EMDR Therapists in Payson, UT
![Photo of Josie Osborn, MA, LMHC, CMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32326b9b-6e98-4b27-9a36-59f562ba9eaa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Josie Osborn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMHC, CMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Payson, UT 84651
I’ve been trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, and developmental trauma.
My primary approach is seeing each client as a unique individual with intrinsic value, and with the capacity for self-healing. I am committed to helping clients feel safe, heard, seen, and valued. I also understand that seeking therapy is a difficult and sometimes scary decision, and I am eager to meet clients wherever they are in their healing process. I believe that every person is the expert in their own life and the role of therapy is to support and build on someone’s personal strengths while providing a safe place to dive deeper into self-understanding and ultimately achieve healing.
I’ve been trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, and developmental trauma.
My primary approach is seeing each client as a unique individual with intrinsic value, and with the capacity for self-healing. I am committed to helping clients feel safe, heard, seen, and valued. I also understand that seeking therapy is a difficult and sometimes scary decision, and I am eager to meet clients wherever they are in their healing process. I believe that every person is the expert in their own life and the role of therapy is to support and build on someone’s personal strengths while providing a safe place to dive deeper into self-understanding and ultimately achieve healing.
![Photo of Sunray Payson - Sunray Family Counseling, Payson & Cedar City, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6dda873-e07e-4657-b407-0ff0149b4d56/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sunray Family Counseling, Payson & Cedar City
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Payson, UT 84651
Our quality staff utilizes different modalities such as play therapy, EMDR, CBT, EFT, DBT, Sand tray, expressive arts and more.
Sunray Family Counseling has over 10 years of experience in creating a safe space where children, youth and adults can receive quality and specialized care. We offer individual, family and couples counseling. Our team of therapist come from various backgrounds but also share in offering experiential and modality-based care. Our center holds the belief that people have inherent worth and value. We strive to assist clients in finding and connecting with their authentic selves and to better their lives on many planes.
Our quality staff utilizes different modalities such as play therapy, EMDR, CBT, EFT, DBT, Sand tray, expressive arts and more.
Sunray Family Counseling has over 10 years of experience in creating a safe space where children, youth and adults can receive quality and specialized care. We offer individual, family and couples counseling. Our team of therapist come from various backgrounds but also share in offering experiential and modality-based care. Our center holds the belief that people have inherent worth and value. We strive to assist clients in finding and connecting with their authentic selves and to better their lives on many planes.
![Photo of Laurie M Elkins, LCSW, CFRC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5f74d38-3cb7-4041-b420-5f0a6cef0806/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laurie M Elkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CFRC
Verified Verified
Payson, UT 84651 (Online Only)
My practices are evidence-based: EMDR, CBT, ACT, IFS, Mindfulness, and more; working with individuals and couples, ages 21 and older; including military, first responders and their families.
What is holding you back from your own freedom to be yourself . . . trauma, PTSD, anxiety, attachment, grief and loss, relationships, or something else? I am here to walk with you through your healing process.
My practices are evidence-based: EMDR, CBT, ACT, IFS, Mindfulness, and more; working with individuals and couples, ages 21 and older; including military, first responders and their families.
What is holding you back from your own freedom to be yourself . . . trauma, PTSD, anxiety, attachment, grief and loss, relationships, or something else? I am here to walk with you through your healing process.
![Photo of Allison Carroll, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f92dee8-b17d-47bd-9bf1-dfccefdf1b51/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe the therapeutic relationship to be extremely valuable in the client’s growth and strive to work in a collaborative way with clients. I draw from an attachment theory perspective, am trauma-informed and client-centered. My passion is helping my clients find their inner strength to get through their dark moments in life. I use an integrative therapeutic approach rooted in my client’s needs. I utilize a mix of evidence-based modalities such as CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, IFS, and Somatic Experience.
I believe the therapeutic relationship to be extremely valuable in the client’s growth and strive to work in a collaborative way with clients. I draw from an attachment theory perspective, am trauma-informed and client-centered. My passion is helping my clients find their inner strength to get through their dark moments in life. I use an integrative therapeutic approach rooted in my client’s needs. I utilize a mix of evidence-based modalities such as CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, IFS, and Somatic Experience.
![Photo of Dr. Ethan Ryan Jones, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60b4ff00-392d-4cff-93ba-97addf3c6c6f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ethan Ryan Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Payson, UT 84651
Dr. Jones, as licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AAMFT Approved Supervisor, is the Zest for Life Counseling Payson, Office Manager. He received is undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, is Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oklahoma State University, and his PhD in Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University. His experience in these programs has given him extensive doctoral level knowledge of evidence based treatment and prides himself in providing quality care. As an EMDR trained therapist Ethan enjoys working with individuals who have a history of trauma.
Dr. Jones, as licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AAMFT Approved Supervisor, is the Zest for Life Counseling Payson, Office Manager. He received is undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, is Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oklahoma State University, and his PhD in Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University. His experience in these programs has given him extensive doctoral level knowledge of evidence based treatment and prides himself in providing quality care. As an EMDR trained therapist Ethan enjoys working with individuals who have a history of trauma.
![Photo of Jenn Barnard, MA, CMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/494f2ae8-3cb7-4a56-85f8-172cb8cbcc65/2/320x400.jpeg)
My favorite evidence-based approaches to use are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR.
I am committed to helping my clients increase self-awareness, strengthen relationships, reduce anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms, and live a more value-directed life. I want to help you feel emotionally lighter, happier, and more confident. I want to help you reach your goals and become your best self.
My favorite evidence-based approaches to use are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR.
I am committed to helping my clients increase self-awareness, strengthen relationships, reduce anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms, and live a more value-directed life. I want to help you feel emotionally lighter, happier, and more confident. I want to help you reach your goals and become your best self.
![Photo of Nate Cottle, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2532b0d0-2514-427b-af57-773590636690/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained in EMDR, ART, TF-CBT, and Brainspotting.
Have you ever asked for help and been disappointed with the results? I won't stand for that. I am not interested in "doing" therapy, but rather, creating a transformative partnership with my patients that helps them to become something greater. What does that look like? Whatever a patient needs it to be. I am passionate about taking people who have capacity to be better and helping them to maximize it. If you aren't progressing, I will help you find someone who can help. I work with an amazing team, and we have a fit for you.
I am trained in EMDR, ART, TF-CBT, and Brainspotting.
Have you ever asked for help and been disappointed with the results? I won't stand for that. I am not interested in "doing" therapy, but rather, creating a transformative partnership with my patients that helps them to become something greater. What does that look like? Whatever a patient needs it to be. I am passionate about taking people who have capacity to be better and helping them to maximize it. If you aren't progressing, I will help you find someone who can help. I work with an amazing team, and we have a fit for you.
![Photo of Corinna Porter, MEd, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef6bf27e-cae1-46be-8ae4-ca101882dc91/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have received extensive post graduate training in EMDR with children, Parent/Child Interaction Therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Masters of Education in School Psychology in 1994 and with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2003. As part of that training, I completed a doctoral level internship in clinical child psychology at Primary Children's Hospital. Since then, I have worked in a variety of settings, specializing in child psychology. The majority of my clinical experience has been in working with children who have been traumatized, but I feel comfortable treating the entire range of childhood psychiatric disorders. Overall, I have been working with emotionally/behaviorally challenged children for over 25 years.
I have received extensive post graduate training in EMDR with children, Parent/Child Interaction Therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Masters of Education in School Psychology in 1994 and with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2003. As part of that training, I completed a doctoral level internship in clinical child psychology at Primary Children's Hospital. Since then, I have worked in a variety of settings, specializing in child psychology. The majority of my clinical experience has been in working with children who have been traumatized, but I feel comfortable treating the entire range of childhood psychiatric disorders. Overall, I have been working with emotionally/behaviorally challenged children for over 25 years.
![Photo of Bobbie Pugh, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ff598a5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have received training in and utilize Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, (DBT) and I am a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist.
Your child means the world to you. You’ve worked and invested so much throughout the years for their benefit and well being. Despite all the planning and parenting preparation you did, there are somethings that you weren’t prepared for: Constant arguments at home and meltdowns. Emails/calls from the school of your child struggling with focus and sitting still. A child that worries and is scared so much of the time. When your teenager says to their friends “I just want to die.” How to help your child through big life changes such as divorce, a move, or the death of a loved one. Or, if someone has purposely hurt him/her.
I have received training in and utilize Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, (DBT) and I am a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist.
Your child means the world to you. You’ve worked and invested so much throughout the years for their benefit and well being. Despite all the planning and parenting preparation you did, there are somethings that you weren’t prepared for: Constant arguments at home and meltdowns. Emails/calls from the school of your child struggling with focus and sitting still. A child that worries and is scared so much of the time. When your teenager says to their friends “I just want to die.” How to help your child through big life changes such as divorce, a move, or the death of a loved one. Or, if someone has purposely hurt him/her.
![Photo of Karen N Lee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/048647f8-8894-41fe-ae1a-b4e7593e56fc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karen N Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Payson, UT 84651
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I would love to connect with you on your healing journey and help you to navigate what you are experiencing. I adopt a mindset of learning, growth and helping you to overcome hurdles that would otherwise impede progress. I love working with young and old alike as you face life challenges. I have specialized training in EFT, EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), as well as being IFS informed. I've worked w/ women facing postpartum mood disorders, clients in life transitions, and enjoy teens and young adults as well. I have a passion for helping you heal. My approach will add hope and possibilities to your life.
Welcome! I would love to connect with you on your healing journey and help you to navigate what you are experiencing. I adopt a mindset of learning, growth and helping you to overcome hurdles that would otherwise impede progress. I love working with young and old alike as you face life challenges. I have specialized training in EFT, EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), as well as being IFS informed. I've worked w/ women facing postpartum mood disorders, clients in life transitions, and enjoy teens and young adults as well. I have a passion for helping you heal. My approach will add hope and possibilities to your life.
![Photo of Lynette Beard, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06b1b818-7566-4058-9ff9-eac264badb21/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lynette Beard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Payson, UT 84651
I use a variety of evidenced-based therapy models to assist you in your healing journey including: EMDR, IFS, TF-CBT, DBT strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive arts and strengths-based therapy.
I believe each person is unique and has great worth. Whether you are at the beginning of your healing journey, somewhere in the middle or towards the end, finding a therapist can be overwhelming. I am here to support, encourage, validate, explore and discover with you. Life can be stressful and can also feed us lies, doubts and bring a concoction of unpleasant emotions. I am here to walk alongside you as you rediscover yourself and work through past trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, self worth or whatever struggles you are currently dealing with. I also specialize in working with children to help them through these struggles.
I use a variety of evidenced-based therapy models to assist you in your healing journey including: EMDR, IFS, TF-CBT, DBT strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive arts and strengths-based therapy.
I believe each person is unique and has great worth. Whether you are at the beginning of your healing journey, somewhere in the middle or towards the end, finding a therapist can be overwhelming. I am here to support, encourage, validate, explore and discover with you. Life can be stressful and can also feed us lies, doubts and bring a concoction of unpleasant emotions. I am here to walk alongside you as you rediscover yourself and work through past trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, self worth or whatever struggles you are currently dealing with. I also specialize in working with children to help them through these struggles.
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![Photo of Chad Williams-Horizon Counseling, MC, CMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8141995f-7239-466f-988d-60b250921910/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chad Williams-Horizon Counseling
Counselor, MC, CMHC
Verified Verified
Payson, UT 84651
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), EMDR, Brain Spotting, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, (DBT).
We all experience difficult times. Keeping it together can be challenging and oftentimes working with a therapist is just what’s needed. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, or you’ve been through a traumatic experience, therapy can help. If you're undergoing a major life change such as divorce, or faith transition, having someone you trust to talk with can make a big difference.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), EMDR, Brain Spotting, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, (DBT).
We all experience difficult times. Keeping it together can be challenging and oftentimes working with a therapist is just what’s needed. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, or you’ve been through a traumatic experience, therapy can help. If you're undergoing a major life change such as divorce, or faith transition, having someone you trust to talk with can make a big difference.
![Photo of Brooke Willis, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8bb2dafb-ff15-49b0-90cc-f5abd6dfcfaf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brooke Willis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Payson, UT 84651
Waitlist for new clients
Your care is important, so I use research-based models in my approach, such as EMDR, play therapy, IFS, TBRI, CPRT and DBT strategies.
I’m glad you are here! Mental health matters, and sometimes we need help and support to get us to where we want to be. My goal is to help you feel safe, seen, heard, valued and important. Your healing journey matters, and I would love to help you along the way. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, family struggles, trust difficulties or the effects of trauma, I’m here to help. We can work together to decide what treatment will be most helpful for you, and we can adapt along the way. You deserve to find relief, hope and healing!
Your care is important, so I use research-based models in my approach, such as EMDR, play therapy, IFS, TBRI, CPRT and DBT strategies.
I’m glad you are here! Mental health matters, and sometimes we need help and support to get us to where we want to be. My goal is to help you feel safe, seen, heard, valued and important. Your healing journey matters, and I would love to help you along the way. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, family struggles, trust difficulties or the effects of trauma, I’m here to help. We can work together to decide what treatment will be most helpful for you, and we can adapt along the way. You deserve to find relief, hope and healing!
![Photo of Melissa Barton, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a6ad9b5-61b1-4a85-a9d6-1440f9b87476/2/320x400.png)
Melissa Barton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Payson, UT 84655
Waitlist for new clients
I use the effective tool of EMDR to further assist my clients through trauma and negative core emotions.
I am passionate about connecting with my clients and creating a space for healing and understanding. Working with couples and Individuals has been a beautiful and incredible. I desire to assist you through anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual blocks and explore sexual narratives that have been created over your lifetime. We often get caught up in negative relationship cycles and negative sexual cycles, making you feel stuck and somewhat crazy. It is my honor and privilege to assist in relieving the pain you are experiencing and create HOPE/CHANGE in your life.
I use the effective tool of EMDR to further assist my clients through trauma and negative core emotions.
I am passionate about connecting with my clients and creating a space for healing and understanding. Working with couples and Individuals has been a beautiful and incredible. I desire to assist you through anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual blocks and explore sexual narratives that have been created over your lifetime. We often get caught up in negative relationship cycles and negative sexual cycles, making you feel stuck and somewhat crazy. It is my honor and privilege to assist in relieving the pain you are experiencing and create HOPE/CHANGE in your life.
![Photo of Brittani French, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/419a40b4-1ed6-4ab9-97b5-faaefa457c46/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR trained therapist. Life can be beautiful, messy and hard to navigate sometimes. I would love to act as your guide with the difficulties or challenges that may arise during life's journey. Every persons' needs are different and I tailor treatment to help you achieve your goals. I've taken time to specialize in treating trauma, PTSD, self-harm, addiction, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. I continue to build my skills and refine my practice through trainings, education and supervision to better serve my clients that enter the office.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR trained therapist. Life can be beautiful, messy and hard to navigate sometimes. I would love to act as your guide with the difficulties or challenges that may arise during life's journey. Every persons' needs are different and I tailor treatment to help you achieve your goals. I've taken time to specialize in treating trauma, PTSD, self-harm, addiction, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. I continue to build my skills and refine my practice through trainings, education and supervision to better serve my clients that enter the office.
![Photo of Bethany Sanderson, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91a67424-b2e6-4006-bb0e-9d081904c44c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am here to walk alongside you through your most distressing thoughts, feelings, and traumas. My goal is to create a compassionate and nonjudgmental atmosphere where you can feel safe to express your deeper concerns. I believe you are the expert of your own life and have the resources within yourself to reach your highest goals and potential. My role in therapy is to help you discover your innate strengths, wisdom, and capabilities as you navigate through life challenges.
I am here to walk alongside you through your most distressing thoughts, feelings, and traumas. My goal is to create a compassionate and nonjudgmental atmosphere where you can feel safe to express your deeper concerns. I believe you are the expert of your own life and have the resources within yourself to reach your highest goals and potential. My role in therapy is to help you discover your innate strengths, wisdom, and capabilities as you navigate through life challenges.
![Photo of Candi Higley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/845737ce-077b-428e-8536-78862539d298/2/320x400.jpeg)
Candi Higley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Payson, UT 84651
Waitlist for new clients
Hi there, my name is Candi. One of my favorite quotes about life is by James Baldwin, which says, “Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Life is too short to let trauma control us, to be anxious, depressed or angry all the time or to struggle alone in relationships. Therapy may not be the most comfortable experience, but it can be life changing. I want you to be able to find meaning and purpose and work through emotional pain so that your self-worth, relationships and other areas of life thrive.
Hi there, my name is Candi. One of my favorite quotes about life is by James Baldwin, which says, “Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Life is too short to let trauma control us, to be anxious, depressed or angry all the time or to struggle alone in relationships. Therapy may not be the most comfortable experience, but it can be life changing. I want you to be able to find meaning and purpose and work through emotional pain so that your self-worth, relationships and other areas of life thrive.
![Photo of Dorothy Simister, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de2d2a25-3a45-4477-a628-e067617e1cd6/3/320x400.jpeg)
At times in our lives we can be unexpectedly faced with difficult and challenging circumstances. Reaching out for help and support is a courageous first step. I am whole-heartedly committed to helping you address your needs and concerns in a compassionate, caring way. I have worked with a variety of clients from diverse backgrounds and draw from both my clinical and lived experiences in creating for clients a safe, accepting environment.
At times in our lives we can be unexpectedly faced with difficult and challenging circumstances. Reaching out for help and support is a courageous first step. I am whole-heartedly committed to helping you address your needs and concerns in a compassionate, caring way. I have worked with a variety of clients from diverse backgrounds and draw from both my clinical and lived experiences in creating for clients a safe, accepting environment.
![Photo of Angela Marie Gehrke, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61428576-d74d-4b8c-88fc-344732cfc9eb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Marie Gehrke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Payson, UT 84651
Hello! I offer individual therapy, support groups, and workshops tailored to fostering healing and growth. As a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I bring a unique blend of faith-based principles and professional expertise to my counseling practice. With a foundation in attachment-based and trauma-focused therapy, my specialization lies in identifying and addressing barriers that hinder healthy relationships. Whether you've experienced hurt from a past or current relationship, I am here support your healing journey, and empower you to create the life and relationships you desire.
Hello! I offer individual therapy, support groups, and workshops tailored to fostering healing and growth. As a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I bring a unique blend of faith-based principles and professional expertise to my counseling practice. With a foundation in attachment-based and trauma-focused therapy, my specialization lies in identifying and addressing barriers that hinder healthy relationships. Whether you've experienced hurt from a past or current relationship, I am here support your healing journey, and empower you to create the life and relationships you desire.
![Photo of Caitlin Woolbert, MA, ACMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e28759a-7a16-4875-aa1f-dd77491a25a5/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am not a fairy godmother that can bibbidi-bobbidi-boo your child into behaving perfectly, make your teen talk to you, or make your family understand and appreciate you. However, I can be an empathetic listener and support to help provide context and understanding for thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may feel or seem hard to process. I provide tools, resources, and a therapeutic environment where change for the better is possible.
I am not a fairy godmother that can bibbidi-bobbidi-boo your child into behaving perfectly, make your teen talk to you, or make your family understand and appreciate you. However, I can be an empathetic listener and support to help provide context and understanding for thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may feel or seem hard to process. I provide tools, resources, and a therapeutic environment where change for the better is possible.
See more therapy options for Payson
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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.