EMDR Therapists in Westbury, NY
![Photo of Cassandra Lawrence, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/254419be-c697-452b-b3b7-34e9fa410fc2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Throughout this time I've utilized an eclectic approach by implementing EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, and Mindfulness.
At this time I am prioritizing clients seeking EMDR treatment. I was trained in EMDR Level 1&2 (during COVID) via Zoom, and thus have learned the most effective ways to implement EMDR via telehealth! I am prioritizing this service due to the outstanding results I have seen with each client I have worked with, although, results will vary per individual. Within my practice I carefully screen clients to ensure they are a prepared candidate for EMDR services. Please feel free to contact me for a free consultation to further discuss EMDR!
Throughout this time I've utilized an eclectic approach by implementing EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, and Mindfulness.
At this time I am prioritizing clients seeking EMDR treatment. I was trained in EMDR Level 1&2 (during COVID) via Zoom, and thus have learned the most effective ways to implement EMDR via telehealth! I am prioritizing this service due to the outstanding results I have seen with each client I have worked with, although, results will vary per individual. Within my practice I carefully screen clients to ensure they are a prepared candidate for EMDR services. Please feel free to contact me for a free consultation to further discuss EMDR!
![Photo of Debra Machado, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d25ccb5-83fc-4127-b93d-7056a084ad21/1/320x400.jpeg)
Being trained in EMDR enables me to bring help to those suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by sudden trauma or by chronic trauma i.
I am a pro-active therapist in private practice over 35 years. I believe helping clients understand their problems through education and knowledge of the issues enhances the clients ablity to make informed, decisions about what to do regarding the issues they are struggling with. Whether it's helping clients change their faulty beliefs about themselves and teach them skills to attain their goals, or helping a marriage survive the chronic stress of living with a child diagnosed with a chronic physical or mental disorder, I am there to support and encourage my clients to reach their goals and "See the forest for the trees!"
Being trained in EMDR enables me to bring help to those suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by sudden trauma or by chronic trauma i.
I am a pro-active therapist in private practice over 35 years. I believe helping clients understand their problems through education and knowledge of the issues enhances the clients ablity to make informed, decisions about what to do regarding the issues they are struggling with. Whether it's helping clients change their faulty beliefs about themselves and teach them skills to attain their goals, or helping a marriage survive the chronic stress of living with a child diagnosed with a chronic physical or mental disorder, I am there to support and encourage my clients to reach their goals and "See the forest for the trees!"
![Photo of Renee Maggiore, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd918f06-b421-46e0-a9a1-dd8a8bf88cbf/2/320x400.jpeg)
I became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the purpose of helping people as they navigate through life’s many ups and downs. I am passionate about helping clients increase their self-awareness and recognize their inner strengths. I aim to provide a non-judgmental, safe space for clients to feel supported and validated. I utilize a client-centered approach to therapy, tailored to suit the needs of my client. I use an eclectic therapeutic approach including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Strength-Based Therapy.
I became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the purpose of helping people as they navigate through life’s many ups and downs. I am passionate about helping clients increase their self-awareness and recognize their inner strengths. I aim to provide a non-judgmental, safe space for clients to feel supported and validated. I utilize a client-centered approach to therapy, tailored to suit the needs of my client. I use an eclectic therapeutic approach including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Strength-Based Therapy.
![Photo of Manisha Sandhu - Eunoia Counseling, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c735c38c-d33c-4ba0-94fc-981191649168/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eunoia Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westbury, NY 11590
I am passionate about uniting with women through painful and difficult seasons of their life. Many of us live each day with a lack of contentment, a nagging sense that we are not enough, but this does not have to become the norm. Challenges may arise that are difficult to overcome. Counseling is a way to develop better ways to cope with life in the present, heal wounds from the past, let go of worries for the future and help you overcome these barriers that stand in your way. I help clients gain insight by providing a supportive and caring environment, while also challenging my clients as my counsel is to always move forward.
I am passionate about uniting with women through painful and difficult seasons of their life. Many of us live each day with a lack of contentment, a nagging sense that we are not enough, but this does not have to become the norm. Challenges may arise that are difficult to overcome. Counseling is a way to develop better ways to cope with life in the present, heal wounds from the past, let go of worries for the future and help you overcome these barriers that stand in your way. I help clients gain insight by providing a supportive and caring environment, while also challenging my clients as my counsel is to always move forward.
![Photo of Emily C. Errera, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44f61966-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mental health counseling demands a level of professionalism and a great deal of dedication. Integrity, genuineness, and a passion for the field of mental health are some of the assets I possess which will allow me to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. I am dedicated to understanding your concerns and identifying a safe way to navigate through them. You will be validated and heard and together we will establish an individualized and collaborative plan that works for you. I utilize a person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and eclectic approach that will cater to your individual needs.
Mental health counseling demands a level of professionalism and a great deal of dedication. Integrity, genuineness, and a passion for the field of mental health are some of the assets I possess which will allow me to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. I am dedicated to understanding your concerns and identifying a safe way to navigate through them. You will be validated and heard and together we will establish an individualized and collaborative plan that works for you. I utilize a person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and eclectic approach that will cater to your individual needs.
![Photo of Meagan Miraldi, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48c179d5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a firm believer that everyone can benefit from therapy. My primary goal is to make each of my client’s therapeutic experiences as comfortable and safe as possible. I have worked with clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors. Using a client-centered approach, I work with my clients to develop positive coping skills in order to tackle life’s stressors. I have experience working with clients with a variety of diagnoses, including but not limited to substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
I am a firm believer that everyone can benefit from therapy. My primary goal is to make each of my client’s therapeutic experiences as comfortable and safe as possible. I have worked with clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors. Using a client-centered approach, I work with my clients to develop positive coping skills in order to tackle life’s stressors. I have experience working with clients with a variety of diagnoses, including but not limited to substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
![Photo of Timothy Cai, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/169f6a1e-8cdd-498b-92a0-a94f7056e927/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sometimes it can be hard to talk about what you’re thinking or feeling. You might believe that if you did talk about it, people may judge or reject you. It is my mission to make you feel heard and validated in the hopes that when you do feel more comfortable, you just might find those difficult thoughts and feelings easier to manage. My treatment approach is person-centered, to empower you to understand that your experience of yourself and the world around you matters. I also incorporate psychodynamic, to explore and understand how you came to be who you are today. We will collaborate to to help you live the life you want to live.
Sometimes it can be hard to talk about what you’re thinking or feeling. You might believe that if you did talk about it, people may judge or reject you. It is my mission to make you feel heard and validated in the hopes that when you do feel more comfortable, you just might find those difficult thoughts and feelings easier to manage. My treatment approach is person-centered, to empower you to understand that your experience of yourself and the world around you matters. I also incorporate psychodynamic, to explore and understand how you came to be who you are today. We will collaborate to to help you live the life you want to live.
![Photo of Tiffani Smith, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd7b15e6-8fe7-47a0-854a-435b7ec14c71/1/320x400.jpeg)
Each of us have a unique story that reflects our life experiences and helps to shape our perspective of the world around us and how we view ourselves. Therapy is an opportunity to explore and understand your life story, heal from painful emotions, identify and build upon your strengths, and create lasting change to improve your overall sense of well-being. As your therapist, I aim to foster a warm, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic environment where you feel safe to engage in self-exploration and reach your goals.
Each of us have a unique story that reflects our life experiences and helps to shape our perspective of the world around us and how we view ourselves. Therapy is an opportunity to explore and understand your life story, heal from painful emotions, identify and build upon your strengths, and create lasting change to improve your overall sense of well-being. As your therapist, I aim to foster a warm, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic environment where you feel safe to engage in self-exploration and reach your goals.
![Photo of Rosemary Marrugo, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2899b262-7430-4b9c-a8cb-e6257c836590/2/320x400.jpeg)
Over the course of your life, you may experience a change in your thinking, mood, or feeling, and behavior could be affected. It helps that we determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Together we will work through those struggles to live a happier and healthier life. As a therapist, with several years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and those who suffer a severe mental health illness, I am well versed in several counseling techniques and have a compassionate approachable demeanor.
Over the course of your life, you may experience a change in your thinking, mood, or feeling, and behavior could be affected. It helps that we determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Together we will work through those struggles to live a happier and healthier life. As a therapist, with several years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and those who suffer a severe mental health illness, I am well versed in several counseling techniques and have a compassionate approachable demeanor.
![Photo of Samantha Pidgeon, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bda5698f-0bd2-4b24-94c6-3f874e4a59c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be difficult at times and it takes strength to reach out to someone for help. Through our therapeutic relationship, my goal is to help you gain self-awareness about potential negative thinking patterns and ultimately increase stability and independence. We live in a world of many different stressors and pressures and I hope to help you learn to cope with these issues in a positive way. Mental health is just as important as physical, through all stages of life. I utilize a person-centered approach in order to explore past and current issues in order to help you learn different tools to help you take control of your life.
Life can be difficult at times and it takes strength to reach out to someone for help. Through our therapeutic relationship, my goal is to help you gain self-awareness about potential negative thinking patterns and ultimately increase stability and independence. We live in a world of many different stressors and pressures and I hope to help you learn to cope with these issues in a positive way. Mental health is just as important as physical, through all stages of life. I utilize a person-centered approach in order to explore past and current issues in order to help you learn different tools to help you take control of your life.
![Photo of Kathryn Del Mar, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d722a0df-d037-4d9e-9ea6-f9d0a689fff5/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a licensed mental health counselor, providing a safe space and support is top priority. Whether it's struggles with anxiety, depression or life changes, the goal is to provide you with a space to process emotions, provide coping skills and gain insight. The therapeutic relationship is an important one so I believe it is crucial to meet my clients where they are at and together work on strengthening that bond. My goal is to empower my clients and provide them with a ‘toolbelt’ of skills that will carry them moving forward.
As a licensed mental health counselor, providing a safe space and support is top priority. Whether it's struggles with anxiety, depression or life changes, the goal is to provide you with a space to process emotions, provide coping skills and gain insight. The therapeutic relationship is an important one so I believe it is crucial to meet my clients where they are at and together work on strengthening that bond. My goal is to empower my clients and provide them with a ‘toolbelt’ of skills that will carry them moving forward.
![Photo of Jessica Corea, LMHC, CASAC-T, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd72b7e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
You deserve to live a happier and healthier life. Together, we can begin to understand your situation, and then create a plan that will address the issues that are causing you stress. Do you feel overwhelmed with issues that are unmanageable to deal with? Are you unsure about how to achieve your goals? Therapy is a powerful tool utilized to help resolve the problems you are experiencing. It strengthens our coping tools and our sense of self. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, compulsions/addictions, relationship issues, self-esteem, and developing action plans to address goal setting.
You deserve to live a happier and healthier life. Together, we can begin to understand your situation, and then create a plan that will address the issues that are causing you stress. Do you feel overwhelmed with issues that are unmanageable to deal with? Are you unsure about how to achieve your goals? Therapy is a powerful tool utilized to help resolve the problems you are experiencing. It strengthens our coping tools and our sense of self. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, compulsions/addictions, relationship issues, self-esteem, and developing action plans to address goal setting.
![Photo of Kisha Heron, LMHC, CASAC-T, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ed10666-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you ever feel like something is missing? Like there is a void that nothing seems to fill? Ever feel bound or trapped by the failures of your past? The regrets of your mistakes? The pressure and weight of depression, anxiety, family strain, and stress ever wear you down and wear you out? Well I believe there is an answer and it is found in wholeness! It is found in the truth of who you are! The unity of the family system. The healing from the past. The acceptance of the present. The hope of the future.
Do you ever feel like something is missing? Like there is a void that nothing seems to fill? Ever feel bound or trapped by the failures of your past? The regrets of your mistakes? The pressure and weight of depression, anxiety, family strain, and stress ever wear you down and wear you out? Well I believe there is an answer and it is found in wholeness! It is found in the truth of who you are! The unity of the family system. The healing from the past. The acceptance of the present. The hope of the future.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Lydia E. Rosa, LCSW-R, CPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48ad4dbe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lydia E. Rosa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, CPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hicksville, NY 11801
Using CBT, EMDR, hypnosis, mindfulness, and/or psychodynamic psychotherapy, we work on narrowing in on what is important to your ultimate happiness.
I have 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. Often people come to me because they feel overwhelmed, stuck or discouraged. My process is to empower people to help them identify and use their own unique experiences and qualities to achieve a sense of happiness and peace of mind. I specialize in working with adults and teenagers experiencing challenges with love, family, school or work. I have additional areas of specialty in co-dependency, OCD, grief, and trauma.
Using CBT, EMDR, hypnosis, mindfulness, and/or psychodynamic psychotherapy, we work on narrowing in on what is important to your ultimate happiness.
I have 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. Often people come to me because they feel overwhelmed, stuck or discouraged. My process is to empower people to help them identify and use their own unique experiences and qualities to achieve a sense of happiness and peace of mind. I specialize in working with adults and teenagers experiencing challenges with love, family, school or work. I have additional areas of specialty in co-dependency, OCD, grief, and trauma.
![Photo of Zarna Shah, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cce1396-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Zarna Shah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Garden City, NY 11530
My treatment modality is EMDR, CBT, psychodynamic and insight oriented with an emphasis on diagnosing, evaluation, management and treatment to help individuals function optimally outside the therapeutic environment.
Are you having trouble coping with situations, people, and/or relationships? Do you find yourself on edge and easily irritated? Do you simply feel at a loss for direction? Have your symptoms worsened in the past few weeks? There are many reasons for the way you feel; exploring the source of your distress and finding a solution that works for you is the key to success in therapy. I can help you find your way in a safe, private and caring environment. I am an experienced clinician with the utmost dedication to my clients during their most difficult times. If you're serious about improving your mental well-being and want to have
My treatment modality is EMDR, CBT, psychodynamic and insight oriented with an emphasis on diagnosing, evaluation, management and treatment to help individuals function optimally outside the therapeutic environment.
Are you having trouble coping with situations, people, and/or relationships? Do you find yourself on edge and easily irritated? Do you simply feel at a loss for direction? Have your symptoms worsened in the past few weeks? There are many reasons for the way you feel; exploring the source of your distress and finding a solution that works for you is the key to success in therapy. I can help you find your way in a safe, private and caring environment. I am an experienced clinician with the utmost dedication to my clients during their most difficult times. If you're serious about improving your mental well-being and want to have
![Photo of Menahal Begawala - Haven Mental Health Counseling, LMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5236e66c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Haven Mental Health Counseling
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Old Westbury, NY 11568
Our specialties include EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and use of the Gottman Method for couples.
Are you struggling with feelings of sadness or depression due to trauma or difficult life experiences? Perhaps you are dealing with overwhelming anxiety or difficulty in connecting in with your significant other? The core of treatment at Haven Counseling lies in the belief that happiness, resilience, and mental strength are within reach for every one of us. We work with clients to explore the roadblocks in reaching their goals: emotional, relational, vocational or otherwise. We offer services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families to overcome challenges related to mental health concerns, relationships, and trauma.
Our specialties include EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and use of the Gottman Method for couples.
Are you struggling with feelings of sadness or depression due to trauma or difficult life experiences? Perhaps you are dealing with overwhelming anxiety or difficulty in connecting in with your significant other? The core of treatment at Haven Counseling lies in the belief that happiness, resilience, and mental strength are within reach for every one of us. We work with clients to explore the roadblocks in reaching their goals: emotional, relational, vocational or otherwise. We offer services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families to overcome challenges related to mental health concerns, relationships, and trauma.
![Photo of Karen Davis - Inspire Clinical LCSW Services, PLLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d90ed384-37d5-4ab4-8b76-67c2ad1f08ad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Inspire Clinical LCSW Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Uniondale, NY 11556 (Online Only)
I am certified and/or trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma Treatment, Energy Psychology and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
Are you feeling like something is not quite right but also feel conflicted about the notion of having a mental health condition? This is a very common feeling especially when cultural values and other beliefs compete with the desire to seek this type of help. My practice approach is culturally sensitive, collaborative, and individual-specific which helps to create a sense of respect and autonomy. My main goal in your treatment will be to foster physical and emotional safety, to allow an open discussion of the issues and the best way to address them.
I am certified and/or trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma Treatment, Energy Psychology and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
Are you feeling like something is not quite right but also feel conflicted about the notion of having a mental health condition? This is a very common feeling especially when cultural values and other beliefs compete with the desire to seek this type of help. My practice approach is culturally sensitive, collaborative, and individual-specific which helps to create a sense of respect and autonomy. My main goal in your treatment will be to foster physical and emotional safety, to allow an open discussion of the issues and the best way to address them.
![Photo of Jaime Wallace, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43e5bbb4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that we are not meant to be defined our past negative experiences but rather free of them so that we may build a more fulfilling future. I have been trained psychodynamically and do trauma focused therapy. Traumas are often incidents that might appear small on the surface but may impact our ability to be intimate with others. I am a member of the International Society of Studies in Trauma and Dissociation and am abreast with newest treatments and research. I work with sexual abuse survivors and work with firemen, police officers and other first responders through psychodynamic therapy and EMDR. I am an EMDR certified
I believe that we are not meant to be defined our past negative experiences but rather free of them so that we may build a more fulfilling future. I have been trained psychodynamically and do trauma focused therapy. Traumas are often incidents that might appear small on the surface but may impact our ability to be intimate with others. I am a member of the International Society of Studies in Trauma and Dissociation and am abreast with newest treatments and research. I work with sexual abuse survivors and work with firemen, police officers and other first responders through psychodynamic therapy and EMDR. I am an EMDR certified
![Photo of Dr. Alyssa A. Sceppaguercio, PhD, LMHC, EMDR, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d685fdb-53f3-499c-ab74-4becd78436e1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Alyssa A. Sceppaguercio
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Jericho, NY 11753 (Online Only)
As an EMDR Certified Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), I believe in providing a safe, warm, and empathic space for clients, as we take this powerful journey together.
I believe in creating genuine and authentic relationships through the counseling process. It is important to build trust, and I am patient when clients decide to take on this next step. It takes courage and strength to reach out for support, and I truly commend you for doing so. My approach to counseling is allowing individuals the opportunity to sit in the driver seat and take control of their destination. I see myself as the passenger where I am able to provide support and guidance, as well as new tools and techniques to assist for a smoother ride.
As an EMDR Certified Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), I believe in providing a safe, warm, and empathic space for clients, as we take this powerful journey together.
I believe in creating genuine and authentic relationships through the counseling process. It is important to build trust, and I am patient when clients decide to take on this next step. It takes courage and strength to reach out for support, and I truly commend you for doing so. My approach to counseling is allowing individuals the opportunity to sit in the driver seat and take control of their destination. I see myself as the passenger where I am able to provide support and guidance, as well as new tools and techniques to assist for a smoother ride.
![Photo of Joann Romano, MSEd, LMHC, CRC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e704395-c956-4b4a-87ce-19243c273fcd/1/320x400.png)
Joann practices psychotherapy specializing in working with adolescents & adults in the treatment of anxiety, anxiety disorders, and trauma using EMDR therapy. This includes Generalized Anxiety Disorder, perfectionistic thinking, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OCD), social anxiety, & anxiety caused by past traumas. Anxiety is often experienced together with depression, stress, significant life changes, relationship issues, chronic medical illness or pain, or a desire to improve your quality of life. She works with persons with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and provides a safe LGBTQ environment.
Joann practices psychotherapy specializing in working with adolescents & adults in the treatment of anxiety, anxiety disorders, and trauma using EMDR therapy. This includes Generalized Anxiety Disorder, perfectionistic thinking, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OCD), social anxiety, & anxiety caused by past traumas. Anxiety is often experienced together with depression, stress, significant life changes, relationship issues, chronic medical illness or pain, or a desire to improve your quality of life. She works with persons with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and provides a safe LGBTQ environment.
See more therapy options for Westbury
Nearby EMDR Therapists Searches for Westbury
- Bethpage
- East Meadow
- Garden City
- Hempstead
- Hicksville
- Jericho
- Levittown
- Mineola
- Old Westbury
- Roslyn
- Roslyn Heights
- Uniondale
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.