for a professional to offer guidance, give you tools, and help you stay on track. I am a therapist and art psychotherapist with years of experience helping adults, adolescents, and children with concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, trauma, rape/sexual abuse, and ADHD. I have worked in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs for adolescents at risk, as well as adult inpatient and general outpatient settings for adults, adolescents, and children.
I utilize collaboration, art making, EMDR, connection, and insight in therapy sessions.
Accepting new clients at this time. You're ready. You've been thinking about it, and you have a goal in mind. You're looking for a professional to offer guidance, give you tools, and help you stay on track. I am a therapist and art psychotherapist with years of experience helping adults, adolescents, and children with concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, trauma, rape/sexual abuse, and ADHD. I have worked in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs for adolescents at risk, as well as adult inpatient and general outpatient settings for adults, adolescents, and children.
(240) 209-9108 View (240) 209-9108
1

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.