EMDR Therapists in Philomath, OR

Photo of Jeanne Gregg - Philomath Counseling, LLC/Jeanne Gregg LCSW, CCPT, LCSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Philomath Counseling, LLC/Jeanne Gregg LCSW, CCPT
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philomath, OR 97370
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist and I am trained in EMDR.
I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals with depression or anxiety or who have experienced trauma or grief. Check out my website at philomathcounseling.com for more information and give me a call or send me an email.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist and I am trained in EMDR.
I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals with depression or anxiety or who have experienced trauma or grief. Check out my website at philomathcounseling.com for more information and give me a call or send me an email.
(541) 435-0703 View (541) 435-0703
Photo of Elena Robinson, LPCA
Elena Robinson
Professional Counselor Associate, LPCA
Verified Verified
Philomath, OR 97370
I will use a variety of methods, including EMDR, to help achieve your treatment goals.
Are you a parent concerned about your teenager? What parent isn't, right? Or maybe you've just struck out on your own, exploring college and adulthood for the first time. The years from 16 to 25 bring so much physical, emotional, and social change. Everyone needs some extra support during this time. Whether it's withdrawing from friends, worrying excessively, lacking confidence, experiencing heartbreak, or seeing grades drop, talking to someone about it can help. Really! There's proof. All of those studies can't be wrong.
I will use a variety of methods, including EMDR, to help achieve your treatment goals.
Are you a parent concerned about your teenager? What parent isn't, right? Or maybe you've just struck out on your own, exploring college and adulthood for the first time. The years from 16 to 25 bring so much physical, emotional, and social change. Everyone needs some extra support during this time. Whether it's withdrawing from friends, worrying excessively, lacking confidence, experiencing heartbreak, or seeing grades drop, talking to someone about it can help. Really! There's proof. All of those studies can't be wrong.
(541) 262-1793 View (541) 262-1793
Photo of Abby Terris, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Abby Terris
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Philomath, OR 97370  (Online Only)
We may also use various kinds of energy work, such as EMDR and EFT, which can be so helpful in clearing trauma, deepening focus and releasing old habit patterns that aren't working - getting in the way of your well-being and happiness.
Are you coming for help with adjusting to a life transition, healing trauma, grieving a loss, coping with a diagnosis, or not quite getting to what your life is all about? Our work begins with my deeply listening to what brings you into therapy. Deep listening can be so healing in itself. I am strength-based, collaborative and practical.
We may also use various kinds of energy work, such as EMDR and EFT, which can be so helpful in clearing trauma, deepening focus and releasing old habit patterns that aren't working - getting in the way of your well-being and happiness.
Are you coming for help with adjusting to a life transition, healing trauma, grieving a loss, coping with a diagnosis, or not quite getting to what your life is all about? Our work begins with my deeply listening to what brings you into therapy. Deep listening can be so healing in itself. I am strength-based, collaborative and practical.
(541) 205-0929 View (541) 205-0929
Photo of Traci M Wendell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Traci M Wendell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philomath, OR 97370
I specialize in insight-oriented therapy as well as EMDR, which is a somatically oriented therapy that helps clients recover from PTSD and from childhood/developmental trauma.
I work with adolescents and adults. I focus on helping people change unhappy patterns in their lives and find relief from suffering. I primarily utilize a psychodynamic approach which means helping clients gain insight into the dynamics of maladaptive patterns that have evolved in their lives. Gaining insight is often the first step, or the foundation, of positive change. I also do EMDR and parts work to facilitate recovery from trauma.
I specialize in insight-oriented therapy as well as EMDR, which is a somatically oriented therapy that helps clients recover from PTSD and from childhood/developmental trauma.
I work with adolescents and adults. I focus on helping people change unhappy patterns in their lives and find relief from suffering. I primarily utilize a psychodynamic approach which means helping clients gain insight into the dynamics of maladaptive patterns that have evolved in their lives. Gaining insight is often the first step, or the foundation, of positive change. I also do EMDR and parts work to facilitate recovery from trauma.
(458) 209-2263 View (458) 209-2263
Photo of Laura M. Duncan, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laura M. Duncan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Philomath, OR 97370
My style of psychotherapy/counseling is Eclectic which incorporates various styles of therapies: EMDR/trauma, Guided imagery therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Gestalt, Family & Marriage therapy, Adolescent/Child counseling, Play therapy, Behavioral Therapy, DBT (light), Emotionally Focus, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal an Reality Therapy.
Welcome! All of us come to a time in our lives where we want to talk to someone. In a safe place to process our thoughts and feelings, while using self-compassion and nonjudgment. To come to a deeper understanding of our behaviors, emotions, and ideas, or what the root may be. We then develop our sense of clarity and pleasures in life. We cooperatively define the direction of your counseling session and goals. We are all unique in our humanity, as our situations and experiences are all different yet the same. And at the beginning of each day, we can all conclude "I am enough".
My style of psychotherapy/counseling is Eclectic which incorporates various styles of therapies: EMDR/trauma, Guided imagery therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Gestalt, Family & Marriage therapy, Adolescent/Child counseling, Play therapy, Behavioral Therapy, DBT (light), Emotionally Focus, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal an Reality Therapy.
Welcome! All of us come to a time in our lives where we want to talk to someone. In a safe place to process our thoughts and feelings, while using self-compassion and nonjudgment. To come to a deeper understanding of our behaviors, emotions, and ideas, or what the root may be. We then develop our sense of clarity and pleasures in life. We cooperatively define the direction of your counseling session and goals. We are all unique in our humanity, as our situations and experiences are all different yet the same. And at the beginning of each day, we can all conclude "I am enough".
(458) 213-4350 View (458) 213-4350
Photo of Kate Aronoff - Empower Therapy, LPC
Empower Therapy
LPC
Verified Verified
Philomath, OR 97370
The heaviness of walking through this life can get to be too much to bear sometimes. Working 40+ hours per week, raising kids, tending to relationships, cooking healthy foods, making sure you get enough exercise, etc., etc. It's a lot. It's easy for things to get off track. To feel exhausted down to your very bones. And when it is time to rest, it's hard to shut off the spinning thoughts about the future, money, climate change, health issues, past wounds....you name it. No matter your particular unique journey, life can be filled with challenges.
The heaviness of walking through this life can get to be too much to bear sometimes. Working 40+ hours per week, raising kids, tending to relationships, cooking healthy foods, making sure you get enough exercise, etc., etc. It's a lot. It's easy for things to get off track. To feel exhausted down to your very bones. And when it is time to rest, it's hard to shut off the spinning thoughts about the future, money, climate change, health issues, past wounds....you name it. No matter your particular unique journey, life can be filled with challenges.
(541) 423-9037 View (541) 423-9037
Photo of Erica Yerkey, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erica Yerkey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philomath, OR 97370
Waitlist for new clients
I believe counseling is a creative, collaborative process designed to promote growth and change. As a therapist, I act as guide and support to my clients in their pursuits of integration, growth, and transformation. I work with compassion, intention, and integrity. I support my clients to have the courage to be vulnerable, to recognize and utilize their strengths in service to their goals, and to develop skills to better manage the challenges they face. I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, grief and loss, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, parent/child conflicts, and family difficulties.
I believe counseling is a creative, collaborative process designed to promote growth and change. As a therapist, I act as guide and support to my clients in their pursuits of integration, growth, and transformation. I work with compassion, intention, and integrity. I support my clients to have the courage to be vulnerable, to recognize and utilize their strengths in service to their goals, and to develop skills to better manage the challenges they face. I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, grief and loss, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, parent/child conflicts, and family difficulties.
(541) 234-8084 View (541) 234-8084
Photo of Marisa Warren, CSWA
Marisa Warren
Clinical Social Work Associate, CSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philomath, OR 97370
Hello! My approach to services is strengths-based and person centered. I truly believe that individuals are the experts in their own lives. My goal is to help you identify where you are struggling and walk alongside you as you learn new skills and discover your resilience and strengths. I believe in empowering people to help themselves by building confidence in their abilities and discovering all the wonderful things they are capable of.
Hello! My approach to services is strengths-based and person centered. I truly believe that individuals are the experts in their own lives. My goal is to help you identify where you are struggling and walk alongside you as you learn new skills and discover your resilience and strengths. I believe in empowering people to help themselves by building confidence in their abilities and discovering all the wonderful things they are capable of.
(541) 208-4812 View (541) 208-4812
Photo of Anna K. Davidson, MA, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Anna K. Davidson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philomath, OR 97370
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! We all have times in our lives when we need a little help...it's part of being human. The fact that you are here, exploring my Psychology Today page, is an important courageous first step that should be honored. Therapy is a dynamic process that is often life changing; it's different for every person. I have a warm, genuine approach and strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and inviting space for each individual's unique healing journey. I use a variety of evidence-based therapies combined with useful techniques to help clients heal and cope.
Welcome! We all have times in our lives when we need a little help...it's part of being human. The fact that you are here, exploring my Psychology Today page, is an important courageous first step that should be honored. Therapy is a dynamic process that is often life changing; it's different for every person. I have a warm, genuine approach and strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and inviting space for each individual's unique healing journey. I use a variety of evidence-based therapies combined with useful techniques to help clients heal and cope.
(541) 577-5167 View (541) 577-5167
Photo of Raina Wickham, LCSW, CADC, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Raina Wickham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, CCTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Philomath, OR 97370
Not accepting new clients
I am trained in attachment focused eye movement reprocessing and desensitization ( EMDR).
I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with adults who have experienced trauma. I value a person centered and holistic approach to counseling. I believe that active collaboration is key to effective change and long term growth.
I am trained in attachment focused eye movement reprocessing and desensitization ( EMDR).
I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with adults who have experienced trauma. I value a person centered and holistic approach to counseling. I believe that active collaboration is key to effective change and long term growth.
(541) 201-8636 View (541) 201-8636
Photo of Kate Aronoff, MA, LPC, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kate Aronoff
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Philomath, OR 97370
Not accepting new clients
By using a tailored blend of methods, including evidence-based Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), we can work together to help you break out of your same old ways and cultivate something different in your life.
*Practice is full.* Do you find yourself repeating the same dysfunctional patterns in relationships? Or maybe you feel like you're on high alert much of the time, waiting for something bad to happen? Maybe you've been reaching for a glass of wine just to help you sleep at night? Wounds from the past - divorce, abuse, loss, bullying, etc.- stick around, causing problems long after the events have ended. Often, we don't even realize the effect that trauma has on us. And if left untreated, these unwanted patterns will continue.
By using a tailored blend of methods, including evidence-based Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), we can work together to help you break out of your same old ways and cultivate something different in your life.
*Practice is full.* Do you find yourself repeating the same dysfunctional patterns in relationships? Or maybe you feel like you're on high alert much of the time, waiting for something bad to happen? Maybe you've been reaching for a glass of wine just to help you sleep at night? Wounds from the past - divorce, abuse, loss, bullying, etc.- stick around, causing problems long after the events have ended. Often, we don't even realize the effect that trauma has on us. And if left untreated, these unwanted patterns will continue.
(541) 636-9496 View (541) 636-9496
Photo of Laila Josephine Ayyoub, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laila Josephine Ayyoub
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Philomath, OR 97370
Not accepting new clients
I'm trained in EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Energy Psychology, Biofeedback and Neurofeedback.
All people are one of a kind, but here's where we're all alike: All of us come from a personal history and context: A past that got us through to where we are now. And "Right Now" is where all the choices and opportunities are. Some things we may want to change, other things we may choose to accept as they are. Therapy can be helpful in understanding yourself well enough to know which is which. And therapy can offer some things you may need to go forward with your choices: Hope, perspective and someone who believes in you while you practice believing in yourself.
I'm trained in EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Energy Psychology, Biofeedback and Neurofeedback.
All people are one of a kind, but here's where we're all alike: All of us come from a personal history and context: A past that got us through to where we are now. And "Right Now" is where all the choices and opportunities are. Some things we may want to change, other things we may choose to accept as they are. Therapy can be helpful in understanding yourself well enough to know which is which. And therapy can offer some things you may need to go forward with your choices: Hope, perspective and someone who believes in you while you practice believing in yourself.
(458) 207-2062 View (458) 207-2062
Photo of Shayna Kasdan, MA, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Shayna Kasdan
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philomath, OR 97370  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I enjoy working collaboratively with children, adolescents, and adults around any issues they feel called to work on. I am passionate about walking alongside my clients as they navigate their own journey, utilizing skills and knowledge from our collective experiences and education. I take an eclectic and person centered approach to counseling, preferring to tailor my approach to the preferences and needs of each client. Some modalities I utilize regularly include: CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, strengths based therapy and integrating techniques from art and music therapy.
I enjoy working collaboratively with children, adolescents, and adults around any issues they feel called to work on. I am passionate about walking alongside my clients as they navigate their own journey, utilizing skills and knowledge from our collective experiences and education. I take an eclectic and person centered approach to counseling, preferring to tailor my approach to the preferences and needs of each client. Some modalities I utilize regularly include: CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, strengths based therapy and integrating techniques from art and music therapy.
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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Elise Madeline Himes, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elise Madeline Himes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Corvallis, OR 97330
I incorporate mindfulness, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR, and Narrative Therapy.
Ever made to feel never enough? Do you fear how others would react if you were to make a mistake, share your authentic self, or reveal your family or relationship is not as picture perfect? Are you haunted by your past, worried about the future, or feel in some way “broken”? We all learn ways to cope when in an invalidating environment. Perhaps you are the supportive rock for your friends that believe you have it all together. Maybe you learned it was safest to be invisible, perfect, or take care of everyone but yourself. These strategies have at one time helped, but are now keeping you from living the life that you want.
I incorporate mindfulness, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR, and Narrative Therapy.
Ever made to feel never enough? Do you fear how others would react if you were to make a mistake, share your authentic self, or reveal your family or relationship is not as picture perfect? Are you haunted by your past, worried about the future, or feel in some way “broken”? We all learn ways to cope when in an invalidating environment. Perhaps you are the supportive rock for your friends that believe you have it all together. Maybe you learned it was safest to be invisible, perfect, or take care of everyone but yourself. These strategies have at one time helped, but are now keeping you from living the life that you want.
(971) 791-3165 View (971) 791-3165
Photo of Ellie Cates - Zendo Health Oregon (formerly Oregon Directions), LPC
Zendo Health Oregon (formerly Oregon Directions)
LPC
Verified Verified
Corvallis, OR 97330
We have professional counselors who are trained, experienced, and educated to provide effective treatments and interventions using EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Motivational Interviewing Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Reality Therapy, and others.
Zendo Health is a team of counselors accepting new clients now in Washington, Clackamas, Multnomah, Linn, Benton, Lincoln, & Lane Counties in Oregon. We provide the client the safe space and caring opportunity to be professionally counseled and supported with on-going assistance to grow and excel. Each client is unique and deserves special, professional care. Clients are not just a number, but multi-faceted humans beings, who are entitled to the best mental health and wellness care available. We have the counselors who are passionate and have dedicated themselves to achieving the best possible results for each client.
We have professional counselors who are trained, experienced, and educated to provide effective treatments and interventions using EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Motivational Interviewing Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Reality Therapy, and others.
Zendo Health is a team of counselors accepting new clients now in Washington, Clackamas, Multnomah, Linn, Benton, Lincoln, & Lane Counties in Oregon. We provide the client the safe space and caring opportunity to be professionally counseled and supported with on-going assistance to grow and excel. Each client is unique and deserves special, professional care. Clients are not just a number, but multi-faceted humans beings, who are entitled to the best mental health and wellness care available. We have the counselors who are passionate and have dedicated themselves to achieving the best possible results for each client.
(541) 818-0009 View (541) 818-0009
Photo of Lori Wilson, LCSW, MSW, MAC, CADCIII, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lori Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MAC, CADCIII
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Corvallis, OR 97331
Formal training in EMDR and IFS Internal Family Systems therapy approaches.
Accepting wait list clients. Feeling anxious, sad, lost, afraid, confused? Grappling with inner conflict, self image, compulsive behaviors, intrusive memories, change, loss? I am a psychotherapist with a breadth of work and lived experience working with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, loss, stress-related symptoms, communication problems, relationship difficulties, professional challenges, gambling and other process addictions, substance abuse, trauma, life transitions and more. I see my role as a therapist as a sacred privilege to journey along side of a person toward true and lasting change
Formal training in EMDR and IFS Internal Family Systems therapy approaches.
Accepting wait list clients. Feeling anxious, sad, lost, afraid, confused? Grappling with inner conflict, self image, compulsive behaviors, intrusive memories, change, loss? I am a psychotherapist with a breadth of work and lived experience working with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, loss, stress-related symptoms, communication problems, relationship difficulties, professional challenges, gambling and other process addictions, substance abuse, trauma, life transitions and more. I see my role as a therapist as a sacred privilege to journey along side of a person toward true and lasting change
(541) 214-2963 View (541) 214-2963
Photo of Laura R Flynn, MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laura R Flynn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Corvallis, OR 97333  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR and Internal Family Systems, both of which are extremely helpful in treating a variety of trauma related problems.
I am NOT taking new clients right now. I am licensed in both Oregon and Washington at this time. Based on your needs and preferences, I offer short-term/solution-focused therapy, as well as longer-term "depth therapy." I focus on clinical assessment and move toward providing strategies and skills for symptom reduction for anxiety or other mood issues, assist you in building on current strengths, and help you find new ways of coping with the changes and challenges life throws at us. I can also provide assistance in managing trauma issues and moving past it with EMDR and IFS.
I am trained in EMDR and Internal Family Systems, both of which are extremely helpful in treating a variety of trauma related problems.
I am NOT taking new clients right now. I am licensed in both Oregon and Washington at this time. Based on your needs and preferences, I offer short-term/solution-focused therapy, as well as longer-term "depth therapy." I focus on clinical assessment and move toward providing strategies and skills for symptom reduction for anxiety or other mood issues, assist you in building on current strengths, and help you find new ways of coping with the changes and challenges life throws at us. I can also provide assistance in managing trauma issues and moving past it with EMDR and IFS.
(541) 368-2933 View (541) 368-2933
Photo of Dynamic Self Recovery Llc - Dynamic Self Recovery , LCSW, CADCIII, CADCII, CRM, QMHA-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dynamic Self Recovery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADCIII, CADCII, CRM, QMHA-R
Verified Verified
Corvallis, OR 97330
Our approach to counseling is client-centered and also includes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing ( EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, attachment-based therapy, and CBT/DBT skill building.
Our agency prides itself on being a safe and welcoming environment for all people seeking mental health or substance use treatment. Our therapists have training in the treatment of addictions, trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders. We are passionate about helping individuals access their inner resources to move toward recovery, wholeness and health. Two of our therapist specialize in supporting LGBTQIA2S+ individuals with a deep appreciation for how your identity shapes your experiences and well-being whether you're exploring gender identify, managing coming out challenges or simply wanting a therapist that understands you.
Our approach to counseling is client-centered and also includes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing ( EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, attachment-based therapy, and CBT/DBT skill building.
Our agency prides itself on being a safe and welcoming environment for all people seeking mental health or substance use treatment. Our therapists have training in the treatment of addictions, trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders. We are passionate about helping individuals access their inner resources to move toward recovery, wholeness and health. Two of our therapist specialize in supporting LGBTQIA2S+ individuals with a deep appreciation for how your identity shapes your experiences and well-being whether you're exploring gender identify, managing coming out challenges or simply wanting a therapist that understands you.
(541) 229-5915 View (541) 229-5915
Photo of Erika K. Patterson, PhD, Psychologist
Erika K. Patterson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Corvallis, OR 97330
As a therapist since 1996, I integrate mind-body interventions such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), NeuroMeditation and Mindfulness, Biofeedback, and Yoga-Based Approaches.
A growing body of research combined with long-standing clinical wisdom supports the holistic inclusion of mind, body, and spirit to alleviate personal pain, strengthen health, provide the foundations for growth, and encourage lasting change.
As a therapist since 1996, I integrate mind-body interventions such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), NeuroMeditation and Mindfulness, Biofeedback, and Yoga-Based Approaches.
A growing body of research combined with long-standing clinical wisdom supports the holistic inclusion of mind, body, and spirit to alleviate personal pain, strengthen health, provide the foundations for growth, and encourage lasting change.
(541) 534-0844 View (541) 534-0844
Photo of Lilia Parker-Meyers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lilia Parker-Meyers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Corvallis, OR 97333  (Online Only)
I believe that the relationship we build in therapy is the most effective tool but also incorporate the use of mindfulness, EMDR and various other frames to help build understanding.
If you are a person seeking a safe and accepting place to explore the experience of being human, I am happy to support you. I provide short and long term therapy options. I primarily work via telehealth.
I believe that the relationship we build in therapy is the most effective tool but also incorporate the use of mindfulness, EMDR and various other frames to help build understanding.
If you are a person seeking a safe and accepting place to explore the experience of being human, I am happy to support you. I provide short and long term therapy options. I primarily work via telehealth.
(541) 612-8150 View (541) 612-8150

See more therapy options for Philomath

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.