EMDR Therapists in Waxhaw, NC

Photo of Laura Mosedale, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Mosedale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
I am certified in Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders, and am nearing certification in EMDR, which I have used since 2019.
Please note: I will not be taking on new clients while on extended leave between July-September, 2024 - My goal is to provide a safe, supportive experience that meets the needs you bring with you into this space. I am a licensed in NC, SC, FL, & CA, specializing in trauma, anxiety & depression, and chemical dependency. I use a goal-directed approach to therapy, as I want you to feel like your investment is creating tangible results. This typically involves a combination of evidence-based treatment, supportive counseling, and foundational cognitive/behavioral skills.
I am certified in Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders, and am nearing certification in EMDR, which I have used since 2019.
Please note: I will not be taking on new clients while on extended leave between July-September, 2024 - My goal is to provide a safe, supportive experience that meets the needs you bring with you into this space. I am a licensed in NC, SC, FL, & CA, specializing in trauma, anxiety & depression, and chemical dependency. I use a goal-directed approach to therapy, as I want you to feel like your investment is creating tangible results. This typically involves a combination of evidence-based treatment, supportive counseling, and foundational cognitive/behavioral skills.
(704) 761-7401 View (704) 761-7401
Photo of Amanda G. Fink Qualified Supervisor And Counselor, MA, LMHC, LCMHC, CMC, QS, Counselor
Amanda G. Fink Qualified Supervisor And Counselor
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LCMHC, CMC, QS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173  (Online Only)
In addition to CBT we offer EMDR, Certified Military Counselor, DBT, and mindfulness based approaches.
Availability for Clients and Supervisees! Do you feel like you're falling short of your own goals? Are you struggling in relationships? A Better You Counseling and Coaching Center is offering Tele-Therapy sessions for clients and Supervisees! (Inquire about Walk and Talk Therapy.) Do you relate to the following: relationship issues, life goal questions, situational & life adjustments, anxiety, grief, or depression? Veteran or Military family member? Your time and resources are valuable. Get in touch with us!
In addition to CBT we offer EMDR, Certified Military Counselor, DBT, and mindfulness based approaches.
Availability for Clients and Supervisees! Do you feel like you're falling short of your own goals? Are you struggling in relationships? A Better You Counseling and Coaching Center is offering Tele-Therapy sessions for clients and Supervisees! (Inquire about Walk and Talk Therapy.) Do you relate to the following: relationship issues, life goal questions, situational & life adjustments, anxiety, grief, or depression? Veteran or Military family member? Your time and resources are valuable. Get in touch with us!
(980) 400-3444 View (980) 400-3444
Photo of Lisa Paden - Union Family Services, LCMHCS, LCSW, LCSWA, LCMHCA
Union Family Services
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHCS, LCSW, LCSWA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
These include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) among others.
Finding the right counselor can be difficult, Union Family’s diverse group of licensed clinicians make it simple for you to find a counselor that meets your unique needs. Our mission is simple, to provide quality mental health services in a warm and judgement free environment. Union Family’s goal is to provide you with a safe place to reflect, cope, heal & grow. Each clinician has their own style and area of expertise making it easy to find what you are looking for. Together you and your counselor will determine what you'd like to accomplish and develop a plan to meet these goals. Simplify your life. Contact Union Family.
These include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) among others.
Finding the right counselor can be difficult, Union Family’s diverse group of licensed clinicians make it simple for you to find a counselor that meets your unique needs. Our mission is simple, to provide quality mental health services in a warm and judgement free environment. Union Family’s goal is to provide you with a safe place to reflect, cope, heal & grow. Each clinician has their own style and area of expertise making it easy to find what you are looking for. Together you and your counselor will determine what you'd like to accomplish and develop a plan to meet these goals. Simplify your life. Contact Union Family.
(704) 994-8459 View (704) 994-8459
Photo of Alicia McArthur, MA, LPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alicia McArthur
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
I am certified in EMDR through EMDRIA.
A client once told me, “Finding the right therapist is like finding the right boyfriend,” and while therapy isn’t intended to be a long-term commitment, there are some similarities, including the need for trust, safety and compatibility. Clients often share with me things that they don’t tell anyone else, and it is important to find the right fit – someone you trust who has the skills to help you work through your specific struggles. I have been working in the field for over 20 years, and see adults (ages 18+) in individual counseling.
I am certified in EMDR through EMDRIA.
A client once told me, “Finding the right therapist is like finding the right boyfriend,” and while therapy isn’t intended to be a long-term commitment, there are some similarities, including the need for trust, safety and compatibility. Clients often share with me things that they don’t tell anyone else, and it is important to find the right fit – someone you trust who has the skills to help you work through your specific struggles. I have been working in the field for over 20 years, and see adults (ages 18+) in individual counseling.
(704) 479-6936 View (704) 479-6936
Photo of Robin Navarro, PsyD, Psychologist
Robin Navarro
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Have you ever considered an EMDR intensive? EMDR therapy is an evidence-based practice that assists individuals with all types of hurts to work through them.
Are you tired of working hard in therapy for months or years without seeing results? If only you could move past your past, process childhood hurts or that recent abusive relationship, or recover from the memories that haunt you at night. You may have become perfectionistic, people pleasing, or overly fearful, afraid of everything. Perhaps your mood has suffered, and your self-esteem is non-existent. Maybe it feels that no one understands and now that you think about it, there's so much confusion about your thoughts and feelings, you're lacking life direction. There's a lot and you're not sure where to start!
Have you ever considered an EMDR intensive? EMDR therapy is an evidence-based practice that assists individuals with all types of hurts to work through them.
Are you tired of working hard in therapy for months or years without seeing results? If only you could move past your past, process childhood hurts or that recent abusive relationship, or recover from the memories that haunt you at night. You may have become perfectionistic, people pleasing, or overly fearful, afraid of everything. Perhaps your mood has suffered, and your self-esteem is non-existent. Maybe it feels that no one understands and now that you think about it, there's so much confusion about your thoughts and feelings, you're lacking life direction. There's a lot and you're not sure where to start!
(704) 774-0459 View (704) 774-0459
Photo of Jenny Cox - Compassionate Life Counseling PLLC, MA, MBA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Compassionate Life Counseling PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be overwhelming. Difficult relationships, life transitions, unexpected loss or confusion about who we are or what we want can leave us feeling stuck. The good news is that sharing our stories and learning new tools to heal and grow can get us unstuck and moving forward. I provide compassionate counseling for adult individuals for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship problems, grief and loss, and more. I am specially trained in EMDR therapy to help clients efficiently and effectively process traumatic life experiences, big and small. Learn more about EMDR at www.emdria.org.
Life can be overwhelming. Difficult relationships, life transitions, unexpected loss or confusion about who we are or what we want can leave us feeling stuck. The good news is that sharing our stories and learning new tools to heal and grow can get us unstuck and moving forward. I provide compassionate counseling for adult individuals for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship problems, grief and loss, and more. I am specially trained in EMDR therapy to help clients efficiently and effectively process traumatic life experiences, big and small. Learn more about EMDR at www.emdria.org.
(980) 430-4334 View (980) 430-4334
Photo of Debra P Hinson, MA, LCMHC
Debra P Hinson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Additionally,, I am TAC (Training in Adoption Competency) certified and EMDR trained working of towards EMDR certification.
Life is a journey that can often become difficult to maneuver. However, facing life's struggles can empower us to be the people we are intended to be. This process is often mentally and physically exhausting. I would be honored to walk alongside you, your child, and/or your family on your personal journey of self-discovery. I love children and specialize in non-directive play therapy with children 3-7 years of age. Additionally, I work with adolescents and teens navigating the often difficult times of transition through middle/high school. Finally, I have a heart to work with women in life transitions.
Additionally,, I am TAC (Training in Adoption Competency) certified and EMDR trained working of towards EMDR certification.
Life is a journey that can often become difficult to maneuver. However, facing life's struggles can empower us to be the people we are intended to be. This process is often mentally and physically exhausting. I would be honored to walk alongside you, your child, and/or your family on your personal journey of self-discovery. I love children and specialize in non-directive play therapy with children 3-7 years of age. Additionally, I work with adolescents and teens navigating the often difficult times of transition through middle/high school. Finally, I have a heart to work with women in life transitions.
(704) 441-3307 View (704) 441-3307
Photo of Lisa Kay Paden, MA, LCMHCS
Lisa Kay Paden
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
I have also been trained in EMDR which deals with many issues in a more productive manner.
Helping people lead more productive and healthy lives is the joy of my job as a therapist. I love working with people who are wanting something different than they now have, that may be issues around their relationships, their children, friends, jobs or maybe that they want something different from their lives. The first step is to ask for help. I have been a therapist for over 30 years and given many seminars, both tv and radio programs and feel that what I have learned can help people accomplish life goals with the right support.
I have also been trained in EMDR which deals with many issues in a more productive manner.
Helping people lead more productive and healthy lives is the joy of my job as a therapist. I love working with people who are wanting something different than they now have, that may be issues around their relationships, their children, friends, jobs or maybe that they want something different from their lives. The first step is to ask for help. I have been a therapist for over 30 years and given many seminars, both tv and radio programs and feel that what I have learned can help people accomplish life goals with the right support.
(980) 246-3763 View (980) 246-3763
Photo of Steven Clemons Jr, MAMFC, LCMHC, LPC
Steven Clemons Jr
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MAMFC, LCMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Waxhaw, NC 28173
I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which is a form of trauma counseling.
Life is unpredictable and often takes unexpected twists and turns. I strive to create a safe and warm environment in order to help you through life challenges, such as life-transitions, anxiety, emetophobia, depression, anger, low self-image, spiritual concerns, grief and loss, OCD, ADD/ADHD, and trauma. I utilize compassion, experience, and straightforwardness, working in collaboration with your willingness and motivation to change in a dynamic combination. I enjoy integrating theology and spirituality into counseling as desired by clients. Clients working with me are ready for healing, growth, and change that is long-term.
I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which is a form of trauma counseling.
Life is unpredictable and often takes unexpected twists and turns. I strive to create a safe and warm environment in order to help you through life challenges, such as life-transitions, anxiety, emetophobia, depression, anger, low self-image, spiritual concerns, grief and loss, OCD, ADD/ADHD, and trauma. I utilize compassion, experience, and straightforwardness, working in collaboration with your willingness and motivation to change in a dynamic combination. I enjoy integrating theology and spirituality into counseling as desired by clients. Clients working with me are ready for healing, growth, and change that is long-term.
(704) 802-1765 View (704) 802-1765
Photo of Brooke Hutto, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Brooke Hutto
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Is life unmanageable? Are you sad, hopeless, fearful? Are you struggling in your relationships? Does life feel meaningless and purposeless? In life, we all face seasons of suffering, and I would love the opportunity to come alongside you in that season. We are not meant to do life alone and sometimes we need some extra support to help us gain skills for coping or relating to ourselves and others. In my practice, my goal is to help you gain mental health that will impact all the other areas of your life for good.
Is life unmanageable? Are you sad, hopeless, fearful? Are you struggling in your relationships? Does life feel meaningless and purposeless? In life, we all face seasons of suffering, and I would love the opportunity to come alongside you in that season. We are not meant to do life alone and sometimes we need some extra support to help us gain skills for coping or relating to ourselves and others. In my practice, my goal is to help you gain mental health that will impact all the other areas of your life for good.
(704) 422-4574 x102 View (704) 422-4574 x102
Photo of Karen Terese Kewak - Healing Hearts Counseling, LCMHC-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Karen Terese Kewak - Healing Hearts Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Making the decision to seek therapeutic services can be challenging, but choosing the right therapist should not be. I am passionate about helping people and often let individuals choose their own path to recovery while offering gentle guidance and direction for personal growth in all areas of life.
Making the decision to seek therapeutic services can be challenging, but choosing the right therapist should not be. I am passionate about helping people and often let individuals choose their own path to recovery while offering gentle guidance and direction for personal growth in all areas of life.
(704) 461-0502 View (704) 461-0502
Photo of Tonya Proctor - Thrive Counseling Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Thrive Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Thrive Counseling Services PLLC is a group practice dedicated in providing high quality care tailored to meet your individual needs. Our goal is to provide an intimate environment that is safe, supportive and confidential.
Thrive Counseling Services PLLC is a group practice dedicated in providing high quality care tailored to meet your individual needs. Our goal is to provide an intimate environment that is safe, supportive and confidential.
(704) 817-2527 View (704) 817-2527
Photo of Michelle Holleman, MS, LCAS, CSAT, CPTT, CMAT, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Michelle Holleman
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MS, LCAS, CSAT, CPTT, CMAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
It is my honor to be a part of your healing journey and recovery. Nothing is really a problem, until it becomes a problem. My mission is to guide people to heal and find their authentic selves via an exceptional therapeutic process and experience. As a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, I specialize in supporting teens, adults, and their loved ones recover from sex/love, pornography, internet/gaming, mental health issues, and drug and alcohol addiction/dependency. There is no judgement and I welcome all. This is a safe place to heal.
It is my honor to be a part of your healing journey and recovery. Nothing is really a problem, until it becomes a problem. My mission is to guide people to heal and find their authentic selves via an exceptional therapeutic process and experience. As a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, I specialize in supporting teens, adults, and their loved ones recover from sex/love, pornography, internet/gaming, mental health issues, and drug and alcohol addiction/dependency. There is no judgement and I welcome all. This is a safe place to heal.
(704) 469-5425 View (704) 469-5425
Photo of Ginelle Wolfe, PhD, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Ginelle Wolfe
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
You’re feeling stuck. The life you are living doesn’t feel authentic to your genuine self, and you’re ready for a change. I'm Dr. Wolfe, a psychologist who helps people figure out their goals and make progress towards them. I specialize in getting folks unstuck, whether they're dealing with depression, anxiety, adjusting to big life changes, or just feeling overwhelmed by stress. I also assist with managing stress, sorting out relationship issues, tackling body image struggles, and breaking unhealthy habits. My goal is to support you in leading a happier, more fulfilling life by providing practical guidance and support.
You’re feeling stuck. The life you are living doesn’t feel authentic to your genuine self, and you’re ready for a change. I'm Dr. Wolfe, a psychologist who helps people figure out their goals and make progress towards them. I specialize in getting folks unstuck, whether they're dealing with depression, anxiety, adjusting to big life changes, or just feeling overwhelmed by stress. I also assist with managing stress, sorting out relationship issues, tackling body image struggles, and breaking unhealthy habits. My goal is to support you in leading a happier, more fulfilling life by providing practical guidance and support.
(980) 983-5063 View (980) 983-5063
Photo of Caroline Sampsell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caroline Sampsell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Not accepting new clients
I am passionate about helping women. Society has high expectations of us as women and we face these pressures daily. Let’s also get real for a minute... We pressure ourselves with being perfect and then torment inside when it's not possible. We drain ourself out and forget that we also need to take care of ourselves and sometimes that means our trauma too. Whether it is low self-esteem with a loud internal critic, not knowing how to identify your needs, or a traumatic experience in your way, I will help you figure out what you need moving forward to enjoy life. YOU are worth it!
I am passionate about helping women. Society has high expectations of us as women and we face these pressures daily. Let’s also get real for a minute... We pressure ourselves with being perfect and then torment inside when it's not possible. We drain ourself out and forget that we also need to take care of ourselves and sometimes that means our trauma too. Whether it is low self-esteem with a loud internal critic, not knowing how to identify your needs, or a traumatic experience in your way, I will help you figure out what you need moving forward to enjoy life. YOU are worth it!
(704) 703-7204 View (704) 703-7204
Photo of Heather D Finney, PsyD, PLLC, Psychologist
Heather D Finney
Psychologist, PsyD, PLLC
Verified Verified
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Not accepting new clients
If you're looking for someone to partner with you to make positive changes in your life, I'd love to speak with you! Whether you seek to change your thoughts, feelings, reactions, mood, circumstances, mindset, traumatic memories, self-esteem, relationships, behavior, habits, physical health, or stress level, it's an honor to come alongside you and help you in your pursuit of positive change. I have specialty training and experience in Neuropsychology & Health Psychology, so I also enjoy working with those coping with acute & chronic neurological and medical conditions.
If you're looking for someone to partner with you to make positive changes in your life, I'd love to speak with you! Whether you seek to change your thoughts, feelings, reactions, mood, circumstances, mindset, traumatic memories, self-esteem, relationships, behavior, habits, physical health, or stress level, it's an honor to come alongside you and help you in your pursuit of positive change. I have specialty training and experience in Neuropsychology & Health Psychology, so I also enjoy working with those coping with acute & chronic neurological and medical conditions.
(704) 612-2946 View (704) 612-2946

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lisa Robinson - Lisa Robinson: Certified EMDR provider, PhD, Psychologist
Lisa Robinson: Certified EMDR provider
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Marvin, NC 28173  (Online Only)
I specialize in EMDR for professionals who are struggling with chronic stress, anxiety, trauma, and/or anger.
Feel overwhelmed or anxious or like your mind is racing? Fear ever grip your chest? Your mind keeps looping on the same thoughts, fears, or upsetting memories. You can’t get a good night’s sleep, and you feel irritable, on-edge, or not-in-control. That critical voice in your head won’t shut up and often brings its friends – worry, panic, anger, guilt, and shame. Right now, life doesn’t look or feel the way you want it to. You wonder ‘What the hell is wrong with me? How can I fix this?’ You just want a way to quiet the chaos, move past painful experiences, and get back to the things that are most important to you in life.
I specialize in EMDR for professionals who are struggling with chronic stress, anxiety, trauma, and/or anger.
Feel overwhelmed or anxious or like your mind is racing? Fear ever grip your chest? Your mind keeps looping on the same thoughts, fears, or upsetting memories. You can’t get a good night’s sleep, and you feel irritable, on-edge, or not-in-control. That critical voice in your head won’t shut up and often brings its friends – worry, panic, anger, guilt, and shame. Right now, life doesn’t look or feel the way you want it to. You wonder ‘What the hell is wrong with me? How can I fix this?’ You just want a way to quiet the chaos, move past painful experiences, and get back to the things that are most important to you in life.
(828) 385-5321 View (828) 385-5321
Photo of Casey Jones, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Casey Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marvin, NC 28173
Family can be a source of joy and strength but can also be chaotic and overwhelming at times. I know that life transitions and big events can be challenging for individuals and that sometimes having an outside resource to talk to can be helpful. If you are struggling to start a family, dealing with pregnancy/postpartum related mental health concerns, pursuing kinship care/foster care/adoption, or working to overcome a traumatic experience, I would love to connect and see if I can assist you in reaching your goals.
Family can be a source of joy and strength but can also be chaotic and overwhelming at times. I know that life transitions and big events can be challenging for individuals and that sometimes having an outside resource to talk to can be helpful. If you are struggling to start a family, dealing with pregnancy/postpartum related mental health concerns, pursuing kinship care/foster care/adoption, or working to overcome a traumatic experience, I would love to connect and see if I can assist you in reaching your goals.
(980) 330-4022 View (980) 330-4022
Photo of Althia G Mclaughlin, MA, LCMHC
Althia G Mclaughlin
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marvin, NC 28173
Not accepting new clients
I believe in the power of therapy. When a client is an active participant in his/her treatment and is committed to applying the knowledge gained in therapy to life in the outside world, powerful and positive changes can happen. I am a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I provide services in English and Spanish to adults and older adolescents. My sessions are with individuals and groups. If you're ready to make a change, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE NOW here: https://althia-mclaughlin.clientsecure.me
I believe in the power of therapy. When a client is an active participant in his/her treatment and is committed to applying the knowledge gained in therapy to life in the outside world, powerful and positive changes can happen. I am a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I provide services in English and Spanish to adults and older adolescents. My sessions are with individuals and groups. If you're ready to make a change, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE NOW here: https://althia-mclaughlin.clientsecure.me
(704) 935-2761 View (704) 935-2761
Photo of Jenny Cianciolo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jenny Cianciolo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Marvin, NC 28173
Not accepting new clients
There are times in our life when we realize that we can't keep doing it alone and we need to reach out for help. Sometimes people we love hurt us. Intentionally, or unintentionally, we hurt them. We let each other down. Our children who are meant to be our greatest joy sometimes are a source of unimagined worry or pain. At times it feels that our life has not turned out how we believed it should have. This realization can feel lonely, be confusing and cause us tremendous pain. Having a safe person and a healthy, trusting relationship with an experienced therapist can help.
There are times in our life when we realize that we can't keep doing it alone and we need to reach out for help. Sometimes people we love hurt us. Intentionally, or unintentionally, we hurt them. We let each other down. Our children who are meant to be our greatest joy sometimes are a source of unimagined worry or pain. At times it feels that our life has not turned out how we believed it should have. This realization can feel lonely, be confusing and cause us tremendous pain. Having a safe person and a healthy, trusting relationship with an experienced therapist can help.
(980) 890-7144 View (980) 890-7144
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.