EMDR Therapists in Southern Pines, NC
![Photo of Healing Reflections Pllc, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9452b61b-b3d0-47e1-be6b-8e269be626a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Healing Reflections Pllc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Southern Pines, NC 28387
We utilize many treatment modalities from traditional DBT and CBT/talk therapy to more complex trauma treatment therapies including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR and Brainspotting; each person is different and presents with different needs making it important for us to meet people where they are in order to provide them with exactly what they need to heal.
There are many reasons and life situations that move us toward seeking out therapy but making that decision to take the first step toward healing, for most clients, can be uncertain and often anxiety provoking. It's important for the therapists at Healing Reflections to create a compassionate and collaborative space to begin building a therapeutic relationship based on feelings of safety and a sense of trust helping clients to heal wounds, discover their purpose and feel more alive. Immediate Openings for new clients!
We utilize many treatment modalities from traditional DBT and CBT/talk therapy to more complex trauma treatment therapies including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR and Brainspotting; each person is different and presents with different needs making it important for us to meet people where they are in order to provide them with exactly what they need to heal.
There are many reasons and life situations that move us toward seeking out therapy but making that decision to take the first step toward healing, for most clients, can be uncertain and often anxiety provoking. It's important for the therapists at Healing Reflections to create a compassionate and collaborative space to begin building a therapeutic relationship based on feelings of safety and a sense of trust helping clients to heal wounds, discover their purpose and feel more alive. Immediate Openings for new clients!
![Photo of Traci Lee Kaiser, LCSW, BCD, Veteran, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce73fead-0fcb-44ac-9ed3-f11cf058b238/1/320x400.jpeg)
Traci Lee Kaiser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, Veteran
Verified Verified
Southern Pines, NC 28387 (Online Only)
I'm trained in CBT, CPT, EMDR, MI, and PE, and use these in a variety of ways to work with patients.
Change is hard, but worth it. Clients can expect an empathic and caring, but no-nonsense, approach to tackling issues. I specialize in Military/Veteran issues, anxiety and trauma treatment to clients residing anywhere in TX, NC & AK. No travel required! I provide a non-judgmental atmosphere that enables frank, honest discussions that promote change. I have a good history with clients seeking out initial care as well as those who have been unsuccessful with other therapists. I do not accept insurance, as I believe care should be authentic and person-centered without coding or billing guidelines dictating care.
I'm trained in CBT, CPT, EMDR, MI, and PE, and use these in a variety of ways to work with patients.
Change is hard, but worth it. Clients can expect an empathic and caring, but no-nonsense, approach to tackling issues. I specialize in Military/Veteran issues, anxiety and trauma treatment to clients residing anywhere in TX, NC & AK. No travel required! I provide a non-judgmental atmosphere that enables frank, honest discussions that promote change. I have a good history with clients seeking out initial care as well as those who have been unsuccessful with other therapists. I do not accept insurance, as I believe care should be authentic and person-centered without coding or billing guidelines dictating care.
![Photo of Doug Hoover - Doug Hoover @ SOAR Counseling and Consulting, PLLC, MS, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef319809-9634-4f8f-b233-0945b585deea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Doug Hoover @ SOAR Counseling and Consulting, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Southern Pines, NC 28387
My approaches include Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, Prepare / Enrich for premarital, and EMDR for individual trauma.
Everyone who cares deserves to be happy. Life is also full of ups and downs. This is especially true when it comes to relationships. Sometimes, we push through the struggles and eventually feel some relief. But other times we can feel stuck, repeating patterns or habits that get us nowhere or keep us in a rut. Anger or distancing from one another often replaces the love and closeness we want and deserve in our relationships. If you want to be happy again, or just be a better you, I am here for you.
My approaches include Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, Prepare / Enrich for premarital, and EMDR for individual trauma.
Everyone who cares deserves to be happy. Life is also full of ups and downs. This is especially true when it comes to relationships. Sometimes, we push through the struggles and eventually feel some relief. But other times we can feel stuck, repeating patterns or habits that get us nowhere or keep us in a rut. Anger or distancing from one another often replaces the love and closeness we want and deserve in our relationships. If you want to be happy again, or just be a better you, I am here for you.
![Photo of Denise Frutchey, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a239dbd4-09a3-4aaa-869c-79d052259349/1/320x400.png)
I have been a licensed clinical psychologist for over 35 years. I have devoted my career to working with clients of all ages who come to me with some form of emotional distress or problems in living. I help them to understand the cause of their pain, educate about the importance of healthy boundaries and guide them to find relief and workable solutions. To this end I use family of origin therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR. I address such concerns as anxiety and depression, panic, trauma, self-esteem and couples and family conflict.
I have been a licensed clinical psychologist for over 35 years. I have devoted my career to working with clients of all ages who come to me with some form of emotional distress or problems in living. I help them to understand the cause of their pain, educate about the importance of healthy boundaries and guide them to find relief and workable solutions. To this end I use family of origin therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR. I address such concerns as anxiety and depression, panic, trauma, self-esteem and couples and family conflict.
![Photo of Amy Phariss, MS, LCMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba862cd7-f027-4cd6-b5de-b6b18bdf2e97/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individual clients ages 13+ and offer highly effective EMDR therapy for trauma processing, anxiety and more.
Are you feeling anxious and overwhelmed? Do you wonder where your energy has gone? Is it difficult to make decisions or plan for future goals? Are your relationships suffering? I work with clients every day who answer yes to these questions. They are anxious and overwhelmed. They are living with grief and sadness. They struggle with relationships (parenting, marriage, partners, friendships, work). Some live with chronic pain; many are burned out.
I work with individual clients ages 13+ and offer highly effective EMDR therapy for trauma processing, anxiety and more.
Are you feeling anxious and overwhelmed? Do you wonder where your energy has gone? Is it difficult to make decisions or plan for future goals? Are your relationships suffering? I work with clients every day who answer yes to these questions. They are anxious and overwhelmed. They are living with grief and sadness. They struggle with relationships (parenting, marriage, partners, friendships, work). Some live with chronic pain; many are burned out.
![Photo of Adelina Roman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2cd0a1a5-94c6-47ce-8833-b980e817d921/2/320x400.jpeg)
I use an integrative and trauma informed approach using EMDR, EFT (tapping), CBT, DBT, and IFS, among other research-based approaches.
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed with sadness or worry? Do you find yourself reliving past painful events? Are you struggling with life changes, grief, or relationship conflicts? Do you want to make changes, but just can’t seem to do it on your own? When faced with painful events in life, or struggle with difficult emotions, life can seem out of balance. You may become so overwhelmed that sometimes you may shut down or act out. These are all normal and common responses when under stress. Unfortunately, when you’re in a chronic state of stress, this may affect the way you relate to others and yourself.
I use an integrative and trauma informed approach using EMDR, EFT (tapping), CBT, DBT, and IFS, among other research-based approaches.
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed with sadness or worry? Do you find yourself reliving past painful events? Are you struggling with life changes, grief, or relationship conflicts? Do you want to make changes, but just can’t seem to do it on your own? When faced with painful events in life, or struggle with difficult emotions, life can seem out of balance. You may become so overwhelmed that sometimes you may shut down or act out. These are all normal and common responses when under stress. Unfortunately, when you’re in a chronic state of stress, this may affect the way you relate to others and yourself.
![Photo of Donald Sanders, LCMHC, MA, MDiv](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36ea3e3c-b2ec-49d8-842f-3f2962b655af/1/320x400.jpeg)
Donald Sanders
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, MA, MDiv
Verified Verified
Southern Pines, NC 28387 (Online Only)
I have been trained in ( EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and Hypnotherapy for trauma .
I believe that everyone may experience unfortunate circumstances during their lifetime. When this happens, we may need a helping hand in managing our difficulties. It takes a brave person to ask for assistance but this is the first step in the healing process. If you would like for me to be that helping hand, please contact me. I offer Tele-Counseling at various times in order to meet the busy schedules that many people have in their lives. Please feel free to email me and request an appointment.
I have been trained in ( EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and Hypnotherapy for trauma .
I believe that everyone may experience unfortunate circumstances during their lifetime. When this happens, we may need a helping hand in managing our difficulties. It takes a brave person to ask for assistance but this is the first step in the healing process. If you would like for me to be that helping hand, please contact me. I offer Tele-Counseling at various times in order to meet the busy schedules that many people have in their lives. Please feel free to email me and request an appointment.
![Photo of Heather M Scarboro - Healing Selves Therapeutics, PLLC , LCMHC, LCAS, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81aa734d-361c-4684-a754-8ef98f4eb533/2/320x400.png)
Healing Selves Therapeutics, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Verified Verified
Southern Pines, NC 28387
We are Licensed Professionals Providing: Psychotherapy, Substance Use Counseling, Trauma Processing, EMDR, Clinical Hypnosis, and Consultation. We specialize in dissociative disorders, trauma, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression.
We are Licensed Professionals Providing: Psychotherapy, Substance Use Counseling, Trauma Processing, EMDR, Clinical Hypnosis, and Consultation. We specialize in dissociative disorders, trauma, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression.
![Photo of Jessica Moretz, LCSWA , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7cc69243-dacf-4607-9e74-e939a3d089f5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Now accepting new clients! Are you tired of feeling stuck? Do you imagine having someone you can process your feelings with that will help you navigate challenging emotions? I appreciate partnering with clients to empower them as they navigate difficult transitions and challenges in life.
Now accepting new clients! Are you tired of feeling stuck? Do you imagine having someone you can process your feelings with that will help you navigate challenging emotions? I appreciate partnering with clients to empower them as they navigate difficult transitions and challenges in life.
![Photo of John Lawson, MSW, LCSW, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/463ce826-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
John Lawson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southern Pines, NC 28387
I am a Registered Play Therapist working with children who are hard to reach either because they are angry, anxious, or depressed. Children don't express themselves the same way that adults do, rather, they express themselves more naturally through play. Play is a child's natural way of relieving stress and play therapy is the best practice for working with children. Using Play Therapy most children are able to work through issues in a much shorter amount of time. For more information Call today (910) 407-0052 and check us out at www.AtlasChildCounseling.com
I am a Registered Play Therapist working with children who are hard to reach either because they are angry, anxious, or depressed. Children don't express themselves the same way that adults do, rather, they express themselves more naturally through play. Play is a child's natural way of relieving stress and play therapy is the best practice for working with children. Using Play Therapy most children are able to work through issues in a much shorter amount of time. For more information Call today (910) 407-0052 and check us out at www.AtlasChildCounseling.com
![Photo of Dr. Jody McCain, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4245f1db-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Do you get anxious or irritated easily? Do you suffer from panic attacks? Do you find yourself reliving past painful events? Running on empty or worse yet, living fueled by anxiety, sadness, fear, or frustration is not fun. It can disrupt your relationships (including the one with yourself), your sleep, your digestive system and/or your experience of physical pain. It's so easy to be caught up in worry, relationship troubles or unproductive behaviors. Yet when you slow down and notice this is happening, you don't know what to do.
Do you get anxious or irritated easily? Do you suffer from panic attacks? Do you find yourself reliving past painful events? Running on empty or worse yet, living fueled by anxiety, sadness, fear, or frustration is not fun. It can disrupt your relationships (including the one with yourself), your sleep, your digestive system and/or your experience of physical pain. It's so easy to be caught up in worry, relationship troubles or unproductive behaviors. Yet when you slow down and notice this is happening, you don't know what to do.
![Photo of Ebone Rocker - Carolina Counseling Services - Southern Pines, NC, LCMHCS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ccca005-9bec-4a64-b708-165a89a59f28/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carolina Counseling Services - Southern Pines, NC
Counselor, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Life can be challenging, therapy can help. Our independently contracted therapists work with couples, adults, teens and children to get to where they want to be. We contract with friendly, experienced, licensed clinicians with different specialties who are able to help. Our Southern Pines and Pinehurst offices are warm and welcoming, allowing you to feel at home when meeting with your therapist. Please visit the website for detailed information on how we may assist you: www.CarolinaCounselingServices.com.
Life can be challenging, therapy can help. Our independently contracted therapists work with couples, adults, teens and children to get to where they want to be. We contract with friendly, experienced, licensed clinicians with different specialties who are able to help. Our Southern Pines and Pinehurst offices are warm and welcoming, allowing you to feel at home when meeting with your therapist. Please visit the website for detailed information on how we may assist you: www.CarolinaCounselingServices.com.
![Photo of Allen Lamont Brooks - Allen Brooks Professional Counseling Service, MA, LPCS, NBCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fc45026-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Allen Brooks Professional Counseling Service
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MA, LPCS, NBCC
Verified Verified
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Hi are you thinking what Im thinking, if so you're probably thinking "GEEZZ" Im tired of searching.. then stop, because you've located the right person at the right time, to help you navigate through your life journey. Everyone has a story to tell and yours is very important & Im ready to listen and ready to do whatever it takes to promote and initiate the needed changes you desire in life at this time.Trauma's often experienced and unrecognized! Instantly we think about hurricanes and earthquakes. Your personal storm, transition or change will be handled with care. Take a look at my website !!!!
Hi are you thinking what Im thinking, if so you're probably thinking "GEEZZ" Im tired of searching.. then stop, because you've located the right person at the right time, to help you navigate through your life journey. Everyone has a story to tell and yours is very important & Im ready to listen and ready to do whatever it takes to promote and initiate the needed changes you desire in life at this time.Trauma's often experienced and unrecognized! Instantly we think about hurricanes and earthquakes. Your personal storm, transition or change will be handled with care. Take a look at my website !!!!
![Photo of Susan Kay Byerly - Byerly Christian Psychotherapy, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50ca995f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Byerly Christian Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Don’t Just Survive, Learn To Thrive. If you are experiencing worry, anxiety, sadness, or trouble with relationships, I can help you overcome and deal with these issues. I have been helping clients with similar issues since 1995.
Don’t Just Survive, Learn To Thrive. If you are experiencing worry, anxiety, sadness, or trouble with relationships, I can help you overcome and deal with these issues. I have been helping clients with similar issues since 1995.
![Photo of Melissa Heustess-Decker - HigherMind, PLLC, LCSW, PSYCH-K, CHT, CIMHP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19749cf6-8b57-4f73-9b3b-bbc6dc282cea/3/320x400.jpeg)
HigherMind, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PSYCH-K, CHT, CIMHP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Southern Pines, NC 28387
6/15/24 - - - At this time we have 2 telehealth openings: Wednesdays at 10A and Thursdays at 9A with Ruth.- - - We are otherwise accepting referrals for our wait list. With an integrative mental health focus, HigherMind brings life to an engaging therapeutic experience. Expect to identify unhealthy belief systems that create negative patterns of thinking and encouragement to exert your will in reaching your goals.
6/15/24 - - - At this time we have 2 telehealth openings: Wednesdays at 10A and Thursdays at 9A with Ruth.- - - We are otherwise accepting referrals for our wait list. With an integrative mental health focus, HigherMind brings life to an engaging therapeutic experience. Expect to identify unhealthy belief systems that create negative patterns of thinking and encouragement to exert your will in reaching your goals.
![Photo of Erin Hoover, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/174d3797-0224-44aa-915c-778c2b69e644/1/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Hoover
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Southern Pines, NC 28387 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
When relief from our distress can't come quickly enough, it can feel uncomfortable to reach out to someone you don't know for help. Whether you are a sleep-deprived new parent, navigating a loss in your relationships or goals, or pivoting from life's changes, it's tempting to push ourselves to muddle through on our own. Many times this leads us to being harder on ourselves than we deserve, and we are left feeling even more tired, stressed, or burned out. You deserve a space for you to just "be"... to breathe, feel, examine, heal, and experience authentic, judgment-free support.
When relief from our distress can't come quickly enough, it can feel uncomfortable to reach out to someone you don't know for help. Whether you are a sleep-deprived new parent, navigating a loss in your relationships or goals, or pivoting from life's changes, it's tempting to push ourselves to muddle through on our own. Many times this leads us to being harder on ourselves than we deserve, and we are left feeling even more tired, stressed, or burned out. You deserve a space for you to just "be"... to breathe, feel, examine, heal, and experience authentic, judgment-free support.
![Photo of Amber Seneres, MA, MS, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/504b87c8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amber Seneres
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Not accepting new clients
So many of my clients come in feeling like something is wrong with them. They are relieved to know that their feelings are normal. My clients come to me because they just want to feel better. They want to be less depressed, less anxious, better parents, more confident, and have healthier relationships. I work with my clients as they learn new ways of coping and living life that free them from negative thoughts, behaviors and patterns of emotional reactivity.
So many of my clients come in feeling like something is wrong with them. They are relieved to know that their feelings are normal. My clients come to me because they just want to feel better. They want to be less depressed, less anxious, better parents, more confident, and have healthier relationships. I work with my clients as they learn new ways of coping and living life that free them from negative thoughts, behaviors and patterns of emotional reactivity.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Tonna Brown, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01062155-6842-4b41-9576-f8801ab2f7b7/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have also been trained in EMDR to treat and relieve PTSD, acute stress, anxiety and depression symptoms resulting from life experiences.
Creating change in your life can be hard. Sometimes it might feel as if situations in your life are so overwhelming that you don't even know where to begin. I am honored to assist you in navigating those changes and help you feel that you are not alone in meeting the challenges in front of you. It's important to feel in control of ourselves and, to some extent, the world around us. In an ideal therapeutic relationship, I believe that the client determines the direction and success of treatment. Let's put it this way, if we were to go on a journey together - you would be the driver while I would act as the "GPS" so to speak!
I have also been trained in EMDR to treat and relieve PTSD, acute stress, anxiety and depression symptoms resulting from life experiences.
Creating change in your life can be hard. Sometimes it might feel as if situations in your life are so overwhelming that you don't even know where to begin. I am honored to assist you in navigating those changes and help you feel that you are not alone in meeting the challenges in front of you. It's important to feel in control of ourselves and, to some extent, the world around us. In an ideal therapeutic relationship, I believe that the client determines the direction and success of treatment. Let's put it this way, if we were to go on a journey together - you would be the driver while I would act as the "GPS" so to speak!
![Photo of Seana Pernice, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ba006d5-e400-4d6e-9ad8-533644dc6e09/2/320x400.jpeg)
Seana Pernice
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aberdeen, NC 28315 (Online Only)
I am EMDR Trained.
Whether you are going through grief, healing from trauma, struggling with relationship issues or need assistance navigating life’s challenges and changes, I am here to help you achieve the clarity, confidence, and momentum necessary to get from where you are to where you want to be. Together, we will work to identify and address the issues and obstacles keeping you from moving forward and getting what you want out of your life.
I am EMDR Trained.
Whether you are going through grief, healing from trauma, struggling with relationship issues or need assistance navigating life’s challenges and changes, I am here to help you achieve the clarity, confidence, and momentum necessary to get from where you are to where you want to be. Together, we will work to identify and address the issues and obstacles keeping you from moving forward and getting what you want out of your life.
![Photo of Dr. Tawana Denise Helmich, EdD, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa9ec1fa-6731-4bff-94b3-536269278f5e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Tawana Denise Helmich
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Pinehurst, NC 28370 (Online Only)
As a trained EMDR therapist, I also offer treatment to clients with trauma.
As a military veteran and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I understand life circumstances can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and at times defeated. Know these obstacles do not have to be permanent. I strongly believe with compassion, encouragement, and vulnerability an individual can overcome life's hurdles and reach their fullest potential. I assist clients with setting realistic therapeutic goals which ultimately restores their confidence and trust not only in themselves but in others as well. My approach is to provide each client with the effective techniques required to have a well balanced self empowered life.
As a trained EMDR therapist, I also offer treatment to clients with trauma.
As a military veteran and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I understand life circumstances can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and at times defeated. Know these obstacles do not have to be permanent. I strongly believe with compassion, encouragement, and vulnerability an individual can overcome life's hurdles and reach their fullest potential. I assist clients with setting realistic therapeutic goals which ultimately restores their confidence and trust not only in themselves but in others as well. My approach is to provide each client with the effective techniques required to have a well balanced self empowered life.
See more therapy options for Southern Pines
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for Southern Pines
- Aberdeen
- Cameron
- Fayetteville
- Fort Bragg
- Hope Mills
- Lillington
- Lumberton
- Pinehurst
- Raeford
- Sanford
- Spring Lake
- Whispering Pines
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.