EMDR Treatment Centers in Pasadena, MD

Photo of Tim Zukas - Tranquility Woods Addiction Treatment Center, Treatment Center
Tranquility Woods Addiction Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Pasadena, MD 21122
Top Rated Residential program on the East Coast! "Your life does not get better by chance... It gets better by change." Upon your arrival, you will quickly be taken to our gorgeous and welcoming facility. You will be greeted by our Intake Specialist, who will welcome you to our treatment family. Immediately you will notice how warm and caring we are, from the residential staff and therapists, and our physicians. Individual, one-on-one therapy is the cornerstone of the Tranquility Woods program. Every patient has an individual treatment plan based on clinical findings, aftercare needs, and demographic information. Clients can benefit from a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of one on one individual therapy sessions weekly. Group therapy is dynamic and fluid, and occasionally, we invite experts in addiction and behavioral health to come in and lead group classes. Our program is perfect for those seeking a smaller, intimate program and is looking for a lot of individual counseling to help manage triggers, cravings, and stressors that contribute to substance abuse.
Top Rated Residential program on the East Coast! "Your life does not get better by chance... It gets better by change." Upon your arrival, you will quickly be taken to our gorgeous and welcoming facility. You will be greeted by our Intake Specialist, who will welcome you to our treatment family. Immediately you will notice how warm and caring we are, from the residential staff and therapists, and our physicians. Individual, one-on-one therapy is the cornerstone of the Tranquility Woods program. Every patient has an individual treatment plan based on clinical findings, aftercare needs, and demographic information. Clients can benefit from a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of one on one individual therapy sessions weekly. Group therapy is dynamic and fluid, and occasionally, we invite experts in addiction and behavioral health to come in and lead group classes. Our program is perfect for those seeking a smaller, intimate program and is looking for a lot of individual counseling to help manage triggers, cravings, and stressors that contribute to substance abuse.
(410) 844-4772 View (410) 844-4772
Photo of Jim Tedone - TruHealing Baltimore , Treatment Center
TruHealing Baltimore
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Pasadena, MD 21122
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
Photo of Allison Scarinzi - The Refuge , LCSW-C, Treatment Center
The Refuge
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, MD 21122
At the Refuge, we provide intensive outpatient services for both adults and adolescents. We provide co-occurring treatment, serving both the mental health and substance use. The Refuge is more than a treatment center; it’s an experience aimed at changing lives through personal empowerment and self-transcendence. We offer individualized, professional care that dives deep into the philosophy of the mind, encouraging clients to take charge of their healing journey. Our focus extends to families and relationships, providing a guilt-free and supportive environment that aids in long-term recovery. The Refuge stands as a haven where the doors are always open for ongoing support, making lifelong recovery not just a possibility but a reality.
At the Refuge, we provide intensive outpatient services for both adults and adolescents. We provide co-occurring treatment, serving both the mental health and substance use. The Refuge is more than a treatment center; it’s an experience aimed at changing lives through personal empowerment and self-transcendence. We offer individualized, professional care that dives deep into the philosophy of the mind, encouraging clients to take charge of their healing journey. Our focus extends to families and relationships, providing a guilt-free and supportive environment that aids in long-term recovery. The Refuge stands as a haven where the doors are always open for ongoing support, making lifelong recovery not just a possibility but a reality.
(443) 949-5322 View (443) 949-5322
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
Pasadena, MD 21122
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) 434-0181 View (240) 434-0181

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of National Pike Health Center - National Pike Health Center, Treatment Center
National Pike Health Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Glen Burnie, MD 21060
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 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, 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) 209-9886 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, 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 Marjorie Kreppel - The Counseling Center Group, LMSW, Treatment Center
The Counseling Center Group
Treatment Center, LMSW
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401
The clinicians at The Counseling Center of Group use an array of techniques to help enhance the quality of life for individuals, couples, groups, and families. Through our strength-based and collaborative approach, we offer new insights that enable our clients to see things from different perspectives. We provide treatment and counseling for anxiety, depression, grief, emotional regulation issues, self-esteem, relationship concerns, and parenting. The Counseling Center Group utilizes evidence based strategies to help empower our clients to make choices that generate positive changes in their lives. Together, we will look at feelings, thoughts and behaviors as vehicles to affirmative changes. Our clinicians use techniques from empirically proven interventions including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Gottman therapy, cyclical psychodynamics, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and others.
The clinicians at The Counseling Center of Group use an array of techniques to help enhance the quality of life for individuals, couples, groups, and families. Through our strength-based and collaborative approach, we offer new insights that enable our clients to see things from different perspectives. We provide treatment and counseling for anxiety, depression, grief, emotional regulation issues, self-esteem, relationship concerns, and parenting. The Counseling Center Group utilizes evidence based strategies to help empower our clients to make choices that generate positive changes in their lives. Together, we will look at feelings, thoughts and behaviors as vehicles to affirmative changes. Our clinicians use techniques from empirically proven interventions including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Gottman therapy, cyclical psychodynamics, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and others.
(240) 716-6836 View (240) 716-6836
Photo of Kate MacShane - Maryland Center for Gender & Intimacy, Treatment Center
Maryland Center for Gender & Intimacy
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401
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 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
Severna Park, MD 21146
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 Admissions Intake - Recovery Life Group LLC, Treatment Center
Recovery Life Group LLC
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401
Recovery Life's mission is to provide a safe, comfortable, and compassionate environment while giving the best therapeutic treatment possible for those suffering from addiction.
Recovery Life's mission is to provide a safe, comfortable, and compassionate environment while giving the best therapeutic treatment possible for those suffering from addiction.
(240) 213-3428 View (240) 213-3428
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

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 Stella Epey - Amazing Care Health Services, LLC, Owner, Treatment Center
Amazing Care Health Services, LLC
Treatment Center, Owner
Verified Verified
Gwynn Oak, MD 21207
At Amazing Care Health Services, we provide services to individuals struggling with mental health disorders such as; Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorder. Our clients come from all diverse backgrounds, and have diverse needs, some need housing and others simply need additional support to sustain themselves while reintegrating back into the community. Whatever their goals may be here at Amazing Care Health Services we are here to help and make a lasting impression.
At Amazing Care Health Services, we provide services to individuals struggling with mental health disorders such as; Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorder. Our clients come from all diverse backgrounds, and have diverse needs, some need housing and others simply need additional support to sustain themselves while reintegrating back into the community. Whatever their goals may be here at Amazing Care Health Services we are here to help and make a lasting impression.
(667) 220-7923 View (667) 220-7923
Photo of Claudia Welke - Compass Health Center – Maryland, MD, Treatment Center
Compass Health Center – Maryland
Treatment Center, MD
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20904
At Compass Health Center – Maryland, we are dedicated to addressing the critical need for mental health support in Maryland, where over a million individuals live in communities lacking sufficient mental health professionals (NAMI Maryland, 2021). With a proven track record of over a decade in behavioral health services in Illinois, we are thrilled to extend our expertise to Silver Spring, Maryland, and beyond through virtual care. Our mission is to serve adolescents, young adults, and adults struggling with depression (and other mood disorders), anxiety, trauma, and OCD, all of which impact their daily functioning.
At Compass Health Center – Maryland, we are dedicated to addressing the critical need for mental health support in Maryland, where over a million individuals live in communities lacking sufficient mental health professionals (NAMI Maryland, 2021). With a proven track record of over a decade in behavioral health services in Illinois, we are thrilled to extend our expertise to Silver Spring, Maryland, and beyond through virtual care. Our mission is to serve adolescents, young adults, and adults struggling with depression (and other mood disorders), anxiety, trauma, and OCD, all of which impact their daily functioning.
(301) 835-2073 View (301) 835-2073
Photo of Kimberly Wells - Olney Counseling Center LLC, LCSW-C, Treatment Center
Olney Counseling Center LLC
Treatment Center, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Olney, MD 20832
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 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
North Bethesda, MD 20852
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 An Admissions Specialist - Newport Academy Outpatient, Treatment Center
Newport Academy Outpatient
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
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
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 Pasadena

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.