EMDR Therapists in Aliquippa, PA

Photo of Erica Rodriguez, MA, LPC, Counselor
Erica Rodriguez
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Aliquippa, PA 15001  (Online Only)
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I strive to create a nonjudgmental, open space for clients to explore and process experiences, identify areas for growth, and make necessary changes. My journey as a counselor started in community mental health in 2019. I transitioned to private practice where I obtained my license and became trained in EMDR therapy.
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I strive to create a nonjudgmental, open space for clients to explore and process experiences, identify areas for growth, and make necessary changes. My journey as a counselor started in community mental health in 2019. I transitioned to private practice where I obtained my license and became trained in EMDR therapy.
(412) 899-1729 View (412) 899-1729
Photo of Tara Kubik - Emdr; Healing Childhood And Relational Trauma, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Tara Kubik - Emdr; Healing Childhood And Relational Trauma
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aliquippa, PA 15001  (Online Only)
To help you cope with, heal through, and grow from such impacts, I integrate EMDR (for the healing process), parts work (to foster self-love), and DBT (to practice coping skills).
If you are looking for a safe, yet light-hearted space to start healing - I'm your girl! I help individuals cope with, heal from, and improve relationships within their lives.; from the relationship with your partner(s), your parents, and (most importantly) the relationship you have with yourself. If you struggle with anxiety, distrust, anger, low self-worth, etc. as a result of relationship difficulties during any part of your life, I’d love to collaborate with you on a healing plan that best fits your needs.
To help you cope with, heal through, and grow from such impacts, I integrate EMDR (for the healing process), parts work (to foster self-love), and DBT (to practice coping skills).
If you are looking for a safe, yet light-hearted space to start healing - I'm your girl! I help individuals cope with, heal from, and improve relationships within their lives.; from the relationship with your partner(s), your parents, and (most importantly) the relationship you have with yourself. If you struggle with anxiety, distrust, anger, low self-worth, etc. as a result of relationship difficulties during any part of your life, I’d love to collaborate with you on a healing plan that best fits your needs.
(724) 576-9442 View (724) 576-9442
Photo of Molly Alvord - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Pittsburgh, Counselor
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Pittsburgh
Counselor
Verified Verified
Aliquippa, PA 15001
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
(412) 284-5215 View (412) 284-5215
Photo of Tonji Good Cooper, LPC, EMDR, CCPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tonji Good Cooper
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EMDR, CCPT
Verified Verified
Aliquippa, PA 15001
Waitlist for new clients
As a therapist, I like to reach out to those who feel their life is spiraling out of control. My specialty is addressing behaviors, such as ADHD or Conduct Disorder, accepting who you are as an individual, and helping you realize you have the key to change your situation. For those who want to get their emotions under control, perhaps due to bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder, together we will work to get your life moving "straight forward."
As a therapist, I like to reach out to those who feel their life is spiraling out of control. My specialty is addressing behaviors, such as ADHD or Conduct Disorder, accepting who you are as an individual, and helping you realize you have the key to change your situation. For those who want to get their emotions under control, perhaps due to bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder, together we will work to get your life moving "straight forward."
(724) 361-3069 View (724) 361-3069
Photo of Dakota Forrest - Aurora Health Services, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Aurora Health Services
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aliquippa, PA 15001  (Online Only)
Now Accepting New Clients of all ages with Immediate Openings with No Wait Lists! Aurora Health Services is a wellness organization serving All of Pennsylvania and Florida, providing client-specific counseling services. Aurora also offers additional specialized programs to support the unique needs of one's evolving day-to-day life. We have 16 therapists specializing in a broad spectrum of modalities.
Now Accepting New Clients of all ages with Immediate Openings with No Wait Lists! Aurora Health Services is a wellness organization serving All of Pennsylvania and Florida, providing client-specific counseling services. Aurora also offers additional specialized programs to support the unique needs of one's evolving day-to-day life. We have 16 therapists specializing in a broad spectrum of modalities.
(724) 585-8456 View (724) 585-8456
Photo of Jill Perry - JP Counseling & Associates, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
JP Counseling & Associates, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Aliquippa, PA 15001
Life is not without adversity. Our clinicians are here are help you navigate through those difficult times. As licensed and certified clinicians, with various expertise in areas such as substance use and recovery and trauma, we are focused on helping you find the healing you need. We will match you with the best therapist for you giving you the support you're looking for.
Life is not without adversity. Our clinicians are here are help you navigate through those difficult times. As licensed and certified clinicians, with various expertise in areas such as substance use and recovery and trauma, we are focused on helping you find the healing you need. We will match you with the best therapist for you giving you the support you're looking for.
(724) 624-8829 View (724) 624-8829

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dana Henry, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dana Henry
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Beaver, PA 15009
I have clinicial training and experience in EMDR, Flash, and Inner Healing Prayer, which are some of the ways your trauma and pain can be addressed.
Many of my clients come to their first appointment wanting to make changes in their lives and relationships but are waking up every day with same unhealthy patterns that keep them stuck. Difficulty regulating their emotions - they are angry, irritable, and lashing out. People-pleasing. Stuffing and numbing their feelings. A lifetime of trying to get difficult people to be good to them. Feeling sad, panicky and out of control. Find their identity in others and feel as if they have lost themselves. Worries and negative looping thoughts such as "I am a bad person; The world feels unsafe; It's all my fault."
I have clinicial training and experience in EMDR, Flash, and Inner Healing Prayer, which are some of the ways your trauma and pain can be addressed.
Many of my clients come to their first appointment wanting to make changes in their lives and relationships but are waking up every day with same unhealthy patterns that keep them stuck. Difficulty regulating their emotions - they are angry, irritable, and lashing out. People-pleasing. Stuffing and numbing their feelings. A lifetime of trying to get difficult people to be good to them. Feeling sad, panicky and out of control. Find their identity in others and feel as if they have lost themselves. Worries and negative looping thoughts such as "I am a bad person; The world feels unsafe; It's all my fault."
(412) 528-2584 View (412) 528-2584
Photo of Debra Ott, LPC, NCC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Debra Ott
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Freedom, PA 15042
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR (trauma treatment) and an integrated mix of other therapy approaches depending on your needs and goals.
Accepting new clients now! I am known for my warmth, compassion, and encouragement. I believe that for therapy to be successful, we will need to work as a team. My areas of specialty include anxiety, stress management, relationship issues, and grief. I have experience in addiction recovery, grief counseling, trauma recovery, somatic issues and reproductive issues. Prior to counseling, I worked in non-profit leadership which included speaking and coaching women and teens/young adults. In fact, it was the individuals I encountered during that season of life which inspired me to pursue professional counseling.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR (trauma treatment) and an integrated mix of other therapy approaches depending on your needs and goals.
Accepting new clients now! I am known for my warmth, compassion, and encouragement. I believe that for therapy to be successful, we will need to work as a team. My areas of specialty include anxiety, stress management, relationship issues, and grief. I have experience in addiction recovery, grief counseling, trauma recovery, somatic issues and reproductive issues. Prior to counseling, I worked in non-profit leadership which included speaking and coaching women and teens/young adults. In fact, it was the individuals I encountered during that season of life which inspired me to pursue professional counseling.
(724) 604-5276 View (724) 604-5276
Photo of Maya L Andlig, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maya L Andlig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Ambridge, PA 15003  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I practice in a way that provides tailored treatment from a range of approaches such as Psychodynamic, CBT, EMDR.
These are difficult times. As so much is in flux it may seem like too much to address on your own. You may be confronting things at this time that have been nagging at you for a while. You may want to better express yourself or have more satisfying relationships. You may have a sense of not accomplishing what you would like to accomplish, or that you could use some support in order to succeed. You may be facing a difficult time in your life and recognizing that you can't go it alone. We can work together to explore your past and what possible impact it is having on your present situation. We can create new options.
I practice in a way that provides tailored treatment from a range of approaches such as Psychodynamic, CBT, EMDR.
These are difficult times. As so much is in flux it may seem like too much to address on your own. You may be confronting things at this time that have been nagging at you for a while. You may want to better express yourself or have more satisfying relationships. You may have a sense of not accomplishing what you would like to accomplish, or that you could use some support in order to succeed. You may be facing a difficult time in your life and recognizing that you can't go it alone. We can work together to explore your past and what possible impact it is having on your present situation. We can create new options.
(412) 387-6012 View (412) 387-6012
Photo of Lynn Goodwin, LPC, NCC, Counselor
Lynn Goodwin
Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Baden, PA 15005  (Online Only)
I have training in somatic attachment and somatic internal family systems, trauma-informed, and EMDR approaches.
I am licensed in Arizona and Pennsylvania. I offer online counseling for those who need convenience and flexibility. All individuals are uniquely gifted, have immeasurable purpose and value, and are all deserving of emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. I also believe that wellness is a lifelong journey filled with opportunities for healing and growth. We all have the raw materials for an authentic life but sometimes we need help figuring out what that means for us.
I have training in somatic attachment and somatic internal family systems, trauma-informed, and EMDR approaches.
I am licensed in Arizona and Pennsylvania. I offer online counseling for those who need convenience and flexibility. All individuals are uniquely gifted, have immeasurable purpose and value, and are all deserving of emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. I also believe that wellness is a lifelong journey filled with opportunities for healing and growth. We all have the raw materials for an authentic life but sometimes we need help figuring out what that means for us.
(480) 680-9526 View (480) 680-9526
Photo of Rachael L Perlick, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachael L Perlick
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Coraopolis, PA 15108
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and an EMDR trained therapist.
Healing happens within relationship. That has been my personal experience and my primary focus in the counseling relationship. I strongly believe that we are all doing the best that we can at any given moment. However we are managing to cope, having a trusting and safe place to be is essential. My first task in any counseling relationship is to establish and build upon that safe place. As the counseling relationship builds and strengthens, we will collaboratively develop a plan for meeting your goals. I will work to gently guide you in growing and sustaining compassion and care for yourself during that process.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and an EMDR trained therapist.
Healing happens within relationship. That has been my personal experience and my primary focus in the counseling relationship. I strongly believe that we are all doing the best that we can at any given moment. However we are managing to cope, having a trusting and safe place to be is essential. My first task in any counseling relationship is to establish and build upon that safe place. As the counseling relationship builds and strengthens, we will collaboratively develop a plan for meeting your goals. I will work to gently guide you in growing and sustaining compassion and care for yourself during that process.
(878) 205-0590 View (878) 205-0590
Photo of Sarah Hodge - Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
, CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, Strength-based, Trauma-informed, Family Therapy, etc).
We are a charitable nonprofit serving individuals, couples, and families in your community. We serve neighbors of all ages and backgrounds. We are a reliable place to turn for professional support addressing everyday issues and challenges like anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, low self-esteem, trauma, abuse, anger, peer pressure, marriage/family problems, and parenting difficulties.
, CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, Strength-based, Trauma-informed, Family Therapy, etc).
We are a charitable nonprofit serving individuals, couples, and families in your community. We serve neighbors of all ages and backgrounds. We are a reliable place to turn for professional support addressing everyday issues and challenges like anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, low self-esteem, trauma, abuse, anger, peer pressure, marriage/family problems, and parenting difficulties.
(412) 324-3164 View (412) 324-3164
Photo of Brittany Sanson, MS, LPC, NCC, CAADC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brittany Sanson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CAADC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Moon Township, PA 15108  (Online Only)
She can also be of assistance for pre-licensed clinicians seeking LPC supervision and EMDR consultation hours towards basic training for specific individuals as well as any individual seeking hours of consultation working towards certification.
Choosing a therapist that you connect with is often the most important aspect to successful therapy. It can be daunting to find the right fit and scary to expose yourself. If you really want to know Brittany from her bio and how she operates, words like tenacious, bold, relatable, multifaceted, humble and genuine. Brittany's approach is infused with immense compassion and being straightforward- talking to people like they are people using language that they understand and are comfortable with versus professional language that can create a power shift that influences dynamics for a working relationship.
She can also be of assistance for pre-licensed clinicians seeking LPC supervision and EMDR consultation hours towards basic training for specific individuals as well as any individual seeking hours of consultation working towards certification.
Choosing a therapist that you connect with is often the most important aspect to successful therapy. It can be daunting to find the right fit and scary to expose yourself. If you really want to know Brittany from her bio and how she operates, words like tenacious, bold, relatable, multifaceted, humble and genuine. Brittany's approach is infused with immense compassion and being straightforward- talking to people like they are people using language that they understand and are comfortable with versus professional language that can create a power shift that influences dynamics for a working relationship.
(412) 214-8984 View (412) 214-8984
Photo of Lisa M Wilson, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa M Wilson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Coraopolis, PA 15108
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, my treatment approach is person-centered, trauma-focused, and blends evidence-based practices such as EMDR (fully-trained), CBT, Mindfulness and Expressive Arts.
As a therapist with over 20 years experience, the relationship I develop with clients is based on respect, support, and encouragement, and is focused on building their individual strengths and resources. I believe that a nonjudgmental and welcoming environment is crucial to provide a safe space for clients discuss past and current issues and move forward. I work with children, teens and adults who are seeking help with trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment problems, social difficulties, parenting, maternal health and life transitions.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, my treatment approach is person-centered, trauma-focused, and blends evidence-based practices such as EMDR (fully-trained), CBT, Mindfulness and Expressive Arts.
As a therapist with over 20 years experience, the relationship I develop with clients is based on respect, support, and encouragement, and is focused on building their individual strengths and resources. I believe that a nonjudgmental and welcoming environment is crucial to provide a safe space for clients discuss past and current issues and move forward. I work with children, teens and adults who are seeking help with trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment problems, social difficulties, parenting, maternal health and life transitions.
(412) 538-5982 View (412) 538-5982
Melissa Galiotto EMDR Cert.
LPC, NCC, EMDR , Cert
Verified Verified
Sewickley, PA 15143
Some modalities include (Internal) Family Systems, EMDR, Gestalt, Existential, Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and Art Tx.
I welcome working with anyone interested in the therapy process regardless of their issues or goals. There are many options for coping skills such as from EMDR/IFS (emdria certified); Gestalt, Existential, DBT, CBT and Mindfulness. Past/ current clients have worked through generational trauma, disordered eating, sexual assault, family and/ or marital concerns, trauma, depression and anxiety, attention deficit, career and direction of life concerns. It is common to struggle with the first step of reaching out to a provider.. typically people feel relief once they start talking to and then selecting a provider.
Some modalities include (Internal) Family Systems, EMDR, Gestalt, Existential, Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and Art Tx.
I welcome working with anyone interested in the therapy process regardless of their issues or goals. There are many options for coping skills such as from EMDR/IFS (emdria certified); Gestalt, Existential, DBT, CBT and Mindfulness. Past/ current clients have worked through generational trauma, disordered eating, sexual assault, family and/ or marital concerns, trauma, depression and anxiety, attention deficit, career and direction of life concerns. It is common to struggle with the first step of reaching out to a provider.. typically people feel relief once they start talking to and then selecting a provider.
(412) 888-0452 View (412) 888-0452
Photo of Josie Albrecht, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Josie Albrecht
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Coraopolis, PA 15108
I am fully trained in EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I enjoy working with clients who want to get to the root of their struggles. These clients would like to gain insight into their symptoms, something difficult that has happened to them or to explore cycles and patterns that aren’t serving them. The clients I see often have attended therapy in the past. The clients I see also often present with attachment-based traumas, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and difficulties in their personal and work relationships.
I am fully trained in EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I enjoy working with clients who want to get to the root of their struggles. These clients would like to gain insight into their symptoms, something difficult that has happened to them or to explore cycles and patterns that aren’t serving them. The clients I see often have attended therapy in the past. The clients I see also often present with attachment-based traumas, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and difficulties in their personal and work relationships.
(412) 388-2194 View (412) 388-2194
Photo of Shannon Dering, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shannon Dering
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Coraopolis, PA 15108
Waitlist for new clients
I am fully trained in EMDR therapy and working towards EMDR certification.
Congratulations on taking the first step in your healing journey. This is a courageous first step in the line of many. Life can be difficult, stressful, challenging and overwhelming. Everyone experiences these feelings at some point in their life, including therapists, and that's okay! I firmly believe that everyone is capable healing and peace, and I am humbled to be a part of that healing journey. My goal is to create a safe and compassionate space for you, using unconditional positive regard, empathy and connection, to explore your healing journey and deepen your self understanding.
I am fully trained in EMDR therapy and working towards EMDR certification.
Congratulations on taking the first step in your healing journey. This is a courageous first step in the line of many. Life can be difficult, stressful, challenging and overwhelming. Everyone experiences these feelings at some point in their life, including therapists, and that's okay! I firmly believe that everyone is capable healing and peace, and I am humbled to be a part of that healing journey. My goal is to create a safe and compassionate space for you, using unconditional positive regard, empathy and connection, to explore your healing journey and deepen your self understanding.
(412) 891-8344 View (412) 891-8344
Photo of Samantha Bohr, LPC, CAADC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Samantha Bohr
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAADC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Coraopolis, PA 15108
I utilize a trauma-informed, individualized approach: EMDR, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and DBT to foster change.
The ‘first step’ is always the hardest… Therapy is the just the beginning towards making positive, meaningful, goal oriented changes in all areas of your life. I provide a safe space to openly discuss the struggles of life, to help identify the changes that need to take place for your own personal growth and support you, while overcoming those challenges of change in your life journey. Using your own goals and individual strengths, together, we will build your resilience and confidence by utilizing coping strategies.
I utilize a trauma-informed, individualized approach: EMDR, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and DBT to foster change.
The ‘first step’ is always the hardest… Therapy is the just the beginning towards making positive, meaningful, goal oriented changes in all areas of your life. I provide a safe space to openly discuss the struggles of life, to help identify the changes that need to take place for your own personal growth and support you, while overcoming those challenges of change in your life journey. Using your own goals and individual strengths, together, we will build your resilience and confidence by utilizing coping strategies.
(814) 885-3690 View (814) 885-3690
Photo of Steffeny Feld, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Steffeny Feld
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Sewickley, PA 15143
I offer EMDR Intensives - an accelerated form of therapy to help you feel better faster.
You had a painful experience & your life changed in an instant. Who you were & how you saw the world - just aren’t the same anymore. You feel lost, angry, & afraid. Maybe you experienced a sexual trauma, got a scary medical diagnosis, or lost someone (or something) that you love. Maybe it happened suddenly without any warning or maybe the fact that you knew it was coming, made it feel even worse. You feel alone- not sure what to do with yourself. Your friends and family care, but they don’t know what to do either. You need someone who understands & can help you put the pieces of your life back together. You want to feel whole again.
I offer EMDR Intensives - an accelerated form of therapy to help you feel better faster.
You had a painful experience & your life changed in an instant. Who you were & how you saw the world - just aren’t the same anymore. You feel lost, angry, & afraid. Maybe you experienced a sexual trauma, got a scary medical diagnosis, or lost someone (or something) that you love. Maybe it happened suddenly without any warning or maybe the fact that you knew it was coming, made it feel even worse. You feel alone- not sure what to do with yourself. Your friends and family care, but they don’t know what to do either. You need someone who understands & can help you put the pieces of your life back together. You want to feel whole again.
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Photo of Becky Slade - Intensive Care Counseling LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Intensive Care Counseling LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sewickley, PA 15143
I’m trained to use Eye Movement Desensitization Resolution ( EMDR) therapy, and I’m certified in Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems.
I am a trauma therapist who enjoys helping individuals and families bring more joy and compassion to their relationships. I am available to meet with you for a series of intensive virtual sessions or for several days of intensive in-home work. I bring understanding and light as we work to overcome emotional hardships based on common problems including anger, anxiety, grief, depression, phobias, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, relational problems and more.
I’m trained to use Eye Movement Desensitization Resolution ( EMDR) therapy, and I’m certified in Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems.
I am a trauma therapist who enjoys helping individuals and families bring more joy and compassion to their relationships. I am available to meet with you for a series of intensive virtual sessions or for several days of intensive in-home work. I bring understanding and light as we work to overcome emotional hardships based on common problems including anger, anxiety, grief, depression, phobias, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, relational problems and more.
(412) 754-7627 View (412) 754-7627

See more therapy options for Aliquippa

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.