EMDR Therapists in Lake Oswego, OR

Photo of Miki Hunter, LPC, NCC, Counselor
Miki Hunter
Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in trauma treatment and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Taking the first steps towards wellness and change can be overwhelming. My goal is to create a space where individuals can feel safe to share their struggles, and build skills to cope with the various challenges that life throws their way. I am inspired by seeing my clients change in positive ways, better their lives, and improve their well-being!
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in trauma treatment and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Taking the first steps towards wellness and change can be overwhelming. My goal is to create a space where individuals can feel safe to share their struggles, and build skills to cope with the various challenges that life throws their way. I am inspired by seeing my clients change in positive ways, better their lives, and improve their well-being!
(503) 836-9045 View (503) 836-9045
Photo of David C Manfield, PhD, Psychologist
David C Manfield
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Oswego, OR 97034  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a therapist with over thirty years clinical experience. Over the years I've worked with and helped hundreds of individuals and couples through a wide range of difficulties. My style is respectful, interactive and dynamic. I've learned that there are a lot ways to help, to heal and to promote personal growth, and that no particular approach fits every person or situation. Anxious? Depressed? Or individuals with problems arising from recent traumatic events or from childhood trauma or neglect, whose parents may have been inconsistent or worse, I often combine EMDR, IFS and other mindfulness strategies.
I am a therapist with over thirty years clinical experience. Over the years I've worked with and helped hundreds of individuals and couples through a wide range of difficulties. My style is respectful, interactive and dynamic. I've learned that there are a lot ways to help, to heal and to promote personal growth, and that no particular approach fits every person or situation. Anxious? Depressed? Or individuals with problems arising from recent traumatic events or from childhood trauma or neglect, whose parents may have been inconsistent or worse, I often combine EMDR, IFS and other mindfulness strategies.
(503) 446-5093 View (503) 446-5093
Photo of Eric Bruemmer, MS, LPC, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Eric Bruemmer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Having worked with Virtual Therapy (phone and video) since 2004 and Virtual EMDR since 2017, I can serve you now. Fitting my training and style, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is a comprehensive and gently compassionate approach to adversity and trauma including anxiety, depression, couple and family issues. I work with diverse adults across the life spectrum. Licensed in both Oregon and Illinois, I am committed to life change and am on a personal adventure as well. Any questions, please ask? There are answers and I have help.
Having worked with Virtual Therapy (phone and video) since 2004 and Virtual EMDR since 2017, I can serve you now. Fitting my training and style, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is a comprehensive and gently compassionate approach to adversity and trauma including anxiety, depression, couple and family issues. I work with diverse adults across the life spectrum. Licensed in both Oregon and Illinois, I am committed to life change and am on a personal adventure as well. Any questions, please ask? There are answers and I have help.
(971) 351-2720 View (971) 351-2720
Photo of Susan Pinkley - Mountain Peak Counseling, LLC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mountain Peak Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
I integrate a combination of counseling approaches to best meet the client's needs and to facilitate the client's therapy wishes, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Sometimes life's challenges can be overwhelming, and you may seek counseling to regain your life balance, energy, and happiness. I facilitate clients' exploration to promote wellness, personal growth, and positive life changes. I work together with clients to develop strengths, reach goals, and to foster emotional healing. I offer insightful support to your growth in developing healthier coping strategies, identifying effective problem-solving skills, and improving communication skills. Everyone's situation is unique so together we will design the best plan to find healthy solutions to life's challenges.
I integrate a combination of counseling approaches to best meet the client's needs and to facilitate the client's therapy wishes, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Sometimes life's challenges can be overwhelming, and you may seek counseling to regain your life balance, energy, and happiness. I facilitate clients' exploration to promote wellness, personal growth, and positive life changes. I work together with clients to develop strengths, reach goals, and to foster emotional healing. I offer insightful support to your growth in developing healthier coping strategies, identifying effective problem-solving skills, and improving communication skills. Everyone's situation is unique so together we will design the best plan to find healthy solutions to life's challenges.
(503) 616-3471 View (503) 616-3471
Photo of Vickey Giap Thistlethwaite, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Vickey Giap Thistlethwaite
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
I am trained to utilize EMDR to help with PTSD and other trauma-related disturbances.
Being part of the interconnected natural world, we thrive in connection, and without connection, we wither. In our work together we will collaborate in understanding what makes you come alive and wither, to look for ways to get unstuck and make meaning of your emotions, reactivity, and suffering. I believe that individuals and families can tap into their inner strength to repair and grow new resilience with guidance and support. My role is to restore balance, build communication, and provide support to help you create space to learn and integrate new skills and encourage new perspectives as you grow and thrive in connections.
I am trained to utilize EMDR to help with PTSD and other trauma-related disturbances.
Being part of the interconnected natural world, we thrive in connection, and without connection, we wither. In our work together we will collaborate in understanding what makes you come alive and wither, to look for ways to get unstuck and make meaning of your emotions, reactivity, and suffering. I believe that individuals and families can tap into their inner strength to repair and grow new resilience with guidance and support. My role is to restore balance, build communication, and provide support to help you create space to learn and integrate new skills and encourage new perspectives as you grow and thrive in connections.
(503) 218-3885 View (503) 218-3885
Photo of Gina L Mcwhorter, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Gina L Mcwhorter
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Oswego, OR 97035  (Online Only)
Gina utilizes somatic focused EMDR, Yoga Nidra iRest meditation, expressive arts, and dreamwork to empower clients to feel and process events to resolution.
Gina is a skilled and compassionate provider specializing in traumatic stress, narcissistic abuse recovery, and highly sensitive persons. Through a psychodynamic, mindbody lens, she compassionately guides clients beyond defenses to connect with wholeness and peace.
Gina utilizes somatic focused EMDR, Yoga Nidra iRest meditation, expressive arts, and dreamwork to empower clients to feel and process events to resolution.
Gina is a skilled and compassionate provider specializing in traumatic stress, narcissistic abuse recovery, and highly sensitive persons. Through a psychodynamic, mindbody lens, she compassionately guides clients beyond defenses to connect with wholeness and peace.
(458) 209-2309 View (458) 209-2309
Photo of Lynae Nelson, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lynae Nelson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
In addition to evidence based psychotherapies, I am trained in and provide EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma and Neurofeedback to help my clients achieve their goals.
I believe that we all experience struggles in life, both within ourselves and through challenging circumstances. These struggles can result in trauma, anxiety, depression, brain and body changes, influence our sense of self-worth, identity, belief in our abilities, the world around us, and otherwise limit us . So often, these struggles can impact our relationships, career, and long-term well-being. Clients who want to address these, and other, concerns head on in a supportive manner with a trauma lens and utilize treatment guided by science and a neuro-biological approach would enjoy my approach to therapy.
In addition to evidence based psychotherapies, I am trained in and provide EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma and Neurofeedback to help my clients achieve their goals.
I believe that we all experience struggles in life, both within ourselves and through challenging circumstances. These struggles can result in trauma, anxiety, depression, brain and body changes, influence our sense of self-worth, identity, belief in our abilities, the world around us, and otherwise limit us . So often, these struggles can impact our relationships, career, and long-term well-being. Clients who want to address these, and other, concerns head on in a supportive manner with a trauma lens and utilize treatment guided by science and a neuro-biological approach would enjoy my approach to therapy.
(458) 218-8364 View (458) 218-8364
Photo of Janice Marie Johnson, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Janice Marie Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
I have a passion to see people free from what keeps them stuck! My style is eclectic using CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic and mindfulness.
Everybody at some point can benefit from therapy! Whether its just needing to talk over some relational issues or something more serious like depression, anxiety, sexual abuse or other traumas, therapy can make the difference. When people feel stuck in thought patterns or can't seem to get any peace or find joy in life, it is very discouraging. I find that my clients come in and want some tools to get out of their rut and find relief from their difficult life issues.
I have a passion to see people free from what keeps them stuck! My style is eclectic using CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic and mindfulness.
Everybody at some point can benefit from therapy! Whether its just needing to talk over some relational issues or something more serious like depression, anxiety, sexual abuse or other traumas, therapy can make the difference. When people feel stuck in thought patterns or can't seem to get any peace or find joy in life, it is very discouraging. I find that my clients come in and want some tools to get out of their rut and find relief from their difficult life issues.
(971) 803-3190 View (971) 803-3190
Photo of Lindsay Kittredge, PhD, Psychologist
Lindsay Kittredge
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
I draw from CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, somatic therapies and interpersonal interventions.
People call me because they (or a loved one) is hurting; they want to sort things out, understand themselves, improve their relationships, feel better. Working with individuals, families and couples is the heart of my work and skill set. Therapy is work and a form of neuroscience coupled with compassion and therapeutic guidance that can re-establish health, balance and well being. You can change your brain and heal your heart; you can learn to understand yourself and improve your relationships. I meet you where you are and work with you to heal ruptures, grieve losses and be the best version of yourself in body, mind & spirit.
I draw from CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, somatic therapies and interpersonal interventions.
People call me because they (or a loved one) is hurting; they want to sort things out, understand themselves, improve their relationships, feel better. Working with individuals, families and couples is the heart of my work and skill set. Therapy is work and a form of neuroscience coupled with compassion and therapeutic guidance that can re-establish health, balance and well being. You can change your brain and heal your heart; you can learn to understand yourself and improve your relationships. I meet you where you are and work with you to heal ruptures, grieve losses and be the best version of yourself in body, mind & spirit.
(415) 802-1055 View (415) 802-1055
Photo of Colette Kelsey - Clackamas Counseling Center, LLC , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Clackamas Counseling Center, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97035  (Online Only)
We provide trauma-focused therapy including EMDR with a relaxed, interactive and supportive approach.
We are a small group practice of three experienced therapist. We provide a warm, validating and supportive approach to therapy. We will be there to support and encourage you. We believe you will experience healing, growth and change. We know it takes courage to take that first step and we are committed to partnering with you on your healing journey. We are dedicated to you and your healing!
We provide trauma-focused therapy including EMDR with a relaxed, interactive and supportive approach.
We are a small group practice of three experienced therapist. We provide a warm, validating and supportive approach to therapy. We will be there to support and encourage you. We believe you will experience healing, growth and change. We know it takes courage to take that first step and we are committed to partnering with you on your healing journey. We are dedicated to you and your healing!
(503) 436-6555 View (503) 436-6555
Photo of Candyce Monteleone, MA, LPC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Candyce Monteleone
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
I provide holistic and trauma-informed counseling to adults struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, traumatic experiences, life transitions, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Some evidence-based modalities I may use in therapy include Strengths-Based Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and attachment-focused EMDR.
I provide holistic and trauma-informed counseling to adults struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, traumatic experiences, life transitions, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Some evidence-based modalities I may use in therapy include Strengths-Based Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and attachment-focused EMDR.
(971) 306-4467 View (971) 306-4467
Photo of Amber M. Ornelas Senger, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amber M. Ornelas Senger
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Oswego, OR 97035  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR and have a special interest in working with with teens and adults who have experienced trauma including male survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
How we feel is central to how we live our lives. Whether you are struggling within a relationship, looking to overcome childhood trauma or navigating stressors in your life, I can help you to identify patterns and empower the change within yourself to alter your path. Give me a call or send me an email to see if we are a good match. Having a strong therapeutic alliance is key to promoting change. I am also a Hispanic identified therapist and have a strong understanding of the cultural influences of Hispanic culture.
I am trained in EMDR and have a special interest in working with with teens and adults who have experienced trauma including male survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
How we feel is central to how we live our lives. Whether you are struggling within a relationship, looking to overcome childhood trauma or navigating stressors in your life, I can help you to identify patterns and empower the change within yourself to alter your path. Give me a call or send me an email to see if we are a good match. Having a strong therapeutic alliance is key to promoting change. I am also a Hispanic identified therapist and have a strong understanding of the cultural influences of Hispanic culture.
(971) 267-3704 View (971) 267-3704
Photo of Ammon Veil, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ammon Veil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97035  (Online Only)
I utilize EMDR, humanistic, narrative, CBT, emotion-focused, existential, and psychodynamic therapies to help clients with challenges.
Focusing on the individualized needs of each person, I strive to provide an environment where clients feel validated, safe, and able to express themselves freely. I believe one of the most important aspects of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. This unique dynamic can assist clients to feel fulfilled and successful in their mental health journey. I use a collaborative approach and a variety of techniques to help us find direction for the therapeutic process.
I utilize EMDR, humanistic, narrative, CBT, emotion-focused, existential, and psychodynamic therapies to help clients with challenges.
Focusing on the individualized needs of each person, I strive to provide an environment where clients feel validated, safe, and able to express themselves freely. I believe one of the most important aspects of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. This unique dynamic can assist clients to feel fulfilled and successful in their mental health journey. I use a collaborative approach and a variety of techniques to help us find direction for the therapeutic process.
(971) 999-3317 View (971) 999-3317
Photo of Jay Darien, MA, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jay Darien
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
The space where I feel alone, no one would understand where I am, and believing I can't tell anybody; that's where we meet. Reaching out and making that first phone call can be the hardest part of therapy. If you are experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, high levels of stress that are affecting your friendships, relationship with your spouse, your work, relationships with your children, your business, or your daily life; therapy can be of great help. I specialize in trauma therapy using EMDR, divorce, infidelity, shame, self-esteem, and relationship issues. Office appointments are now available.
The space where I feel alone, no one would understand where I am, and believing I can't tell anybody; that's where we meet. Reaching out and making that first phone call can be the hardest part of therapy. If you are experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, high levels of stress that are affecting your friendships, relationship with your spouse, your work, relationships with your children, your business, or your daily life; therapy can be of great help. I specialize in trauma therapy using EMDR, divorce, infidelity, shame, self-esteem, and relationship issues. Office appointments are now available.
(435) 466-5514 View (435) 466-5514
Photo of Stephan A Tobin, PhD, MA, Psychologist
Stephan A Tobin
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
As a psychologist with over 40 years in practice, I have worked with many kinds of people with many kinds of problems: depression, anxiety, childhood physical and sexual abuse, relationship difficulties, addictions. I work with late adolescents, adults and seniors. My orientation is integrative, with much experience in psychodynamic therapies, Gestalt Therapy and am certified in EMDR. I have offered phone and internet video therapy for many years for those who lived outside my area, including people in other countries. During the coronavirus epidemic, I am working completely online or by phone.
As a psychologist with over 40 years in practice, I have worked with many kinds of people with many kinds of problems: depression, anxiety, childhood physical and sexual abuse, relationship difficulties, addictions. I work with late adolescents, adults and seniors. My orientation is integrative, with much experience in psychodynamic therapies, Gestalt Therapy and am certified in EMDR. I have offered phone and internet video therapy for many years for those who lived outside my area, including people in other countries. During the coronavirus epidemic, I am working completely online or by phone.
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Photo of Drew Caesar, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Drew Caesar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Maybe your teen or partner is depressed? Stuck on Internet Porn? Maybe you have somehow been victimized? Feel anxious, or alone? Loss of loved ones? I offer a relationship based, non-judgmental approach informed by tested, evidence-based practices, including CBT and EMDR therapies - neither of which demand medication. EMDR directly targets traumatic or hurtful memories and helps put them "in the past." This has been shown to help with anxiety/fear, panic attacks, nightmares, self-esteem issues and various other symptoms associated with post traumatic stress. CBT further offers you the chance to not be overwhelmed by your experience.
Maybe your teen or partner is depressed? Stuck on Internet Porn? Maybe you have somehow been victimized? Feel anxious, or alone? Loss of loved ones? I offer a relationship based, non-judgmental approach informed by tested, evidence-based practices, including CBT and EMDR therapies - neither of which demand medication. EMDR directly targets traumatic or hurtful memories and helps put them "in the past." This has been shown to help with anxiety/fear, panic attacks, nightmares, self-esteem issues and various other symptoms associated with post traumatic stress. CBT further offers you the chance to not be overwhelmed by your experience.
(503) 567-5361 View (503) 567-5361
Photo of Natalie Mills, LPC, MFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Natalie Mills
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Find Hope, Restore Love, Experience Joy. In person, or Online. I specialize in helping client find relief from generalized depression, anxiety. I have extensive training in treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, caused by a current events or from childhood trauma such as emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, or abandonment and neglect. I work with clients using an approach, which combines Internal Family Systems therapy, EMDR, informed by Attachment Theory. I have training in the John Gottman model of Couples therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples therapy.
Find Hope, Restore Love, Experience Joy. In person, or Online. I specialize in helping client find relief from generalized depression, anxiety. I have extensive training in treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, caused by a current events or from childhood trauma such as emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, or abandonment and neglect. I work with clients using an approach, which combines Internal Family Systems therapy, EMDR, informed by Attachment Theory. I have training in the John Gottman model of Couples therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples therapy.
(503) 567-2329 View (503) 567-2329
Photo of Lesley Alter, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lesley Alter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
I have specific training in Brainspotting, EMDR, sandtray therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Tapas Acupuncture Technique (TAT).
Everybody has a story. Often our stories about ourselves and others are formulated when we are very young, trying to make sense of what is going on around us. These stories are often untrue. However, the negative narrative continues into adulthood. I use therapy approaches and techniques that help clients re-author a different story about themselves, others and events that might have occurred. When this healing process occurs, I am inspired as a witness to my clients' transformation as they take steps from struggle to healing. I have been in practice for over 30 years and am a provider on most private insurance plans.
I have specific training in Brainspotting, EMDR, sandtray therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Tapas Acupuncture Technique (TAT).
Everybody has a story. Often our stories about ourselves and others are formulated when we are very young, trying to make sense of what is going on around us. These stories are often untrue. However, the negative narrative continues into adulthood. I use therapy approaches and techniques that help clients re-author a different story about themselves, others and events that might have occurred. When this healing process occurs, I am inspired as a witness to my clients' transformation as they take steps from struggle to healing. I have been in practice for over 30 years and am a provider on most private insurance plans.
(503) 567-5701 View (503) 567-5701
Photo of Aaron K Potratz, LPC, MA, NCC, CCTP, CADC-I, Licensed Professional Counselor
Aaron K Potratz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC, CCTP, CADC-I
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
), and utilize tools including EMDR to heal these wounds.
I believe that people are generally capable of overcoming obstacles in their lives, but sometimes they need help with finding the right tools. I provide hope, encouragement, insight, and guidance so that my clients can find their path to happiness. My goal for clients is to help them become more effective, insightful, self-confident, and successful at overcoming future hurdles in their own lives and in their relationships.
), and utilize tools including EMDR to heal these wounds.
I believe that people are generally capable of overcoming obstacles in their lives, but sometimes they need help with finding the right tools. I provide hope, encouragement, insight, and guidance so that my clients can find their path to happiness. My goal for clients is to help them become more effective, insightful, self-confident, and successful at overcoming future hurdles in their own lives and in their relationships.
(971) 236-4080 View (971) 236-4080
Photo of Melinda Arnold, MA, LPC, CST, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melinda Arnold
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CST, NCC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
I use treatments theories such as Internal Family Systems, Attachment, and Developmental in conjunction with AEDP, Gestalt, interpersonal, CBT, EMDR and Solution-Focused Brief therapy techniques to treat the emotional and relational issues listed above.
(Now providing supervision for associate counselors) I work with individuals and couples looking for help overcoming trauma, sexual abuse, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, relational distress and life transitions. We can start with a free phone consult to ensure that I am a good fit. I am also happy to help connect you to another therapist if we determine there is a better fit for you. I earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Multnomah University in 2012 and have achieved a certification as a sex therapist since. It is my privilege to share in the stories of my clients and do my best to guide them to a place of healing.
I use treatments theories such as Internal Family Systems, Attachment, and Developmental in conjunction with AEDP, Gestalt, interpersonal, CBT, EMDR and Solution-Focused Brief therapy techniques to treat the emotional and relational issues listed above.
(Now providing supervision for associate counselors) I work with individuals and couples looking for help overcoming trauma, sexual abuse, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, relational distress and life transitions. We can start with a free phone consult to ensure that I am a good fit. I am also happy to help connect you to another therapist if we determine there is a better fit for you. I earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Multnomah University in 2012 and have achieved a certification as a sex therapist since. It is my privilege to share in the stories of my clients and do my best to guide them to a place of healing.
(503) 406-8848 View (503) 406-8848

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.