EMDR Therapists in Rye, NH

Photo of Jill Case, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jill Case
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rye, NH 03870  (Online Only)
I am a certified EMDR counselor.
I work with individuals and couples. Often men find it difficult to identify their emotions or are unable to translate their emotional experiences into words. I can teach you to learn behaviors and skills to allow you to better express emotions such as vulnerability, intimacy struggles, and perceived weakness. It is very important to most men to feel they are respected and appreciated. Men need a safe place to express their feelings of hurt and vulnerability. These are valid and important male feelings. Men can enhance their well being by learning to identify those feelings, express them appropriately, and be respected for them.
I am a certified EMDR counselor.
I work with individuals and couples. Often men find it difficult to identify their emotions or are unable to translate their emotional experiences into words. I can teach you to learn behaviors and skills to allow you to better express emotions such as vulnerability, intimacy struggles, and perceived weakness. It is very important to most men to feel they are respected and appreciated. Men need a safe place to express their feelings of hurt and vulnerability. These are valid and important male feelings. Men can enhance their well being by learning to identify those feelings, express them appropriately, and be respected for them.
(844) 901-1274 View (844) 901-1274
Photo of Ellen Ronka, LCMHC, Counselor
Ellen Ronka
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Rye, NH 03870  (Online Only)
I use EMDR and other alternative body-oriented techniques for when talk therapy isn't enough for releasing stuck patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Compassion and safety, metaphors and stories, laughter and creativity, brainstorming and education are some of the tools I will combine to help you feel understood, heal, and then grow. I will adjust my style to what I sense you need as a whole person: body, mind, and spirit. I frame my work in psychodynamic theory, while using cognitive-behavioral and experiential techniques. I infuse all sessions with the principles of mindfulness. I can help you organize your thoughts on difficult decisions, coach you to be more assertive, and help you establish better boundaries. I will teach you a variety of coping skills for managing stress.
I use EMDR and other alternative body-oriented techniques for when talk therapy isn't enough for releasing stuck patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Compassion and safety, metaphors and stories, laughter and creativity, brainstorming and education are some of the tools I will combine to help you feel understood, heal, and then grow. I will adjust my style to what I sense you need as a whole person: body, mind, and spirit. I frame my work in psychodynamic theory, while using cognitive-behavioral and experiential techniques. I infuse all sessions with the principles of mindfulness. I can help you organize your thoughts on difficult decisions, coach you to be more assertive, and help you establish better boundaries. I will teach you a variety of coping skills for managing stress.
(603) 392-7340 View (603) 392-7340
Photo of Peg Correia, MEd, MLADC, CCFC, CCDVC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Peg Correia
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MEd, MLADC, CCFC, CCDVC
Verified Verified
Rye, NH 03870
Waitlist for new clients
Offering EMDR therapy in person or online. Ketamine Assisted Therapy in person with discounts for BIPOC, LGBTQ and other clients from marginalized communities who want KAP treatment. I am an EMDR therapist who specializes in working with clients who are struggling with issues such as trauma (sexual abuse, family violence, combat trauma, accidents, natural disasters), attachment and/or addiction. I am an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. I provide groups and individual services for therapists wanting to enhance their EMDR therapy practice both on-line and in person. Also licensed in substance use treatment.
Offering EMDR therapy in person or online. Ketamine Assisted Therapy in person with discounts for BIPOC, LGBTQ and other clients from marginalized communities who want KAP treatment. I am an EMDR therapist who specializes in working with clients who are struggling with issues such as trauma (sexual abuse, family violence, combat trauma, accidents, natural disasters), attachment and/or addiction. I am an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. I provide groups and individual services for therapists wanting to enhance their EMDR therapy practice both on-line and in person. Also licensed in substance use treatment.
(603) 718-3945 View (603) 718-3945
Photo of William Roy Newman Licensed Psychologist 40 Years, MDiv, LCSW, DMin, psychol, Psychologist
William Roy Newman Licensed Psychologist 40 Years
Psychologist, MDiv, LCSW, DMin, psychol
Verified Verified
Rye, NH 03870
Dr. William R. Newman, a licensed psychologist for years, specializes in the treatment of complex developmental trauma with dissociation. Dr. Newman's treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma, will help you alleviate your symptoms and causes of your distress. Couples and families will improve their relationships by effectively communicating and increasing their understanding of each other's needs. You will learn to communicate from your true/highest/spirit/soul SELF with LOVE, and compassion. Dr. Newman helps you help yourself with self-leadership to increase your consciousness/awareness to make the best and healthiest choices for all parts of you and your relationships.
Dr. William R. Newman, a licensed psychologist for years, specializes in the treatment of complex developmental trauma with dissociation. Dr. Newman's treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma, will help you alleviate your symptoms and causes of your distress. Couples and families will improve their relationships by effectively communicating and increasing their understanding of each other's needs. You will learn to communicate from your true/highest/spirit/soul SELF with LOVE, and compassion. Dr. Newman helps you help yourself with self-leadership to increase your consciousness/awareness to make the best and healthiest choices for all parts of you and your relationships.
(978) 391-9987 View (978) 391-9987

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Sara Lutat, LISW, MLADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Lutat
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, MLADC
Verified Verified
Portsmouth, NH 03801
I emphasize the mind/body connection through mindfulness and CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, EMDR, and more cutting edge, innovative trauma-informed therapies.
As a dual licensed therapist I partner, with children, parents, adolescents/teens, adults of all ages who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and big life transitions, adjustment to change, addiction, and relationship problems. I offer the soft landing of a supportive, trusting, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment that is grounded in empathetic listening and innovative therapies beyond the traditional “talk therapy.” Most clients begin to notice improvement within 2 to 5 sessions.
I emphasize the mind/body connection through mindfulness and CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, EMDR, and more cutting edge, innovative trauma-informed therapies.
As a dual licensed therapist I partner, with children, parents, adolescents/teens, adults of all ages who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and big life transitions, adjustment to change, addiction, and relationship problems. I offer the soft landing of a supportive, trusting, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment that is grounded in empathetic listening and innovative therapies beyond the traditional “talk therapy.” Most clients begin to notice improvement within 2 to 5 sessions.
(603) 634-8259 View (603) 634-8259
Photo of Tracy Hutch, LCMHC, Counselor
Tracy Hutch
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Portsmouth, NH 03801
My training includes the use of bilateral stimulation techniques such as EMDR and ART.
Does anxiety, depression, fear or anger get in the way of you having the type of life that you want? Do you find yourself wanting to move forward in your life, but your not sure what steps to take. It would be my pleasure to help you to make positive changes in your life that will lead to you feeling more fulfilled.
My training includes the use of bilateral stimulation techniques such as EMDR and ART.
Does anxiety, depression, fear or anger get in the way of you having the type of life that you want? Do you find yourself wanting to move forward in your life, but your not sure what steps to take. It would be my pleasure to help you to make positive changes in your life that will lead to you feeling more fulfilled.
(603) 697-7279 View (603) 697-7279
Photo of Katie Hespelein, LCMHC, Counselor
Katie Hespelein
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Breaking free from trauma, exploring sex and stepping into your sexuality, EMDR, instilling empowerment, setting healthy boundaries, and embracing vulnerability are my strengths.
Stepping into your true, authentic self can feel scary and overwhelming. Loving connections, grounded sense of self, and empowerment are the foundations of therapeutic work. I strive to create an environment which provides the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of yourself, experience growth, and bring about lasting change. You are the expert of your life experience. Together, we will navigate this journey and help you return to the life that’s been waiting for you.
Breaking free from trauma, exploring sex and stepping into your sexuality, EMDR, instilling empowerment, setting healthy boundaries, and embracing vulnerability are my strengths.
Stepping into your true, authentic self can feel scary and overwhelming. Loving connections, grounded sense of self, and empowerment are the foundations of therapeutic work. I strive to create an environment which provides the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of yourself, experience growth, and bring about lasting change. You are the expert of your life experience. Together, we will navigate this journey and help you return to the life that’s been waiting for you.
(603) 782-9519 View (603) 782-9519
Photo of Allison B Tuttle, LICSW, MLADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison B Tuttle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MLADC
Verified Verified
Hampton, NH 03842
The modalities I primarily use are EMDR therapy and CBT.
I enjoy working with people who are struggling with resolving past trauma and the impact it has on their relationships. They want to improve their view of themselves and develop an identity outside of their mental health conditions and their role in other people's lives. I enjoy working with individuals who have a hard time getting their needs met in healthy ways, either because they tend to be passive or react in anger. I have worked with a wide variety of diagnoses, but my main focus is on what is bothering you in this moment and how we can help you work through that.
The modalities I primarily use are EMDR therapy and CBT.
I enjoy working with people who are struggling with resolving past trauma and the impact it has on their relationships. They want to improve their view of themselves and develop an identity outside of their mental health conditions and their role in other people's lives. I enjoy working with individuals who have a hard time getting their needs met in healthy ways, either because they tend to be passive or react in anger. I have worked with a wide variety of diagnoses, but my main focus is on what is bothering you in this moment and how we can help you work through that.
(603) 383-5160 View (603) 383-5160
Photo of Audrey Everson, LMHC, LCMHC, Counselor
Audrey Everson
Counselor, LMHC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Portsmouth, NH 03801  (Online Only)
I use mind body methods such as EMDR and EFT that provide effective results in a short period of time.
It's not uncommon for people to find themselves unable to get a handle on their mental and emotional worlds at certain times in their life. Whatever you are suffering from, it only takes the desire to make changes and the courage to ask for help that sets you on a path to feeling better. It is the start that stops most people, so congrats to you for making the first step. Whether you have PTSD/trauma, or needing to overcome anxiety, depression, self esteem, OCD, and more.... I use methods that can produce effective results in a short period of time.
I use mind body methods such as EMDR and EFT that provide effective results in a short period of time.
It's not uncommon for people to find themselves unable to get a handle on their mental and emotional worlds at certain times in their life. Whatever you are suffering from, it only takes the desire to make changes and the courage to ask for help that sets you on a path to feeling better. It is the start that stops most people, so congrats to you for making the first step. Whether you have PTSD/trauma, or needing to overcome anxiety, depression, self esteem, OCD, and more.... I use methods that can produce effective results in a short period of time.
(781) 625-3951 View (781) 625-3951
Photo of Jessica Lyons - Aloft Integrated Wellness LLC, LICSW, Counselor
Aloft Integrated Wellness LLC
Counselor, LICSW
Verified Verified
Exeter, NH 03833
Cara Spilsbury LCMHC has openings beginning November 2023 and specializes in CBT, DBT, EMDR and polyvagal therapy.
We have immediate openings for Nutrition Counseling and limited openings for psychotherapy depending on the provider and area of need. Please complete the Request Services form on our websitehttps://www.aloftnh.com/request-services . Aloft Integrated Wellness LLC offers integrated therapeutic and wellness services in a compassionate, informed setting. We are systems thinkers and have designed a space and services to promote adjustment, healing, resilience and joy. Our mission is to bridge the gap between mental health and wellness services. Services include: Psychotherapy, Nutrition Counseling.
Cara Spilsbury LCMHC has openings beginning November 2023 and specializes in CBT, DBT, EMDR and polyvagal therapy.
We have immediate openings for Nutrition Counseling and limited openings for psychotherapy depending on the provider and area of need. Please complete the Request Services form on our websitehttps://www.aloftnh.com/request-services . Aloft Integrated Wellness LLC offers integrated therapeutic and wellness services in a compassionate, informed setting. We are systems thinkers and have designed a space and services to promote adjustment, healing, resilience and joy. Our mission is to bridge the gap between mental health and wellness services. Services include: Psychotherapy, Nutrition Counseling.
(603) 865-7868 View (603) 865-7868
Photo of Barbara Dugan, MDiv, MLADC, RYT, DOT/SAP, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Barbara Dugan
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MDiv, MLADC, RYT, DOT/SAP
Verified Verified
Exeter, NH 03833
Waitlist for new clients
Services include: Recovery and Codependency, Trauma, Relapse Prevention, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), Meditation, Individual Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, DOT/SAP Evaluations.
Our answers live inside us. But do we trust them enough to embrace them and take action? Change often means we have to get past some difficult attachments, challenges, emotions and memories. Rather than being led by a sense of fear and defensiveness, change asks us to get curious and courageous. Chances are if you are searching here, you are looking for some help taking action and sorting some things out for yourself. Welcome to the Olympics of Healing.
Services include: Recovery and Codependency, Trauma, Relapse Prevention, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), Meditation, Individual Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, DOT/SAP Evaluations.
Our answers live inside us. But do we trust them enough to embrace them and take action? Change often means we have to get past some difficult attachments, challenges, emotions and memories. Rather than being led by a sense of fear and defensiveness, change asks us to get curious and courageous. Chances are if you are searching here, you are looking for some help taking action and sorting some things out for yourself. Welcome to the Olympics of Healing.
(603) 383-5379 View (603) 383-5379
Photo of Sheryl R Knopf, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sheryl R Knopf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portsmouth, NH 03801  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am certified in EMDR which is a very effective and efficient method of treating stuck memories and anxieties.
Are you feeling stuck? Often it's fear that keeps us stuck. We push harder to try to change this. When what we need to do is pause and look at what's contributing to this stuck. I can help you free yourself from stuck, manage your stress, reduce anxiety, improve your depression. I do EMDR, which is a technique to reduce symptoms related to trauma and anxiety. I look forward to working with you Visit my website, SherylKnopfLICSW.com to learn more.
I am certified in EMDR which is a very effective and efficient method of treating stuck memories and anxieties.
Are you feeling stuck? Often it's fear that keeps us stuck. We push harder to try to change this. When what we need to do is pause and look at what's contributing to this stuck. I can help you free yourself from stuck, manage your stress, reduce anxiety, improve your depression. I do EMDR, which is a technique to reduce symptoms related to trauma and anxiety. I look forward to working with you Visit my website, SherylKnopfLICSW.com to learn more.
(978) 716-2992 View (978) 716-2992
Photo of Deborah Addario, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Deborah Addario
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Exeter, NH 03833
Modalities of treatment include Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), SPACE, Solution Focused & Strength Based Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Family Therapy, Play Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique.
I believe the therapeutic process is a collaboration between client and therapist. This process is unique and can focus on your past and/or present situation. I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I work with children experiencing adoption issues, anxiety, and mood disorders. Adolescents who are struggling with peer relationships, conflict with parents, transition issues, anxiety and stress, depression, self worth and self esteem challenges. My work with adults focuses on the ability to better manage mood disorders, relationship difficulties, parenting issues and employment stress.
Modalities of treatment include Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), SPACE, Solution Focused & Strength Based Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Family Therapy, Play Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique.
I believe the therapeutic process is a collaboration between client and therapist. This process is unique and can focus on your past and/or present situation. I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I work with children experiencing adoption issues, anxiety, and mood disorders. Adolescents who are struggling with peer relationships, conflict with parents, transition issues, anxiety and stress, depression, self worth and self esteem challenges. My work with adults focuses on the ability to better manage mood disorders, relationship difficulties, parenting issues and employment stress.
(603) 932-5696 View (603) 932-5696
Photo of Marci Morris, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marci Morris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Newmarket, NH 03857
I have advanced training in Family Systems and EMDR, and have had specialized training in working with children.
Everyone has the capacity to change. It is often the challenges of life stress, biology, and circumstances that keep us from becoming the person that we want to be. Therapy is a partnership and through mutual goal setting we can address the things that get in the way of your ability to do the things that are important to you. My professional experience has been with children and families and the challenges adults face as they create relationships or families of their own.
I have advanced training in Family Systems and EMDR, and have had specialized training in working with children.
Everyone has the capacity to change. It is often the challenges of life stress, biology, and circumstances that keep us from becoming the person that we want to be. Therapy is a partnership and through mutual goal setting we can address the things that get in the way of your ability to do the things that are important to you. My professional experience has been with children and families and the challenges adults face as they create relationships or families of their own.
(603) 952-3284 View (603) 952-3284
Photo of Christine Milne-O'Grady, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christine Milne-O'Grady
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portsmouth, NH 03801  (Online Only)
I am EMDR trained but also utilize other modalities to help individuals meet their desired goals.
Please see my website for the most up-to-date information. I utilize strengths-based therapies to work with my clients to create customized sessions that build coping skills and replace maladaptive behaviors. I am mindful of the “person-in-environment” perspective, which acknowledges that each client and situation is different and shaped by environmental context. I like to meet the client where they are mentally and emotionally and work from that spot, understanding that growth is not always a linear process.
I am EMDR trained but also utilize other modalities to help individuals meet their desired goals.
Please see my website for the most up-to-date information. I utilize strengths-based therapies to work with my clients to create customized sessions that build coping skills and replace maladaptive behaviors. I am mindful of the “person-in-environment” perspective, which acknowledges that each client and situation is different and shaped by environmental context. I like to meet the client where they are mentally and emotionally and work from that spot, understanding that growth is not always a linear process.
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Photo of Daniel A Bush, PhD, LMHC
Daniel A Bush
PhD, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portsmouth, NH 03801  (Online Only)
I treat a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, anger, depression, panic, social anxiety, fear, grief, nightmares and shame. I specialize in using EMDR to treat impulsive or uncontrolled anger, phobias, depression, traumatic memories and other problematic symptoms including those of PTSD. These distressing symptoms are typically curable. Please free to contact me to discuss your concerns.
I treat a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, anger, depression, panic, social anxiety, fear, grief, nightmares and shame. I specialize in using EMDR to treat impulsive or uncontrolled anger, phobias, depression, traumatic memories and other problematic symptoms including those of PTSD. These distressing symptoms are typically curable. Please free to contact me to discuss your concerns.
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Catherine Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT, LADC, I
Verified Verified
Portsmouth, NH 03801
With traditional treatment I now also offer EMDR for healing .
I provide both traditional and equine psychotherapy on a small farm in Kensington NH. My farm provides a peaceful non traditional setting. With the Equine facilitated treatment, I co-facilitate sessions with my two horses and two donkeys and a therapy dog. I treat individuals, couples, families and groups . I am a warm and compassionate person who tailors your treatment to your needs and goals. It is my belief most of my clients are unrecognized heroes and I am honored and grateful to be a part of their journeys of healing, growth and change.
With traditional treatment I now also offer EMDR for healing .
I provide both traditional and equine psychotherapy on a small farm in Kensington NH. My farm provides a peaceful non traditional setting. With the Equine facilitated treatment, I co-facilitate sessions with my two horses and two donkeys and a therapy dog. I treat individuals, couples, families and groups . I am a warm and compassionate person who tailors your treatment to your needs and goals. It is my belief most of my clients are unrecognized heroes and I am honored and grateful to be a part of their journeys of healing, growth and change.
(508) 213-8107 View (508) 213-8107
Photo of Laurie A. Couture, MEd, LCMHC, LMHC, Counselor
Laurie A. Couture
Counselor, MEd, LCMHC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and EMDR clinician who specializes in treating childhood developmental trauma and attachment challenges in children and youths ages toddler to age 22 with their parents or guardians involved in the treatment. I provide both teletherapy and in-person therapy sessions for children, youths, and their parents, as well as parenting group workshops, parent and professional consulting, and trainings for professionals.
Welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and EMDR clinician who specializes in treating childhood developmental trauma and attachment challenges in children and youths ages toddler to age 22 with their parents or guardians involved in the treatment. I provide both teletherapy and in-person therapy sessions for children, youths, and their parents, as well as parenting group workshops, parent and professional consulting, and trainings for professionals.
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Photo of Sandy Tufts, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sandy Tufts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portsmouth, NH 03801
I'm a certified EMDR therapist licensed in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. EMDR is an approach to treating - not only trauma - but many other issues and negative core beliefs keeping us stuck. I'm interested in trauma, complex trauma, sexual assault / abuse, supporting the queer and trans community as a staunch ally and the slightly eccentric and off-beat. I have no interest in being a cookie cutter, blank slate type therapist. If that’s what you’re looking for, I may not be for you. I’m committed to truth telling, social justice, liberation and anti-oppression of all victims / survivors and oppressed populations.
I'm a certified EMDR therapist licensed in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. EMDR is an approach to treating - not only trauma - but many other issues and negative core beliefs keeping us stuck. I'm interested in trauma, complex trauma, sexual assault / abuse, supporting the queer and trans community as a staunch ally and the slightly eccentric and off-beat. I have no interest in being a cookie cutter, blank slate type therapist. If that’s what you’re looking for, I may not be for you. I’m committed to truth telling, social justice, liberation and anti-oppression of all victims / survivors and oppressed populations.
(603) 836-9734 View (603) 836-9734
Photo of Cara Spilsbury, LCMHC, R-DMT, Counselor
Cara Spilsbury
Counselor, LCMHC, R-DMT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Exeter, NH 03833
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in Dance/Movement Therapy, EMDR, and Expressive Arts Therapy, all strongly informed by IFS/parts work, polyvagal theory and somatic awareness.
I love working with clients who are eager to start their healing journey but don't quite know where or how to begin, as well as clients who have tried therapy before and want to continue learning more about themselves. I have particular expertise in supporting neurodivergent individuals, folks who have experienced trauma, and those moving through grief and loss.
I specialize in Dance/Movement Therapy, EMDR, and Expressive Arts Therapy, all strongly informed by IFS/parts work, polyvagal theory and somatic awareness.
I love working with clients who are eager to start their healing journey but don't quite know where or how to begin, as well as clients who have tried therapy before and want to continue learning more about themselves. I have particular expertise in supporting neurodivergent individuals, folks who have experienced trauma, and those moving through grief and loss.
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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.