EMDR Therapists in West Windsor, NJ

Photo of Melissa Cramutolo, LCSW, LCADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Cramutolo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC
Verified Verified
West Windsor, NJ 08550
I am trained in many trauma focused therapies that facilitate this deeper healing process - EMDR, Internal Family Systems, NARM, Somatic Experiencing-but above all consider myself to be a relational and relatable therapist who prioritizes the relationship with my clients as the primary healing agent.
Are you tired of experiencing the same patterns and want to heal at the root of your symptoms? I specialize in treating trauma, addictions, and self esteem issues - in particularly with women and teenagers. When my clients first come in, their lives are overrun by fear and insecurities. They carry around deep shame about who they are and never feel quite “good enough”. They want to be confident and heal the patterns that are holding them back but do not know where to start.
I am trained in many trauma focused therapies that facilitate this deeper healing process - EMDR, Internal Family Systems, NARM, Somatic Experiencing-but above all consider myself to be a relational and relatable therapist who prioritizes the relationship with my clients as the primary healing agent.
Are you tired of experiencing the same patterns and want to heal at the root of your symptoms? I specialize in treating trauma, addictions, and self esteem issues - in particularly with women and teenagers. When my clients first come in, their lives are overrun by fear and insecurities. They carry around deep shame about who they are and never feel quite “good enough”. They want to be confident and heal the patterns that are holding them back but do not know where to start.
(640) 224-9809 View (640) 224-9809
Photo of Gurpreet Singh, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gurpreet Singh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Windsor, NJ 08550
I will help you to get to the root of your challenges and break negative cycles using DBT, EMDR & other strategies.
Do you feel frustrated? Frustration tells us that we want something to be different. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples. I assist others in helping others to improve their mood (anxiety and depression). Some of the reasons people come to me are for difficulties in relationships, health and pain issues, coping with loss or a significant change. During therapy sessions, you will always be treated as a unique person with your own specific needs. It takes courage to find a therapist that fits your needs. I encourage you to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with me.
I will help you to get to the root of your challenges and break negative cycles using DBT, EMDR & other strategies.
Do you feel frustrated? Frustration tells us that we want something to be different. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples. I assist others in helping others to improve their mood (anxiety and depression). Some of the reasons people come to me are for difficulties in relationships, health and pain issues, coping with loss or a significant change. During therapy sessions, you will always be treated as a unique person with your own specific needs. It takes courage to find a therapist that fits your needs. I encourage you to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with me.
(908) 641-3295 View (908) 641-3295
Photo of Rivkah Kaufman, MSEd, LMHC, EMDR-CT, C-DBT, CCTP, Counselor
Rivkah Kaufman
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC, EMDR-CT, C-DBT, CCTP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West Windsor, NJ 08550
Have you had a disturbing experience that makes coping with everyday life difficult? Or witnessed something awful you can’t forget? If so, you may be suffering from trauma. In my practice, I work with clients who struggle with the psychological, emotional, and physical consequences of past and/or ongoing trauma, as they try to avoid repeating personal and professional mistakes that serve only to worsen their traumatic experiences. If you are experiencing challenges such as these, I help you process your trauma in a supportive, validating environment, that is empowering and ultimately freeing.
Have you had a disturbing experience that makes coping with everyday life difficult? Or witnessed something awful you can’t forget? If so, you may be suffering from trauma. In my practice, I work with clients who struggle with the psychological, emotional, and physical consequences of past and/or ongoing trauma, as they try to avoid repeating personal and professional mistakes that serve only to worsen their traumatic experiences. If you are experiencing challenges such as these, I help you process your trauma in a supportive, validating environment, that is empowering and ultimately freeing.
(917) 525-4825 View (917) 525-4825
Photo of Diana Cofsky, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Diana Cofsky
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Windsor, NJ 08550
I am a licensed professional counselor that has been working in behavioral health for over 20 years. I am a lifelong resident of South Jersey and obtained my Bachelors and Masters degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
I am a licensed professional counselor that has been working in behavioral health for over 20 years. I am a lifelong resident of South Jersey and obtained my Bachelors and Masters degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
(609) 834-4935 View (609) 834-4935
Photo of Reshma Stafford, PsyD, Psychologist
Reshma Stafford
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
West Windsor, NJ 08550
I work with individuals, couples and families, to help them overcome difficulties and build strength. I work with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, difficulties with life transitions, and communication and relational struggles. "Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength" - Sigmund Freud.
I work with individuals, couples and families, to help them overcome difficulties and build strength. I work with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, difficulties with life transitions, and communication and relational struggles. "Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength" - Sigmund Freud.
(609) 917-7143 View (609) 917-7143
Photo of Jeanne Farabaugh - Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Windsor, NJ 08550
We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals. Because we believe you're best served by a therapist who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to helping therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. Working with us, you'll get results.
We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals. Because we believe you're best served by a therapist who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to helping therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. Working with us, you'll get results.
(609) 554-5630 View (609) 554-5630
Photo of Alexandra Camarda, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexandra Camarda
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
West Windsor, NJ 08550
Not accepting new clients
The tools I use to help individuals accomplish their goals are concepts and skills from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness based practices.
I am a client-centered therapist who strives towards helping each individual find their strengths and develop compassion and kindness towards self. I am a therapist who believes in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and uses a compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach with each of my clients.
The tools I use to help individuals accomplish their goals are concepts and skills from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness based practices.
I am a client-centered therapist who strives towards helping each individual find their strengths and develop compassion and kindness towards self. I am a therapist who believes in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and uses a compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach with each of my clients.
(609) 614-3486 View (609) 614-3486
Photo of Katie Tracy, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katie Tracy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Windsor, NJ 08550
Not accepting new clients
We use an array of therapeutic modalities which draw from EMDR, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Trauma and Mindfulness-based CBT, and incorporate the latest neuroscience research into the process.
Meet Princeton Psychotherapy and Integrative Health (PPIH), where you, your values, and your self-determination are at the center of the healing process. We see you as a whole person, whose current reason for treatment is a product of multiple variables, which we work together to uncover and address. We also see you as an individual who is ready to embark on a journey where your valid needs are met, while you live life to the fullest.
We use an array of therapeutic modalities which draw from EMDR, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Trauma and Mindfulness-based CBT, and incorporate the latest neuroscience research into the process.
Meet Princeton Psychotherapy and Integrative Health (PPIH), where you, your values, and your self-determination are at the center of the healing process. We see you as a whole person, whose current reason for treatment is a product of multiple variables, which we work together to uncover and address. We also see you as an individual who is ready to embark on a journey where your valid needs are met, while you live life to the fullest.
(732) 619-1811 View (732) 619-1811

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Maggie Masterton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maggie Masterton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Post masters, I have received advanced training in attachment theory, trauma informed approaches, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sandplay Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing).
I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and families. I have numerous years experience working with children across a variety of clinical and educational settings, incorporating the use of play therapy and informed by current research in child development. I meet my clients with warmth, respect, and a desire to work to facilitate a relationship of deep understanding. Utilizing an integrative perspective, I engage my clients in creative and individualized therapeutic approaches, help them deepen their understanding of themselves, and support their work towards greater emotional health and well-being.
Post masters, I have received advanced training in attachment theory, trauma informed approaches, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sandplay Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing).
I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and families. I have numerous years experience working with children across a variety of clinical and educational settings, incorporating the use of play therapy and informed by current research in child development. I meet my clients with warmth, respect, and a desire to work to facilitate a relationship of deep understanding. Utilizing an integrative perspective, I engage my clients in creative and individualized therapeutic approaches, help them deepen their understanding of themselves, and support their work towards greater emotional health and well-being.
(856) 347-3475 View (856) 347-3475
Photo of Dale B Bromberg, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dale B Bromberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
Hello my practice focuses on adults who maybe struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, eating disorders, and other issues. I’ve helped individuals with health concerns and life transitions. I utilize a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused, Strength Based Perspective, EMDR and Spirituality. Working together you can achieve goals and feel better about yourself and life.
Hello my practice focuses on adults who maybe struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, eating disorders, and other issues. I’ve helped individuals with health concerns and life transitions. I utilize a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused, Strength Based Perspective, EMDR and Spirituality. Working together you can achieve goals and feel better about yourself and life.
(609) 293-4907 View (609) 293-4907
Photo of Antonio Rudo, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Antonio Rudo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
I have 15+ years of experience treating young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and life transitions using cognitive-behavioral (CBT), solution-focused, EMDR & person-centered therapy.
You are a young adult trying to navigate the challenges life presents while exploring your identity. You are struggling to find your direction in life and who you really are. It can be stressful juggling school, work, and relationships. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem from your current stressors or past trauma. Change can be scary, even when it’s good. If you’re looking to make a change in your life, I’m here to help you through that process. My goal is to help you find your path, build your confidence, enhance your well-being, and achieve your goals.
I have 15+ years of experience treating young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and life transitions using cognitive-behavioral (CBT), solution-focused, EMDR & person-centered therapy.
You are a young adult trying to navigate the challenges life presents while exploring your identity. You are struggling to find your direction in life and who you really are. It can be stressful juggling school, work, and relationships. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem from your current stressors or past trauma. Change can be scary, even when it’s good. If you’re looking to make a change in your life, I’m here to help you through that process. My goal is to help you find your path, build your confidence, enhance your well-being, and achieve your goals.
(201) 431-3238 View (201) 431-3238
Photo of Frank Thewes - Path Forward Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Path Forward Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
EMDR trained by an EMDRIA-approved program.
You want to move past racing thoughts and avoiding your life. Past sadness and low motivation. Past the same draining arguments with your partner. Past experiences that follow you and won't stay in the past. And past big decisions that get you stuck. You are looking to get out of feeling overwhelmed. You want to learn how to get more control. You want more than mediocre cookie-cutter therapy. You want therapy that is personalized for you and about you. You want therapy that fits into your stressful life. Even if asking for help is hard for you, you’re at a point where you are ready to do it because you want something to change.
EMDR trained by an EMDRIA-approved program.
You want to move past racing thoughts and avoiding your life. Past sadness and low motivation. Past the same draining arguments with your partner. Past experiences that follow you and won't stay in the past. And past big decisions that get you stuck. You are looking to get out of feeling overwhelmed. You want to learn how to get more control. You want more than mediocre cookie-cutter therapy. You want therapy that is personalized for you and about you. You want therapy that fits into your stressful life. Even if asking for help is hard for you, you’re at a point where you are ready to do it because you want something to change.
(609) 316-5516 View (609) 316-5516
Photo of Katherine Lusky, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katherine Lusky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550  (Online Only)
I also offer eye movement desensitization ( EMDR) therapy for certain individuals.
I specialize in helping patients that are dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma related issues. Worry, fear and bad memories often interfere with a person’s daily life. These problems can be very stressful and can affect a person’s social relationships, work performance, and self esteem. These individuals often turn to maladaptive coping strategies such as drugs and/or alcohol to find relief. I work with these patients to help them manage life difficulties and heal from past trauma in order to learn new ways of thinking and coping.
I also offer eye movement desensitization ( EMDR) therapy for certain individuals.
I specialize in helping patients that are dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma related issues. Worry, fear and bad memories often interfere with a person’s daily life. These problems can be very stressful and can affect a person’s social relationships, work performance, and self esteem. These individuals often turn to maladaptive coping strategies such as drugs and/or alcohol to find relief. I work with these patients to help them manage life difficulties and heal from past trauma in order to learn new ways of thinking and coping.
(856) 367-6239 View (856) 367-6239
Photo of Lynne Lyon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lynne Lyon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550  (Online Only)
For clients of all ages, I use an eclectic approach that includes art, narrative, (virtual) sandtray, and EMDR.
My attachment-focused therapy style strives to heal emotional wounds, both past and present, by examining one’s earliest relationships. As an attachment-trauma therapist, I will help you process the emotions from early or later trauma in order to strengthen your sense of self, safety, and belonging. The attachment patterns we learn from our earliest relationships determine how we interact with and perceive the world, which includes how we approach and engage in relationships with other people. As a single mother who adopted my daughter internationally, I understand how attachment trauma impacts us as children, and later as adults.
For clients of all ages, I use an eclectic approach that includes art, narrative, (virtual) sandtray, and EMDR.
My attachment-focused therapy style strives to heal emotional wounds, both past and present, by examining one’s earliest relationships. As an attachment-trauma therapist, I will help you process the emotions from early or later trauma in order to strengthen your sense of self, safety, and belonging. The attachment patterns we learn from our earliest relationships determine how we interact with and perceive the world, which includes how we approach and engage in relationships with other people. As a single mother who adopted my daughter internationally, I understand how attachment trauma impacts us as children, and later as adults.
(609) 357-4951 View (609) 357-4951
Photo of Chase Girvin, LMHC, LPC, ACS, Counselor
Chase Girvin
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550  (Online Only)
I am EMDR trained and utilize various modalities to encourage change and promote healing.
Do you want to overcome depression or anxiety and feel confident? Are you struggling with relationships? Do you find yourself getting angry quickly? Sometimes life transitions get difficult to manage. I have been helping people with these problems for 10 years and we can work collaboratively and holistically. We will focus on physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of your life. We will figure out your best qualities and strengths, your personal resources and virtues to realize your true potential that will help you heal.
I am EMDR trained and utilize various modalities to encourage change and promote healing.
Do you want to overcome depression or anxiety and feel confident? Are you struggling with relationships? Do you find yourself getting angry quickly? Sometimes life transitions get difficult to manage. I have been helping people with these problems for 10 years and we can work collaboratively and holistically. We will focus on physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of your life. We will figure out your best qualities and strengths, your personal resources and virtues to realize your true potential that will help you heal.
(929) 325-0188 View (929) 325-0188
Photo of Smita Chopra @ The Wellness Mind, DBA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Smita Chopra @ The Wellness Mind
Licensed Professional Counselor, DBA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
Using modalities like Trauma-Focused CBT, DBT, EMDR and Neurofeedback therapy, our solution-focused, person-centered method restores emotional and psychological well-being, empowering clients to achieve stability and enhance their quality of life.
Struggling with your Mental Health? Take the first steps towards a more fulfilling future at The Wellness Mind. At The Wellness Mind, I am committed to transforming lives through enhanced mental well-being. Leveraging my expertise as a seasoned psychotherapist and esteemed professor, I guide my clients through a journey of self-discovery, helping them to process emotions and unlock their inner strengths. My holistic approach improves quality of life, enhances relationships and personal fulfillment. I provide clients with effective coping strategies, advanced communication skills, and the resilience needed to face life's challenges.
Using modalities like Trauma-Focused CBT, DBT, EMDR and Neurofeedback therapy, our solution-focused, person-centered method restores emotional and psychological well-being, empowering clients to achieve stability and enhance their quality of life.
Struggling with your Mental Health? Take the first steps towards a more fulfilling future at The Wellness Mind. At The Wellness Mind, I am committed to transforming lives through enhanced mental well-being. Leveraging my expertise as a seasoned psychotherapist and esteemed professor, I guide my clients through a journey of self-discovery, helping them to process emotions and unlock their inner strengths. My holistic approach improves quality of life, enhances relationships and personal fulfillment. I provide clients with effective coping strategies, advanced communication skills, and the resilience needed to face life's challenges.
(848) 288-1797 View (848) 288-1797
Photo of Aubri Kaufman, MA, LAC, NCC, Counselor
Aubri Kaufman
Counselor, MA, LAC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
(I understand the unique layers of stress you're facing during this time!) Regardless of age, I offer support through depression, anxiety, self-harm, trauma processing (I'm also trained in EMDR), self-esteem issues, low-motivation, parenting challenges, and more.
Ready for something to change, but not sure where to start? I'm here to help. I believe therapy is a collaborative experience towards growth, healing, and self-acceptance. I'm a person-centered therapist, meaning I'm flexible and prioritize treating my clients with the respect and empathy they deserve as we work together to process and overcome.
(I understand the unique layers of stress you're facing during this time!) Regardless of age, I offer support through depression, anxiety, self-harm, trauma processing (I'm also trained in EMDR), self-esteem issues, low-motivation, parenting challenges, and more.
Ready for something to change, but not sure where to start? I'm here to help. I believe therapy is a collaborative experience towards growth, healing, and self-acceptance. I'm a person-centered therapist, meaning I'm flexible and prioritize treating my clients with the respect and empathy they deserve as we work together to process and overcome.
(609) 245-6809 View (609) 245-6809
Photo of Jessica Angley, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Angley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plainsboro, NJ 08536  (Online Only)
I have specialized training and experience working with trauma, and can help you increase understanding and coping skills to manage triggers and symptoms in order to build a sense of safety, or use EMDR to help you process events and beliefs keeping you stuck in the past so you can move forward when you feel ready to do so.
A therapy relationship is a real relationship, between equals. I take a collaborative approach, recognizing that people already know themselves, or have the potential to know themselves, better than anyone else, and yet we all have blind spots that can contribute to suffering. I work together with clients who are coping with depression, anxiety, difficult life transitions, trauma--both PTSD and complex PTSD, dissociative disorders, and self-harm behavior or other impulsive behaviors. I am intensively trained in DBT, and can teach you a variety of healthy coping skills to address any behavior or difficult emotions.
I have specialized training and experience working with trauma, and can help you increase understanding and coping skills to manage triggers and symptoms in order to build a sense of safety, or use EMDR to help you process events and beliefs keeping you stuck in the past so you can move forward when you feel ready to do so.
A therapy relationship is a real relationship, between equals. I take a collaborative approach, recognizing that people already know themselves, or have the potential to know themselves, better than anyone else, and yet we all have blind spots that can contribute to suffering. I work together with clients who are coping with depression, anxiety, difficult life transitions, trauma--both PTSD and complex PTSD, dissociative disorders, and self-harm behavior or other impulsive behaviors. I am intensively trained in DBT, and can teach you a variety of healthy coping skills to address any behavior or difficult emotions.
(732) 607-4961 View (732) 607-4961
Photo of Simaza Sadek, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Simaza Sadek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540  (Online Only)
I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) Therapy.
Finding a therapist can be difficult, especially when experiencing life challenges, symptoms of depression or anxiety, or other stressors. For those of us with marginalized identities, it is crucial to identify spaces where we can explore and address these issues. In my practice, I work with women and LGBTQIA+ people to address issues related to identity, life transitions, family, work, relational conflict, self-esteem, and shame. I specialize in working with the relational others (e.g., partners, spouses, family, and friends) of transgender people to explore self-identity and transition (social, emotional, physical, & medical).
I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) Therapy.
Finding a therapist can be difficult, especially when experiencing life challenges, symptoms of depression or anxiety, or other stressors. For those of us with marginalized identities, it is crucial to identify spaces where we can explore and address these issues. In my practice, I work with women and LGBTQIA+ people to address issues related to identity, life transitions, family, work, relational conflict, self-esteem, and shame. I specialize in working with the relational others (e.g., partners, spouses, family, and friends) of transgender people to explore self-identity and transition (social, emotional, physical, & medical).
(609) 928-7452 View (609) 928-7452
Photo of Gurpreet Singh, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gurpreet Singh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plainsboro, NJ 08536  (Online Only)
I will help you to get to the root of your challenges and break negative cycles using DBT, CBT, EMDR, Somatic therapy, and emotional regulation strategies.
People say "you are too sensitive" when you share how you feel. You don't like how you speak impulsively. Your family and heritage are important to you but there is tension. You think about your past in negative ways and it's hard to focus on the present moment. It's hard to feel relaxed in your body. At times you feel restless and at other times stiff and numb. Feeling balanced is tough.
I will help you to get to the root of your challenges and break negative cycles using DBT, CBT, EMDR, Somatic therapy, and emotional regulation strategies.
People say "you are too sensitive" when you share how you feel. You don't like how you speak impulsively. Your family and heritage are important to you but there is tension. You think about your past in negative ways and it's hard to focus on the present moment. It's hard to feel relaxed in your body. At times you feel restless and at other times stiff and numb. Feeling balanced is tough.
(339) 217-3998 View (339) 217-3998

See more therapy options for West Windsor

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.