EMDR Therapists in Newton, NC

Photo of Jessica Spears, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Spears
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Newton, NC 28658
I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through EMDRIA.
My journey of helping individuals and families began as a hospice social worker. I worked closely with individuals and families to provide a "total care" approach while offering guidance through the emotional process of death. Now in private practice, I have worked with many cases and continue to use the "total care" approach with each client. I welcome all individuals and find incorporating your values/beliefs in therapy is supportive of the healing process. As I share with clients, we have to embrace our past, present and future to begin the healing process.
I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through EMDRIA.
My journey of helping individuals and families began as a hospice social worker. I worked closely with individuals and families to provide a "total care" approach while offering guidance through the emotional process of death. Now in private practice, I have worked with many cases and continue to use the "total care" approach with each client. I welcome all individuals and find incorporating your values/beliefs in therapy is supportive of the healing process. As I share with clients, we have to embrace our past, present and future to begin the healing process.
(828) 705-3431 View (828) 705-3431
Photo of Sylvia Vang, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sylvia Vang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newton, NC 28658  (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is through a trauma informed lens utilizing EMDR and integrating parts work therapy strategies.
You just want to feel better but there are parts of you that keep you in this vicious cycle of negative beliefs, self-doubt, unproductive patterns, and overthinking. You may feel ashamed and alone as you’re faced with challenges and uncertainties at home, work, or in your relationships. Perhaps you’re trying to make sense of your emotional pain from an unhappy childhood, stressful life experience, distressing memories, and/or unresolved issues. You are tired of living this way and you are ready to develop more compassion and empowerment to support yourself so that you can start feeling better, lighter, and more free.
My approach to therapy is through a trauma informed lens utilizing EMDR and integrating parts work therapy strategies.
You just want to feel better but there are parts of you that keep you in this vicious cycle of negative beliefs, self-doubt, unproductive patterns, and overthinking. You may feel ashamed and alone as you’re faced with challenges and uncertainties at home, work, or in your relationships. Perhaps you’re trying to make sense of your emotional pain from an unhappy childhood, stressful life experience, distressing memories, and/or unresolved issues. You are tired of living this way and you are ready to develop more compassion and empowerment to support yourself so that you can start feeling better, lighter, and more free.
(828) 330-9398 View (828) 330-9398
Photo of Janice M. Blocker, MA, LCMHC
Janice M. Blocker
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newton, NC 28658  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am working on certification as a Trauma Informed Art Therapist, I have training in EMDR and Trauma Focused CBT.
Hello, my name is Janice Blocker. Are you or someone you love struggling with mental health challenges? I may be able to help. What are your goals? Do you need a little motivation to reach the next level? Sometimes, you just need an active listener. I can help guide you to a better understanding of yourself, I can be a coach or your biggest cheerleader. Therapy is about you, your needs and what you want to achieve with therapy. I hope I can get a chance to meet you!
I am working on certification as a Trauma Informed Art Therapist, I have training in EMDR and Trauma Focused CBT.
Hello, my name is Janice Blocker. Are you or someone you love struggling with mental health challenges? I may be able to help. What are your goals? Do you need a little motivation to reach the next level? Sometimes, you just need an active listener. I can help guide you to a better understanding of yourself, I can be a coach or your biggest cheerleader. Therapy is about you, your needs and what you want to achieve with therapy. I hope I can get a chance to meet you!
(828) 373-2732 View (828) 373-2732
Photo of LaRue Neilson, LCMHC, NCC, LCASA
LaRue Neilson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, NCC, LCASA
Verified Verified
Newton, NC 28658
You have taken an incredibly positive and courageous step by deciding to seek therapy, and I am honored to walk alongside you during this journey. It is my belief that every individual possesses the strength necessary to grow, heal, and live from a place of restoration. Trauma-informed approaches are the foundation of my work as a counselor and I welcome you to take a step toward healing.
You have taken an incredibly positive and courageous step by deciding to seek therapy, and I am honored to walk alongside you during this journey. It is my belief that every individual possesses the strength necessary to grow, heal, and live from a place of restoration. Trauma-informed approaches are the foundation of my work as a counselor and I welcome you to take a step toward healing.
(828) 519-1051 View (828) 519-1051
Photo of Lane K Griffith, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Lane K Griffith
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Newton, NC 28658
Not accepting new clients
Life can be joyous and full of possibilities, as well as confusing, and at times, devastating. My goal is to help adolescents and adults successfully navigate the challenges of life to find peace and healing. I welcome clients of all backgrounds, and provide a safe, non-judgmental place to help you find your light and strength.
Life can be joyous and full of possibilities, as well as confusing, and at times, devastating. My goal is to help adolescents and adults successfully navigate the challenges of life to find peace and healing. I welcome clients of all backgrounds, and provide a safe, non-judgmental place to help you find your light and strength.
(704) 207-0083 View (704) 207-0083
Photo of Catherine Elizabeth Cochran, LCMHC, NCC, Counselor
Catherine Elizabeth Cochran
Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Newton, NC 28658
Have you chosen to embrace your wellness, and explore and pursue your goals? Are you ready to address your challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental environment? Depression, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, struggling with anger and relationships can make you feel alone and afraid. You are not alone and you are brave. When you are ready to make a change in your life, counseling can help.
Have you chosen to embrace your wellness, and explore and pursue your goals? Are you ready to address your challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental environment? Depression, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, struggling with anger and relationships can make you feel alone and afraid. You are not alone and you are brave. When you are ready to make a change in your life, counseling can help.
(980) 858-5157 View (980) 858-5157
Photo of Astra B Czerny, PhD, LCMHC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Astra B Czerny
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Newton, NC 28658  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Empowerment and healing go hand in hand. All of us experience challenges and hard times. We all struggle. Let me help you understand what is getting in the way. Together, we can guide your actions to a place where you feel more in control - Empowered! I will walk with you through the process of transformation. Is saying no difficult for you? Do you struggle to set boundaries with others? Are your own needs and happiness often pushed aside? Is your self worth based on how others treat you?
Empowerment and healing go hand in hand. All of us experience challenges and hard times. We all struggle. Let me help you understand what is getting in the way. Together, we can guide your actions to a place where you feel more in control - Empowered! I will walk with you through the process of transformation. Is saying no difficult for you? Do you struggle to set boundaries with others? Are your own needs and happiness often pushed aside? Is your self worth based on how others treat you?
(828) 374-1648 View (828) 374-1648

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Sara Nafziger-Shelly, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Nafziger-Shelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28601
I have expertise in traditional modalities (psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, DBT) as well as non-traditional ones like sandtray therapy, art therapy, EMDR, dreamwork and spiritual direction.
We each have the wisdom within ourselves to guide us on our life journey. However, we often forget to listen when life around us is loud, confusing or perplexing. Additionally, childhood trauma or old baggage interferes with our listening ability. These distractions prevent us from hearing our own inner wisdom. I am a sojourner with my clients as I help them learn to listen to their own internal wisdom. Together, we work to discover inner healing, peace and life balance in their lives.
I have expertise in traditional modalities (psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, DBT) as well as non-traditional ones like sandtray therapy, art therapy, EMDR, dreamwork and spiritual direction.
We each have the wisdom within ourselves to guide us on our life journey. However, we often forget to listen when life around us is loud, confusing or perplexing. Additionally, childhood trauma or old baggage interferes with our listening ability. These distractions prevent us from hearing our own inner wisdom. I am a sojourner with my clients as I help them learn to listen to their own internal wisdom. Together, we work to discover inner healing, peace and life balance in their lives.
(828) 332-5831 View (828) 332-5831
Photo of Rikki L. Rogers, MSW, LCSW, CFT-I™, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rikki L. Rogers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CFT-I™
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28601
Waitlist for new clients
Using EMDR therapy intensively over several hours of treatment allows you to heal old feelings, patterns, and crippling negative beliefs that have kept you stuck and hurting for a long time.
You've tried a lot of things to try to feel better... self-care, breathing exercises, stress management, maybe you've even seen a couple of therapists. But the things you struggle with like worry, depression, anger, loneliness, self-criticism and fear that things won't ever change just keep coming back up. Maybe you've lost some relationships or turned to something harmful to make you feel temporarily better. You're not messed up or broken. At some point in life, maybe as a child, your body learned how to protect itself from hurt when you needed protection most. Time has moved on but you still feel stuck. That's where EMDR comes in.
Using EMDR therapy intensively over several hours of treatment allows you to heal old feelings, patterns, and crippling negative beliefs that have kept you stuck and hurting for a long time.
You've tried a lot of things to try to feel better... self-care, breathing exercises, stress management, maybe you've even seen a couple of therapists. But the things you struggle with like worry, depression, anger, loneliness, self-criticism and fear that things won't ever change just keep coming back up. Maybe you've lost some relationships or turned to something harmful to make you feel temporarily better. You're not messed up or broken. At some point in life, maybe as a child, your body learned how to protect itself from hurt when you needed protection most. Time has moved on but you still feel stuck. That's where EMDR comes in.
(828) 330-9145 View (828) 330-9145
Photo of Allison Lane, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison Lane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28602
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, EMDR and TIST and have received extensive training in each modality.
It takes courage to take the first step to participate in therapy. I begin my work with a focus on relationship building as the therapeutic relationship is essential to a successful therapy experience. I believe it is critical to view clients from a non-judgmental perspective, and recognize that each individual is capable of obtaining a meaningful life. I provide a safe space for clients to address the challenges that prevent them from living the life they desire. My role is to facilitate growth and meaning-making of those experiences that are most relevant to the clients I serve.
I specialize in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, EMDR and TIST and have received extensive training in each modality.
It takes courage to take the first step to participate in therapy. I begin my work with a focus on relationship building as the therapeutic relationship is essential to a successful therapy experience. I believe it is critical to view clients from a non-judgmental perspective, and recognize that each individual is capable of obtaining a meaningful life. I provide a safe space for clients to address the challenges that prevent them from living the life they desire. My role is to facilitate growth and meaning-making of those experiences that are most relevant to the clients I serve.
(828) 471-4590 View (828) 471-4590
Photo of Mike Vannoy, MA, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mike Vannoy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28601
Not accepting new clients
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral, MET, Gestalt, Experiential, Integrated, Family Systems, Person Centered, DBT, Substance Abuse Family Interventions, and EMDR.
I am well versed in a number of theoretical approaches, utilizing an integrated strategy designed to meet your needs best. I treat adults, and families. I am very well suited to work with a wide spectrum of populations including both mental health and addiction issues. Most of my patients find that I am a good listener with empathic and genuine qualities. I am dedicated to my work and believe in meeting my patients where they are in relation to our work together. If you are looking for a therapist who is versatile, experienced, and open to a variety of issues I might be a good fit for you.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral, MET, Gestalt, Experiential, Integrated, Family Systems, Person Centered, DBT, Substance Abuse Family Interventions, and EMDR.
I am well versed in a number of theoretical approaches, utilizing an integrated strategy designed to meet your needs best. I treat adults, and families. I am very well suited to work with a wide spectrum of populations including both mental health and addiction issues. Most of my patients find that I am a good listener with empathic and genuine qualities. I am dedicated to my work and believe in meeting my patients where they are in relation to our work together. If you are looking for a therapist who is versatile, experienced, and open to a variety of issues I might be a good fit for you.
(828) 471-6810 View (828) 471-6810
Photo of Shauna E Allen, MA, LCMHC
Shauna E Allen
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Hickory, NC 28601  (Online Only)
Through Brainspotting, EMDR, CBT, and talk therapy practices, I help them build stronger connections with the people who matter the most.
There is so much excitement around babies. From the sound of soft baby coos to the warm cuddles right before a nap. Ideally, babies are fun, but new parenthood can be overwhelming, scary, and anxiety provoking. That’s something we don’t talk about enough. From brain fog, not feeling like yourself, body betrayals, feeling out of place, shifts in relationships, grief, exhaustion all the way to isolation, there is so much that can come up in the journey to parenthood. You want to feel balanced, and enjoy yourself again. You want your body to do what it’s supposed to. You want to feel heard, seen, and connected.
Through Brainspotting, EMDR, CBT, and talk therapy practices, I help them build stronger connections with the people who matter the most.
There is so much excitement around babies. From the sound of soft baby coos to the warm cuddles right before a nap. Ideally, babies are fun, but new parenthood can be overwhelming, scary, and anxiety provoking. That’s something we don’t talk about enough. From brain fog, not feeling like yourself, body betrayals, feeling out of place, shifts in relationships, grief, exhaustion all the way to isolation, there is so much that can come up in the journey to parenthood. You want to feel balanced, and enjoy yourself again. You want your body to do what it’s supposed to. You want to feel heard, seen, and connected.
(704) 272-2034 View (704) 272-2034
Photo of Joy Martin, PhD, LCMHCS, MAC, NCC
Joy Martin
PhD, LCMHCS, MAC, NCC
Verified Verified
Hickory, NC 28601
I have been in the helping field for over fifteen years. I work with children, adolescents, couples, & families.Working with all of these age groups has helped me to have a better worldview of how issues affect us throughout different stages of our lives.My approach is cognitive behavioral therapy with family systems, but I also believe that an integrated approach alows us to use the events that have hurt us over the years to actually strengthen us today. I do EMDR as well. It is a process but I am here to guide & support you through getting to a healthier you.I am full of gratitude for the opportunties I have to work with you.
I have been in the helping field for over fifteen years. I work with children, adolescents, couples, & families.Working with all of these age groups has helped me to have a better worldview of how issues affect us throughout different stages of our lives.My approach is cognitive behavioral therapy with family systems, but I also believe that an integrated approach alows us to use the events that have hurt us over the years to actually strengthen us today. I do EMDR as well. It is a process but I am here to guide & support you through getting to a healthier you.I am full of gratitude for the opportunties I have to work with you.
(828) 382-8565 View (828) 382-8565
Photo of Tami Grossens, LCSW, ACSW, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tami Grossens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28601
Through multiple therapeutic techniques including EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution focused, mindfulness, play therapy, and Motivational Interviewing I work with each client to assist them in developing their own insight and positive change.
Every situation presents us with the opportunity to view things from 2 perspectives. My goal is to help each client find their own clear perspective. I work with the person's own strengths and abilities to help each person achieve their fullest potential. I have experience working with and enjoy treating a variety of symptoms and issues including depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, victims of abuse, PTSD, stress management, phase of life issues, grief and loss, relationship stressors, academic and vocational issues.
Through multiple therapeutic techniques including EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution focused, mindfulness, play therapy, and Motivational Interviewing I work with each client to assist them in developing their own insight and positive change.
Every situation presents us with the opportunity to view things from 2 perspectives. My goal is to help each client find their own clear perspective. I work with the person's own strengths and abilities to help each person achieve their fullest potential. I have experience working with and enjoy treating a variety of symptoms and issues including depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, victims of abuse, PTSD, stress management, phase of life issues, grief and loss, relationship stressors, academic and vocational issues.
(828) 615-4074 View (828) 615-4074
Photo of Ken Doyle, MA, LCMHC, NCC, Counselor
Ken Doyle
Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Hickory, NC 28602
I offer EMDR, Brainspotting, as well as a range of other therapeutic interventions.
My ideal client is anyone who is in need of help, wants to make a change, or interested in bettering their lives. Anyone looking for a therapist who is understanding, accepting, and cares about their overall forward progress.
I offer EMDR, Brainspotting, as well as a range of other therapeutic interventions.
My ideal client is anyone who is in need of help, wants to make a change, or interested in bettering their lives. Anyone looking for a therapist who is understanding, accepting, and cares about their overall forward progress.
(828) 268-3778 View (828) 268-3778
Photo of Stephanie English, MA, LCMHC
Stephanie English
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Conover, NC 28613
Through a holistic approach, evidence-based interventions of EMDR, cognitive-behavioral and dialectical-behavior direction as well as other therapeutic modalities, I enjoy assisting my clients through their healing and growth process to find meaningful connections with themselves and within relationships.
When life and relationships create unsettling challenges, people tend to rely on unhealthy, learned emotional reactions and thought patterns. By creating a safe, non-judgmental environment in therapy, I can help you identify these destructive emotions and thought processes, while consciously redirecting them into a mindfully positive, rational perspective to decrease emotional distress, reduce life and family conflicts, and stressors.
Through a holistic approach, evidence-based interventions of EMDR, cognitive-behavioral and dialectical-behavior direction as well as other therapeutic modalities, I enjoy assisting my clients through their healing and growth process to find meaningful connections with themselves and within relationships.
When life and relationships create unsettling challenges, people tend to rely on unhealthy, learned emotional reactions and thought patterns. By creating a safe, non-judgmental environment in therapy, I can help you identify these destructive emotions and thought processes, while consciously redirecting them into a mindfully positive, rational perspective to decrease emotional distress, reduce life and family conflicts, and stressors.
(828) 547-3738 View (828) 547-3738
Photo of Tami Grossens - Clear Perspective, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Clear Perspective
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28601
We have training in EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness, hypnosis, and play therapy.
Are you having difficulty moving forward from a trauma in your past? Do you feel that anxiety prevents you from living the life you would like to live? Do you feel that parenting offers challenges that you could use some help working through? These are only a few of the issues that the clinicians at Clear Perspective can help you with. The clinicians at Clear Perspective use a client centered approach matching the skills and methods to meet your individual needs. We want to help our clients live up to their fullest potential and find their own clear perspective.
We have training in EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness, hypnosis, and play therapy.
Are you having difficulty moving forward from a trauma in your past? Do you feel that anxiety prevents you from living the life you would like to live? Do you feel that parenting offers challenges that you could use some help working through? These are only a few of the issues that the clinicians at Clear Perspective can help you with. The clinicians at Clear Perspective use a client centered approach matching the skills and methods to meet your individual needs. We want to help our clients live up to their fullest potential and find their own clear perspective.
(828) 475-1452 View (828) 475-1452
Photo of Brittany Starbuck, LCSWA, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brittany Starbuck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, MSW
Verified Verified
Hickory, NC 28601  (Online Only)
She incorporates a variety of treatment modalities in her work including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and Sand Tray Therapy to meet the unique nee.
Brittany loves helping families work through challenges and coming up with strategies that best support each person’s individual needs. Brittany always provides a safe therapeutic environment for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, offering a supportive space of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. Brittany also enjoys working with postpartum women/adults seeking help with parenting skills and mental health support after pregnancy and childbirth. As the mom to a young child herself, she understands the complexities of postpartum life and offers specialized support to new moms.
She incorporates a variety of treatment modalities in her work including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and Sand Tray Therapy to meet the unique nee.
Brittany loves helping families work through challenges and coming up with strategies that best support each person’s individual needs. Brittany always provides a safe therapeutic environment for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, offering a supportive space of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. Brittany also enjoys working with postpartum women/adults seeking help with parenting skills and mental health support after pregnancy and childbirth. As the mom to a young child herself, she understands the complexities of postpartum life and offers specialized support to new moms.
(984) 217-4797 View (984) 217-4797
Photo of Bre Padgett, LCMHC, LCAS
Bre Padgett
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Maiden, NC 28650
I have certification in EMDR and specialize in addiction, trauma, attachment, relationship challenges, family work, PTSD, and depression/anxiety.
When I started working in therapy, I often worked with people who felt “stuck”. Stuck in the rudimentary day-to-day life, cycle of unhealthy patterns, or struggling to cope after a tragedy. It seemed as though traditional talk therapy just wasn’t helping, no matter how many different things we tried. Clients were wanting something deeper, a more meaningful experience. A lot of people felt hopeless. Then… I saw the same individuals interact with horses. And that's when the magic happened. I knew the transformative healing that could happen through equine therapy.
I have certification in EMDR and specialize in addiction, trauma, attachment, relationship challenges, family work, PTSD, and depression/anxiety.
When I started working in therapy, I often worked with people who felt “stuck”. Stuck in the rudimentary day-to-day life, cycle of unhealthy patterns, or struggling to cope after a tragedy. It seemed as though traditional talk therapy just wasn’t helping, no matter how many different things we tried. Clients were wanting something deeper, a more meaningful experience. A lot of people felt hopeless. Then… I saw the same individuals interact with horses. And that's when the magic happened. I knew the transformative healing that could happen through equine therapy.
(828) 408-0065 View (828) 408-0065
Photo of Jill Brooks, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill Brooks
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28601
I am trained in EMDR and can help walk people through and heal from recent or past trauma.
Many of my clients say that, in one way or another, their life just seems disjointed, frustrating, overwhelming, lonely and confusing. Sometimes that is a description of their inner state of mind, or it could describe how they feel within their most personal relationships. Others report a significant life change that has thrown them off course. It could be a career crossroad, a traumatic event/upbringing, a relational struggle, or a spiritual battle that brings them to seek therapy.
I am trained in EMDR and can help walk people through and heal from recent or past trauma.
Many of my clients say that, in one way or another, their life just seems disjointed, frustrating, overwhelming, lonely and confusing. Sometimes that is a description of their inner state of mind, or it could describe how they feel within their most personal relationships. Others report a significant life change that has thrown them off course. It could be a career crossroad, a traumatic event/upbringing, a relational struggle, or a spiritual battle that brings them to seek therapy.
(828) 414-2505 View (828) 414-2505

See more therapy options for Newton

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.