EMDR Therapists in Maryville, TN
![Photo of Jo Clark, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a14af774-f9d9-4834-89fc-92b00946c579/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jo Clark
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Maryville, TN 37804
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in TFCBT and EMDR.
I have worked for the past 19 years with adults, adolescents and children, addressing a variety of issues to include behavioral concerns, a variety of mental health diagnoses, trauma, addiction, self-harm, depression, anxiety, family issues, and more. I have also worked with adults in a variety of settings to address marriage and family concerns as well as addiction, trauma, and parenting skills.
I am trained in TFCBT and EMDR.
I have worked for the past 19 years with adults, adolescents and children, addressing a variety of issues to include behavioral concerns, a variety of mental health diagnoses, trauma, addiction, self-harm, depression, anxiety, family issues, and more. I have also worked with adults in a variety of settings to address marriage and family concerns as well as addiction, trauma, and parenting skills.
![Photo of Shannon Brown, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9374b686-8318-4ee5-831e-f59712daabe5/1/320x400.jpeg)
We are a Queer-owned, LGBTQ+, QBIPOC, body positive, kink positive, ENM/Poly safe & affirming practice. Shannon has almost 20 years experience in trauma & LGBTQ+ mental health for all ages, family dynamics, & religious structures, is a Certified Emergency Responder & Public Safety Clinician for Queer LEOs, EMS, 911 Operators, Fire Fighters & Vets. Eden is especially focused on addressing trauma, queer mental health for teens, adults & families, and is kink positive. Laila specializes in working with women, mothers & postpartum issues. Logan is skilled in working with children & teens with behavioral issues & is certified in EMDR.
We are a Queer-owned, LGBTQ+, QBIPOC, body positive, kink positive, ENM/Poly safe & affirming practice. Shannon has almost 20 years experience in trauma & LGBTQ+ mental health for all ages, family dynamics, & religious structures, is a Certified Emergency Responder & Public Safety Clinician for Queer LEOs, EMS, 911 Operators, Fire Fighters & Vets. Eden is especially focused on addressing trauma, queer mental health for teens, adults & families, and is kink positive. Laila specializes in working with women, mothers & postpartum issues. Logan is skilled in working with children & teens with behavioral issues & is certified in EMDR.
![Photo of Kendra Hart, MHSP, LADAC 2, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/acf9c9bc-ad9a-458f-aed4-2613f410b92b/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am also licensed in substance use counseling and use EMDR, CBT, DBT and Solution Focused Therapy.
Life has brought you here and I believe it is for a reason. Are you ready to start your journey towards healing? I think you are! You have been suffering long enough. Whether you have been tormented by your anxiety, oppressed by your depression, lost in your addiction or felt unsafe from your trauma, I am here to help. Is anger or other uncomfortable emotions controlling your life? Maybe it's the deep pain from the sadness of losing someone you love? Do you want help to stop those racing thoughts? Or maybe you just feel stuck and unmotivated? You are certainly not alone and there are ways to help overcome your struggles.
I am also licensed in substance use counseling and use EMDR, CBT, DBT and Solution Focused Therapy.
Life has brought you here and I believe it is for a reason. Are you ready to start your journey towards healing? I think you are! You have been suffering long enough. Whether you have been tormented by your anxiety, oppressed by your depression, lost in your addiction or felt unsafe from your trauma, I am here to help. Is anger or other uncomfortable emotions controlling your life? Maybe it's the deep pain from the sadness of losing someone you love? Do you want help to stop those racing thoughts? Or maybe you just feel stuck and unmotivated? You are certainly not alone and there are ways to help overcome your struggles.
![Photo of Mekenzie Russell, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93e19d60-6856-4d27-b443-8aca613d795c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mekenzie Russell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Maryville, TN 37801
I am EMDR trained and offer these services to my clients.
As a therapist, I believe in meeting my clients exactly where they are in their healing journey. Ultimately, I enjoy working with individuals who are experiencing grief or other life transitions that are having trouble navigating new terrain. I also work with those who may be experiencing anxiety and depression and need assistance in creating coping skills. Additionally, I love to help men and women explore their own attachment style and work through early trauma.
I am EMDR trained and offer these services to my clients.
As a therapist, I believe in meeting my clients exactly where they are in their healing journey. Ultimately, I enjoy working with individuals who are experiencing grief or other life transitions that are having trouble navigating new terrain. I also work with those who may be experiencing anxiety and depression and need assistance in creating coping skills. Additionally, I love to help men and women explore their own attachment style and work through early trauma.
![Photo of Megan MacNamara, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53e8bbfc-ea98-4058-94fd-1aa85364e91b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I use EMDR therapy to release limiting mindsets so you can manifest results quickly.
I help empower women to love themselves. You may be a struggling mom, creative, business owner, empath, or trauma survivor that is ready to get past survive and start to thrive. My speciality is trauma recovery. My experience as an EMDR therapist & DBT psychologist helps you to deal with anxiety and depression. My clients say they feel immediate relief, a deep connection, & I open up worlds they never thought was possible. New virtual women's empowerment group and mindset membership!
I use EMDR therapy to release limiting mindsets so you can manifest results quickly.
I help empower women to love themselves. You may be a struggling mom, creative, business owner, empath, or trauma survivor that is ready to get past survive and start to thrive. My speciality is trauma recovery. My experience as an EMDR therapist & DBT psychologist helps you to deal with anxiety and depression. My clients say they feel immediate relief, a deep connection, & I open up worlds they never thought was possible. New virtual women's empowerment group and mindset membership!
![Photo of Jordan Haynes, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47f6a4b8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan Haynes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Maryville, TN 37801
I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Training (PCIT) & Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR).
Welcome! For the past seven years, my passion has been to help facilitate personal growth in young children, adolescents, and teens. My primary focus is to be someone you can turn to in a time of need. The stress of growing up in today's ever-changing society can be overwhelming. I would like to join you on your journey to develop the skills necessary to overcome those stressors by teaching you the skills needed. I like to practice from an unconditional, supportive therapist role, in a relaxing environment. I am dedicated to using all my resources to help achieve peace & happiness in your lives!
I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Training (PCIT) & Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR).
Welcome! For the past seven years, my passion has been to help facilitate personal growth in young children, adolescents, and teens. My primary focus is to be someone you can turn to in a time of need. The stress of growing up in today's ever-changing society can be overwhelming. I would like to join you on your journey to develop the skills necessary to overcome those stressors by teaching you the skills needed. I like to practice from an unconditional, supportive therapist role, in a relaxing environment. I am dedicated to using all my resources to help achieve peace & happiness in your lives!
![Photo of Michelle Portman Lcsw, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/136eb5b7-59eb-4e20-8cd8-93885685d257/1/320x400.png)
Michelle Portman Lcsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Maryville, TN 37801
Waitlist for new clients
I offer therapy utilizing Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) ; Eye Movement Desentization Reprocessing ( EMDR) and Mindfulness.
My clients often are experiencing a life that feels without meaning and control. A life that is filled with chronic stress. This stress results from conflict in our relationships and multiple roles in life. At other times,this stress is residue from unresolved life events that have depleted the ability to see through a lens of love. Life then naturally becomes driven by fear. If you are seeking to learn a way to create a life that feels worth living, despite any circumstance. I can teach you the way. The majority of my clients are experiencing anxiety, anger and depression in their daily life.
I offer therapy utilizing Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) ; Eye Movement Desentization Reprocessing ( EMDR) and Mindfulness.
My clients often are experiencing a life that feels without meaning and control. A life that is filled with chronic stress. This stress results from conflict in our relationships and multiple roles in life. At other times,this stress is residue from unresolved life events that have depleted the ability to see through a lens of love. Life then naturally becomes driven by fear. If you are seeking to learn a way to create a life that feels worth living, despite any circumstance. I can teach you the way. The majority of my clients are experiencing anxiety, anger and depression in their daily life.
![Photo of Carol Omos Crawley, MA, LMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6502f3df-04b3-43bd-af76-2db29805b421/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Omos Crawley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Maryville, TN 37801 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I draw on a variety of modalities including EMDR, DBT, Schema Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Attachment Theory, The Gottman Method, Integrative Christian Counseling and mindfulness practices to create a customized treatment plan that is both effective and empowering.
My focus is working with survivors of narcissistic abuse, first responders, and couples looking to recover from infidelity. I see individuals as well as couples and if appropriate, will alternate seeing a couple together and then separately for individual sessions. I use an integrative approach that combines evidence-based practices with a personalized, holistic perspective. Whether you are struggling with infidelity, trauma, anxiety, depression, or other challenges, I am here to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and develop the skills and tools you need to achieve your goals.
I draw on a variety of modalities including EMDR, DBT, Schema Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Attachment Theory, The Gottman Method, Integrative Christian Counseling and mindfulness practices to create a customized treatment plan that is both effective and empowering.
My focus is working with survivors of narcissistic abuse, first responders, and couples looking to recover from infidelity. I see individuals as well as couples and if appropriate, will alternate seeing a couple together and then separately for individual sessions. I use an integrative approach that combines evidence-based practices with a personalized, holistic perspective. Whether you are struggling with infidelity, trauma, anxiety, depression, or other challenges, I am here to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and develop the skills and tools you need to achieve your goals.
![Photo of Sabrina Peterson, MA, LPC, MHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48deaa68-9675-4c37-ad2a-4c0a1175fe2c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sabrina Peterson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
Maryville, TN 37803
I am fully trained and experienced in both EMDR and TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
Welcome to my practice! You inspire me! It takes a great deal of courage to reach out and ask for help and I admire that! Sometimes our expected life path shifts and it can feel extremely overwhelming to find our footing and get back on track to living the life we deserve. My blended therapeutic approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness can help you do just that. I strongly believe that in order to make meaningful changes in our lives, we have to get to the core beliefs (both about the self and about the world we live in) that are driving our behaviors.
I am fully trained and experienced in both EMDR and TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
Welcome to my practice! You inspire me! It takes a great deal of courage to reach out and ask for help and I admire that! Sometimes our expected life path shifts and it can feel extremely overwhelming to find our footing and get back on track to living the life we deserve. My blended therapeutic approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness can help you do just that. I strongly believe that in order to make meaningful changes in our lives, we have to get to the core beliefs (both about the self and about the world we live in) that are driving our behaviors.
![Photo of Jocelyn Ivy, LPC-S, MHSP, C-PD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/362907ca-eca5-4422-bf7d-dfc8a3943657/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jocelyn Ivy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, MHSP, C-PD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Maryville, TN 37801
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive trauma-informed care training including EMDR, Brainspotting, and TF-CBT.
I have always been interested in understanding the world from other people's points of view. My job as a therapist is to understand your story and how your worldview informs the way you react to life stressors. My goal is to help you utilize your own strengths and insight to feel calm, centered, and content in a world that often isn't. I enjoy working with adults of all ages, the LGBTQ/alternative lifestyle community, and I provide sex-positive treatment. A few fun facts about me that you will likely learn if we are working together: I'm a parent to 2 humans and 4 cats, I love to travel, I practice yoga, and I'm a bit of a Swiftie.
I have extensive trauma-informed care training including EMDR, Brainspotting, and TF-CBT.
I have always been interested in understanding the world from other people's points of view. My job as a therapist is to understand your story and how your worldview informs the way you react to life stressors. My goal is to help you utilize your own strengths and insight to feel calm, centered, and content in a world that often isn't. I enjoy working with adults of all ages, the LGBTQ/alternative lifestyle community, and I provide sex-positive treatment. A few fun facts about me that you will likely learn if we are working together: I'm a parent to 2 humans and 4 cats, I love to travel, I practice yoga, and I'm a bit of a Swiftie.
![Photo of John Chandler, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56730951-bf2f-4b5e-a47a-960857ce7b61/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have certificates in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE).
“If you do what you have always done, you will get what you always got.” Are you tired of being stuck in the same old cycles? Whether the problem is self-sabotaging behavior, feelings of worthlessness, constant family squabbling, or the like, let me help you break free from the madness and put you on a path to mental and emotional wellness. I will come along side you with encouraging insight, practical wisdom and competent care to jumpstart your journey to become your very best self.
I have certificates in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE).
“If you do what you have always done, you will get what you always got.” Are you tired of being stuck in the same old cycles? Whether the problem is self-sabotaging behavior, feelings of worthlessness, constant family squabbling, or the like, let me help you break free from the madness and put you on a path to mental and emotional wellness. I will come along side you with encouraging insight, practical wisdom and competent care to jumpstart your journey to become your very best self.
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![Photo of Amanda Whichard, MS, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e34a79ce-4474-48e3-b98a-d9d47359c711/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Whichard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Maryville, TN 37804
I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) to help those who feel stuck and haven’t seen progress with other talk therapy methods.
If you are finding that you're walking through a difficult season in life, please know that I love to walk with people like you and offer support and encouragement. Whether you feel sad, stuck, anxious, lost, afraid or just tired of trying to figure things out on your own; helping people through difficult transitions or in other new changes in their lives is something I love. I am passionate in working with those who suffer from anxiety, depression, are who are in the middle of life transitions (such as grief, loss of pet/dream/job, moving), and/or are working through their mental health wellbeing in the context of work and career.
I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) to help those who feel stuck and haven’t seen progress with other talk therapy methods.
If you are finding that you're walking through a difficult season in life, please know that I love to walk with people like you and offer support and encouragement. Whether you feel sad, stuck, anxious, lost, afraid or just tired of trying to figure things out on your own; helping people through difficult transitions or in other new changes in their lives is something I love. I am passionate in working with those who suffer from anxiety, depression, are who are in the middle of life transitions (such as grief, loss of pet/dream/job, moving), and/or are working through their mental health wellbeing in the context of work and career.
![Photo of Stephanie McClanahan, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d3b9744-468a-4e87-a173-53cb661757d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a SYMBIS certified facilitator working with couples, and I am also trained in EMDR.
As a mental health therapist, I enjoy working with individual adults and teenagers, as well couples. I want to help provide space for people to heal and improve their lives, and I work toward this by viewing each client as unique individuals and tailoring counseling to fit their goals and needs. I particularly enjoying working with people who are working to resolve trauma and issues with emotional regulation.
I am a SYMBIS certified facilitator working with couples, and I am also trained in EMDR.
As a mental health therapist, I enjoy working with individual adults and teenagers, as well couples. I want to help provide space for people to heal and improve their lives, and I work toward this by viewing each client as unique individuals and tailoring counseling to fit their goals and needs. I particularly enjoying working with people who are working to resolve trauma and issues with emotional regulation.
![Photo of Joel Bain, MEd, LMFT, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6728f76-5c2c-4954-a35d-1c8b50ecf18f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joel Bain
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Maryville, TN 37804
Waitlist for new clients
When helping clients process past traumatic experiences, I utilize a trauma focused psychotherapy approach that may include EMDR, DBT, and elements from CPT.
Many individuals are confronted at certain times in their life with a set of challenges and difficulties that seem insurmountable or overwhelming. Others are seeking guidance or insight in how to rediscover a sense of direction or purpose in their lives. Seeking out help is an act of courage and self-validation. Stop putting it off.
When helping clients process past traumatic experiences, I utilize a trauma focused psychotherapy approach that may include EMDR, DBT, and elements from CPT.
Many individuals are confronted at certain times in their life with a set of challenges and difficulties that seem insurmountable or overwhelming. Others are seeking guidance or insight in how to rediscover a sense of direction or purpose in their lives. Seeking out help is an act of courage and self-validation. Stop putting it off.
![Photo of Logan Joiner, MEd, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8172b6f8-0549-4898-bfbf-38a5a3a8b740/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a dedicated and compassionate counselor specializing in working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have extensive experience in addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and attachment issues.
I am a dedicated and compassionate counselor specializing in working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have extensive experience in addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and attachment issues.
![Photo of Jacob Parsons-Wells, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c91973e-daad-45df-99ff-7498e062cb7e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jacob Parsons-Wells
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Maryville, TN 37804
Waitlist for new clients
The people I work best with appreciate my love of neuroscience and how brains work, along with my sense of humor and lightheartedness. Often, we feel like something is wrong with us but when we explore our experiences, personality, and needs, what we are experiencing begins to make more sense. Once it makes more sense to us, it’s easier to communicate these things to our loved ones. For many people, this means they can leave behind the weight of what they experienced and transform their suffering into connection.
The people I work best with appreciate my love of neuroscience and how brains work, along with my sense of humor and lightheartedness. Often, we feel like something is wrong with us but when we explore our experiences, personality, and needs, what we are experiencing begins to make more sense. Once it makes more sense to us, it’s easier to communicate these things to our loved ones. For many people, this means they can leave behind the weight of what they experienced and transform their suffering into connection.
![Photo of Andy Schriver, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36f0c5bb-ce86-4de7-a01a-8f0980ff996b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am sorry but I am not currently taking new client appointments. I encourage you to take a moment to think about what you are looking for and what you need. Maybe you know what needs to change or have no idea. My hope would be to help you figure that out. That might mean I work with you, your family or children.
I am sorry but I am not currently taking new client appointments. I encourage you to take a moment to think about what you are looking for and what you need. Maybe you know what needs to change or have no idea. My hope would be to help you figure that out. That might mean I work with you, your family or children.
![Photo of Meghan Rasnake, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/486bd47d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meghan Rasnake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Maryville, TN 37801
I help anxious people-pleasers stop spiraling and reconnect with themselves. My clients struggle like you do. Despite being intelligent and capable women, life is hard. When they first come in, they feel overwhelmed and like there’s a battle going on inside themselves every day. They believe they are failing everyone around them because they can’t “do it all” the way others can. They want to set boundaries and tell people “no” but there’s a part of them that is afraid to do that. They lie awake at night ruminating about every mistake they made that day and worrying about everything that has to get done tomorrow.
I help anxious people-pleasers stop spiraling and reconnect with themselves. My clients struggle like you do. Despite being intelligent and capable women, life is hard. When they first come in, they feel overwhelmed and like there’s a battle going on inside themselves every day. They believe they are failing everyone around them because they can’t “do it all” the way others can. They want to set boundaries and tell people “no” but there’s a part of them that is afraid to do that. They lie awake at night ruminating about every mistake they made that day and worrying about everything that has to get done tomorrow.
![Photo of Katherine Campbell, NCC, LPC(T)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b47e8b78-5290-4e11-8bb9-b5a602914448/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I’m Katherine with Maryville Counseling. I’m here to share space with you, so you feel heard, safe, & able to grow beyond any barriers standing in your way. I enjoy helping you learn to thrive in your relationships & with your lifestyle. I'm your ally & advocate. I enjoy collaborating with you on your mental health journey.
Hi, I’m Katherine with Maryville Counseling. I’m here to share space with you, so you feel heard, safe, & able to grow beyond any barriers standing in your way. I enjoy helping you learn to thrive in your relationships & with your lifestyle. I'm your ally & advocate. I enjoy collaborating with you on your mental health journey.
![Photo of Pamela Carpenter, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40c04906-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life is filled with change. Oftentimes, we have to confront things we never expected. Sometimes, we are faced with overwhelming situations, such as loss or trauma, and we need someone to walk alongside us. But for all of us, there are times we know we want our lives to be different, but we may be unsure how to make changes. Perhaps, our moods or feelings seem to command our choices, or perhaps we just don't know what steps to take first. Therapy is an opportunity for us to pursue desired changes with the assistance that can help us achieve our goals.
Life is filled with change. Oftentimes, we have to confront things we never expected. Sometimes, we are faced with overwhelming situations, such as loss or trauma, and we need someone to walk alongside us. But for all of us, there are times we know we want our lives to be different, but we may be unsure how to make changes. Perhaps, our moods or feelings seem to command our choices, or perhaps we just don't know what steps to take first. Therapy is an opportunity for us to pursue desired changes with the assistance that can help us achieve our goals.
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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.