EMDR Treatment Centers in Columbia, MD

Photo of Admissions Now - Avenues Recovery Center at Prince Frederick, LCPC, LCSW, MD, MA, Treatment Center
Avenues Recovery Center at Prince Frederick
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Avenues Recovery Center at Prince Frederick is a 48-bed residential facility which offers drug and alcohol detox and inpatient rehabilitation services. Newly remodeled, fresh and inviting, our expansive building brings all services under one roof and gives clients a five-star experience as they begin their recovery. Our unparalleled medical and clinical team are on call 24/7 to respond to every need, and consistently provide care in the most dignified and compassionate manner possible. The atmosphere – created by staff and clients alike – is one of acceptance, hope, and healing, and contributes greatly to each client’s recovery.
Avenues Recovery Center at Prince Frederick is a 48-bed residential facility which offers drug and alcohol detox and inpatient rehabilitation services. Newly remodeled, fresh and inviting, our expansive building brings all services under one roof and gives clients a five-star experience as they begin their recovery. Our unparalleled medical and clinical team are on call 24/7 to respond to every need, and consistently provide care in the most dignified and compassionate manner possible. The atmosphere – created by staff and clients alike – is one of acceptance, hope, and healing, and contributes greatly to each client’s recovery.
(443) 432-2441 View (443) 432-2441
Photo of Durwood Whitten - Complete Wellness, Inc, PhD, Treatment Center
Complete Wellness, Inc
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Complete Wellness was founded on the idea that superior treatment for conditions caused by mental illness and substance abuse should be available to everyone regardless of their social standing or socioeconomic status. We also believe that wellness can be achieved through conventional treatments as well as holistic treatments and life style changes.
Complete Wellness was founded on the idea that superior treatment for conditions caused by mental illness and substance abuse should be available to everyone regardless of their social standing or socioeconomic status. We also believe that wellness can be achieved through conventional treatments as well as holistic treatments and life style changes.
(443) 438-7863 View (443) 438-7863
Photo of Brittany Armentrout - The Barry Robinson Center, MS, CSAC, Treatment Center
The Barry Robinson Center
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Columbia, MD 21045
As a premier non-profit behavioral health system, our residential program for boys and girls, ages 6-17, treats a wide range of mental health disorders. We also offer a dual diagnosis program for co-occurring mental health illness and substance abuse. We are TRICARE-approved, with expertise and focused concentration is helping children from military families throughout the U.S. and overseas. Our 32-acre open college-like campus on the border of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia. In addition, The Barry Robinson offers an Intensive Outpatient program (IOP) for adolescents and young adults (18-24) with diagnoses including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD and who use drugs or alcohol. This service is currently offered at our Norfolk location as well as through Telehealth communications. Intensive Outpatient program is not specific to only military families.
As a premier non-profit behavioral health system, our residential program for boys and girls, ages 6-17, treats a wide range of mental health disorders. We also offer a dual diagnosis program for co-occurring mental health illness and substance abuse. We are TRICARE-approved, with expertise and focused concentration is helping children from military families throughout the U.S. and overseas. Our 32-acre open college-like campus on the border of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia. In addition, The Barry Robinson offers an Intensive Outpatient program (IOP) for adolescents and young adults (18-24) with diagnoses including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD and who use drugs or alcohol. This service is currently offered at our Norfolk location as well as through Telehealth communications. Intensive Outpatient program is not specific to only military families.
(757) 663-4169 View (757) 663-4169
Photo of Admissions Department - Sandstone Care Teen & Young Adult Treatment Center, MD, LPC, LAC, CAC-III, CSAC-A, Treatment Center
Sandstone Care Teen & Young Adult Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Sandstone Care provides substance use, addiction, and mental health treatment for young adults (ages 18 to 30) and adolescents (ages 13 to 18) including Residential Treatment, Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and General Outpatient (OP) programming.
Sandstone Care provides substance use, addiction, and mental health treatment for young adults (ages 18 to 30) and adolescents (ages 13 to 18) including Residential Treatment, Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and General Outpatient (OP) programming.
(240) 858-0384 View (240) 858-0384
Photo of Kimberly Wells - Olney Counseling Center LLC, LCSW-C, Treatment Center
Olney Counseling Center LLC
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
Olney Counseling Center has offered comprehensive mental health care services to youth and adults of all ages. Our team of licensed, certified behavioral health therapists offer a wide array of therapies for individuals, couples, families and groups. Our services are offered at our center in Olney, Maryland. OCC prescribes to an integrative, holistic approach to behavioral health care. We strive to collaborate with our patients’ healthcare team to achieve the greatest outcomes possible. Our services are provided in a supportive, responsive and non-judgmental environment.
Olney Counseling Center has offered comprehensive mental health care services to youth and adults of all ages. Our team of licensed, certified behavioral health therapists offer a wide array of therapies for individuals, couples, families and groups. Our services are offered at our center in Olney, Maryland. OCC prescribes to an integrative, holistic approach to behavioral health care. We strive to collaborate with our patients’ healthcare team to achieve the greatest outcomes possible. Our services are provided in a supportive, responsive and non-judgmental environment.
(301) 888-5871 View (301) 888-5871
Photo of Sandstone Care Teen Residential Treatment Center - Sandstone Care Teen Residential Treatment Center, MD, LPC, LAC, CAC-III, CSAC-A, Treatment Center
Sandstone Care Teen Residential Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Sandstone Care provides substance use, addiction, and mental health treatment for adolescents (ages 13 to 18) including Residential Treatment, Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and General Outpatient (OP) programming.
Sandstone Care provides substance use, addiction, and mental health treatment for adolescents (ages 13 to 18) including Residential Treatment, Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and General Outpatient (OP) programming.
(240) 209-9886 View (240) 209-9886
Photo of Admissions Team - Sandstone Care Teen Residential Treatment Center, MD, LPC, LAC, CAC-III, CSAC-A, Treatment Center
Sandstone Care Teen Residential Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21045
Sandstone Care provides substance use, addiction, and mental health treatment for adolescents (ages 13 to 18) including Residential Treatment, Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and General Outpatient (OP) programming.
Sandstone Care provides substance use, addiction, and mental health treatment for adolescents (ages 13 to 18) including Residential Treatment, Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and General Outpatient (OP) programming.
(719) 398-7772 View (719) 398-7772
Photo of Sam Bierman - Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, Treatment Center
Maryland Addiction Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
It is the mission of Maryland Addiction Recovery Center to provide a safe, therapeutic environment offering the latest in evidence-based clinical care for our patients and their families. We believe that addiction is a chronic disease and that in order to support best recovery outcomes, addiction must be treated in a long-term continuum of care that addresses not just the symptoms of substance use disorder but the underlying causes, conditions, behaviors, attitudes, values, family dynamics and purpose and direction of each individual. We believe that it is our mission to be a community-based healthcare organization that offers the highest quality in direct clinical services but also aids those suffering from addiction and dual diagnosis issues nationwide by providing clinically-appropriate resources and referrals, community support and educational and preventative platforms to further the understanding that addiction is a public health issue and the stigma of addiction and mental health must be broken. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center’s services support both sustainable recovery from addiction and a purpose-driven quality of life.
It is the mission of Maryland Addiction Recovery Center to provide a safe, therapeutic environment offering the latest in evidence-based clinical care for our patients and their families. We believe that addiction is a chronic disease and that in order to support best recovery outcomes, addiction must be treated in a long-term continuum of care that addresses not just the symptoms of substance use disorder but the underlying causes, conditions, behaviors, attitudes, values, family dynamics and purpose and direction of each individual. We believe that it is our mission to be a community-based healthcare organization that offers the highest quality in direct clinical services but also aids those suffering from addiction and dual diagnosis issues nationwide by providing clinically-appropriate resources and referrals, community support and educational and preventative platforms to further the understanding that addiction is a public health issue and the stigma of addiction and mental health must be broken. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center’s services support both sustainable recovery from addiction and a purpose-driven quality of life.
(410) 734-2389 View (410) 734-2389
Photo of An Admissions Specialist - Newport Academy Outpatient, Treatment Center
Newport Academy Outpatient
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
At Newport Academy, we know that treatment financing can make all the difference in receiving quality treatment. To that end, we promote collaborative relationships with all healthcare payers to optimize the benefit coverage for families in need. We accept all major insurance, and up to 100 percent of our services are covered. Our goal is to partner with insurers to address the adolescent and young adult mental health crisis, by reaching more families and helping them achieve sustainable recovery. If you’re interested in exploring the possibility of treatment at Newport Academy for your loved one’s mental health, behavioral health, or substance abuse issues, we can begin the insurance verification process immediately. Furthermore, we are happy to obtain your insurance policy information and seek verification on your behalf. You can also expedite this process by completing the insurance verification form on our website. There is no obligation to either Newport Academy or to your insurance provider.
At Newport Academy, we know that treatment financing can make all the difference in receiving quality treatment. To that end, we promote collaborative relationships with all healthcare payers to optimize the benefit coverage for families in need. We accept all major insurance, and up to 100 percent of our services are covered. Our goal is to partner with insurers to address the adolescent and young adult mental health crisis, by reaching more families and helping them achieve sustainable recovery. If you’re interested in exploring the possibility of treatment at Newport Academy for your loved one’s mental health, behavioral health, or substance abuse issues, we can begin the insurance verification process immediately. Furthermore, we are happy to obtain your insurance policy information and seek verification on your behalf. You can also expedite this process by completing the insurance verification form on our website. There is no obligation to either Newport Academy or to your insurance provider.
(833) 842-7445 View (833) 842-7445

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Sandstone Care Teen Young Adult Treatment Center - Sandstone Care Teen & Young Adult Treatment Center, MD, LPC, LAC, CAC-lll, CSACA, Treatment Center
Sandstone Care Teen & Young Adult Treatment Center
Treatment Center, MD, LPC, LAC, CAC-lll, CSACA
Verified Verified
Ellicott City, MD 21029
Sandstone Care provides substance use, addiction, and mental health treatment for young adults (ages 18 to 30) and adolescents (ages 13 to 18) including Residential Treatment, Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and General Outpatient (OP) programming.
Sandstone Care provides substance use, addiction, and mental health treatment for young adults (ages 18 to 30) and adolescents (ages 13 to 18) including Residential Treatment, Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and General Outpatient (OP) programming.
(443) 234-0383 View (443) 234-0383
Photo of Kate MacShane - Maryland Center for Gender & Intimacy, Treatment Center
Maryland Center for Gender & Intimacy
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Ellicott City, MD 21043
We are psychotherapists specializing in gender, sexuality, relationships, and sex therapy. We are committed to doing effective healing work informed by social justice values. We are members of the LGBTQIA2+ community, and many of our clients are, too. A primary focus of our practice is working with clients of diverse sexual, gender, and relationship identities, including (but not limited to) people who identify as: transgender, non-binary, gender-nonconforming, intersex, lesbian, gay, pansexual, bisexual, queer, asexual, kinky, and polyamorous. We operate from an anti-white-supremacy framework and welcome people of color. We recognize that clients’ identities may not be central to the reason they seek therapy. It can help to have a therapist who “gets it” so you can focus on what brings you to therapy.
We are psychotherapists specializing in gender, sexuality, relationships, and sex therapy. We are committed to doing effective healing work informed by social justice values. We are members of the LGBTQIA2+ community, and many of our clients are, too. A primary focus of our practice is working with clients of diverse sexual, gender, and relationship identities, including (but not limited to) people who identify as: transgender, non-binary, gender-nonconforming, intersex, lesbian, gay, pansexual, bisexual, queer, asexual, kinky, and polyamorous. We operate from an anti-white-supremacy framework and welcome people of color. We recognize that clients’ identities may not be central to the reason they seek therapy. It can help to have a therapist who “gets it” so you can focus on what brings you to therapy.
(301) 360-4349 View (301) 360-4349
Photo of Thomas Tsakounis - A Quiet Journey Counseling & Associates, MS, LCPC, Treatment Center
A Quiet Journey Counseling & Associates
Treatment Center, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20905
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or panic attacks? Are there issues in your life that require you to effectively manage your anger or cope with a pending life transition? Is there a deep seeded trauma you wish you could resolve? Are you questioning your sexual identity? Or perhaps you are struggling to recover from the grief and loss of someone that meant the world to you. Our team of licensed professionals are here to help! A Quiet Journey Counseling & Associates is proud to offer a range of services that will help you achieve your goals, manage good health and bring about well being. Our team of licensed professionals are ready to accompany you on your personal journey, all in the comfort of a safe, supportive and confidential environment. Home bound, too far away, no one to watch the kids or just unable to come to us? No worries, we can come to you or we can employ technology assisted venues to deliver your services. Give us a call and let's take the first step together.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or panic attacks? Are there issues in your life that require you to effectively manage your anger or cope with a pending life transition? Is there a deep seeded trauma you wish you could resolve? Are you questioning your sexual identity? Or perhaps you are struggling to recover from the grief and loss of someone that meant the world to you. Our team of licensed professionals are here to help! A Quiet Journey Counseling & Associates is proud to offer a range of services that will help you achieve your goals, manage good health and bring about well being. Our team of licensed professionals are ready to accompany you on your personal journey, all in the comfort of a safe, supportive and confidential environment. Home bound, too far away, no one to watch the kids or just unable to come to us? No worries, we can come to you or we can employ technology assisted venues to deliver your services. Give us a call and let's take the first step together.
(301) 684-5013 View (301) 684-5013
Photo of National Pike Health Center - National Pike Health Center, Treatment Center
National Pike Health Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21229
National Pike Health Center was founded in 2001 as a clinic dedicated to offering behavioral health counseling to the children, adolescents, adults, and families served. Decades later with 3 locations, we are more committed than ever to providing these clients with quality, service, and a sense of community. NPHC is community-based Outpatient Mental Health Center with offices in Catonsville, Westminister, and Dundalk. We provide mental health therapy and a psychiatric rehabilitation program (PRP) for all ages and groups. A multidisciplinary team of outstanding mental health therapists, psychiatrists, rehabilitation coordinators, and administrative staff join us on this mission. From inception to through treatment, there is an ongoing planning and review of each case until the client is discharged. Our preventative and therapeutic outpatient mental health services provide treatment and psychiatric rehabilitation based on continually monitored and individualized treatment and/or rehabilitation goals.
National Pike Health Center was founded in 2001 as a clinic dedicated to offering behavioral health counseling to the children, adolescents, adults, and families served. Decades later with 3 locations, we are more committed than ever to providing these clients with quality, service, and a sense of community. NPHC is community-based Outpatient Mental Health Center with offices in Catonsville, Westminister, and Dundalk. We provide mental health therapy and a psychiatric rehabilitation program (PRP) for all ages and groups. A multidisciplinary team of outstanding mental health therapists, psychiatrists, rehabilitation coordinators, and administrative staff join us on this mission. From inception to through treatment, there is an ongoing planning and review of each case until the client is discharged. Our preventative and therapeutic outpatient mental health services provide treatment and psychiatric rehabilitation based on continually monitored and individualized treatment and/or rehabilitation goals.
(443) 706-8483 View (443) 706-8483
Photo of Jim Tedone - TruHealing Baltimore , Treatment Center
TruHealing Baltimore
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Catonsville, MD 21228
TruHealing Baltimore (formerly Foundations Recovery Center) is committed to helping you achieve and maintain long term recovery. We provide outpatient services in an intimate and individualized setting. Our goal is to provide healing to each individual, in a safe, secure environment. We offer a unique perspective in helping individuals heal from the disease of addiction and make a lasting recovery. Our compassionate staff understands where clients are coming from because many on our team are in recovery themselves. Thus, they see the challenges facing clients and can offer them just the right support through our partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Our perspectives and professional expertise paired with our comprehensive therapeutic services mean that when individuals come to us, they can heal and change their life for the better.
TruHealing Baltimore (formerly Foundations Recovery Center) is committed to helping you achieve and maintain long term recovery. We provide outpatient services in an intimate and individualized setting. Our goal is to provide healing to each individual, in a safe, secure environment. We offer a unique perspective in helping individuals heal from the disease of addiction and make a lasting recovery. Our compassionate staff understands where clients are coming from because many on our team are in recovery themselves. Thus, they see the challenges facing clients and can offer them just the right support through our partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Our perspectives and professional expertise paired with our comprehensive therapeutic services mean that when individuals come to us, they can heal and change their life for the better.
(240) 616-4371 View (240) 616-4371

Online Treatment Centers

Photo of Ta Shawn Couser - Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals, Treatment Center
Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
We provide targeted, short-term, evidence-based therapies, which include: Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia, Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Couples Therapy, Integrated Case Management, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Psychiatric Evaluation and Management.
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic (Cohen Clinic) at Easterseals provides high-quality and accessible behavioral health care to veterans, active-duty service members, their families, and caregivers. Our services are available to any person who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, regardless of role or discharge status. The Cohen Clinic uses evidence-based practices with a holistic approach to improve the quality of life for people with military backgrounds and their families. Services are provided by trained and credentialed staff. We treat individuals, couples, families, and children aged 4 years and older. Appointments are available for in-person care and by telehealth. We will also help connect veteran families to community resources and services, as necessary.
We provide targeted, short-term, evidence-based therapies, which include: Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia, Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Couples Therapy, Integrated Case Management, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Psychiatric Evaluation and Management.
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic (Cohen Clinic) at Easterseals provides high-quality and accessible behavioral health care to veterans, active-duty service members, their families, and caregivers. Our services are available to any person who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, regardless of role or discharge status. The Cohen Clinic uses evidence-based practices with a holistic approach to improve the quality of life for people with military backgrounds and their families. Services are provided by trained and credentialed staff. We treat individuals, couples, families, and children aged 4 years and older. Appointments are available for in-person care and by telehealth. We will also help connect veteran families to community resources and services, as necessary.
(240) 410-6472 View (240) 410-6472
Photo of Ketty Ngona - Kenah One Health Care Services, CRNP, MS, PMH, ANP-BC, Treatment Center
Kenah One Health Care Services
Treatment Center, CRNP, MS, PMH, ANP-BC
Verified Verified
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Kenah One provides confidential, person-centered, evidence-based behavioral and mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults. People seek therapy for a broad range of reasons, from dealing with anxiety or depression, coping with childhood trauma, managing stress, dealing with major life challenges, or simply wanting to achieve greater self-knowledge and personal growth. We offer compassionate therapy services that are tailored to meet the needs of each and every person we serve.
Kenah One provides confidential, person-centered, evidence-based behavioral and mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults. People seek therapy for a broad range of reasons, from dealing with anxiety or depression, coping with childhood trauma, managing stress, dealing with major life challenges, or simply wanting to achieve greater self-knowledge and personal growth. We offer compassionate therapy services that are tailored to meet the needs of each and every person we serve.
(410) 413-3548 View (410) 413-3548
Photo of Tarah Keeley - Second Chance Addiction Care, LCSW-C, Treatment Center
Second Chance Addiction Care
Treatment Center, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
Second Chance Addiction Care is a boutique outpatient addiction center serving Montgomery County, Maryland, and the broader Washington, DC area. We seek to help all patients achieve and maintain healthy lives in our comfortable, safe, and therapeutic environment. Our team has decades of experience in addiction treatment and addiction medicine, including leading government addiction programs. Our professional staff also includes individuals who battled the disease of addiction and now have many years of sobriety. We offer individual and group therapy, and medication to combat addiction, cravings, and related mental disorders.
Second Chance Addiction Care is a boutique outpatient addiction center serving Montgomery County, Maryland, and the broader Washington, DC area. We seek to help all patients achieve and maintain healthy lives in our comfortable, safe, and therapeutic environment. Our team has decades of experience in addiction treatment and addiction medicine, including leading government addiction programs. Our professional staff also includes individuals who battled the disease of addiction and now have many years of sobriety. We offer individual and group therapy, and medication to combat addiction, cravings, and related mental disorders.
(240) 293-3868 View (240) 293-3868
Photo of Admissions Team - Sandstone Care Teen Residential Treatment Center, MD, LPC, LAC, CAC-III, CSAC-A, Treatment Center
Sandstone Care Teen Residential Treatment Center
Treatment Center, MD, LPC, LAC, CAC-III, CSAC-A
Verified Verified
Crownsville, MD 21032
Sandstone Care provides substance use, addiction, and mental health treatment for adolescents (ages 13 to 18) including Residential Treatment, Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and General Outpatient (OP) programming.
Sandstone Care provides substance use, addiction, and mental health treatment for adolescents (ages 13 to 18) including Residential Treatment, Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and General Outpatient (OP) programming.
(240) 209-9780 View (240) 209-9780
Photo of Casey Bennett - Renewal Counseling Center, Treatment Center
Renewal Counseling Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Nottingham, MD 21236
Renewal Counseling Center has been serving Perry Hall, Bel Air, and the surrounding areas for over 25 years. We are an outpatient counseling center helping people who experience emotional, family, academic/occupational, and social difficulties. We work with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families.
Renewal Counseling Center has been serving Perry Hall, Bel Air, and the surrounding areas for over 25 years. We are an outpatient counseling center helping people who experience emotional, family, academic/occupational, and social difficulties. We work with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families.
(410) 438-8749 View (410) 438-8749
Photo of Kim Maher - Balance Point Wellness, LCPC, Treatment Center
Balance Point Wellness
Treatment Center, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21015  (Online Only)
Balance Point Wellness' Harford County Location is now open! We are a community based mental health wellness center located in Baltimore, Overlea and Bel Air, Maryland. At Balance Point Wellness, we believe the client is in control of their treatment. Our licensed professionals will guide you in the treatment process.
Balance Point Wellness' Harford County Location is now open! We are a community based mental health wellness center located in Baltimore, Overlea and Bel Air, Maryland. At Balance Point Wellness, we believe the client is in control of their treatment. Our licensed professionals will guide you in the treatment process.
(443) 241-8422 View (443) 241-8422

See more therapy options for Columbia

EMDR Treatment Centers

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.