EMDR Therapists in Elm Grove, WI

Photo of Carrie Kelly, LPC, NCC, CSAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carrie Kelly
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CSAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Additional training in: Mindful Schools curriculum, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) for addictive behaviors & EMDR for trauma.
Awesome! You've made it to this moment. Its not easy to start looking for a therapist but now that you've been clicking on a few profiles you're probably figuring out what vibes for you and what doesn't. My individual and group services focus on adults and adolescents struggling with substance use issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, stress reduction, and transitional/life challenges. This is not stuffy therapy. I've been known to swear from time to time (when appropriate of course!) and been told my style is warm and compassionate, offering an interactive setting for understanding, growth and healing.
Additional training in: Mindful Schools curriculum, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) for addictive behaviors & EMDR for trauma.
Awesome! You've made it to this moment. Its not easy to start looking for a therapist but now that you've been clicking on a few profiles you're probably figuring out what vibes for you and what doesn't. My individual and group services focus on adults and adolescents struggling with substance use issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, stress reduction, and transitional/life challenges. This is not stuffy therapy. I've been known to swear from time to time (when appropriate of course!) and been told my style is warm and compassionate, offering an interactive setting for understanding, growth and healing.
(262) 706-4317 View (262) 706-4317
Photo of Lauri Gebhard - Mind body spirit program, PhD, Psychologist
Mind body spirit program
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Are you stressed? Depressed? Anxious? Angry? Do you suffer from fatigue? Insomnia? High blood pressure? chronic pain? PMS? Infertility? Cancer? Memory Problems? I can help. I am a clinical health psychologist with a specialty in behavioral medicine and am dedicated to empowering patients to positively heal their mind, body and spirit. I have received specialty training in mind body medicine across the country, including through Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Hospital and University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. I imploy innovative practices: EMDR, hypnosis, and meditation, to improve the lives of her patients.
Are you stressed? Depressed? Anxious? Angry? Do you suffer from fatigue? Insomnia? High blood pressure? chronic pain? PMS? Infertility? Cancer? Memory Problems? I can help. I am a clinical health psychologist with a specialty in behavioral medicine and am dedicated to empowering patients to positively heal their mind, body and spirit. I have received specialty training in mind body medicine across the country, including through Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Hospital and University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. I imploy innovative practices: EMDR, hypnosis, and meditation, to improve the lives of her patients.
(414) 939-7931 View (414) 939-7931
Photo of Laura L Pauly, PhD, Psychologist
Laura L Pauly
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Additionally I have studied numerous approaches of complementary medicine including herbal, acupressure, EMDR, EFT, PRRT, Qi Gong and other energy approaches.
With a caring interactive approach I help clients unhook from past emotional habit patterns to create more fulfilling relationships and a happier life. --Through a greater sense of self-awareness, release of past pain, and application of technique, clients can: *Overcome depression, anxiety and low self esteem to express greater confidence and creativity *Reduce anger and conflict to improve communication and build stronger relationships. *Heal past issues, fears, hurts, and mistrust to achieve true intimacy and commitment.
Additionally I have studied numerous approaches of complementary medicine including herbal, acupressure, EMDR, EFT, PRRT, Qi Gong and other energy approaches.
With a caring interactive approach I help clients unhook from past emotional habit patterns to create more fulfilling relationships and a happier life. --Through a greater sense of self-awareness, release of past pain, and application of technique, clients can: *Overcome depression, anxiety and low self esteem to express greater confidence and creativity *Reduce anger and conflict to improve communication and build stronger relationships. *Heal past issues, fears, hurts, and mistrust to achieve true intimacy and commitment.
(262) 423-4091 View (262) 423-4091
Photo of Lori Cao, CSAT-S, EMDR, Sexolog, CPTT-S, CBRTT-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lori Cao
Marriage & Family Therapist, CSAT-S, EMDR, Sexolog, CPTT-S, CBRTT-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Elm Grove, WI 53122
As a CSAT, CPTT, Certified Sexologist, CCBRT-candidate, PsyT, and EMDR Certified, I specialize in working with individuals and couples struggling with out-of-control sexual behaviors, as well as partners and spouses impacted by betrayal trauma.
Welcome, I'm Lori Cao, and I'm delighted you've found your way here. If you're navigating challenges such as pornography/sexual addiction, compulsive sexual behaviors, deception, gaslighting, betrayal trauma, complex trauma, problematic sexual choices, as well as anxiety and/or depression, you're in the right place. For those seeking to enrich their relationships, it's a privilege to guide individuals and couples towards deeper, more fulfilling connections. Our aim is to assist every individual and couple in fostering a life and relationship that is healthy, balanced, connected, and joyful.
As a CSAT, CPTT, Certified Sexologist, CCBRT-candidate, PsyT, and EMDR Certified, I specialize in working with individuals and couples struggling with out-of-control sexual behaviors, as well as partners and spouses impacted by betrayal trauma.
Welcome, I'm Lori Cao, and I'm delighted you've found your way here. If you're navigating challenges such as pornography/sexual addiction, compulsive sexual behaviors, deception, gaslighting, betrayal trauma, complex trauma, problematic sexual choices, as well as anxiety and/or depression, you're in the right place. For those seeking to enrich their relationships, it's a privilege to guide individuals and couples towards deeper, more fulfilling connections. Our aim is to assist every individual and couple in fostering a life and relationship that is healthy, balanced, connected, and joyful.
(612) 399-6449 View (612) 399-6449
Photo of Denis Ian Jackson, PhD, Psychologist
Denis Ian Jackson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Treatment modalities include hypnosis, EMDR and Flash for trauma work, cognitive-behavior therapy, guided imagery, imagery rescripting, emotionally-focused family therapy, intrafamily systems therapy.
I have thirty years of experience as a professional counselor and have been a psychologist since 1996. I graduated in 1993 from Marquette University with a doctorate in psychology. I have experience with diverse populations: developmental disabilities, geriatric, ADHD, history of trauma, attachment-focused therapy for parents, teens, adults, LGBT persons, and trauma victims. Certified therapy training in hypnosis (diplomate), EMDR, cognitive-behavior therapy, American board of vocational experts (past diplomate).
Treatment modalities include hypnosis, EMDR and Flash for trauma work, cognitive-behavior therapy, guided imagery, imagery rescripting, emotionally-focused family therapy, intrafamily systems therapy.
I have thirty years of experience as a professional counselor and have been a psychologist since 1996. I graduated in 1993 from Marquette University with a doctorate in psychology. I have experience with diverse populations: developmental disabilities, geriatric, ADHD, history of trauma, attachment-focused therapy for parents, teens, adults, LGBT persons, and trauma victims. Certified therapy training in hypnosis (diplomate), EMDR, cognitive-behavior therapy, American board of vocational experts (past diplomate).
(414) 369-2924 View (414) 369-2924
Photo of Wendy J Freitag, PhD, Psychologist
Wendy J Freitag
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elm Grove, WI 53122
My expertise is EMDR Therapy - used to resolve past & recent traumas and adverse life experiences; manage life transitions such as divorce; and get beyond the obstacles of performing optimally in work, life and sport.
Are you ready to live the life you want? I can help tap into a hidden potential that resides within us – whether to heal trauma, gain balance and perspective in life & relationships, or assert yourself as confident and capable. I seek to empower my clients to capitalize on their strengths, improve their lives and become comfortable “in their own skin.” There is a distinct difference between “living” and just “existing.” It will be my pleasure to help you transition from a simple existence to LIVING the life you want. Equally important it is essential that you are as committed to improving your life as I am to enabling you to do so. 
My expertise is EMDR Therapy - used to resolve past & recent traumas and adverse life experiences; manage life transitions such as divorce; and get beyond the obstacles of performing optimally in work, life and sport.
Are you ready to live the life you want? I can help tap into a hidden potential that resides within us – whether to heal trauma, gain balance and perspective in life & relationships, or assert yourself as confident and capable. I seek to empower my clients to capitalize on their strengths, improve their lives and become comfortable “in their own skin.” There is a distinct difference between “living” and just “existing.” It will be my pleasure to help you transition from a simple existence to LIVING the life you want. Equally important it is essential that you are as committed to improving your life as I am to enabling you to do so. 
(414) 301-6567 View (414) 301-6567
Photo of Maria Reiter, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Reiter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Elm Grove, WI 53122  (Online Only)
Do you struggle with constant anxiety and stress that leaves you feeling drained? Do you strive for perfection but feel like you can never quite achieve it, leaving you feel frustrated and disappointed? Have you explored talk therapy before and found it helpful for venting, but now you’re seeking a more in-depth approach to address the root of your anxiety and trauma to find lasting relief? I understand how all these concerns are interconnected, which is why I bring a holistic approach to therapy. I help millenial and Gen Z women just like you overcome people-pleasing tendencies, reduce anxiety, and find lasting relief through EMDR.
Do you struggle with constant anxiety and stress that leaves you feeling drained? Do you strive for perfection but feel like you can never quite achieve it, leaving you feel frustrated and disappointed? Have you explored talk therapy before and found it helpful for venting, but now you’re seeking a more in-depth approach to address the root of your anxiety and trauma to find lasting relief? I understand how all these concerns are interconnected, which is why I bring a holistic approach to therapy. I help millenial and Gen Z women just like you overcome people-pleasing tendencies, reduce anxiety, and find lasting relief through EMDR.
(608) 573-8462 View (608) 573-8462
Photo of Lilly Risch - Forward Healing Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Forward Healing Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Our approach is solution-focused and strengths-based approach, and I offer advanced modalities such as EMDR, Art Therapy, and Infant Mental Health Therapies that improve efficiency in attachment and trauma recovery.
Our mission at Forward Healing Therapy is to provide a supportive space to restore and move beyond trauma. Forward Healing Therapy is dedicated to using cutting-edge neuro-informed and expressive art therapies to treat trauma. We empower individuals to heal from past experiences and cultivate a path toward a more fulfilling and resilient future. Our mission is to support clients in moving forward with strength and courage, ultimately fostering a sense of wholeness and well-being.
Our approach is solution-focused and strengths-based approach, and I offer advanced modalities such as EMDR, Art Therapy, and Infant Mental Health Therapies that improve efficiency in attachment and trauma recovery.
Our mission at Forward Healing Therapy is to provide a supportive space to restore and move beyond trauma. Forward Healing Therapy is dedicated to using cutting-edge neuro-informed and expressive art therapies to treat trauma. We empower individuals to heal from past experiences and cultivate a path toward a more fulfilling and resilient future. Our mission is to support clients in moving forward with strength and courage, ultimately fostering a sense of wholeness and well-being.
(262) 205-7849 View (262) 205-7849
Photo of Kellie Juris, MFT-IT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kellie Juris
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT-IT
Verified Verified
Elm Grove, WI 53122
I am a trauma-informed therapist, trained in EMDR. I use a combination of evidence-based, somatic, and systemic theories to work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, women's issues, grief and loss, relational concerns, life transitions, and self-confidence.
I am a trauma-informed therapist, trained in EMDR. I use a combination of evidence-based, somatic, and systemic theories to work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, women's issues, grief and loss, relational concerns, life transitions, and self-confidence.
(608) 544-8827 View (608) 544-8827
Photo of Luisa Vanden Bush, MS, LPC, CSAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Luisa Vanden Bush
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CSAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Waitlist for new clients
When traditional talk therapy makes little progress, I am trained to use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and brainspotting.
Do you feel lost or overwhelmed? Have you noticed your past getting in the way of your future? Do you believe you didn’t get what you needed growing up or that you missed out on a “normal” childhood? Therapy can offer guidance and help support your journey to the life you want. Healing takes time and it can feel vulnerable going through this process. We will create a plan to work towards your goals and support you feeling safe in this process. You are the expert and leader of your life. Together, we can work towards life skills, deal with the past, and improve your mental health.
When traditional talk therapy makes little progress, I am trained to use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and brainspotting.
Do you feel lost or overwhelmed? Have you noticed your past getting in the way of your future? Do you believe you didn’t get what you needed growing up or that you missed out on a “normal” childhood? Therapy can offer guidance and help support your journey to the life you want. Healing takes time and it can feel vulnerable going through this process. We will create a plan to work towards your goals and support you feeling safe in this process. You are the expert and leader of your life. Together, we can work towards life skills, deal with the past, and improve your mental health.
(262) 465-3998 View (262) 465-3998
Photo of Daniel Gospodarek, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Daniel Gospodarek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Clients come looking for a therapist who can offer the warmth, safety and compassion needed for trauma recovery paired with EMDR and Somatic Experiencing therapies.
Trauma leaves us feeling numb and hopeless from ourselves and others. You’re someone who deeply desires safety with yourself and others but still find yourself plagued by trauma, feeling out of control of your emotions and reactions, and feeling shame that you can’t 'get it together.' You have an idea of how you want to show up in your relationships and life but have no idea how to get there. But you’re ready to make a change. You’re ready to no longer give trauma the final say. You’re ready to feel more grounded and safe and therefore have the relationships, job, and connections you ultimately desire. I want to help you get there.
Clients come looking for a therapist who can offer the warmth, safety and compassion needed for trauma recovery paired with EMDR and Somatic Experiencing therapies.
Trauma leaves us feeling numb and hopeless from ourselves and others. You’re someone who deeply desires safety with yourself and others but still find yourself plagued by trauma, feeling out of control of your emotions and reactions, and feeling shame that you can’t 'get it together.' You have an idea of how you want to show up in your relationships and life but have no idea how to get there. But you’re ready to make a change. You’re ready to no longer give trauma the final say. You’re ready to feel more grounded and safe and therefore have the relationships, job, and connections you ultimately desire. I want to help you get there.
(262) 537-5198 View (262) 537-5198
Photo of Matthew Kangas, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Matthew Kangas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Elm Grove, WI 53122
My mission is to create a climate that empowers my clients to deal with any problems they are seeking treatment for. I believe that every client enters treatment with his or her own unique problems and strengths. Therefore my main focus is treating every client with a non-judgmental accepting approach.
My mission is to create a climate that empowers my clients to deal with any problems they are seeking treatment for. I believe that every client enters treatment with his or her own unique problems and strengths. Therefore my main focus is treating every client with a non-judgmental accepting approach.
(262) 444-5631 View (262) 444-5631
Photo of Anna Weaver, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Weaver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Are you feeling stuck and/or unfulfilled in life but don't know what direction to go? Is worry and stress preventing you from experiencing true happiness? Are you struggling in a relationship or going through a divorce? We are all going through something. Let me help you gain a new perspective on things. I am a licensed psychotherapist with over twenty five years of experience. I specialize working with individual dealing with midlife transition issues including high-stress careers, relationship issues, adjustment difficulties, depression, anxiety, work-related issues, and overall personal and professional development.
Are you feeling stuck and/or unfulfilled in life but don't know what direction to go? Is worry and stress preventing you from experiencing true happiness? Are you struggling in a relationship or going through a divorce? We are all going through something. Let me help you gain a new perspective on things. I am a licensed psychotherapist with over twenty five years of experience. I specialize working with individual dealing with midlife transition issues including high-stress careers, relationship issues, adjustment difficulties, depression, anxiety, work-related issues, and overall personal and professional development.
(262) 427-6168 View (262) 427-6168
Photo of Anne Paczesny Demski, LCSW, CEAP, SAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Paczesny Demski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEAP, SAP
Verified Verified
Elm Grove, WI 53122
I practice under the belief that we are all experts on ourselves, in that we each possess the answers within. Allow me to assist you in reaching those answers and managing your life while staying healthy and resilient....It is my responsibility to facilitate an environment and rapport conducive to helping YOU be the best YOU possible.
I practice under the belief that we are all experts on ourselves, in that we each possess the answers within. Allow me to assist you in reaching those answers and managing your life while staying healthy and resilient....It is my responsibility to facilitate an environment and rapport conducive to helping YOU be the best YOU possible.
(414) 306-7257 View (414) 306-7257
Photo of Nicholas W Lueloff, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicholas W Lueloff
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Men often feel pressure to appear confident & have it ‘all together’, but inside feel like you’re not good enough. You could feel this way in your work, in your relationship, as a parent, or in your various life roles. You might be fed up with not living up to your expectations, feeling insecure or like you mess everything up. Maybe there was a time when you felt better, maybe you’ve always felt this way. One thing you do know is something has to change. You’re ready to challenge those negative feelings. You’re ready to feel lighter. Most importantly, you're ready to feel confident in yourself and your relationships again.
Men often feel pressure to appear confident & have it ‘all together’, but inside feel like you’re not good enough. You could feel this way in your work, in your relationship, as a parent, or in your various life roles. You might be fed up with not living up to your expectations, feeling insecure or like you mess everything up. Maybe there was a time when you felt better, maybe you’ve always felt this way. One thing you do know is something has to change. You’re ready to challenge those negative feelings. You’re ready to feel lighter. Most importantly, you're ready to feel confident in yourself and your relationships again.
(262) 600-2451 View (262) 600-2451
Photo of Meg Olson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Meg Olson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Elm Grove, WI 53122
I have two assumptions about you that I want to share. First, you are human. Second, being human means you need to feel seen, safe, secure, and soothed. I have worked with individuals and couples for over twenty years and have learned a lot about what gets in the way of connection and emotional soothing.
I have two assumptions about you that I want to share. First, you are human. Second, being human means you need to feel seen, safe, secure, and soothed. I have worked with individuals and couples for over twenty years and have learned a lot about what gets in the way of connection and emotional soothing.
(262) 205-6902 View (262) 205-6902
Photo of Whitney Hebbert - Meadowbrook Counseling of Wisconsin, LMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Meadowbrook Counseling of Wisconsin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Meadowbrook wants to extend a warm, inviting welcome as you take the first brave step on your journey towards healing and self-discovery. We understand that this decision did not come easily and that you might be filled with both apprehension and hope. Please know that you are not alone, and together, we will navigate through the complexities of your experiences, feelings, and thoughts. We hold a strong conviction that every individual is unique, with distinct stories, challenges, and aspirations. Our approach to therapy is tailored to your specific needs, goals, and pace.
Meadowbrook wants to extend a warm, inviting welcome as you take the first brave step on your journey towards healing and self-discovery. We understand that this decision did not come easily and that you might be filled with both apprehension and hope. Please know that you are not alone, and together, we will navigate through the complexities of your experiences, feelings, and thoughts. We hold a strong conviction that every individual is unique, with distinct stories, challenges, and aspirations. Our approach to therapy is tailored to your specific needs, goals, and pace.
(414) 485-9379 View (414) 485-9379
Photo of Tracy Keller, MS, LPC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tracy Keller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Are you feeling stuck? If you are a woman or a teen working through trauma or grief, you're in the right place. It's amazing how our life experiences can shift how you see yourself, others, or the world. Trauma or loss can be especially challenging to navigate. I'm here to help understand your life perspective and how we can work together to find growth. Whether it's been one catastrophic event that is bringing you to therapy or a thousand papercuts throughout your life, I can help you to learn, explore, and grow from your experiences and find forward movement.
Are you feeling stuck? If you are a woman or a teen working through trauma or grief, you're in the right place. It's amazing how our life experiences can shift how you see yourself, others, or the world. Trauma or loss can be especially challenging to navigate. I'm here to help understand your life perspective and how we can work together to find growth. Whether it's been one catastrophic event that is bringing you to therapy or a thousand papercuts throughout your life, I can help you to learn, explore, and grow from your experiences and find forward movement.
(414) 261-3971 View (414) 261-3971

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Flora Ripp, Licensed Professional Counselor
Flora Ripp
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookfield, WI 53005
Our sessions may also include EMDR, Brainspotting, mindfulness, and EFT.
Through a warm and gentle approach, I create space for clients to unpack whatever is troubling them with patience and support. Often “symptoms” are a function of being stuck or at odds with ourselves and others, or from painfully re-living past events. After addressing the most pressing problems and identifying key triggers, we can then turn to the underlying internal conflicts or relational patterns. By healing these conflicts, clients come to better understand themselves and live more peacefully in the here and now. In a word, they become more authentic!
Our sessions may also include EMDR, Brainspotting, mindfulness, and EFT.
Through a warm and gentle approach, I create space for clients to unpack whatever is troubling them with patience and support. Often “symptoms” are a function of being stuck or at odds with ourselves and others, or from painfully re-living past events. After addressing the most pressing problems and identifying key triggers, we can then turn to the underlying internal conflicts or relational patterns. By healing these conflicts, clients come to better understand themselves and live more peacefully in the here and now. In a word, they become more authentic!
(414) 296-6564 View (414) 296-6564
Photo of John R Gielow, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
John R Gielow
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookfield, WI 53005
Not accepting new clients
Tired of enduring a difficult life, career or relationship? Looking for practical, out-of-the-box solutions for anxiety, depression, and the life circumstances that cause them? Tried therapy before with disappointing results? For 35 years, I have been augmenting traditional therapeutic methods with a variety of techniques, including EMDR Therapy, CRM Therapy, heart rate variability training (Heartmath), body centered approaches, mindfulness training, hypnosis, and ego-state interventions, to facilitate deep internal changes. These interventions take place within the context of a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment. My therapeutic style is interactive, engaging, and collaborative.
Tired of enduring a difficult life, career or relationship? Looking for practical, out-of-the-box solutions for anxiety, depression, and the life circumstances that cause them? Tried therapy before with disappointing results? For 35 years, I have been augmenting traditional therapeutic methods with a variety of techniques, including EMDR Therapy, CRM Therapy, heart rate variability training (Heartmath), body centered approaches, mindfulness training, hypnosis, and ego-state interventions, to facilitate deep internal changes. These interventions take place within the context of a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment. My therapeutic style is interactive, engaging, and collaborative.
(414) 600-1597 View (414) 600-1597
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.