EMDR Therapists in Purchase, NY
![Photo of Brenda Keenan Rodriguez, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ff2deaa-957c-4ba9-a9e0-1d4ccce199f7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brenda Keenan Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Purchase, NY 10577 (Online Only)
I offer cognitive behavioral therapy, communication skill building, relational therapy for couples and families, EMDR, DBT, and parent skill building, to address issues including infidelity, blended families, adoption, healthy boundary development, and PTSD.
My goal for treatment is to provide a safe environment for clients to increase awareness and learn to challenge themselves to make step-by-step changes. Anxiety and depression are many times clues to internal discourse. Whether it's related to a relationship, job, or general life stressors, learning to manage your thoughts, feelings and emotions will help keep functioning at optimal levels.
I offer cognitive behavioral therapy, communication skill building, relational therapy for couples and families, EMDR, DBT, and parent skill building, to address issues including infidelity, blended families, adoption, healthy boundary development, and PTSD.
My goal for treatment is to provide a safe environment for clients to increase awareness and learn to challenge themselves to make step-by-step changes. Anxiety and depression are many times clues to internal discourse. Whether it's related to a relationship, job, or general life stressors, learning to manage your thoughts, feelings and emotions will help keep functioning at optimal levels.
![Photo of Anna Keylina, MHC , LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/75f4a065-3f00-4d14-8590-ba54d323586b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Anna Keylina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MHC , LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Purchase, NY 10577 (Online Only)
Welcome! I’m Anna Keylina, LCSW, offering specialized therapy, including but not limited to, EMDR, psychodynamic, and relational therapy. As a therapist, recognize the courage it takes to seek support and open up to someone new. I understand that each individual is unique, and I don’t claim to be an expert on your life. Instead, I offer my expertise to support you in achieving the changes you seek. Together, we will explore how past experiences influence your present behavior and work towards overcoming obstacles.
Welcome! I’m Anna Keylina, LCSW, offering specialized therapy, including but not limited to, EMDR, psychodynamic, and relational therapy. As a therapist, recognize the courage it takes to seek support and open up to someone new. I understand that each individual is unique, and I don’t claim to be an expert on your life. Instead, I offer my expertise to support you in achieving the changes you seek. Together, we will explore how past experiences influence your present behavior and work towards overcoming obstacles.
![Photo of Dianne Gallo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e49dc09-79c7-4df1-a108-0346603044be/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel overwhelmed, like the world is just too much? I support Highly Sensitive People to live with less anxiety and more authenticity. Whether you're going through a challenging life transition, wanting to find more connection in your relationships, or just trying to better navigate the world as a Highly Sensitive Person, I'm here for you.
Do you feel overwhelmed, like the world is just too much? I support Highly Sensitive People to live with less anxiety and more authenticity. Whether you're going through a challenging life transition, wanting to find more connection in your relationships, or just trying to better navigate the world as a Highly Sensitive Person, I'm here for you.
![Photo of Dr. Normajean Cefarelli, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6ed5e5d-87b7-4e1e-95a6-f8d0c476d2d0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Have you ever wondered whether in person or video therapy would work for you? I offer a complimentary phone consultation to discuss any questions you may have. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, crisis management, anger issues, couples, and family issues. I have extensive experience working with individuals and families using CBT, mindfulness, and family system interventions. I work to create a virtual safe haven where we can explore your challenges. In addition to seeing clients virtually at Greenwich Psychology Group, I am a virtual professor and clinical supervisor at New York University.
Have you ever wondered whether in person or video therapy would work for you? I offer a complimentary phone consultation to discuss any questions you may have. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, crisis management, anger issues, couples, and family issues. I have extensive experience working with individuals and families using CBT, mindfulness, and family system interventions. I work to create a virtual safe haven where we can explore your challenges. In addition to seeing clients virtually at Greenwich Psychology Group, I am a virtual professor and clinical supervisor at New York University.
![Photo of Dr. Jesse Metzger, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cdaed856-b511-40a3-b9d6-77df542c4064/1/320x400.png)
I am a Columbia-trained clinical psychologist with expertise in treating a variety of life difficulties, including anxiety, depression, academic and career struggles, and self-esteem issues. I work well with a variety of clients, from college and graduate students to senior executives. I am compassionate, easy to talk to, and real. Whether you are experiencing chronic feelings of anxiety, unhappiness, or procrastinating and feeling stuck, I can help get your life back on track and reach your full potential. My clients often see reduction in symptoms and improvement early on in treatment.
I am a Columbia-trained clinical psychologist with expertise in treating a variety of life difficulties, including anxiety, depression, academic and career struggles, and self-esteem issues. I work well with a variety of clients, from college and graduate students to senior executives. I am compassionate, easy to talk to, and real. Whether you are experiencing chronic feelings of anxiety, unhappiness, or procrastinating and feeling stuck, I can help get your life back on track and reach your full potential. My clients often see reduction in symptoms and improvement early on in treatment.
![Photo of Dr. Brant Anderson, PhD, JD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd59caf3-c1e5-4523-9c8f-bfd526bce85b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you missing appreciation? Does he stonewall? Does she not stop criticizing? Anxious and having trust issues? Do you feel a lack of sexual desire? Fighting over sexual frequency? I can help you stop the negative cycle. Feel love again. Feel intimate again. Trained explicitly as a marriage and family therapist, I am a highly trained and experienced couples therapist. I believe in a collaborative approach and skilled at creating tools to foster healthy connections between couples and families. Together, we repair your relationship by introducing new methods of communication to increase empathy and flexibility.
Are you missing appreciation? Does he stonewall? Does she not stop criticizing? Anxious and having trust issues? Do you feel a lack of sexual desire? Fighting over sexual frequency? I can help you stop the negative cycle. Feel love again. Feel intimate again. Trained explicitly as a marriage and family therapist, I am a highly trained and experienced couples therapist. I believe in a collaborative approach and skilled at creating tools to foster healthy connections between couples and families. Together, we repair your relationship by introducing new methods of communication to increase empathy and flexibility.
![Photo of Sage Williamson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f968db4-c182-4938-8672-2b4676612b0a/1/320x400.png)
What if you had all the tools necessary to connect with and love your partner more deeply? What if you could learn how to reignite your love and create a meaningful life with your partner? With over a decade of experience in couples and family therapy, I am here to support you in rebuilding your life of love and trust. Most people are not naturally "good" at sharing their love, but it is a skill that can be learned. Relationships require dedication and practice. No matter what you are going through we will find a way to make your relationship what you know it could be. I understand what it's like to be vulnerable.
What if you had all the tools necessary to connect with and love your partner more deeply? What if you could learn how to reignite your love and create a meaningful life with your partner? With over a decade of experience in couples and family therapy, I am here to support you in rebuilding your life of love and trust. Most people are not naturally "good" at sharing their love, but it is a skill that can be learned. Relationships require dedication and practice. No matter what you are going through we will find a way to make your relationship what you know it could be. I understand what it's like to be vulnerable.
![Photo of Scott Gillet, LCSW, LMFT, CNT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/372c2e40-b41c-46a0-9ac8-448f71fc12fa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you missing appreciation? Does he stonewall? Does she not stop criticizing? Anxious and having trust issues? Do you feel a lack of sexual desire? Fighting over sexual frequency? I can help you stop the negative cycle. Feel love again. Feel intimate again. Trained explicitly as a marriage and family therapist, I am a highly trained and experienced couples therapist. I believe in a collaborative approach and skilled at creating tools to foster healthy connections between couples and families. Together, we repair your relationship by introducing new methods of communication to increase empathy and flexibility.
Are you missing appreciation? Does he stonewall? Does she not stop criticizing? Anxious and having trust issues? Do you feel a lack of sexual desire? Fighting over sexual frequency? I can help you stop the negative cycle. Feel love again. Feel intimate again. Trained explicitly as a marriage and family therapist, I am a highly trained and experienced couples therapist. I believe in a collaborative approach and skilled at creating tools to foster healthy connections between couples and families. Together, we repair your relationship by introducing new methods of communication to increase empathy and flexibility.
![Photo of Elizabeth Crossfield, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb851e93-5841-4ccd-a347-49a5d1cabbbf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Do you miss feeling appreciated? Does he refuse to answer questions? Does she ever stop criticizing? Are you apprehensive and struggling to trust? Do you feel a lack of sexual desire? Fighting over sexual frequency? I can assist you break the negative loop. Feel love again. Feel intimate again. I am a highly qualified and experienced couples therapist with advanced training in marital and family counseling. I am easy to talk to and skilled at creating tools that encourage healthy relationships among couples and families. We rebuild your relationship by providing new communication approaches that promote empathy and flexibility.
Do you miss feeling appreciated? Does he refuse to answer questions? Does she ever stop criticizing? Are you apprehensive and struggling to trust? Do you feel a lack of sexual desire? Fighting over sexual frequency? I can assist you break the negative loop. Feel love again. Feel intimate again. I am a highly qualified and experienced couples therapist with advanced training in marital and family counseling. I am easy to talk to and skilled at creating tools that encourage healthy relationships among couples and families. We rebuild your relationship by providing new communication approaches that promote empathy and flexibility.
![Photo of Lucia Falcone, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/976adab8-7853-45dc-8877-cda41cbea122/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lucia Falcone
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Purchase, NY 10577 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As someone who suffered from anxiety & trauma, I can tell you that I spent years looking for the right therapist & I just wanted results. I knew I had the potential to achieve so much more and create a life that I was excited about living, but I didn’t know where to start. I saw many therapists over the years & I was sick of just TALKING & re-living things over and over without seeing improvement. Finally, I met a therapist that changed my life. He introduced me to brainspotting, & IFS. I was skeptical at first but I was open minded & tried it out. I learned that trauma is stored in the body & that talk therapy doesn’t address that.
As someone who suffered from anxiety & trauma, I can tell you that I spent years looking for the right therapist & I just wanted results. I knew I had the potential to achieve so much more and create a life that I was excited about living, but I didn’t know where to start. I saw many therapists over the years & I was sick of just TALKING & re-living things over and over without seeing improvement. Finally, I met a therapist that changed my life. He introduced me to brainspotting, & IFS. I was skeptical at first but I was open minded & tried it out. I learned that trauma is stored in the body & that talk therapy doesn’t address that.
![Photo of Daniel DiTieri, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b07409e-9a17-4d82-9ddc-97cc23b20092/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you missing appreciation? Does he stonewall? Does she not stop criticizing? Anxious and having trust issues? Do you feel a lack of sexual desire? Fighting over sexual frequency? I can help you stop the negative cycle. Feel love again. Feel intimate again. Trained explicitly as a marriage and family therapist, I am a highly trained and experienced couples therapist. I believe in a collaborative approach and skilled at creating tools to foster healthy connections between couples and families. Together, we repair your relationship by introducing new methods of communication to increase empathy and flexibility.
Are you missing appreciation? Does he stonewall? Does she not stop criticizing? Anxious and having trust issues? Do you feel a lack of sexual desire? Fighting over sexual frequency? I can help you stop the negative cycle. Feel love again. Feel intimate again. Trained explicitly as a marriage and family therapist, I am a highly trained and experienced couples therapist. I believe in a collaborative approach and skilled at creating tools to foster healthy connections between couples and families. Together, we repair your relationship by introducing new methods of communication to increase empathy and flexibility.
![Photo of Kaley Gerstley, DSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55111765-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kaley Gerstley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Purchase, NY 10577 (Online Only)
I work with people who want to be happy, feel confident, and thrive in their lives. Folks often come to see me when feeling numb, anxious, or insecure. In working together, we would focus on developing an understanding of what you'd like your life to look like, and creating a plan to make it a reality. My therapeutic approach stems from a relational framework and considers how every individual's identities and social environments shapes their beliefs, values, and experiences.
I work with people who want to be happy, feel confident, and thrive in their lives. Folks often come to see me when feeling numb, anxious, or insecure. In working together, we would focus on developing an understanding of what you'd like your life to look like, and creating a plan to make it a reality. My therapeutic approach stems from a relational framework and considers how every individual's identities and social environments shapes their beliefs, values, and experiences.
![Photo of Michele Goldman, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6fc8ccc-1b29-45b9-b41a-5b861ac4fc38/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michele Goldman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Purchase, NY 10577 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am an LGBTQ+ affirmative, trauma informed, sex therapist, who works with both individuals and couples. My approach to the work is relational and interpersonal. Therapy is a place where you can be your truest self, without judgement. It is also a place to explore difficult and sometimes painful topics. I work with individuals and couples who want to feel more comfortable with their sexuality, improve sexual functioning, and have more intimacy in relationships overall. We will explore many aspects of life and relationships that might be impacting sexual functioning including culture, upbringing, religion, biology, and more.
I am an LGBTQ+ affirmative, trauma informed, sex therapist, who works with both individuals and couples. My approach to the work is relational and interpersonal. Therapy is a place where you can be your truest self, without judgement. It is also a place to explore difficult and sometimes painful topics. I work with individuals and couples who want to feel more comfortable with their sexuality, improve sexual functioning, and have more intimacy in relationships overall. We will explore many aspects of life and relationships that might be impacting sexual functioning including culture, upbringing, religion, biology, and more.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Michael John Doria - NeuroPsychCPS, PLLC, PhD, MPH, MRC, MAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44a2993e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
NeuroPsychCPS, PLLC
Counselor, PhD, MPH, MRC, MAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Plains, NY 10602
Neuropsychological and Clinical Psychotherapeutic Services, LLC (NeuroPsychCPS) is a diagnostic, treatment, and consultation center for cognitive, behavioral, developmental, educational, neuropsychological and vocational challenges. Offering a wide range of clinical treatment in both individual and group therapy, neurorehabilitation, rehabilitation, vocational and career rehabilitation, mental health, trauma therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing ( EMDR) therapy, and readjustment and deployment stress therapy for military-related issues. Training for companies or schools in need of education or consultation, with regards to sports-related concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, crisis intervention, critical incident stress management (CISM), ADHD, depression, and anxiety.
Neuropsychological and Clinical Psychotherapeutic Services, LLC (NeuroPsychCPS) is a diagnostic, treatment, and consultation center for cognitive, behavioral, developmental, educational, neuropsychological and vocational challenges. Offering a wide range of clinical treatment in both individual and group therapy, neurorehabilitation, rehabilitation, vocational and career rehabilitation, mental health, trauma therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing ( EMDR) therapy, and readjustment and deployment stress therapy for military-related issues. Training for companies or schools in need of education or consultation, with regards to sports-related concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, crisis intervention, critical incident stress management (CISM), ADHD, depression, and anxiety.
![Photo of Ellyn Rabinowitz, LCSW, SIFI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/486bb466-a9d1-470a-86e3-554f17c613c3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ellyn Rabinowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SIFI
Verified Verified
White Plains, NY 10602
I can use EMDR, visualization and relaxation techniques.
My ideal client feels that things may not be working out in their life and would like to talk about it, work on it, resolve and heal. I'm here to help on that journey. You may be dealing with trauma, bereavement, loss, substance abuse, or sexual and psychological abuse, work or school issues, ADHD, relationship/communication problems. During these difficult times, many have unmet needs and feel lonely, depressed and isolated. Most people want release from their emotional pain and greater joy and love in their lives. "My" client is looking to be heard and seen and taken seriously. You want to matter in the world. I hear that.
I can use EMDR, visualization and relaxation techniques.
My ideal client feels that things may not be working out in their life and would like to talk about it, work on it, resolve and heal. I'm here to help on that journey. You may be dealing with trauma, bereavement, loss, substance abuse, or sexual and psychological abuse, work or school issues, ADHD, relationship/communication problems. During these difficult times, many have unmet needs and feel lonely, depressed and isolated. Most people want release from their emotional pain and greater joy and love in their lives. "My" client is looking to be heard and seen and taken seriously. You want to matter in the world. I hear that.
![Photo of Alyssa DiPadova, MS, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3869dc83-e11d-4539-b669-195cc2f145ea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa DiPadova
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Plains, NY 10601 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
With a foundation rooted in evidence-based practices, including Person-Centered Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your emotions, body sensations, thoughts, and behaviors.
Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or constant worry? Are you struggling to make important life decisions? Do you want to build resilience and improve your coping skills? You have the potential to make strides toward positive change, and receiving support along that journey can go a long way in reaching your goals.
With a foundation rooted in evidence-based practices, including Person-Centered Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your emotions, body sensations, thoughts, and behaviors.
Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or constant worry? Are you struggling to make important life decisions? Do you want to build resilience and improve your coping skills? You have the potential to make strides toward positive change, and receiving support along that journey can go a long way in reaching your goals.
![Photo of Jennifer Reisner, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40af4132-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Pia Mellody's Post Induction Therapy.
Do you feel overwhelmed by all the directions you are pulled in? Are your inner resources tapped with little or nothing left to give to your spouse, kids, co-workers? Are you trapped in problematic relationships and stuck in patterns that maintain these relationships? Making the decision to seek therapy is a step toward sorting out these issues. Support and guidance in a safe environment sets the stage for exploration into where these patterns emerged and how to grow and learn from them.
I am trained in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Pia Mellody's Post Induction Therapy.
Do you feel overwhelmed by all the directions you are pulled in? Are your inner resources tapped with little or nothing left to give to your spouse, kids, co-workers? Are you trapped in problematic relationships and stuck in patterns that maintain these relationships? Making the decision to seek therapy is a step toward sorting out these issues. Support and guidance in a safe environment sets the stage for exploration into where these patterns emerged and how to grow and learn from them.
![Photo of Lisa Abrotsky - New Reflections Counseling, Inc, LMFT, EMDR, Gottman, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d7808a6-d617-48d6-a3c0-bc8e290a413c/2/320x400.jpeg)
New Reflections Counseling, Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR, Gottman
Verified Verified
White Plains, NY 10604
Using Talk Therapy, EMDR, Gottman Level 1 & 2 Relationship Therapy, CBT, Narrative, and mindfulness meditation practices.
As a couple’s therapist Lisa Abrotsky integrates and explores past issues from different angles, helping couples and families gain insight into adjustments they may need to make in the relationship. Lisa aids and supports individuals in the processes of change, healing, and empowerment.
Using Talk Therapy, EMDR, Gottman Level 1 & 2 Relationship Therapy, CBT, Narrative, and mindfulness meditation practices.
As a couple’s therapist Lisa Abrotsky integrates and explores past issues from different angles, helping couples and families gain insight into adjustments they may need to make in the relationship. Lisa aids and supports individuals in the processes of change, healing, and empowerment.
![Photo of Scott Abbott | Abbott Mental Health, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/492318af-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Scott Abbott | Abbott Mental Health
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
White Plains, NY 10604
With over two decades of experience in faith-based psychotherapy, mental health counseling and inpatient rehabilitation, I am uniquely competent integrating clinical expertise and Christian spirituality in a holistic approach to thoughts, emotions and behaviors. I specialize in sexual addiction breakthrough, substance abuse recovery, OCD treatment (ERP and ACT), trauma processing ( EMDR), anxiety relief, relational connection, anger management, identity formation and faith/work/life/sex integration. I see couples and adult clients, and have other counselors (with lower fees) at my practice who work with adolescents and children.
With over two decades of experience in faith-based psychotherapy, mental health counseling and inpatient rehabilitation, I am uniquely competent integrating clinical expertise and Christian spirituality in a holistic approach to thoughts, emotions and behaviors. I specialize in sexual addiction breakthrough, substance abuse recovery, OCD treatment (ERP and ACT), trauma processing ( EMDR), anxiety relief, relational connection, anger management, identity formation and faith/work/life/sex integration. I see couples and adult clients, and have other counselors (with lower fees) at my practice who work with adolescents and children.
![Photo of Carolyn D Greene, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1beafa24-cb7d-4e0d-9b6f-28aafaa35934/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyn D Greene
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Plains, NY 10605 (Online Only)
I can apply specialty treatment ( EMDR) to treat trauma as well as other life concerns.
Welcome! I am here to offer you help through life’s most difficult transitions. Anxiety, depression, past trauma, and current stressors can weigh us down. Sometimes, even positive changes, like pregnancy and postpartum, can be hard. While I can help clients with a variety of issues, my specialties include treatment of trauma/PTSD as well as treatment of mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
I can apply specialty treatment ( EMDR) to treat trauma as well as other life concerns.
Welcome! I am here to offer you help through life’s most difficult transitions. Anxiety, depression, past trauma, and current stressors can weigh us down. Sometimes, even positive changes, like pregnancy and postpartum, can be hard. While I can help clients with a variety of issues, my specialties include treatment of trauma/PTSD as well as treatment of mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
See more therapy options for Purchase
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for Purchase
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- White Plains
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.