EMDR Therapists in West Point, MS

Photo of John Hawkins, EdS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
John Hawkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Point, MS 39773
I use trauma-informed treatments like EMDR and cognitive-behavior therapy to help you heal from your past and transform those old trauma messages into empowering beliefs, so that you can live fully in the present and connect to your desired future.
Has trauma been your constant companion? Perhaps you relive your traumas daily, and an inner voice tells you that you're unlovable, unworthy, and not good enough. Anxiety and panic may leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck and limited in what you can do and where you can go. You want a full, productive life, but some days, it's almost impossible to get started. The people in your life don't understand. "Get over it," they tell you. You’ve tried everything you can think of, but you continue to feel discouraged because little if anything has changed. You need help now! Dare to believe you can get the life you want and deserve.
I use trauma-informed treatments like EMDR and cognitive-behavior therapy to help you heal from your past and transform those old trauma messages into empowering beliefs, so that you can live fully in the present and connect to your desired future.
Has trauma been your constant companion? Perhaps you relive your traumas daily, and an inner voice tells you that you're unlovable, unworthy, and not good enough. Anxiety and panic may leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck and limited in what you can do and where you can go. You want a full, productive life, but some days, it's almost impossible to get started. The people in your life don't understand. "Get over it," they tell you. You’ve tried everything you can think of, but you continue to feel discouraged because little if anything has changed. You need help now! Dare to believe you can get the life you want and deserve.
(662) 655-2432 View (662) 655-2432
Photo of Janae Robinson, MS, LPC-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Janae Robinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Point, MS 39773
She has received specialized training in DBT and is an EMDRIA approved EMDR Therapist.
Through Monarch Counseling & Wellness, Janae Robinson offers individual and couples counseling for adults and adolescents (ages 16+) seeking healing and support from trauma, grief/loss, and difficult life challenges. As well as, training and supervision services for mental health clinicians.
She has received specialized training in DBT and is an EMDRIA approved EMDR Therapist.
Through Monarch Counseling & Wellness, Janae Robinson offers individual and couples counseling for adults and adolescents (ages 16+) seeking healing and support from trauma, grief/loss, and difficult life challenges. As well as, training and supervision services for mental health clinicians.
(662) 756-5793 View (662) 756-5793
Photo of Emily Loupe, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emily Loupe
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Point, MS 39773
Waitlist for new clients
I seek to make my office a place of refuge, where you can be seen and heard without judgement. It brings me great joy to walk alongside people in their journey towards healing. I desire for my clients to get to a place where nothing is hindering their ability to live, play, and love well. EMDR is one of my favorite modalities to use in counseling. I believe it offers a different approach than traditional talk therapy that can help you get "unstuck" from negative thoughts or beliefs. If you are interested in EMDR I'd love to schedule a consultation to see if it would be a good fit for you.
I seek to make my office a place of refuge, where you can be seen and heard without judgement. It brings me great joy to walk alongside people in their journey towards healing. I desire for my clients to get to a place where nothing is hindering their ability to live, play, and love well. EMDR is one of my favorite modalities to use in counseling. I believe it offers a different approach than traditional talk therapy that can help you get "unstuck" from negative thoughts or beliefs. If you are interested in EMDR I'd love to schedule a consultation to see if it would be a good fit for you.
(662) 947-4030 View (662) 947-4030
Photo of Kenya Crawford-Walker, MS, NCC, LPC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kenya Crawford-Walker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
West Point, MS 39773
Counseling others has been my passion for the past 25 years. My joy and fulfillment comes from helping others increase the quality of their life. I am drawn to helping those who suffer with depression and anxiety, low self esteem, and symptoms of trauma and abuse. I believe everyone deserves to live a healthy and meaningful life no matter what mistakes they have made in the past. I also believe that it is in the worst situations that we discover our strengths and abilities.
Counseling others has been my passion for the past 25 years. My joy and fulfillment comes from helping others increase the quality of their life. I am drawn to helping those who suffer with depression and anxiety, low self esteem, and symptoms of trauma and abuse. I believe everyone deserves to live a healthy and meaningful life no matter what mistakes they have made in the past. I also believe that it is in the worst situations that we discover our strengths and abilities.
(662) 450-3358 View (662) 450-3358
Photo of Francis J Baird, PhD, LPC, Counselor
Francis J Baird
Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
West Point, MS 39773
We all find ourselves at points in life when our capacity to cope is just not enough for the difficulties that face us. Problems fall on a continuum from a little to a lot, and when they begin to negatively impact our ability to function in important life areas, such as decision making, it helps to have an impartial, nonjudgemental person to confide in. To paraphrase Dante "In the middle of this journey we call life I found myself in the middle of a dark wood with no clear path." Sometimes it to helps to have a guide with a light.
We all find ourselves at points in life when our capacity to cope is just not enough for the difficulties that face us. Problems fall on a continuum from a little to a lot, and when they begin to negatively impact our ability to function in important life areas, such as decision making, it helps to have an impartial, nonjudgemental person to confide in. To paraphrase Dante "In the middle of this journey we call life I found myself in the middle of a dark wood with no clear path." Sometimes it to helps to have a guide with a light.
(662) 356-3798 View (662) 356-3798
Photo of Elizabeth Marquez-Hawkins, MS, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elizabeth Marquez-Hawkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Point, MS 39773
With Monarch Counseling & Wellness, Elizabeth Marquez offers therapy to anyone over the age of 16 who may be ready to gain insight into their depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use issues, grief/loss, or trauma. The ultimate goal is to learn how to live with any of these and to have a productive life.
With Monarch Counseling & Wellness, Elizabeth Marquez offers therapy to anyone over the age of 16 who may be ready to gain insight into their depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use issues, grief/loss, or trauma. The ultimate goal is to learn how to live with any of these and to have a productive life.
(662) 667-1748 View (662) 667-1748
Photo of Sherri Nozik, MS,  LPC, NCC, CCTP, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sherri Nozik
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
West Point, MS 39773  (Online Only)
Looking for counseling but have a tight schedule, transportation complications, lack of options in your hometown, or just don’t want to have to go in-person? Online counseling might be right for you. I provide online counseling services, using a video platform, through Monarch Counseling and Wellness in Starkville, MS.
Looking for counseling but have a tight schedule, transportation complications, lack of options in your hometown, or just don’t want to have to go in-person? Online counseling might be right for you. I provide online counseling services, using a video platform, through Monarch Counseling and Wellness in Starkville, MS.
(662) 883-5863 View (662) 883-5863
Photo of Carrie P White, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carrie P White
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Point, MS 39773
Want to live beyond your life? Sometimes in life we get stuck between what we imagined our life to be and what it really is. This gap can create a lot of struggles and distress that can lead to unhealthy ways of thinking, which in turn leads to unhealthy behaviors. It is time to tend the gap and start living the life you imagined free from a depressed mood and anxiety that may be the source of your gap.
Want to live beyond your life? Sometimes in life we get stuck between what we imagined our life to be and what it really is. This gap can create a lot of struggles and distress that can lead to unhealthy ways of thinking, which in turn leads to unhealthy behaviors. It is time to tend the gap and start living the life you imagined free from a depressed mood and anxiety that may be the source of your gap.
(662) 237-3934 View (662) 237-3934
Photo of Amanda F Coleman, MA, LPC-S, NCC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amanda F Coleman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, NCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Point, MS 39773
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 18 years of experience in the field of mental healthcare. Before opening my private practice, I worked as a therapist, family counselor, clinical supervisor, and clinical manager. I have extensive experience treating adolescents and adults for a variety of mental health conditions. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. My desire is to partner with my clients and help them through challenges to find purpose, hope, and balance in life.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 18 years of experience in the field of mental healthcare. Before opening my private practice, I worked as a therapist, family counselor, clinical supervisor, and clinical manager. I have extensive experience treating adolescents and adults for a variety of mental health conditions. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. My desire is to partner with my clients and help them through challenges to find purpose, hope, and balance in life.
(662) 339-8706 View (662) 339-8706
Photo of Karla Morgan, MS, LPC, NCC, NCSC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Karla Morgan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, NCSC
Verified Verified
West Point, MS 39773
Not accepting new clients
With over fifteen years of experience as a counselor, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families as they uncover the truth, goodness, and strength they possess. I enjoy working with all clients, and I especially love working with adolescents and young adults, women's mental health, and survivors of trauma.
With over fifteen years of experience as a counselor, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families as they uncover the truth, goodness, and strength they possess. I enjoy working with all clients, and I especially love working with adolescents and young adults, women's mental health, and survivors of trauma.
(662) 766-4514 View (662) 766-4514

Online Therapists

Photo of Mark Russell - New Light Counseling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
New Light Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saltillo, MS 38866
I utilize several treatment modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR), and other proven therapy models.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with life? Sometimes in our journey we find ourselves feeling trapped with no one to turn to and no solutions in sight. I work with adult individuals and couples trying to improve themselves and their relationships with others. I am passionate about helping you become the best version of yourself. My training as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, along with many of the same life experiences, enables me to assist you in sorting out problems and issues you feel you would like to work on and improve.
I utilize several treatment modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR), and other proven therapy models.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with life? Sometimes in our journey we find ourselves feeling trapped with no one to turn to and no solutions in sight. I work with adult individuals and couples trying to improve themselves and their relationships with others. I am passionate about helping you become the best version of yourself. My training as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, along with many of the same life experiences, enables me to assist you in sorting out problems and issues you feel you would like to work on and improve.
(662) 655-0054 View (662) 655-0054
Photo of William (Billy) Meyers, MEd, LPC-S, , NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
William (Billy) Meyers
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Oxford, MS 38655
I tailor therapy to each client's needs using evidence-based approaches that include cognitive-behavioral therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions.
You may be considering therapy because you feel stuck in painful emotions or circumstances and aren’t sure how to try something new or even know what to try. As a therapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families, I can help you to develop a clear vision of how you would like to move forward in your life — identifying patterns in your thinking and behavior that make you feel stuck and that interfere with you reaching your goals. We’ll work on helping you to develop skills to connect with your strengths so you can make steps in a positive direction.
I tailor therapy to each client's needs using evidence-based approaches that include cognitive-behavioral therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions.
You may be considering therapy because you feel stuck in painful emotions or circumstances and aren’t sure how to try something new or even know what to try. As a therapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families, I can help you to develop a clear vision of how you would like to move forward in your life — identifying patterns in your thinking and behavior that make you feel stuck and that interfere with you reaching your goals. We’ll work on helping you to develop skills to connect with your strengths so you can make steps in a positive direction.
(662) 845-4999 View (662) 845-4999
Photo of Ellen Marie Frison, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ellen Marie Frison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saltillo, MS 38866
Waitlist for new clients
Marie Frison is the owner and clinician of Hearts of Healing Therapies, LLC and has over 16 years of experience working with individuals of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic, and grief-related issues. She provides evidenced-based treatment for individuals 10 years of age and older. Her specialties include trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic, worry, grief and loss. Marie is Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). She is also a Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP) and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP).
Marie Frison is the owner and clinician of Hearts of Healing Therapies, LLC and has over 16 years of experience working with individuals of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic, and grief-related issues. She provides evidenced-based treatment for individuals 10 years of age and older. Her specialties include trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic, worry, grief and loss. Marie is Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). She is also a Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP) and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP).
(662) 214-9299 View (662) 214-9299
Photo of Carrie Ann Carr, MA, LCPC, LPC-S, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carrie Ann Carr
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC-S, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oxford, MS 38655
Waitlist for new clients
I'm an EMDR certified clinician, consultant, and trainer with over 18 years of experience.
My mission is to provide clients with clear guidance, compassionate encouragement, and sound accountability so that they may organically evolve into their ideal self. I utilize a variety of efficacious treatment approaches in constructing a tailored journey towards balance, health, and success. I possess a high-energy, yet compassionate, therapeutic approach to promote each person's desired level of success. I especially enjoy working with other mental health and health care professionals to enable them to perform their jobs more effectively.
I'm an EMDR certified clinician, consultant, and trainer with over 18 years of experience.
My mission is to provide clients with clear guidance, compassionate encouragement, and sound accountability so that they may organically evolve into their ideal self. I utilize a variety of efficacious treatment approaches in constructing a tailored journey towards balance, health, and success. I possess a high-energy, yet compassionate, therapeutic approach to promote each person's desired level of success. I especially enjoy working with other mental health and health care professionals to enable them to perform their jobs more effectively.
(662) 506-3399 View (662) 506-3399
Photo of Tremmia Smith - Insight Counseling & Consulting, LLC, LPC-S, NCC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Insight Counseling & Consulting, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, NCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, MS 39350
This is done through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing ( EMDR) Therapy.
Do you overthink, feel anxious, tired, down, or unsure how to describe your feelings? Losses, hurts, disappointments, trauma, or other situations in life could have led to some these thoughts or emotions. It is tough trying to hold it together alone or thinking nobody would understand. Learn how to decrease the overthinking and work through the distressful emotions so you could live a happier life.
This is done through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing ( EMDR) Therapy.
Do you overthink, feel anxious, tired, down, or unsure how to describe your feelings? Losses, hurts, disappointments, trauma, or other situations in life could have led to some these thoughts or emotions. It is tough trying to hold it together alone or thinking nobody would understand. Learn how to decrease the overthinking and work through the distressful emotions so you could live a happier life.
(601) 202-5539 View (601) 202-5539
Photo of Laura Merrill McCaleb, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Merrill McCaleb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Starkville, MS 39759
I am an EMDR-trained therapist, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate, and I enjoy incorporating techniques from DBT and Mindfulness into our work.
Few feelings are more frustrating than finding yourself stuck in the same painful place you swore you'd never be in again. Depression, anger, anxiety, fear, and resentment can trap you, along with the habit of putting others' well-being before your own, returning to unhealthy relationships, engaging in self-destructive behaviors, or turning to substances that only worsen your struggles. These patterns can leave you feeling ashamed, overwhelmed, and hopeless.
I am an EMDR-trained therapist, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate, and I enjoy incorporating techniques from DBT and Mindfulness into our work.
Few feelings are more frustrating than finding yourself stuck in the same painful place you swore you'd never be in again. Depression, anger, anxiety, fear, and resentment can trap you, along with the habit of putting others' well-being before your own, returning to unhealthy relationships, engaging in self-destructive behaviors, or turning to substances that only worsen your struggles. These patterns can leave you feeling ashamed, overwhelmed, and hopeless.
(662) 876-1363 View (662) 876-1363
Photo of Michele V. Arney, PhD, LPC, NBCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michele V. Arney
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NBCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Starkville, MS 39759
Along with recovery related treatment strategies, I commonly use EMDR, mindfulness, trauma informed, solution focused, and several other therapeutic modes of therapy.
I might be biased, but I believe we all need a therapeutic, safe, reassuring place to process and heal. The beauty of therapy at my practice is this is a neutral space, led by a highly credentialed professionals, with a passion to walk people through trying times. I love therapy. It can be life changing, if you will allow it. Reaching out can be tough but when you make the decision, you become open to all of the possibilities. After 20 years, I still love it. Let me help you. This process takes determination, consistency and strength. I believe you can do it.
Along with recovery related treatment strategies, I commonly use EMDR, mindfulness, trauma informed, solution focused, and several other therapeutic modes of therapy.
I might be biased, but I believe we all need a therapeutic, safe, reassuring place to process and heal. The beauty of therapy at my practice is this is a neutral space, led by a highly credentialed professionals, with a passion to walk people through trying times. I love therapy. It can be life changing, if you will allow it. Reaching out can be tough but when you make the decision, you become open to all of the possibilities. After 20 years, I still love it. Let me help you. This process takes determination, consistency and strength. I believe you can do it.
(662) 498-5234 View (662) 498-5234
Photo of Lauren Bean-Farley, LPCMHSP, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lauren Bean-Farley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oxford, MS 38655
Waitlist for new clients
Lauren received her B.S. in Psychology in 2006 and M.S. in Counseling in 2011 from William Carey University. She is very passionate about working with individuals, children/adolescents, and families to improve relationships and quality of life. Lauren is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Aggression Replacement Training (ART), Collaborative Problem Solving(CPS), the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (ACRA), and has training in being an Adoptions Competent Counselor.
Lauren received her B.S. in Psychology in 2006 and M.S. in Counseling in 2011 from William Carey University. She is very passionate about working with individuals, children/adolescents, and families to improve relationships and quality of life. Lauren is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Aggression Replacement Training (ART), Collaborative Problem Solving(CPS), the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (ACRA), and has training in being an Adoptions Competent Counselor.
(662) 222-0566 View (662) 222-0566
Photo of Mary Beth Ketchum, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mary Beth Ketchum
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Starkville, MS 39759
Waitlist for new clients
I use various approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), play therapy, and solution focused therapy.
My desire is to come alongside you to assist you in overcoming obstacles and reaching your goals. I enjoy working with children, college students, and adults. I firmly believe that change is possible and am excited to help you create lasting change in your own life.
I use various approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), play therapy, and solution focused therapy.
My desire is to come alongside you to assist you in overcoming obstacles and reaching your goals. I enjoy working with children, college students, and adults. I firmly believe that change is possible and am excited to help you create lasting change in your own life.
(662) 222-0750 View (662) 222-0750
Photo of Kris Allen Riddle, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kris Allen Riddle
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Tupelo, MS 38804
He utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR).
After graduating from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1996, Kris began his career working with Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. He earned his Masters Degree in Counselor Education in 2001, and became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2008. Since then Kris has worked in Inpatient Psychiatric and Outpatient Settings. He has received training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT) for children, the Gottman Method Level 2 for Couples Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR).
He utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR).
After graduating from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1996, Kris began his career working with Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. He earned his Masters Degree in Counselor Education in 2001, and became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2008. Since then Kris has worked in Inpatient Psychiatric and Outpatient Settings. He has received training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT) for children, the Gottman Method Level 2 for Couples Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR).
(662) 430-3746 View (662) 430-3746

See more therapy options for West Point

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.