Therapists in Orange County, NC
Lorie Lowans-Wells
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), MBSR-Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and meditation, Play Therapy, talk therapy (Psychodynamic) and Sand Tray.
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety or self-worth? Are you still grieving something you thought you were over? Do you need to reduce stress? Therapy is a wonderful place to reduce difficult feelings and improve self-care. Therapy is a safe place-no judgement- but honest, caring support and guidance.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), MBSR-Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and meditation, Play Therapy, talk therapy (Psychodynamic) and Sand Tray.
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety or self-worth? Are you still grieving something you thought you were over? Do you need to reduce stress? Therapy is a wonderful place to reduce difficult feelings and improve self-care. Therapy is a safe place-no judgement- but honest, caring support and guidance.
Zoe Services, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) by the EMDR Institute.
Sometimes in life we need someone to come along side us and walk with us for a while on our journey. I would describe myself as a sojourner. I provide a positive, nonjudgmental environment to see individuals as they work on addressing challenges they are facing. I work with teens and adults to address issues including depression, anxiety, infertility, life transitions, grief and loss along with parenting related stressors. Some of my speciality areas include: Postpartum issues, maternal mental health and EMDR. I also provide help to other professionals to address secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and "burn out".
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) by the EMDR Institute.
Sometimes in life we need someone to come along side us and walk with us for a while on our journey. I would describe myself as a sojourner. I provide a positive, nonjudgmental environment to see individuals as they work on addressing challenges they are facing. I work with teens and adults to address issues including depression, anxiety, infertility, life transitions, grief and loss along with parenting related stressors. Some of my speciality areas include: Postpartum issues, maternal mental health and EMDR. I also provide help to other professionals to address secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and "burn out".
Rachel Marshall
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Exposure Therapy, Seeking Safety, Play Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy (children ages 3-12), Anxiety, Depression, and Related Disorders, Systemic Family and Couples Therapy, Co-parenting and Blended Families, Sports and Executive Performance, ADHD/Executive Functioning Training.
Rachel has been working with adults, children, couples,and adolescents in a mental health capacity since 2003. She tries to meet people where they are at and maintain a nonjudgmental approach to helping each person she serves in a unique and supportive way. She has been licensed since 2010 and in private practice since 2012. She has had the opportunity to train with world renowned experts in her field. In addition to creating her own personalized approach to treating trauma Rachel is also trained in the following evidence based treatment modalities:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Exposure Therapy, Seeking Safety, Play Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy (children ages 3-12), Anxiety, Depression, and Related Disorders, Systemic Family and Couples Therapy, Co-parenting and Blended Families, Sports and Executive Performance, ADHD/Executive Functioning Training.
Rachel has been working with adults, children, couples,and adolescents in a mental health capacity since 2003. She tries to meet people where they are at and maintain a nonjudgmental approach to helping each person she serves in a unique and supportive way. She has been licensed since 2010 and in private practice since 2012. She has had the opportunity to train with world renowned experts in her field. In addition to creating her own personalized approach to treating trauma Rachel is also trained in the following evidence based treatment modalities:
Michelle Mobley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, RYT200, CIMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a holistic approach to therapy that is rooted cognitively and somatically in EMDR & CPT.
Do you feel like a part of you is stuck in the past or perhaps a part of you is always thinking about the future? Maybe you feel the tension in your body and hear the endless chatter of your thoughts? Intellectually you know you are good enough and lovable but there's a feeling that lingers. You might be considering that your physical pain could have roots in your thoughts/feelings. Perhaps you've experienced something really difficult and challenging. Maybe trauma(s)? Clients that work with me are aware of the mind-body connection & are looking for an integrative approach to therapy.
I offer a holistic approach to therapy that is rooted cognitively and somatically in EMDR & CPT.
Do you feel like a part of you is stuck in the past or perhaps a part of you is always thinking about the future? Maybe you feel the tension in your body and hear the endless chatter of your thoughts? Intellectually you know you are good enough and lovable but there's a feeling that lingers. You might be considering that your physical pain could have roots in your thoughts/feelings. Perhaps you've experienced something really difficult and challenging. Maybe trauma(s)? Clients that work with me are aware of the mind-body connection & are looking for an integrative approach to therapy.
Phillip Bass
Counselor, MDiv, ThM, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
My areas of specialty include LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, and relationships. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, poly families, and ENM relationships. I also provide clinical supervision to LCMHCA's. With over 10 years of experience, I've come to enjoy helping clients find their voice, recognize their needs, and discover the benefits of self-care and boundaries. My work is heavily focused in Attachment Theory, but I also include aspects of Queer Theory, EMDR, CBT, and others as appropriate.
My areas of specialty include LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, and relationships. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, poly families, and ENM relationships. I also provide clinical supervision to LCMHCA's. With over 10 years of experience, I've come to enjoy helping clients find their voice, recognize their needs, and discover the benefits of self-care and boundaries. My work is heavily focused in Attachment Theory, but I also include aspects of Queer Theory, EMDR, CBT, and others as appropriate.
I work with adults struggling with relationship issues, addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Many of my clients are high performers who have become successful despite a difficult childhood. If you are curious how therapy can help you reduce your suffering, improve your relationships, and help you heal from past traumas, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I use elements of EMDR therapy in my approach. I am kink allied and sex positive. I invite you to come as you are. I will respect, support, and encourage you during our time in therapy.
I work with adults struggling with relationship issues, addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Many of my clients are high performers who have become successful despite a difficult childhood. If you are curious how therapy can help you reduce your suffering, improve your relationships, and help you heal from past traumas, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I use elements of EMDR therapy in my approach. I am kink allied and sex positive. I invite you to come as you are. I will respect, support, and encourage you during our time in therapy.
Tiffany Sands (Husack)
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), & Solution-Focused Therapy.
Telehealth only at the current time. Do you struggle with anxiety and/or depression that affects your everyday life? Do you wonder if your life could be better? Now more than ever people are struggling and don’t know how to overcome their challenges & are feeling alone. I believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live the life you desire. For the past 25 years I have offered a supportive and non-judgmental environment with an integrative approach that maximizes the ability to overcome obstacles to happiness and fulfillment. We will work collaboratively in assisting you with developing and achieving your personal goals.
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), & Solution-Focused Therapy.
Telehealth only at the current time. Do you struggle with anxiety and/or depression that affects your everyday life? Do you wonder if your life could be better? Now more than ever people are struggling and don’t know how to overcome their challenges & are feeling alone. I believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live the life you desire. For the past 25 years I have offered a supportive and non-judgmental environment with an integrative approach that maximizes the ability to overcome obstacles to happiness and fulfillment. We will work collaboratively in assisting you with developing and achieving your personal goals.
Amber L. Borcyk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
It can be scary to be honest with oneself, let alone with others. Yet, most of us still desire to be seen, loved, and accepted. I work with people curious about how their childhood, cultural background(s), identities, and trauma influence how they relate to themselves, family, lovers, friends, and authority figures. My work centers on anti-racism and the lived experiences of folks who are Queer, Transgender, Polyamourous, or Kinky. I enjoy working with people outside of these identities as well. Modalities I utilize are Relationship Analysis, EMDR, Parts Work, Psychodynamic Techniques, and Sex Therapy.
It can be scary to be honest with oneself, let alone with others. Yet, most of us still desire to be seen, loved, and accepted. I work with people curious about how their childhood, cultural background(s), identities, and trauma influence how they relate to themselves, family, lovers, friends, and authority figures. My work centers on anti-racism and the lived experiences of folks who are Queer, Transgender, Polyamourous, or Kinky. I enjoy working with people outside of these identities as well. Modalities I utilize are Relationship Analysis, EMDR, Parts Work, Psychodynamic Techniques, and Sex Therapy.
Sally F Maslansky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Carrboro, NC 27510 (Online Only)
I am skilled with the many issues associated with trauma offering EMDR, EFT/TAPPING, and attachment based practices to soothe the suffering so often associated with trauma.
Therapy at its best is a unique collaboration between therapist and client. I offer my education, training and experience along with an open mind and attuned communication to assist my clients' in exploring the issues they bring to therapy. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in working with adults, couples, adolescents and families working on interpersonal and intra-personal issues. I am committed to nurturing my client's personal growth and development towards achieving a deeper sense of self knowing and the ability to live an integrated, emotionally regulated and balanced life.
I am skilled with the many issues associated with trauma offering EMDR, EFT/TAPPING, and attachment based practices to soothe the suffering so often associated with trauma.
Therapy at its best is a unique collaboration between therapist and client. I offer my education, training and experience along with an open mind and attuned communication to assist my clients' in exploring the issues they bring to therapy. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in working with adults, couples, adolescents and families working on interpersonal and intra-personal issues. I am committed to nurturing my client's personal growth and development towards achieving a deeper sense of self knowing and the ability to live an integrated, emotionally regulated and balanced life.
Clare R Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Most influential modalities are AEDP, mindfulness, EMDR, Inner Relationship Focusing.
What is it that brings vitality? What gets you stuck? Often times we don't realize, we are not taught, that the key to well being is our relationship with self and with what is actually happening, not what we think should happen. As we learn to trust what is arising rather than believe it is bad, and we learn to value and process emotions and experiences, we start to relate to our self and to life differently. Setting limits, bold choices, passion and clarity become more possible and natural. And so we find: our suffering, our symptoms turn out not to be a problem to be fixed, but a gateway to our freedom.
Most influential modalities are AEDP, mindfulness, EMDR, Inner Relationship Focusing.
What is it that brings vitality? What gets you stuck? Often times we don't realize, we are not taught, that the key to well being is our relationship with self and with what is actually happening, not what we think should happen. As we learn to trust what is arising rather than believe it is bad, and we learn to value and process emotions and experiences, we start to relate to our self and to life differently. Setting limits, bold choices, passion and clarity become more possible and natural. And so we find: our suffering, our symptoms turn out not to be a problem to be fixed, but a gateway to our freedom.
Susanne Kaiser
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in CBT, CPT, EMDR, IFS, SE & other Trauma focused therapies, Energy Psychology (EDxTM-CP), and mindful body inclusive/somatic psychotherapies including Hakomi (Graduate) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
*My Practice is currently full.* I began a search over 20 years ago that allowed me to experience healing in ways that honor the entire human being -not just the mind. My approach is one that honors each client's strengths and path towards wholeness. I empower clients towards their own self-healing. My work is integrative - utilizing mindfulness and inviting the soul/spirit, mind & body to drive the process of therapy. I specialize in non-pathologizing therapies. I strive to create an atmosphere of safety first and foremost. I feel that spirituality is an integral part of the healing process.
I am trained in CBT, CPT, EMDR, IFS, SE & other Trauma focused therapies, Energy Psychology (EDxTM-CP), and mindful body inclusive/somatic psychotherapies including Hakomi (Graduate) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
*My Practice is currently full.* I began a search over 20 years ago that allowed me to experience healing in ways that honor the entire human being -not just the mind. My approach is one that honors each client's strengths and path towards wholeness. I empower clients towards their own self-healing. My work is integrative - utilizing mindfulness and inviting the soul/spirit, mind & body to drive the process of therapy. I specialize in non-pathologizing therapies. I strive to create an atmosphere of safety first and foremost. I feel that spirituality is an integral part of the healing process.
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One of my goals as your therapist would be to provide a relationship of trust, respect and warmth. I want to understand your frame of reference, needs and goals, and tailor my work with you accordingly. To do this, I draw from a wide array of traditions and skills, including psychodynamic therapies, hypnosis, Cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness/meditation training, EMDR, Trauma therapy, relational work, and dream work.
One of my goals as your therapist would be to provide a relationship of trust, respect and warmth. I want to understand your frame of reference, needs and goals, and tailor my work with you accordingly. To do this, I draw from a wide array of traditions and skills, including psychodynamic therapies, hypnosis, Cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness/meditation training, EMDR, Trauma therapy, relational work, and dream work.
2nd Spring CCC, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carrboro, NC 27510 (Online Only)
My trauma-focused approach integrates Brainspotting, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, CBT, and more, for lasting personal transformations.
If what you need is a healing journey from life's challenges or relationship complexities, I'm here to guide you. Whether you're navigating traumas, in need of coping strategies, or wanting lasting positive changes, your journey is at the heart of my warm, personalized approach. From self-discovery to resilience, find a genuine connection and expert support crafted just for you. Let's embark together on a personal path to well-being, where the focus is on your needs and aspirations with understanding, compassion, and heartfelt expertise.
My trauma-focused approach integrates Brainspotting, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, CBT, and more, for lasting personal transformations.
If what you need is a healing journey from life's challenges or relationship complexities, I'm here to guide you. Whether you're navigating traumas, in need of coping strategies, or wanting lasting positive changes, your journey is at the heart of my warm, personalized approach. From self-discovery to resilience, find a genuine connection and expert support crafted just for you. Let's embark together on a personal path to well-being, where the focus is on your needs and aspirations with understanding, compassion, and heartfelt expertise.
Amy Carmen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
I specialize in CBT, DBT, interpersonal work, and interpersonal EMDR.
All clients are ideal to me. The journey of life places us all exactly where we need to be to heal and grow. As humans, we are exquisitely designed for this sometimes painful, sometimes joyful path. I am privileged to be able to join my clients in this work and lead them to where they want to go. I look forward to talking with you about what you would like to change in your life. For over 30 years, I have been helping a diverse clientele with a vast array of mental health, substance use, and trauma concerns in a variety of settings.
I specialize in CBT, DBT, interpersonal work, and interpersonal EMDR.
All clients are ideal to me. The journey of life places us all exactly where we need to be to heal and grow. As humans, we are exquisitely designed for this sometimes painful, sometimes joyful path. I am privileged to be able to join my clients in this work and lead them to where they want to go. I look forward to talking with you about what you would like to change in your life. For over 30 years, I have been helping a diverse clientele with a vast array of mental health, substance use, and trauma concerns in a variety of settings.
Certificate in Biblical Counseling, EMDR trained and PTSD/PTG researcher / conference presenter, SWARM Team for Mental Health.
I offer tailor made counseling services, including traditional & psychedelic therapy as well as coaching, to those experiencing life's difficulties. My compassionate and non-judgmental approach is predicated on offering helpful direction towards specific, realistic, client determined goals. I am very comfortable working with individuals or couples of all ages, veterans and business executives. My approaches based on individual client expectations and needs. Each approach is customized and personal. Phone and video and sessions are available for added convenience. I offer a Christian worldview approach upon request.
Certificate in Biblical Counseling, EMDR trained and PTSD/PTG researcher / conference presenter, SWARM Team for Mental Health.
I offer tailor made counseling services, including traditional & psychedelic therapy as well as coaching, to those experiencing life's difficulties. My compassionate and non-judgmental approach is predicated on offering helpful direction towards specific, realistic, client determined goals. I am very comfortable working with individuals or couples of all ages, veterans and business executives. My approaches based on individual client expectations and needs. Each approach is customized and personal. Phone and video and sessions are available for added convenience. I offer a Christian worldview approach upon request.
Taylor Starns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Trained EMDR Practitioner, utilizing EMDR to support recovery from trauma, embodied distress, and deeply held negative beliefs.
As a Therapist, I believe that central to our success is a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship. I prioritize creating a safe relational space for my clients so that we can identify areas of strength and areas of growth. I specialize in Mood Disorders such as anxiety and depression, Eating Disorders, life transitions, Gender and Sexuality, and social/relational issues. I am a Certified EMDR Practitioner with extensive training and experience in supporting LGBTQIA+ adolescents and adults through transitions and mental health distress.
I am a Trained EMDR Practitioner, utilizing EMDR to support recovery from trauma, embodied distress, and deeply held negative beliefs.
As a Therapist, I believe that central to our success is a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship. I prioritize creating a safe relational space for my clients so that we can identify areas of strength and areas of growth. I specialize in Mood Disorders such as anxiety and depression, Eating Disorders, life transitions, Gender and Sexuality, and social/relational issues. I am a Certified EMDR Practitioner with extensive training and experience in supporting LGBTQIA+ adolescents and adults through transitions and mental health distress.
Trish Burkert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
Using a variety of treatment modalities, including what is widely-considered to be the gold standard for trauma resolution, EMDR, I work with you to remove unconscious blockages that may be standing in your way of fully achieving your goals.
I work well with clients who have previously found therapy to be lacking. While my clients typically find sessions enjoyable, I also push for each person with whom I work to utilize learned skills throughout the week! Life changes require effort but I also understand that it's hard to make significant changes when every moment feels like slogging through molasses. I tend to be more involved as a therapist than some, which is a choice born out of my own life experiences. Sometimes people don't have a fully-developed support system to help support them as they begin to make healthier choices. If that's the case for you, get in touch.
Using a variety of treatment modalities, including what is widely-considered to be the gold standard for trauma resolution, EMDR, I work with you to remove unconscious blockages that may be standing in your way of fully achieving your goals.
I work well with clients who have previously found therapy to be lacking. While my clients typically find sessions enjoyable, I also push for each person with whom I work to utilize learned skills throughout the week! Life changes require effort but I also understand that it's hard to make significant changes when every moment feels like slogging through molasses. I tend to be more involved as a therapist than some, which is a choice born out of my own life experiences. Sometimes people don't have a fully-developed support system to help support them as they begin to make healthier choices. If that's the case for you, get in touch.
Tausha G Watson
Psychologist, PsyD, RPT, TCTSY-F, SEP, RYT-500
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I utilize different techniques to help my clients, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic experiencing (SE), mindfulness, biofeedback, Internal Family Systems (IFS), yoga, and more.
We often feel lost, stuck, and helpless when we struggle to find solutions to our everyday problems. At this point, our problems can become obstacles blocking us from living the best days of our lives. However, psychotherapy can help us overcome these obstacles by teaching us how to cope better with our emotions and thoughts, gain insight into our problems, make impactful changes, communicate effectively, find solutions, and stop engaging in self-sabotaging behaviors.
I utilize different techniques to help my clients, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic experiencing (SE), mindfulness, biofeedback, Internal Family Systems (IFS), yoga, and more.
We often feel lost, stuck, and helpless when we struggle to find solutions to our everyday problems. At this point, our problems can become obstacles blocking us from living the best days of our lives. However, psychotherapy can help us overcome these obstacles by teaching us how to cope better with our emotions and thoughts, gain insight into our problems, make impactful changes, communicate effectively, find solutions, and stop engaging in self-sabotaging behaviors.
Dr. Liz E. Slonena
Psychologist, PsyD, HSP, MSCP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (Online Only)
I specialize in mindful hypnosis, SaFE EMDR, & IFS.
Exhausted by your loud inner critic? Overwhelmed by your neverending to-do list? Despite looking like you have your sh!t together, internally you may feel like a scattered fraud cosplaying as a human. Trying to be the perfect friend, perfect professional, or perfect partner all at once is exhausting. Maybe there's a deeper wound that hasn't healed yet. Perhaps you dream of feeling fulfilled, calm, & confident. To say "no" and actually mean it. To stop playing small & launch that creative idea. If you want to stress less & live authentically without fear or guilt, I’d love to help you step into your power.
I specialize in mindful hypnosis, SaFE EMDR, & IFS.
Exhausted by your loud inner critic? Overwhelmed by your neverending to-do list? Despite looking like you have your sh!t together, internally you may feel like a scattered fraud cosplaying as a human. Trying to be the perfect friend, perfect professional, or perfect partner all at once is exhausting. Maybe there's a deeper wound that hasn't healed yet. Perhaps you dream of feeling fulfilled, calm, & confident. To say "no" and actually mean it. To stop playing small & launch that creative idea. If you want to stress less & live authentically without fear or guilt, I’d love to help you step into your power.
My training and experience enable me to draw from various therapeutic approaches including EMDR, CBT, and psychodynamic therapies.
Are you seeking an experienced therapist to help you overcome fear-based thinking, core negative beliefs, poor self-esteem, relationship problems, difficult life transitions, or traumatic experiences? Perhaps you're struggling with your sexual orientation or having difficulties in your same-sex relationship. Are you ready to achieve positive personal growth and change? Are you ready to learn how to effectively manage depression, anxiety, stress, or PTSD? I will help you gain new insight, recover from past painful experiences, and shift limiting beliefs, so you can embrace the person you strive to be and lead a more satisfying life.
My training and experience enable me to draw from various therapeutic approaches including EMDR, CBT, and psychodynamic therapies.
Are you seeking an experienced therapist to help you overcome fear-based thinking, core negative beliefs, poor self-esteem, relationship problems, difficult life transitions, or traumatic experiences? Perhaps you're struggling with your sexual orientation or having difficulties in your same-sex relationship. Are you ready to achieve positive personal growth and change? Are you ready to learn how to effectively manage depression, anxiety, stress, or PTSD? I will help you gain new insight, recover from past painful experiences, and shift limiting beliefs, so you can embrace the person you strive to be and lead a more satisfying life.
See more therapy options for Orange County
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.