EMDR Therapists in Langley, WA

Photo of Susan Houck Strom, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Houck Strom
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Langley, WA 98260
I work with adults and couples who want to better understand themselves as they work through challenges. I gather information and help generate ideas that support autonomy and healthy relationships. I support clients as they find strength in a challenging world, adjust to life transitions, and manage difficulties such as families, illness, grief, depression, and anxiety. Using EMDR therapy I can assist clients in processing and healing from personal trauma(s). I see therapy as an active and collaborative process. I am here to listen and to help you navigate a desired change.
I work with adults and couples who want to better understand themselves as they work through challenges. I gather information and help generate ideas that support autonomy and healthy relationships. I support clients as they find strength in a challenging world, adjust to life transitions, and manage difficulties such as families, illness, grief, depression, and anxiety. Using EMDR therapy I can assist clients in processing and healing from personal trauma(s). I see therapy as an active and collaborative process. I am here to listen and to help you navigate a desired change.
(360) 525-2115 View (360) 525-2115
Photo of Hannah Guggenheim, MSW, MFA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hannah Guggenheim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MFA
Verified Verified
Langley, WA 98260
Waitlist for new clients
Healing is possible with CBT, ACT, EMDR.
Intuitive, culturally sensitive, solution-based therapy can help you cultivate gratitude, understand nuance and heal. Our focus: wellbeing, self acceptance and your quest for ongoing transformation. I am a trauma informed practitioner supporting life transitions for individuals, couples and families. I work with adjustment difficulties and disorders, anxiety/depression, grief and loss, PTSD, ADHD, SPD, infertility and parent coaching. LGBTQ2SIA, gender affirming mental health therapy. I am a certified technology addiction specialist.
Healing is possible with CBT, ACT, EMDR.
Intuitive, culturally sensitive, solution-based therapy can help you cultivate gratitude, understand nuance and heal. Our focus: wellbeing, self acceptance and your quest for ongoing transformation. I am a trauma informed practitioner supporting life transitions for individuals, couples and families. I work with adjustment difficulties and disorders, anxiety/depression, grief and loss, PTSD, ADHD, SPD, infertility and parent coaching. LGBTQ2SIA, gender affirming mental health therapy. I am a certified technology addiction specialist.
(360) 288-4772 View (360) 288-4772
Photo of Callan Barrett, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Callan Barrett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Langley, WA 98260
Attachment understandings, EMDR, somatic and meditative practices - as well as what your body, speech, psyche and dreams are trying to say to you all assist in this process.
Welcome! Accepting new clients for telehealth psychotherapy. To schedule a call to see if we'd work well together, please call me at 425-640-7009 x9375. I practice therapy that is trauma-informed and grounded in the present moment. My role is to listen as deeply and clearly as possible, not to "fix" you in any way. Let's journey to your health and to what's next for you together via what you need to say.
Attachment understandings, EMDR, somatic and meditative practices - as well as what your body, speech, psyche and dreams are trying to say to you all assist in this process.
Welcome! Accepting new clients for telehealth psychotherapy. To schedule a call to see if we'd work well together, please call me at 425-640-7009 x9375. I practice therapy that is trauma-informed and grounded in the present moment. My role is to listen as deeply and clearly as possible, not to "fix" you in any way. Let's journey to your health and to what's next for you together via what you need to say.
(425) 578-5811 View (425) 578-5811
Photo of Debby Elwell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debby Elwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Langley, WA 98260
My clients are multi-dimensional people - with physical, psychological and spiritual needs - who are doing the best they can to have a gratifying and meaningful life. My role as a therapist is to assist each person to expand their awareness of self and interactions with others, and to identify and change unsatisfying patterns and behaviors. Partners: When couples first start counseling, they often have a lot of anger, hurt, and sadness. Couples therapy is designed to find solutions to problems, express and let go of resentments, rebuild trust through good communication, and learn to live with different points of view.
My clients are multi-dimensional people - with physical, psychological and spiritual needs - who are doing the best they can to have a gratifying and meaningful life. My role as a therapist is to assist each person to expand their awareness of self and interactions with others, and to identify and change unsatisfying patterns and behaviors. Partners: When couples first start counseling, they often have a lot of anger, hurt, and sadness. Couples therapy is designed to find solutions to problems, express and let go of resentments, rebuild trust through good communication, and learn to live with different points of view.
(360) 663-4222 View (360) 663-4222
Photo of Kyla Burford, MSW, LICSW, ESA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kyla Burford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, ESA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Langley, WA 98260  (Online Only)
Often times the only way out is through. You don’t have to make that journey alone. I will teach you skills to cope with your immediate challenges and support you with identifying and processing past experiences that are interfering with the life you want to live. Change can be a scary process but I will be in your corner, cheering you on, helping you access your strengths and build on them to move forward. I work with a wide variety of issues and I have specialization in supporting people with alcoholic and dysfunctional families, navigating racial and cultural identity, ADHD, learning disabilities, blended families, & parenting.
Often times the only way out is through. You don’t have to make that journey alone. I will teach you skills to cope with your immediate challenges and support you with identifying and processing past experiences that are interfering with the life you want to live. Change can be a scary process but I will be in your corner, cheering you on, helping you access your strengths and build on them to move forward. I work with a wide variety of issues and I have specialization in supporting people with alcoholic and dysfunctional families, navigating racial and cultural identity, ADHD, learning disabilities, blended families, & parenting.
(360) 404-7239 View (360) 404-7239
Photo of Veronica Rose Connolly-Bagshaw, MA, LMHC, NCC, RYT, Counselor
Veronica Rose Connolly-Bagshaw
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC, RYT
Verified Verified
Langley, WA 98260
Not accepting new clients
Using science based approaches found in "talk" therapy, integrative methods such as EMDR, DBT, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Yoga, Nia & other approaches, in partnership with your other healthcare providers, I help you develop skills, cultivate strengths and support your unique process.
Are you struggling with the effects of stress in your body, thoughts, emotions, relationships, and want to respond to stress more skillfully? Are you living with challenges such as anxiety & depression, relationship stress, grief and loss, chronic illness, or are caring for an ill or aging loved one (family caregiving)? Do you have experiences of trauma in your past (or present) that are hindering your quality of life? Are you feeling overwhelmed, unsure of what to do, where to turn to regain your sense of balance and well being? Doing OK yet still want to learn, grow, reach more optimal level of skill, function and quality of life?
Using science based approaches found in "talk" therapy, integrative methods such as EMDR, DBT, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Yoga, Nia & other approaches, in partnership with your other healthcare providers, I help you develop skills, cultivate strengths and support your unique process.
Are you struggling with the effects of stress in your body, thoughts, emotions, relationships, and want to respond to stress more skillfully? Are you living with challenges such as anxiety & depression, relationship stress, grief and loss, chronic illness, or are caring for an ill or aging loved one (family caregiving)? Do you have experiences of trauma in your past (or present) that are hindering your quality of life? Are you feeling overwhelmed, unsure of what to do, where to turn to regain your sense of balance and well being? Doing OK yet still want to learn, grow, reach more optimal level of skill, function and quality of life?
(425) 610-9990 View (425) 610-9990

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jennifer R Ayers - Rising Phoenix Wellness Center, LLC, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rising Phoenix Wellness Center, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Freeland, WA 98249  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Jennifer Ayers, LICSW a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Therapist through the EMDR International Association and focuses on Internal Family Systems (IFS) as well as Attachment Therapy.
Waitlisting Clients. Our practice is focused on providing evidence based interventions to active duty service members and veterans. RPWC offers psychotherapy virtually as well as telemedicine for prescribing. The owner, Jennifer Ayers, is a navy veteran with over 20 years of experience in the field. She is a trauma therapist focusing on PTSD due to MST and complex trauma. Emily Munn is a navy veteran as well who specializes in Eating Disorders, Couples Therapy, and Grief.
Jennifer Ayers, LICSW a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Therapist through the EMDR International Association and focuses on Internal Family Systems (IFS) as well as Attachment Therapy.
Waitlisting Clients. Our practice is focused on providing evidence based interventions to active duty service members and veterans. RPWC offers psychotherapy virtually as well as telemedicine for prescribing. The owner, Jennifer Ayers, is a navy veteran with over 20 years of experience in the field. She is a trauma therapist focusing on PTSD due to MST and complex trauma. Emily Munn is a navy veteran as well who specializes in Eating Disorders, Couples Therapy, and Grief.
(360) 323-6498 View (360) 323-6498
Photo of Dani L Rotta - Beyond the Couch Psychotherapy, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Beyond the Couch Psychotherapy
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Clinton, WA 98236
Congratulations for getting this far in your quest to enrich your life! Calling me (or any therapist) can be another challenging step. I offer a FREE 30-minute session to help you find the best person to assist you. My Therapeutic Approach revolves around you and your goals. My training supports our collaboration for your success attaining the life you want and deserve drawing on Family Systems Theory, Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), EMDR, Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Voice Dialogue, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Processing (NLP), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), all within a holistic approach.
Congratulations for getting this far in your quest to enrich your life! Calling me (or any therapist) can be another challenging step. I offer a FREE 30-minute session to help you find the best person to assist you. My Therapeutic Approach revolves around you and your goals. My training supports our collaboration for your success attaining the life you want and deserve drawing on Family Systems Theory, Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), EMDR, Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Voice Dialogue, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Processing (NLP), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), all within a holistic approach.
(206) 350-9746 View (206) 350-9746
Photo of Holly Ann Brewer - Holly Brewer Counseling, MA, LMHC, RDT, Counselor
Holly Brewer Counseling
Counselor, MA, LMHC, RDT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mukilteo, WA 98275
I am trained intensively in DBT, EMDR, Drama Therapy, Mindfulness, and Yoga.
My approach to therapy is informed primarily by Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, and trauma informed care. Stemming from the knowledge that you are the expert on you and provide a mirror for you to gain more self-awareness, and skills in which to grow and change. Being a trained Drama Therapist I will offer drama, art, and movement therapies in our work together if it will help you with your goals.
I am trained intensively in DBT, EMDR, Drama Therapy, Mindfulness, and Yoga.
My approach to therapy is informed primarily by Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, and trauma informed care. Stemming from the knowledge that you are the expert on you and provide a mirror for you to gain more self-awareness, and skills in which to grow and change. Being a trained Drama Therapist I will offer drama, art, and movement therapies in our work together if it will help you with your goals.
(206) 693-4640 View (206) 693-4640
Photo of Mindy Jones, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Mindy Jones
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mukilteo, WA 98275  (Online Only)
I draw on several approaches for treatment including EMDR, mindfulness-based CBT, and traditional talk therapy, tailoring my practice toward the needs of each person. I use a humanistic attachment lens informed by interpersonal neurobiology. I primarily work with people who have complex intersections of identity and those who have experienced trauma. The trauma may surface through symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or difficulty managing relationships. I work with a lot of individuals who have experienced complex trauma, developmental trauma, a single traumatic event, emotional neglect, and physical neglect.
I draw on several approaches for treatment including EMDR, mindfulness-based CBT, and traditional talk therapy, tailoring my practice toward the needs of each person. I use a humanistic attachment lens informed by interpersonal neurobiology. I primarily work with people who have complex intersections of identity and those who have experienced trauma. The trauma may surface through symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or difficulty managing relationships. I work with a lot of individuals who have experienced complex trauma, developmental trauma, a single traumatic event, emotional neglect, and physical neglect.
(425) 584-2463 View (425) 584-2463
Photo of Lucinda A Rowley, MA, LMFT, SUDP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lucinda A Rowley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SUDP
Verified Verified
Mukilteo, WA 98275
I am also trained in EMDR.
I work with people coping with trauma and stress, especially stressors related to substance use, family of origin, parenting, relationship issues, and abuse. The cumulative worry, grief, exhaustion, and loss of hope that so often accompany these challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed and alone. In our sessions, we will work together on short-term relief, along with deeper explorations oriented towards lasting change. New ways of relating to yourself and others bring about new experiences that reignite your sense of hope and nurture change. I offer calm, thoughtful, nonjudgmental support to you and your family on your journey.
I am also trained in EMDR.
I work with people coping with trauma and stress, especially stressors related to substance use, family of origin, parenting, relationship issues, and abuse. The cumulative worry, grief, exhaustion, and loss of hope that so often accompany these challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed and alone. In our sessions, we will work together on short-term relief, along with deeper explorations oriented towards lasting change. New ways of relating to yourself and others bring about new experiences that reignite your sense of hope and nurture change. I offer calm, thoughtful, nonjudgmental support to you and your family on your journey.
(425) 842-1086 View (425) 842-1086
Photo of Susan Hessel, MA, LMHC, LPC, Counselor
Susan Hessel
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mukilteo, WA 98275  (Online Only)
In addition, I am trained in the practice of EMDR.
Welcome. I am so glad you are taking steps to care for yourself. Whether you are looking for support during a stressful time in your life or healing from unresolved trauma we will work collaboratively to create in you a solid emotional foundation. I believe we all have the answers we need to let go and move on with life. We will work together to explore the sources of your discomfort and find ways specific to you to release the impasses that have held you back from being your authentic self. We will gently address your needs to become more self-empowered and confidently advocate for yourself taking charge of your emotional health.l
In addition, I am trained in the practice of EMDR.
Welcome. I am so glad you are taking steps to care for yourself. Whether you are looking for support during a stressful time in your life or healing from unresolved trauma we will work collaboratively to create in you a solid emotional foundation. I believe we all have the answers we need to let go and move on with life. We will work together to explore the sources of your discomfort and find ways specific to you to release the impasses that have held you back from being your authentic self. We will gently address your needs to become more self-empowered and confidently advocate for yourself taking charge of your emotional health.l
(713) 766-6418 View (713) 766-6418
Photo of Robert Peterson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robert Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Freeland, WA 98249  (Online Only)
Robert Peterson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults overcome life's challenges. Having spent much of his career in international school settings, Robert has deep expertise in helping youth cope with cultural adjustment, displacement, isolation, and stress. Utilizing evidence-based approaches including CBT and solution-focused therapy, Robert develops resilience in clients facing trauma, grief, relationship conflicts, and other crises.
Robert Peterson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults overcome life's challenges. Having spent much of his career in international school settings, Robert has deep expertise in helping youth cope with cultural adjustment, displacement, isolation, and stress. Utilizing evidence-based approaches including CBT and solution-focused therapy, Robert develops resilience in clients facing trauma, grief, relationship conflicts, and other crises.
(509) 400-5795 View (509) 400-5795
Photo of Geraldine Helwing, MS, LMHC, BCPC, BC, PTSD, Counselor
Geraldine Helwing
Counselor, MS, LMHC, BCPC, BC, PTSD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mukilteo, WA 98275
My passion is holistic and transformational psychology: unite mind, body, emotions and spirit. Although classically trained, I now live my clinical truth: transformational psychology and spirituality, intuition, mind body healing, energy, newer trauma treatment methods, reworking core-beliefs, and potent interactive guided imagery I've developed my entire career. My intention is: heal core issues; shed limiting negative thoughts and emotions; live personal truth, the calling in one's heart, and assist the Grand Transformation on our planet. This combines with newer views of science and psychology, consciousness, quantum physics, energy, ancient wisdom, spirituality, trusting inner knowing and direct experience.
My passion is holistic and transformational psychology: unite mind, body, emotions and spirit. Although classically trained, I now live my clinical truth: transformational psychology and spirituality, intuition, mind body healing, energy, newer trauma treatment methods, reworking core-beliefs, and potent interactive guided imagery I've developed my entire career. My intention is: heal core issues; shed limiting negative thoughts and emotions; live personal truth, the calling in one's heart, and assist the Grand Transformation on our planet. This combines with newer views of science and psychology, consciousness, quantum physics, energy, ancient wisdom, spirituality, trusting inner knowing and direct experience.
(425) 329-4750 View (425) 329-4750
Photo of Karla M Kurtz, MA, MHP, CMHS, LMHC, Counselor
Karla M Kurtz
Counselor, MA, MHP, CMHS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Mukilteo, WA 98275
Not accepting new clients
I primarily use EMDR as well as other modalities.
I've had the privilege of being a mental health therapist for 11+ years in community mental health. I have experience working with a wide range of ages from 2 to 68 y/o in individual, family, group, & couples therapy. I use various approaches based on the unique needs of each individual & I enjoy working with people who experience a variety of symptoms, diagnoses, etc. My primary therapeutic approach is EMDR. I provide a non-judgmental environment for many different types of people & lifestyles. I also believe that it's incredibly important to love & accept yourself, regardless of where you are in the journey of self-improvement.
I primarily use EMDR as well as other modalities.
I've had the privilege of being a mental health therapist for 11+ years in community mental health. I have experience working with a wide range of ages from 2 to 68 y/o in individual, family, group, & couples therapy. I use various approaches based on the unique needs of each individual & I enjoy working with people who experience a variety of symptoms, diagnoses, etc. My primary therapeutic approach is EMDR. I provide a non-judgmental environment for many different types of people & lifestyles. I also believe that it's incredibly important to love & accept yourself, regardless of where you are in the journey of self-improvement.
(425) 309-7564 View (425) 309-7564
Photo of Monique Maio, MA, LMHC, MHP, Counselor
Monique Maio
Counselor, MA, LMHC, MHP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mukilteo, WA 98275
Not accepting new clients
Not currently accepting new clients. Do you struggle with your mood, a life transition, addressing addiction, managing a chronic illness, or recovering from trauma? Or do you feel overwhelmed, unable to help a loved one in the midst of significant problems? The good news is you are not alone. Deciding to reach out and get help is an important first step to changing patterns, healing wounds, and restoring relationships.
Not currently accepting new clients. Do you struggle with your mood, a life transition, addressing addiction, managing a chronic illness, or recovering from trauma? Or do you feel overwhelmed, unable to help a loved one in the midst of significant problems? The good news is you are not alone. Deciding to reach out and get help is an important first step to changing patterns, healing wounds, and restoring relationships.
(425) 484-9832 View (425) 484-9832

Online Therapists

Photo of Lorencita Villegas, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Lorencita Villegas
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
Waitlist for new clients
I practice from a solution-focused and strength-based approach; I only utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), and Neurofeedback.
As a therapist my goal is to help individuals to create positive environments where they can learn and build from their strengths to thrive. You are your life expert; I want to help you reach goals by tailoring interventions that can help you achieve those goals.
I practice from a solution-focused and strength-based approach; I only utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR), and Neurofeedback.
As a therapist my goal is to help individuals to create positive environments where they can learn and build from their strengths to thrive. You are your life expert; I want to help you reach goals by tailoring interventions that can help you achieve those goals.
(602) 497-3280 View (602) 497-3280
Photo of Anna Rhodes, MA, LMHC, LMFTA, Counselor
Anna Rhodes
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98117
EMDR, a specialty in my practice, is included throughout this intensive.
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist dedicated to providing psychotherapy, EMDR, counseling, education, and support services to individuals, couples and professionals. I specialize in areas regarding the impact of stress, illness and loss, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, post-traumatic stress, life transitions, phobias, conflict resolution and all areas pertaining to creating and maintaining healthy relationships. Clients experience support, practical feedback, empathy, and insight to help them address life's challenges.
EMDR, a specialty in my practice, is included throughout this intensive.
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist dedicated to providing psychotherapy, EMDR, counseling, education, and support services to individuals, couples and professionals. I specialize in areas regarding the impact of stress, illness and loss, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, post-traumatic stress, life transitions, phobias, conflict resolution and all areas pertaining to creating and maintaining healthy relationships. Clients experience support, practical feedback, empathy, and insight to help them address life's challenges.
(206) 735-3589 View (206) 735-3589
Photo of Anne Auerbach, PhD, LMFT, LMHC, CST, CMHS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anne Auerbach
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LMHC, CST, CMHS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Redmond, WA 98052  (Online Only)
OCD & high anxiety patients along with utilization of EMDR for Trauma.
Thank you for taking time to review my psychotherapy profile. I am committed to offering guidance for those on a path to growth and well-being. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working mindfully & compassionately to help you achieve your goals.
OCD & high anxiety patients along with utilization of EMDR for Trauma.
Thank you for taking time to review my psychotherapy profile. I am committed to offering guidance for those on a path to growth and well-being. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working mindfully & compassionately to help you achieve your goals.
(425) 406-3390 View (425) 406-3390
Photo of Iris Sin Le, LMHC, Counselor
Iris Sin Le
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redmond, WA 98052  (Online Only)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to address current maladaptive thoughts and behaviors and use Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR) to process traumatic past experiences.
Do you struggle with work stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma/PTSD, or chronic health issues? I'm happy to help you find the peace you deserve if you are ready to put in the work to put these issues behind you once and for all.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to address current maladaptive thoughts and behaviors and use Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ( EMDR) to process traumatic past experiences.
Do you struggle with work stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma/PTSD, or chronic health issues? I'm happy to help you find the peace you deserve if you are ready to put in the work to put these issues behind you once and for all.
(206) 222-5310 View (206) 222-5310

See more therapy options for Langley

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.