EMDR Therapists in Troutdale, OR
![Photo of Stephanie Gallian - Wishing Wellness Counseling and Coaching, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44f71193-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Wishing Wellness Counseling and Coaching
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Troutdale, OR 97060
I have to come to view the majority of human suffering through the lens of the AIP model, the foundational principle behind EMDR treatment.
Email is best, not calls! I work with any age, any need. I work most often with anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, life changes, work-related stress, and chronic pain. I take a very practical approach to helping you find peace and healing with your struggles. This is a safe, non-judgmental place to receive validation, support, feedback, and proactive help. Email is best to reach me, not phone, as phone calls disturb sessions.
I have to come to view the majority of human suffering through the lens of the AIP model, the foundational principle behind EMDR treatment.
Email is best, not calls! I work with any age, any need. I work most often with anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, life changes, work-related stress, and chronic pain. I take a very practical approach to helping you find peace and healing with your struggles. This is a safe, non-judgmental place to receive validation, support, feedback, and proactive help. Email is best to reach me, not phone, as phone calls disturb sessions.
![Photo of Taunya M Gesner, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fc8078e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Taunya M Gesner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd
Verified Verified
Troutdale, OR 97060 (Online Only)
I work with modalities like EMDR, CBT, DBT, Gottman and Motivational Interviewing.
Sometimes when the world feels overwhelming, we don't connect how past abuse has led us to emotions that feel out of control. It's like when stress builds up over lots of little things and you finally snap at someone you care about in a way you didn't mean. Or feeling overly tired of trying to live in this world because every choice you make seems hard and a large amount of effort. These are things I can help with. Additionally - if you are struggling with your significant other, like feeling not heard, or having problems in the bedroom, or feeling like you are carrying more than your share; we can work on this together.
I work with modalities like EMDR, CBT, DBT, Gottman and Motivational Interviewing.
Sometimes when the world feels overwhelming, we don't connect how past abuse has led us to emotions that feel out of control. It's like when stress builds up over lots of little things and you finally snap at someone you care about in a way you didn't mean. Or feeling overly tired of trying to live in this world because every choice you make seems hard and a large amount of effort. These are things I can help with. Additionally - if you are struggling with your significant other, like feeling not heard, or having problems in the bedroom, or feeling like you are carrying more than your share; we can work on this together.
![Photo of Caroline D. Wade, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0c95425-bc32-4562-a153-8125d395dacb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you find yourself feeling too much and not enough all at once? Do you sometimes feel stuck? Broken? Have you ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I just be normal,” or “What is wrong with me?” Maybe you behave in ways that don’t feel true to yourself for fear of rejection or abandonment, and perhaps you even end up in unhealthy or one-sided relationships. I believe that just by coming to this page there is something fundamentally “right,” not “wrong" with you. Being a human is complicated, messy, and can be painful; I feel honored to have the opportunity to support you through these challenges in a way that fosters healing and growth.
Do you find yourself feeling too much and not enough all at once? Do you sometimes feel stuck? Broken? Have you ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I just be normal,” or “What is wrong with me?” Maybe you behave in ways that don’t feel true to yourself for fear of rejection or abandonment, and perhaps you even end up in unhealthy or one-sided relationships. I believe that just by coming to this page there is something fundamentally “right,” not “wrong" with you. Being a human is complicated, messy, and can be painful; I feel honored to have the opportunity to support you through these challenges in a way that fosters healing and growth.
![Photo of Mindy Laframboise, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfeef30-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mindy Laframboise
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Troutdale, OR 97060
Not accepting new clients
Not Taking New Clients at this time. Life can be comfortable, enjoyable and satisfying. My goal is to help you create a life without constant struggle and stress. Counseling can provide the time and focus to help you understand your experiences, thoughts and feelings. Having a trusted and competent helper to support you through the process is a key to using counseling successfully. Together we can work to better understand what isn't working and create solutions that will lead to success, the way you define it. I can help you reduce stress and suffering and improve overall life enjoyment and functioning.
Not Taking New Clients at this time. Life can be comfortable, enjoyable and satisfying. My goal is to help you create a life without constant struggle and stress. Counseling can provide the time and focus to help you understand your experiences, thoughts and feelings. Having a trusted and competent helper to support you through the process is a key to using counseling successfully. Together we can work to better understand what isn't working and create solutions that will lead to success, the way you define it. I can help you reduce stress and suffering and improve overall life enjoyment and functioning.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Otoniel Toni Calderon, MA , LPC Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d819c51-da42-4dda-96e7-8b25abd2d56d/2/320x400.png)
I have been trained in EMDR to treat trauma, Hypnosis which has many applications, and Narrative Therapy.
As a survivor of long-term childhood abuse, I am passionate about helping people heal from their traumas and thrive. I have lived experience with complex trauma, anxiety, and depression; which helps me be more understanding, compassionate, and empathetic. My goal is to help you be the healthiest you that you can be. If you are experiencing barriers or challenges to achieving this, my aim is to provide you with the needed support and professional expertise to help you overcome them.
I have been trained in EMDR to treat trauma, Hypnosis which has many applications, and Narrative Therapy.
As a survivor of long-term childhood abuse, I am passionate about helping people heal from their traumas and thrive. I have lived experience with complex trauma, anxiety, and depression; which helps me be more understanding, compassionate, and empathetic. My goal is to help you be the healthiest you that you can be. If you are experiencing barriers or challenges to achieving this, my aim is to provide you with the needed support and professional expertise to help you overcome them.
![Photo of Dianna K Bowlen - A Season for Change Counseling & Hypnosis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3410c27-185f-4c5a-b5ff-eb83b758c4c1/2/320x400.jpeg)
A Season for Change Counseling & Hypnosis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gresham, OR 97060 (Online Only)
Trauma therapy, (general mental health), crisis, EMDR, hypnosis, addiction issues, couples/family therapy, LGBYTQ, working with first responders and populations from around the world.
With compassion and listening, I will work with you to identify your underlying issues, help you to clarify your core beliefs, and help you to release limiting beliefs and behavioral patterns. My goal is to support you, to deepen your capacity for self-reflection, acceptance, and life purpose. I will honor your strengths while helping you to work through life transitions. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I can integrate whatever style of therapy you are interested in (e.g. talk, education, interactive, area specific). I use John Gottman's therapy for couples counseling. I offer sliding scale or insurance billing.
Trauma therapy, (general mental health), crisis, EMDR, hypnosis, addiction issues, couples/family therapy, LGBYTQ, working with first responders and populations from around the world.
With compassion and listening, I will work with you to identify your underlying issues, help you to clarify your core beliefs, and help you to release limiting beliefs and behavioral patterns. My goal is to support you, to deepen your capacity for self-reflection, acceptance, and life purpose. I will honor your strengths while helping you to work through life transitions. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I can integrate whatever style of therapy you are interested in (e.g. talk, education, interactive, area specific). I use John Gottman's therapy for couples counseling. I offer sliding scale or insurance billing.
![Photo of Holli Brice, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94bd82fd-3c66-478e-90e7-084f181e3544/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holli Brice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gresham, OR 97030 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you are seeking a kind, compassionate presence to walk alongside you on your healing journey, you've come to the right place. I believe that each person who arrives to therapy comes in with a story that matters and deserves to be heard. I see my role as therapist as someone to help you to recognize your ability to heal and help to shine light on the path that leads to your highest good. I am EMDR trained and enjoy using this modality to help others overcome trauma related issues.
If you are seeking a kind, compassionate presence to walk alongside you on your healing journey, you've come to the right place. I believe that each person who arrives to therapy comes in with a story that matters and deserves to be heard. I see my role as therapist as someone to help you to recognize your ability to heal and help to shine light on the path that leads to your highest good. I am EMDR trained and enjoy using this modality to help others overcome trauma related issues.
![Photo of Amber Steward Minds In Motion, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0de5c0d6-d567-485d-845d-1496d9a0f82a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amber Steward Minds In Motion
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gresham, OR 97030
Utilizing a mix of EMDR and CBT to help you recognize negative patterns and to process core beliefs that may be impacting positive behavior.
My aim is to help you see yourself not as flawed or broken, but as worthy. Seeking therapy isn’t always easy when life is not going in the direction you were hoping. Life can be incredibly painful at times. It is helpful to have someone in our corner, who will support and validate, as well as guide and challenge when necessary. I am passionate about helping others and I believe in developing strong relationships with my clients and use a collaborative approach to help you reach your goal. Trusting a therapist and allowing yourself to be vulnerable can be challenging but the end results will be worth the journey.
Utilizing a mix of EMDR and CBT to help you recognize negative patterns and to process core beliefs that may be impacting positive behavior.
My aim is to help you see yourself not as flawed or broken, but as worthy. Seeking therapy isn’t always easy when life is not going in the direction you were hoping. Life can be incredibly painful at times. It is helpful to have someone in our corner, who will support and validate, as well as guide and challenge when necessary. I am passionate about helping others and I believe in developing strong relationships with my clients and use a collaborative approach to help you reach your goal. Trusting a therapist and allowing yourself to be vulnerable can be challenging but the end results will be worth the journey.
![Photo of Jennifer P Checkis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/361c553e-0588-4b0c-9370-69d6163b88ca/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer P Checkis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fairview, OR 97024 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
EMDR is a technique to gently assist the mind's desire to naturally heal from trauma, patterns learned from family dynamics, etc.
My clients have the courage and determination to face their challenges and find their truths. They may be ready to face trauma, heal relationships, or overcome barriers to living in joy. I embrace the opportunity to join with them to offer support, encouragement and fresh new perspectives as they explore their relationships and identities within this world. I continue to learn and grow from my clients every single day, and it is my greatest joy.
EMDR is a technique to gently assist the mind's desire to naturally heal from trauma, patterns learned from family dynamics, etc.
My clients have the courage and determination to face their challenges and find their truths. They may be ready to face trauma, heal relationships, or overcome barriers to living in joy. I embrace the opportunity to join with them to offer support, encouragement and fresh new perspectives as they explore their relationships and identities within this world. I continue to learn and grow from my clients every single day, and it is my greatest joy.
![Photo of Emily A LaMarca, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d7190bc-4de0-4230-8fc8-d9fa82cc37e7/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained in EMDR and also use mindfulness, grounding and cognitive techniques.
I believe that everyone has the strength and potential to heal and lead a rich and fulfilling life but the way we think often informs how we feel and behave. Together we can work on confronting harmful and distorted thought patterns in order to develop healthier and more hopeful views of life and the future. This can involve acknowledging past hurts, working through trauma, learning new ways to cope with anxiety or depression, practicing self-acceptance, developing and maintaining self-care habits, learning mindfulness exercises, and so much more.
I am trained in EMDR and also use mindfulness, grounding and cognitive techniques.
I believe that everyone has the strength and potential to heal and lead a rich and fulfilling life but the way we think often informs how we feel and behave. Together we can work on confronting harmful and distorted thought patterns in order to develop healthier and more hopeful views of life and the future. This can involve acknowledging past hurts, working through trauma, learning new ways to cope with anxiety or depression, practicing self-acceptance, developing and maintaining self-care habits, learning mindfulness exercises, and so much more.
![Photo of Laura Krumins, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74704b96-b9bc-4c11-b0e6-141845c77817/2/320x400.jpeg)
I use approaches that have been proven to be effective for many people: EMDR for trauma, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Exposure & Response Prevention for OCD and other anxiety disorders, and CBT-I for insomnia.
I specialize in treating people who struggle with OCD, anxiety, trauma, and/or insomnia. I strive to help my patients reduce suffering and increase joy and connection by using evidence-based treatments.
I use approaches that have been proven to be effective for many people: EMDR for trauma, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Exposure & Response Prevention for OCD and other anxiety disorders, and CBT-I for insomnia.
I specialize in treating people who struggle with OCD, anxiety, trauma, and/or insomnia. I strive to help my patients reduce suffering and increase joy and connection by using evidence-based treatments.
![Photo of Monique Adams, LCSW, LICSW, CADCIII, MAC, SUDP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e00ac276-e944-4f66-8ec5-9267b9cbb793/3/320x400.jpeg)
Monique Adams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, CADCIII, MAC, SUDP
Verified Verified
Gresham, OR 97060 (Online Only)
I love to see people who are exploring helping themselves achieve a better space in their life. Many people are suffering, yet they aren't quite sure the next steps. I have experience working with many issues that can make you feel as if you have lost your path or wanting something more out of life. I try to adapt my style to your particular needs and take a collaborative approach, yet guided to therapy sessions. Sometimes we need a safe place to process our thoughts.
I love to see people who are exploring helping themselves achieve a better space in their life. Many people are suffering, yet they aren't quite sure the next steps. I have experience working with many issues that can make you feel as if you have lost your path or wanting something more out of life. I try to adapt my style to your particular needs and take a collaborative approach, yet guided to therapy sessions. Sometimes we need a safe place to process our thoughts.
![Photo of Alisha Kelley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cffde052-3f3b-4a7e-85b0-de1860934664/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alisha Kelley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gresham, OR 97030 (Online Only)
Do you struggle with stress, depression, anxiety? Do you feel overwhelmed, or like you past/ current trauma is keeping your from living your best like? Do you desire to unlearn some of your unhealthy ways of doing things and learn new helpful tactics for everyday situations? If this sounds familiar to you and you are tired of doing the same things and feeling stuck, I would like to help. Therapy is a place where you can establish and reclaim your sense of self and learn to live freely. We will work together to explore behaviors and thought patterns to encourage personal growth.
Do you struggle with stress, depression, anxiety? Do you feel overwhelmed, or like you past/ current trauma is keeping your from living your best like? Do you desire to unlearn some of your unhealthy ways of doing things and learn new helpful tactics for everyday situations? If this sounds familiar to you and you are tired of doing the same things and feeling stuck, I would like to help. Therapy is a place where you can establish and reclaim your sense of self and learn to live freely. We will work together to explore behaviors and thought patterns to encourage personal growth.
![Photo of Joann Lundberg, MA , LPC , ATR-BC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82ebaf7d-fa75-45ee-9fce-e698fbf5a130/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joann Lundberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC , ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Gresham, OR 97030
Is your child experiencing behavioral problems that interfere with school, family, or friendships? Is your teen distant, defiant or have mood swings? While facing challenges in childhood is a normal part of growing up, sometimes kids need additional help learning the skills needed to navigate big feelings, worries, upsetting and confusing events and the stressors of modern life. I offer kids an opportunity to learn and practice new skills, a safe space to explore big feelings and can help them learn to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a helpful way using creative, and fun approaches and evidence based practices
Is your child experiencing behavioral problems that interfere with school, family, or friendships? Is your teen distant, defiant or have mood swings? While facing challenges in childhood is a normal part of growing up, sometimes kids need additional help learning the skills needed to navigate big feelings, worries, upsetting and confusing events and the stressors of modern life. I offer kids an opportunity to learn and practice new skills, a safe space to explore big feelings and can help them learn to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a helpful way using creative, and fun approaches and evidence based practices
![Photo of Kiana Kurzynowski, MCOUN, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c2625d1-8be6-449a-ac60-16e6ecc70a5c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults- so folks who, for diverse reasons feel like their brains work different from most i.e. Autistic, ADHD, complex PTSD, HSP, queer, BIPOC, etc.; and those differences have limited their access to community or feeling like they're living a full life. Some common difficulties for neurodivergent adults include: chronic anxiety, feeling lonely or isolated, recurrent depression, communication difficulties, low self esteem, and general difficulty with "people-ing". Please reach out with a brief intro including your insurance if applicable. NOTE: Unable to accept PacificSource at this time.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults- so folks who, for diverse reasons feel like their brains work different from most i.e. Autistic, ADHD, complex PTSD, HSP, queer, BIPOC, etc.; and those differences have limited their access to community or feeling like they're living a full life. Some common difficulties for neurodivergent adults include: chronic anxiety, feeling lonely or isolated, recurrent depression, communication difficulties, low self esteem, and general difficulty with "people-ing". Please reach out with a brief intro including your insurance if applicable. NOTE: Unable to accept PacificSource at this time.
![Photo of Olivia Dalke, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20bf43ab-de39-4ecf-8e66-c1572cd66d65/3/320x400.jpeg)
Everyone has unique needs when it comes to counseling. Some people are experiencing overwhelming emotions, some people feel numb and many are seeking a theraputic space to process whatever life throws at them. My goal is to foster your autonomy in choosing what is and is not helpful in pursuit of your needs and goals.
Everyone has unique needs when it comes to counseling. Some people are experiencing overwhelming emotions, some people feel numb and many are seeking a theraputic space to process whatever life throws at them. My goal is to foster your autonomy in choosing what is and is not helpful in pursuit of your needs and goals.
![Photo of Dr. Darin Bergen, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83d80b28-13af-4b9f-bfde-d59af98d96ee/2/320x400.jpeg)
You've been suffering on your own for far too long, pushing away the pain until it feels like you have nothing left. You're exhausted. You feel alone but you put on a mask, smiling on the outside while you're in so much pain inside. Because you pull it together for the people around you, nobody realizes what is going on. You've lost interest in everything. You can't concentrate. Sometimes you hate yourself and wonder if you deserve to feel good ever again. You feel weak and you are so tired of this pain. It's time for a change.
You've been suffering on your own for far too long, pushing away the pain until it feels like you have nothing left. You're exhausted. You feel alone but you put on a mask, smiling on the outside while you're in so much pain inside. Because you pull it together for the people around you, nobody realizes what is going on. You've lost interest in everything. You can't concentrate. Sometimes you hate yourself and wonder if you deserve to feel good ever again. You feel weak and you are so tired of this pain. It's time for a change.
![Photo of Kawa Kuller, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/327fa034-59b9-4f56-8e87-53d013dd6fd3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kawa Kuller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gresham, OR 97030 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with people who identify as BIPOC, trans, enby and LGBTQIA+ . You don’t fit into society’s norms and maybe you don’t even want to. There can be great joy and pride in being different, but difference can also be met with oppression. I know what it’s like to feel othered, how it can effect self esteem, your ability to connect with others, and can lead to trauma, isolation, sadness, depression, anxiety, anger, grief, hopelessness and confusion. I am kink positive, body positive, and support polyamorous and ENM relationships . To work together, please fill out this form: www.nurtureabundance.com/contact-us
I specialize in working with people who identify as BIPOC, trans, enby and LGBTQIA+ . You don’t fit into society’s norms and maybe you don’t even want to. There can be great joy and pride in being different, but difference can also be met with oppression. I know what it’s like to feel othered, how it can effect self esteem, your ability to connect with others, and can lead to trauma, isolation, sadness, depression, anxiety, anger, grief, hopelessness and confusion. I am kink positive, body positive, and support polyamorous and ENM relationships . To work together, please fill out this form: www.nurtureabundance.com/contact-us
![Photo of Christina O Rose, LPC, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf111ae8-6f18-41e5-a81a-313ec9042a31/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christina O Rose
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gresham, OR 97030
Not accepting new clients
I offer Individual Counseling specializing in trauma recovery, grief and loss, relationship issues, and personal empowerment. I am a Certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapist. I completed the Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) training through the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute. I assist clients in re-learning to trust their inner compass and embrace their own capacity for growth and wellness. Part of that growth is in building relationship with themselves, and with others, to develop and or enhance intimacy, community, and connection.
I offer Individual Counseling specializing in trauma recovery, grief and loss, relationship issues, and personal empowerment. I am a Certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapist. I completed the Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) training through the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute. I assist clients in re-learning to trust their inner compass and embrace their own capacity for growth and wellness. Part of that growth is in building relationship with themselves, and with others, to develop and or enhance intimacy, community, and connection.
![Photo of Melissa Harbert, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/943c1faf-ca48-4efa-a35d-4385a8d6fbe3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Harbert
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gresham, OR 97030 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Whether you're facing big decisions or have challenges that have roots in trauma or life stressors, I have extensive training in proven modes such as IFS and EMDR that can help.
I specialize in providing support to heal the effects of trauma - single event, childhood, complex chronic, and acute types. I also treat anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, grief, & stress from work or family, or from life-changing events. I provide a safe and caring place for feeling, learning, and healing. I help adolescents and adults learn to navigate life's challenges.
Whether you're facing big decisions or have challenges that have roots in trauma or life stressors, I have extensive training in proven modes such as IFS and EMDR that can help.
I specialize in providing support to heal the effects of trauma - single event, childhood, complex chronic, and acute types. I also treat anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, grief, & stress from work or family, or from life-changing events. I provide a safe and caring place for feeling, learning, and healing. I help adolescents and adults learn to navigate life's challenges.
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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.