EMDR Therapists in Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR

Photo of Kristen A. Berglund, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kristen A. Berglund
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97227
I am certified in EMDR, an evidence-based treatment for trauma.
I have over 15 years of experience working with teens and adults. My passions include treating sexual and other trauma (including complex PTSD) and providing affirming care to the LGBTQ+ (particularly transgender and nonbinary) community (ages 14+). Practicing with an eclectic approach, I borrow techniques and theory from several different areas (DBT, IFS, EMDR, Humanism and psychoeducation). My clients are partners in therapy; we work together to find what works best for each person. My clients tell me that they feel safe and valued in our sessions. I am dually licensed in both Texas and Oregon.
I am certified in EMDR, an evidence-based treatment for trauma.
I have over 15 years of experience working with teens and adults. My passions include treating sexual and other trauma (including complex PTSD) and providing affirming care to the LGBTQ+ (particularly transgender and nonbinary) community (ages 14+). Practicing with an eclectic approach, I borrow techniques and theory from several different areas (DBT, IFS, EMDR, Humanism and psychoeducation). My clients are partners in therapy; we work together to find what works best for each person. My clients tell me that they feel safe and valued in our sessions. I am dually licensed in both Texas and Oregon.
(971) 298-9340 View (971) 298-9340
Photo of Lucy Sherman Emdr Intensive, LPC, MS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lucy Sherman Emdr Intensive
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97211
It can feel magical doing this Somatic EMDR and Creative work with clients! Being witness to clients finding healing within themself, trusting self and their intuition while feeling into their power, lightness, confidence, sense of self is such an honor! Visit my website for more info and schedule a low stakes, no pressure complimentary consultation chat.
You are OVER 50 MIN sessions and JUST talk! You are OVER feeling like you are starting to open up in therapy and then time runs out. EMDR Intensives (2 hrs a day, 3 days a week) and extended sessions in person can give the spaciousness needed to deeply process your experience so you can feel better faster. I specialize in helping highly sensitive women (HSP) who feel overwhelmed, hyper-vigilant and not trusting of self move toward feeling relief from childhood trauma, complex trauma, sexual trauma, and unprocessed grief. People-pleasing, feeling like a burden and stuck heaviness can shift to lightness in body, freeness and hope.
It can feel magical doing this Somatic EMDR and Creative work with clients! Being witness to clients finding healing within themself, trusting self and their intuition while feeling into their power, lightness, confidence, sense of self is such an honor! Visit my website for more info and schedule a low stakes, no pressure complimentary consultation chat.
You are OVER 50 MIN sessions and JUST talk! You are OVER feeling like you are starting to open up in therapy and then time runs out. EMDR Intensives (2 hrs a day, 3 days a week) and extended sessions in person can give the spaciousness needed to deeply process your experience so you can feel better faster. I specialize in helping highly sensitive women (HSP) who feel overwhelmed, hyper-vigilant and not trusting of self move toward feeling relief from childhood trauma, complex trauma, sexual trauma, and unprocessed grief. People-pleasing, feeling like a burden and stuck heaviness can shift to lightness in body, freeness and hope.
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Photo of Madison Meron, MA, LMHCA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Madison Meron
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97212
I have extensive training/experience using trauma-informed modalities, like IFS & EMDR, to help you feel more connected to yourself and your relationships.
Accepting new clients in Oregon & Washington! Have you found yourself having the same argument over and over with your partner? Are you feeling overwhelmed by your child’s behavior after stressful experiences? Do you feel disoriented and alone after leaving a high control group or religious context? Have you ever been called "too sensitive" or do you struggle to separate yourself from the emotions of other people? If any of these situations resonate with you, we may be a good fit! Whether it's your first time in therapy or you are continuing the work you have begun, I would be honored to support you on this healing journey.
I have extensive training/experience using trauma-informed modalities, like IFS & EMDR, to help you feel more connected to yourself and your relationships.
Accepting new clients in Oregon & Washington! Have you found yourself having the same argument over and over with your partner? Are you feeling overwhelmed by your child’s behavior after stressful experiences? Do you feel disoriented and alone after leaving a high control group or religious context? Have you ever been called "too sensitive" or do you struggle to separate yourself from the emotions of other people? If any of these situations resonate with you, we may be a good fit! Whether it's your first time in therapy or you are continuing the work you have begun, I would be honored to support you on this healing journey.
(503) 489-8236 View (503) 489-8236
Photo of Mary Thornburg Krug, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mary Thornburg Krug
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
I use a humanistic, client-centered approach, with powerful but gentle somatic therapies such as EMDR and energy psychology.
Are you frequently bothered by memories that just won't go away? When you face something new in life, are you afraid you can't handle it? Do you beat yourself up over mistakes that you have made? Do you find it difficult to say No to a request, or to ask for help from others? Do you feel burned out and frustrated with family or work relationships? Many of us have gone the route of self-help books, but these have limited value since they aren't tailored to our individual lives. My work with you is.
I use a humanistic, client-centered approach, with powerful but gentle somatic therapies such as EMDR and energy psychology.
Are you frequently bothered by memories that just won't go away? When you face something new in life, are you afraid you can't handle it? Do you beat yourself up over mistakes that you have made? Do you find it difficult to say No to a request, or to ask for help from others? Do you feel burned out and frustrated with family or work relationships? Many of us have gone the route of self-help books, but these have limited value since they aren't tailored to our individual lives. My work with you is.
(503) 487-0140 View (503) 487-0140
Photo of Nick Hebert, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nick Hebert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97227
Waitlist for new clients
My approach lifts up your own personal strengths, wisdom, and goals, explores the impact of oppressive systems on personal suffering, and is supplemented with training in EMDR, ACT, and narrative therapy; laughter and tears included.
Over time, we all develop stories and ideas about ourselves, others, or the world. For some of us, these ideas may be born from experiences of marginalization and harm based on who we are; maybe we begin to believe we’re not good enough, not worthy of love, or there’s something wrong with us. Even if these stories were meant to, and probably did, protect us at some time, they're still exhausting to deal with and can lead to lots of worrying and stress, avoidance, numbing, or difficulty in our relationships. You've likely been trying your best to manage it all and are ready try something different.
My approach lifts up your own personal strengths, wisdom, and goals, explores the impact of oppressive systems on personal suffering, and is supplemented with training in EMDR, ACT, and narrative therapy; laughter and tears included.
Over time, we all develop stories and ideas about ourselves, others, or the world. For some of us, these ideas may be born from experiences of marginalization and harm based on who we are; maybe we begin to believe we’re not good enough, not worthy of love, or there’s something wrong with us. Even if these stories were meant to, and probably did, protect us at some time, they're still exhausting to deal with and can lead to lots of worrying and stress, avoidance, numbing, or difficulty in our relationships. You've likely been trying your best to manage it all and are ready try something different.
(971) 378-6797 View (971) 378-6797
Photo of Stacie Wentling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacie Wentling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize several evidenced-based practices including cultivating self-compassion, insight-oriented therapy, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, Buddhist psychology, and DBT.
Not currently accepting new clients. Are you finding yourself ruminating on past conversations? Do you experience tightness in your shoulders/chest/neck or other areas of your body? Are you struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep? Do you continually feel upset/dismissed after conversations with a parent/partner? Is your inner critic incessant? Are you ready to learn techniques that will help you regulate your nervous system? Are you ready to practice safely reconnecting with your whole self? Are you ready to explore your inner system?
I utilize several evidenced-based practices including cultivating self-compassion, insight-oriented therapy, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, Buddhist psychology, and DBT.
Not currently accepting new clients. Are you finding yourself ruminating on past conversations? Do you experience tightness in your shoulders/chest/neck or other areas of your body? Are you struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep? Do you continually feel upset/dismissed after conversations with a parent/partner? Is your inner critic incessant? Are you ready to learn techniques that will help you regulate your nervous system? Are you ready to practice safely reconnecting with your whole self? Are you ready to explore your inner system?
(971) 260-4205 View (971) 260-4205
Photo of Katja Biesanz, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katja Biesanz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97211
I help where you are stuck -- body, story, nerves, or soul. Our difficult experiences can lodge many places. I have a big "tool chest" - from EMDR to mindfulness - to help you meet and transform what needs healing. I believe that each of us has a wholeness, no matter how hidden. I help you to contact that wholeness, in order to access your own wisdom. Together we find your unique path through to your truest self. What is waiting for you is a life of meaning and the ability to connect.
I help where you are stuck -- body, story, nerves, or soul. Our difficult experiences can lodge many places. I have a big "tool chest" - from EMDR to mindfulness - to help you meet and transform what needs healing. I believe that each of us has a wholeness, no matter how hidden. I help you to contact that wholeness, in order to access your own wisdom. Together we find your unique path through to your truest self. What is waiting for you is a life of meaning and the ability to connect.
(503) 743-8795 View (503) 743-8795
Photo of Sari Rose Barron, MS, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sari Rose Barron
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97211
As a trauma informed therapist, I am able to provide a curious, compassionate, authentic, and gentle approach to the therapeutic process using modalities like EMDR (Certified), Brainspotting, Somatic work, Parts work, and more.
Growth and change are possible for everyone. As a licensed marriage family therapist, I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where we can build a therapeutic alliance built on trust and empathy. Together we will explore your feelings, experiences, and challenges as part of your journey to finding personal fulfillment in a safe way. To achieve your goals, I bring creativity and integrated approaches to the therapeutic experience that are catered to the specific needs of the client, as well as a bit of humor on the side. Able to serve CA (In person) & OR (Telehealth) residents.
As a trauma informed therapist, I am able to provide a curious, compassionate, authentic, and gentle approach to the therapeutic process using modalities like EMDR (Certified), Brainspotting, Somatic work, Parts work, and more.
Growth and change are possible for everyone. As a licensed marriage family therapist, I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where we can build a therapeutic alliance built on trust and empathy. Together we will explore your feelings, experiences, and challenges as part of your journey to finding personal fulfillment in a safe way. To achieve your goals, I bring creativity and integrated approaches to the therapeutic experience that are catered to the specific needs of the client, as well as a bit of humor on the side. Able to serve CA (In person) & OR (Telehealth) residents.
(310) 994-5757 View (310) 994-5757
Photo of Natalie M. Mills, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalie M. Mills
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97227
I approach my work from a strong foundation in mindfulness, insight-oriented training, Compassion-Focused Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy.
I work with individuals and couples who want to shift relational problem patterns by healing from trauma, deepening their self-awareness, and strengthening their connections with others. I offer tools to help people gain insight into their behavior, learn how to effectively manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and ameliorate destructive cycles. Collaboratively, my clients and I improve their self-concepts. I use a relational, attachment-based framework and draw on EMDR therapy when indicated.
I approach my work from a strong foundation in mindfulness, insight-oriented training, Compassion-Focused Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy.
I work with individuals and couples who want to shift relational problem patterns by healing from trauma, deepening their self-awareness, and strengthening their connections with others. I offer tools to help people gain insight into their behavior, learn how to effectively manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and ameliorate destructive cycles. Collaboratively, my clients and I improve their self-concepts. I use a relational, attachment-based framework and draw on EMDR therapy when indicated.
(415) 301-7713 View (415) 301-7713
Photo of Dacia Fusaro, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dacia Fusaro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97211
I am an experienced trauma therapist, trained in multiple trauma modalities, including EMDR and the Trauma Resiliency Model.
I am passionate about working with people who want to heal past trauma and find more safety and happiness within themselves and their relationships as well as those who are moving through grief and loss. Is the past interfering with your quality of life and ability to sustain healthy relationships in the present? Do you feel stuck and unsure how to move forward? Have you recently lost someone you love or experienced a major life transition? Do you experience feelings of shame and hopelessness, nightmares, ruminating thoughts or addictive behavior? I provide a safe space to address past and present traumatic experiences and losses.
I am an experienced trauma therapist, trained in multiple trauma modalities, including EMDR and the Trauma Resiliency Model.
I am passionate about working with people who want to heal past trauma and find more safety and happiness within themselves and their relationships as well as those who are moving through grief and loss. Is the past interfering with your quality of life and ability to sustain healthy relationships in the present? Do you feel stuck and unsure how to move forward? Have you recently lost someone you love or experienced a major life transition? Do you experience feelings of shame and hopelessness, nightmares, ruminating thoughts or addictive behavior? I provide a safe space to address past and present traumatic experiences and losses.
(626) 714-2608 View (626) 714-2608
Photo of Lauren Summer, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lauren Summer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97211
I am practiced in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, EMDR, and CBT, and frequently incorporate guided meditation in my practice.
Everyone has a different path in therapy. No matter what issues you are struggling with, it is possible to find peace and achieve a more meaningful life. Some of the things I enjoy working with include: childhood trauma, attachment issues, OCD, PTSD, men's issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, divorce, parenting, grief and loss, life transitions, depression, and anxiety.
I am practiced in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, EMDR, and CBT, and frequently incorporate guided meditation in my practice.
Everyone has a different path in therapy. No matter what issues you are struggling with, it is possible to find peace and achieve a more meaningful life. Some of the things I enjoy working with include: childhood trauma, attachment issues, OCD, PTSD, men's issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, divorce, parenting, grief and loss, life transitions, depression, and anxiety.
(971) 256-8351 View (971) 256-8351
Photo of Dr. David Ixtlahuac, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. David Ixtlahuac
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97212
With a balance of gentleness and firmness, I guide you towards transformative conversations that address the root causes of your concerns through experiential talk therapy. I combine big-picture insights with practical problem-solving techniques, offering concrete steps towards positive change. By integrating current research, humor, and metaphors, our collaborative work aims to identify your core needs and develop practical ways to live more authentically.
With a balance of gentleness and firmness, I guide you towards transformative conversations that address the root causes of your concerns through experiential talk therapy. I combine big-picture insights with practical problem-solving techniques, offering concrete steps towards positive change. By integrating current research, humor, and metaphors, our collaborative work aims to identify your core needs and develop practical ways to live more authentically.
(503) 694-3726 View (503) 694-3726
Photo of Amanda Singh Bans - Resonance LLC, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Resonance LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
Providers at Resonance can treat a variety of issues and clients, including adult survivors of child abuse, ADHD, Autism, CPTSD, PTSD, and Post Traumatic Growth, racial trauma, multiracial identity development, grief and loss, intergenerational trauma, religious trauma, and families impacted by severe and persistent mental health issues. All providers prioritize working with multiracial and monoracial people of color who are culturally dislocated. Our approach also focuses on the intersection of race with other identities, such as gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.
Providers at Resonance can treat a variety of issues and clients, including adult survivors of child abuse, ADHD, Autism, CPTSD, PTSD, and Post Traumatic Growth, racial trauma, multiracial identity development, grief and loss, intergenerational trauma, religious trauma, and families impacted by severe and persistent mental health issues. All providers prioritize working with multiracial and monoracial people of color who are culturally dislocated. Our approach also focuses on the intersection of race with other identities, such as gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.
(971) 314-4532 View (971) 314-4532
Photo of Katherine Price, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katherine Price
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97212
ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, parenting issues, LGBTQ+, transgender issues, depression, stress management, abuse, anxieties, trauma, anger management, grief/death, PTSD, women’s issues, and bipolar disorder. In her spare time, Kate enjoys backpacking, cooking, gardening, and spending time with family, pets and friends.
ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, parenting issues, LGBTQ+, transgender issues, depression, stress management, abuse, anxieties, trauma, anger management, grief/death, PTSD, women’s issues, and bipolar disorder. In her spare time, Kate enjoys backpacking, cooking, gardening, and spending time with family, pets and friends.
(833) 996-1403 View (833) 996-1403
Photo of Katherine E Hatch, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katherine E Hatch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97212
Grief is involved in any life change, whether that change is welcome or unwelcome, abrupt or expected. Grief is part of being human, yet our society struggles to acknowledge and support it. You might arrive grieving the death of a family member or friend, the end of a relationship, or even anxiety or depression that only seems to grow. Perhaps you are grieving previous life events you wish had never happened, or the life you lived before the pandemic. My expertise is in providing a place for your grief to land—a place for you to not have to be ok. And in doing this, I help people process grief so it does not define their lives.
Grief is involved in any life change, whether that change is welcome or unwelcome, abrupt or expected. Grief is part of being human, yet our society struggles to acknowledge and support it. You might arrive grieving the death of a family member or friend, the end of a relationship, or even anxiety or depression that only seems to grow. Perhaps you are grieving previous life events you wish had never happened, or the life you lived before the pandemic. My expertise is in providing a place for your grief to land—a place for you to not have to be ok. And in doing this, I help people process grief so it does not define their lives.
(503) 831-9467 View (503) 831-9467
Photo of Brad Nyman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brad Nyman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97211  (Online Only)
Psychotherapy is a journey of discovery. It helps to reveal a better understanding of your true self, and can assist in the development of healthier, more fulfilling relationships with others. You and I will set the destination and collaborate to bring about a more optimal way of being. My goal is to work side by side with you in a safe and supportive environment. My therapeutic approach is viewed through a holistic, transpersonal lens - working with the mind, body, and spirit in a deep and intentional way.
Psychotherapy is a journey of discovery. It helps to reveal a better understanding of your true self, and can assist in the development of healthier, more fulfilling relationships with others. You and I will set the destination and collaborate to bring about a more optimal way of being. My goal is to work side by side with you in a safe and supportive environment. My therapeutic approach is viewed through a holistic, transpersonal lens - working with the mind, body, and spirit in a deep and intentional way.
(971) 290-1207 View (971) 290-1207
Photo of Tamara Ellis, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tamara Ellis
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97211
I have been working with adolescents, adults and couples for over 30 years. I do both traditional "talk therapy" as well as expressive arts therapy in my fully equipped studio (on site). I specialize in helping people with life transitions (separation, divorce ) and provide Co-parenting mediation services for families living in bi-nuclear households. I have extensive training in trauma resolution, the Enneagram, current brain science, Gestalt therapy and process work. I have had the honor of working with many individuals and families over the years and I have a strong commitment to improving my skills and techniques every year.
I have been working with adolescents, adults and couples for over 30 years. I do both traditional "talk therapy" as well as expressive arts therapy in my fully equipped studio (on site). I specialize in helping people with life transitions (separation, divorce ) and provide Co-parenting mediation services for families living in bi-nuclear households. I have extensive training in trauma resolution, the Enneagram, current brain science, Gestalt therapy and process work. I have had the honor of working with many individuals and families over the years and I have a strong commitment to improving my skills and techniques every year.
(971) 231-2660 View (971) 231-2660
Photo of Marca Cassity, BSN, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marca Cassity
Marriage & Family Therapist, BSN, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97211  (Online Only)
Accepting Oregon based clients with Kaiser insurance only at this time. We all have a unique expression of life force energy, but at times it may seem the core self has been pummeled by trauma, loss, pain, unhealthy relationships, or life in a toxic culture. Often when trying to make change, clients find that despite being inspired, they can't do what they need to do in order to live the meaningful life they desire.
Accepting Oregon based clients with Kaiser insurance only at this time. We all have a unique expression of life force energy, but at times it may seem the core self has been pummeled by trauma, loss, pain, unhealthy relationships, or life in a toxic culture. Often when trying to make change, clients find that despite being inspired, they can't do what they need to do in order to live the meaningful life they desire.
(833) 634-6281 View (833) 634-6281
Photo of Alberta Torres, MSW,  LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alberta Torres
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97212
Alberta's approach to therapy is holistic, taking into consideration the multiple and diverse factors that influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, including life stages, cultural diversity, and spirituality. She is committed to creating a safe space and compassionately working in partnership with her clients to build strong therapeutic relationships, and together explore new paths toward healing, growth, and positive change. Alberta provides therapy in English and Spanish and works with teens, adults and elders to address trauma, loss and working through difficult life transitions.
Alberta's approach to therapy is holistic, taking into consideration the multiple and diverse factors that influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, including life stages, cultural diversity, and spirituality. She is committed to creating a safe space and compassionately working in partnership with her clients to build strong therapeutic relationships, and together explore new paths toward healing, growth, and positive change. Alberta provides therapy in English and Spanish and works with teens, adults and elders to address trauma, loss and working through difficult life transitions.
(833) 996-1403 View (833) 996-1403
Photo of Shannon Glade - Shannon Glade, MFT, LLC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shannon Glade, MFT, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alberta Arts District, Portland, OR 97211
My work is focused on pairing mindfulness with other evidence-based tools to help clients achieve their goals- whether that is to receive support through life transitions, improve relationship satisfaction, enhance parenting skills, manage anxiety, or heal from painful experiences.
My work is focused on pairing mindfulness with other evidence-based tools to help clients achieve their goals- whether that is to receive support through life transitions, improve relationship satisfaction, enhance parenting skills, manage anxiety, or heal from painful experiences.
(503) 966-3736 View (503) 966-3736
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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.