EMDR Treatment Centers in Tennessee

Photo of Bill Knick - Chattanooga Recovery Center, Treatment Center
Chattanooga Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Chattanooga Recovery Center not only offers addiction treatment, but we also offers treatment for primary mental health. Our team has the experience and knowledge to understand that oftentimes, drug and alcohol addiction are intertwined with mental illness. In fact, 1 in 4 adults with a mental illness also have a substance abuse disorder, and some studies show that as many as half of all individuals with drug or alcohol addictions also have a mental disorder of some kind. There are many reasons for this, and because the two are so closely tied together, it’s challenging to treat one issue without treating the other. That is why our facility offers comprehensive mental health treatment in addition to our alcohol and drug addiction programs.
Chattanooga Recovery Center not only offers addiction treatment, but we also offers treatment for primary mental health. Our team has the experience and knowledge to understand that oftentimes, drug and alcohol addiction are intertwined with mental illness. In fact, 1 in 4 adults with a mental illness also have a substance abuse disorder, and some studies show that as many as half of all individuals with drug or alcohol addictions also have a mental disorder of some kind. There are many reasons for this, and because the two are so closely tied together, it’s challenging to treat one issue without treating the other. That is why our facility offers comprehensive mental health treatment in addition to our alcohol and drug addiction programs.
(423) 455-8122 View (423) 455-8122
Photo of Bill Knick - Grace Land Recovery, Treatment Center
Grace Land Recovery
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Cordova, TN 38018
Grace Land Recovery not only offers addiction treatment, but we also offers treatment for primary mental health. Our team has the experience and knowledge to understand that oftentimes, drug and alcohol addiction are intertwined with mental illness. In fact, 1 in 4 adults with a mental illness also have a substance abuse disorder, and some studies show that as many as half of all individuals with drug or alcohol addictions also have a mental disorder of some kind. There are many reasons for this, and because the two are so closely tied together, it’s challenging to treat one issue without treating the other. That is why our facility offers comprehensive mental health treatment in addition to our alcohol and drug addiction programs.
Grace Land Recovery not only offers addiction treatment, but we also offers treatment for primary mental health. Our team has the experience and knowledge to understand that oftentimes, drug and alcohol addiction are intertwined with mental illness. In fact, 1 in 4 adults with a mental illness also have a substance abuse disorder, and some studies show that as many as half of all individuals with drug or alcohol addictions also have a mental disorder of some kind. There are many reasons for this, and because the two are so closely tied together, it’s challenging to treat one issue without treating the other. That is why our facility offers comprehensive mental health treatment in addition to our alcohol and drug addiction programs.
(901) 499-4566 View (901) 499-4566
Photo of Dahlia Reyes - Summit at Harmony Oaks, LPC, MHSP, Treatment Center
Summit at Harmony Oaks
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Newport, TN 37821
Summit at Harmony Oaks provides unsurpassed substance use disorder and mental health treatment in a tranquil setting with breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. We offer compassionate and effective evidence-based treatment in our picturesque facility that includes spacious and well-appointed living accommodations, a professional staff - and even an in-house executive chef. Our idyllic setting with more than 100 acres of private, calming seclusion will allow you to focus on your mental health and wellbeing and fully embrace your healing and recovery journey.
Summit at Harmony Oaks provides unsurpassed substance use disorder and mental health treatment in a tranquil setting with breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. We offer compassionate and effective evidence-based treatment in our picturesque facility that includes spacious and well-appointed living accommodations, a professional staff - and even an in-house executive chef. Our idyllic setting with more than 100 acres of private, calming seclusion will allow you to focus on your mental health and wellbeing and fully embrace your healing and recovery journey.
(423) 456-9645 View (423) 456-9645
Photo of Youth Home - Youth Home | Intensive Residential for Youth, Treatment Center
Youth Home | Intensive Residential for Youth
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Clarksville, TN 37043
We have one location in Little Rock, AR - serving youth across the nation for Residential Treatment. Youth Home specializes in the treating emotional and behavioral health in youth ages 12 to 17 from a trauma-informed perspective, using a highly successful Intensive Psychiatric Residential Treatment program. Treatment plans are individualized with lengths of stay typically ranging from 3-7 months. This program is staffed 24/7 by a comprehensive team of professionals and is located on our beautiful, open 52 acre campus. Youth Home also offers specialty tracks within our continuum of care which includes Reactive Attachment Disorder, Safe Solutions, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Problems with Alcohol and/or Drugs. Program Highlights include: Award-Winning Recreational Therapy • Trauma Informed Care Approach • EMDR Therapy • Trauma-Informed CBT Therapy • Group & Family Therapy • Individual Therapy • TeleMedicine and TeleHealth (for Family Therapy)
We have one location in Little Rock, AR - serving youth across the nation for Residential Treatment. Youth Home specializes in the treating emotional and behavioral health in youth ages 12 to 17 from a trauma-informed perspective, using a highly successful Intensive Psychiatric Residential Treatment program. Treatment plans are individualized with lengths of stay typically ranging from 3-7 months. This program is staffed 24/7 by a comprehensive team of professionals and is located on our beautiful, open 52 acre campus. Youth Home also offers specialty tracks within our continuum of care which includes Reactive Attachment Disorder, Safe Solutions, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Problems with Alcohol and/or Drugs. Program Highlights include: Award-Winning Recreational Therapy • Trauma Informed Care Approach • EMDR Therapy • Trauma-Informed CBT Therapy • Group & Family Therapy • Individual Therapy • TeleMedicine and TeleHealth (for Family Therapy)
(501) 222-4052 View (501) 222-4052
Photo of Extra Mile Recovery - Extra Mile Recovery, Treatment Center
Extra Mile Recovery
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Memphis, TN 38111
The Extra Mile provides a secluded, serene environment which allows our residents to focus on themselves and begin healing. Through a combination of intensive clinical therapy and 12 step immersion, a individualized program is implemented and a new model for living is developed. Our team members are not only the highest caliber professionals, but have recovered from their own battles with addiction. Both the relaxing environment and incredible staff is what sets apart The Extra Mile. Extra Mile's Treatment provides individualized, comprehensive care for men that promotes whole-person healing. Our approach includes: * Ambulatory Detox * 12 Step Immersion * Intensive Clinical Therapy * Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy * Cognitive Behavioral Therapy * Dialectical Behavior Therapy
The Extra Mile provides a secluded, serene environment which allows our residents to focus on themselves and begin healing. Through a combination of intensive clinical therapy and 12 step immersion, a individualized program is implemented and a new model for living is developed. Our team members are not only the highest caliber professionals, but have recovered from their own battles with addiction. Both the relaxing environment and incredible staff is what sets apart The Extra Mile. Extra Mile's Treatment provides individualized, comprehensive care for men that promotes whole-person healing. Our approach includes: * Ambulatory Detox * 12 Step Immersion * Intensive Clinical Therapy * Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy * Cognitive Behavioral Therapy * Dialectical Behavior Therapy
(662) 200-9543 View (662) 200-9543
Photo of Our Admissions Staff At: - Lifeskills Orlando, Treatment Center
Lifeskills Orlando
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37902
At Lifeskills Orlando, we provide personalized and high-quality care for adults (18 years and older) with complex mental health disorders. Our comprehensive whole-person approach, unique setting, and high staff-to-client ratio support individualized attention and real-time interventions, ensuring the best possible outcomes for each client. We use evidence-based treatment methods tailored to each client’s needs. Our team utilizes our social integration approach, which enables clients to receive real-time therapeutic interventions while experiencing real-life situations. Social integration is used to ensure social and life skills treatment concepts are not only learned but also become accessible tools for clients transitioning back to independent living.
At Lifeskills Orlando, we provide personalized and high-quality care for adults (18 years and older) with complex mental health disorders. Our comprehensive whole-person approach, unique setting, and high staff-to-client ratio support individualized attention and real-time interventions, ensuring the best possible outcomes for each client. We use evidence-based treatment methods tailored to each client’s needs. Our team utilizes our social integration approach, which enables clients to receive real-time therapeutic interventions while experiencing real-life situations. Social integration is used to ensure social and life skills treatment concepts are not only learned but also become accessible tools for clients transitioning back to independent living.
(813) 437-5566 View (813) 437-5566
Photo of Idice Darden - The Estate at River Bend, CADC, CPSS, Treatment Center
The Estate at River Bend
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37201
When you or a loved one know that it is time to break the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction, look no further than The Estate at River Bend. Like bends in a river or the rolling hills on our 108-acre lush forest setting, we know that long-term recovery is a process with many turns along the way. Our goal is to lead our clients through this journey with the best evidence-based treatment programs, individualized for their specific needs, that will ensure our clients are able to establish a solid footing in their journey to recovery.
When you or a loved one know that it is time to break the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction, look no further than The Estate at River Bend. Like bends in a river or the rolling hills on our 108-acre lush forest setting, we know that long-term recovery is a process with many turns along the way. Our goal is to lead our clients through this journey with the best evidence-based treatment programs, individualized for their specific needs, that will ensure our clients are able to establish a solid footing in their journey to recovery.
(844) 842-5643 View (844) 842-5643
Photo of Capstone Treatment Center - Capstone Treatment Center, Treatment Center
Capstone Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Franklin, TN 37069
Capstone Treatment Center works with young men ages 14-26 struggling with a wide range of compulsions, addictions, hurts and other self-destructive behaviors. Our team aims to address the underlying issues that keep them from progressing, whether from trauma, toxic shame, family conflict or other hurts. Capstone has worked with thousands of young men struggling with the list below and more: Trauma • Behavior & Attitude Depression • Attachment Issues Addictions • Co - Occurring Disorders Toxic Shame • Sexually Addictive Behaviors Family Therapy • Compulsive Behaviors Substance Abuse • Low Self Esteem. Get in touch today to learn if we can be your partners in healing at 866-729-4479 or www.capstonetreatmentcenter.com
Capstone Treatment Center works with young men ages 14-26 struggling with a wide range of compulsions, addictions, hurts and other self-destructive behaviors. Our team aims to address the underlying issues that keep them from progressing, whether from trauma, toxic shame, family conflict or other hurts. Capstone has worked with thousands of young men struggling with the list below and more: Trauma • Behavior & Attitude Depression • Attachment Issues Addictions • Co - Occurring Disorders Toxic Shame • Sexually Addictive Behaviors Family Therapy • Compulsive Behaviors Substance Abuse • Low Self Esteem. Get in touch today to learn if we can be your partners in healing at 866-729-4479 or www.capstonetreatmentcenter.com
(501) 239-5958 View (501) 239-5958
Photo of Angela Essary - Defining Wellness Centers, Treatment Center
Defining Wellness Centers
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Cordova, TN 38016
Defining Wellness takes a three-pronged approach to treatment, utilizing therapy, technology, and healthy living. Therapeutically we utilize a variety of evidence-based modalities including EMDR, CBT, and DBT. We're also supporters of experiential programming such as Psychodrama, Art-Assisted Therapy, Music-Assisted Therapy, and Adventure Therapy. Our approach is based on the belief that to heal trauma you need to begin to replace negative experiences with positive experiences, and through experiential interventions, we can actively facilitate that healing. We're a trauma-informed co-occurring program and utilize a variety of individual and group sessions. Our model is not based on any one belief - we're open to supporting our clients in whatever works best for them, provided that it's healthy and will aid them in making progress.
Defining Wellness takes a three-pronged approach to treatment, utilizing therapy, technology, and healthy living. Therapeutically we utilize a variety of evidence-based modalities including EMDR, CBT, and DBT. We're also supporters of experiential programming such as Psychodrama, Art-Assisted Therapy, Music-Assisted Therapy, and Adventure Therapy. Our approach is based on the belief that to heal trauma you need to begin to replace negative experiences with positive experiences, and through experiential interventions, we can actively facilitate that healing. We're a trauma-informed co-occurring program and utilize a variety of individual and group sessions. Our model is not based on any one belief - we're open to supporting our clients in whatever works best for them, provided that it's healthy and will aid them in making progress.
(601) 488-3608 View (601) 488-3608
Photo of Blake Vincent - Nashville Mental Health, Treatment Center
Nashville Mental Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
At Nashville Mental Health, we offer Residential treatment dedicated to providing comprehensive inpatient care for individuals seeking mental health support. Our center is a safe and nurturing environment where you can focus on your well-being with the support of a compassionate team. Our services include individual therapy, group sessions, family counseling, psychiatric care, medical care, and more, all tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, our experienced therapists and counselors are here to guide you.
At Nashville Mental Health, we offer Residential treatment dedicated to providing comprehensive inpatient care for individuals seeking mental health support. Our center is a safe and nurturing environment where you can focus on your well-being with the support of a compassionate team. Our services include individual therapy, group sessions, family counseling, psychiatric care, medical care, and more, all tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, our experienced therapists and counselors are here to guide you.
(629) 299-1459 View (629) 299-1459
Photo of Nashville Treatment Solutions - Nashville Treatment Solutions, Treatment Center
Nashville Treatment Solutions
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37208
NTS provides clinical and medical services to adults struggling with mental health and addiction. We have separate tracks and individualized care based on your needs; mood disorders, thought disorders, trauma, and addiction.
NTS provides clinical and medical services to adults struggling with mental health and addiction. We have separate tracks and individualized care based on your needs; mood disorders, thought disorders, trauma, and addiction.
(629) 280-3196 View (629) 280-3196
Photo of Samuel A. MacMaster - Triony Behavioral Health, PhD, Treatment Center
Triony Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37214
Triony Behavioral Health is the premier destination for men’s mental health services in Nashville, TN. We specialize in providing comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of men. We treat a range of mental health conditions, offering personalized, evidence-based treatment plans to support men on their journey to wellness. Our expert team is equipped to address a wide array of mental health challenges including: Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders and more. At Triony Behavioral Health, we understand the complexity of mental health challenges and are dedicated to providing a supportive, healing environment. Our goals regarding what we treat is to empower men to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
Triony Behavioral Health is the premier destination for men’s mental health services in Nashville, TN. We specialize in providing comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of men. We treat a range of mental health conditions, offering personalized, evidence-based treatment plans to support men on their journey to wellness. Our expert team is equipped to address a wide array of mental health challenges including: Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders and more. At Triony Behavioral Health, we understand the complexity of mental health challenges and are dedicated to providing a supportive, healing environment. Our goals regarding what we treat is to empower men to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
(615) 249-1473 View (615) 249-1473
Photo of Connor Quinn - Detox West Tennessee, Treatment Center
Detox West Tennessee
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Jackson, TN 38301
Deciding to go to treatment for drug and alcohol is one of the hardest decisions you will have to make. Detox West TN understands exactly where you have been. We are a locally owned and operated drug and alcohol detox center in West TN whose mission is to make the detox process as comfortable as possible. Our medical detox staff is highly trained and monitors you 24/7 while you are with us making sure you have the right medications to safely withdrawal from substance abuse.
Deciding to go to treatment for drug and alcohol is one of the hardest decisions you will have to make. Detox West TN understands exactly where you have been. We are a locally owned and operated drug and alcohol detox center in West TN whose mission is to make the detox process as comfortable as possible. Our medical detox staff is highly trained and monitors you 24/7 while you are with us making sure you have the right medications to safely withdrawal from substance abuse.
(731) 206-3768 View (731) 206-3768
Photo of Cumberland Heights - Cumberland Heights Treatment Center, Treatment Center
Cumberland Heights Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37209
Where it all began, our River Road campus sits on 177 acres of natural beauty along the Cumberland River in Nashville, TN. At Cumberland Heights, we offer a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addiction recovery, providing a structured and supportive environment for adults seeking to overcome a substance use disorder and achieve long-term recovery. We pride ourselves in offering individualized care for our patients based on their unique needs as well as providing key program components that contribute to world class addiction treatment.
Where it all began, our River Road campus sits on 177 acres of natural beauty along the Cumberland River in Nashville, TN. At Cumberland Heights, we offer a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addiction recovery, providing a structured and supportive environment for adults seeking to overcome a substance use disorder and achieve long-term recovery. We pride ourselves in offering individualized care for our patients based on their unique needs as well as providing key program components that contribute to world class addiction treatment.
(866) 972-3227 View (866) 972-3227
Photo of Jill Thompson - Landmark Recovery (Dr Jill Thompson), MD, Treatment Center
Landmark Recovery (Dr Jill Thompson)
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Seymour, TN 37865
Landmark Recovery of Knoxville Drug and Alcohol Rehab, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a reputable behavioral health treatment center dedicated to providing comprehensive care for those struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders. Now under the management of Harmony Health Group, Landmark Recovery of Knoxville is one of multiple treatment facilities within Tennessee that belong to the Harmony Health Group family.
Landmark Recovery of Knoxville Drug and Alcohol Rehab, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a reputable behavioral health treatment center dedicated to providing comprehensive care for those struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders. Now under the management of Harmony Health Group, Landmark Recovery of Knoxville is one of multiple treatment facilities within Tennessee that belong to the Harmony Health Group family.
(865) 413-7971 View (865) 413-7971
Photo of Tianlai Tang - Nashville Brain Institute, MD, PhD, Treatment Center
Nashville Brain Institute
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203
Nashville Brain Institute (NBI) is a Neuropsychiatric clinical and research institution that specializes in precision psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. Precision psychiatry is an approach that focuses on understanding the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that cause the symptoms of mental health conditions. Our goal is to develop personally tailored, measurement-based evaluations and interventions by targeting the underlying mechanisms, which in turn will address previously overlooked aspects of mental health conditions and offer a long term solution for mental illness. In NBI, our mental health specialists work together with our neurologist to bridge the gap between neurobiology and psychiatry, therefore we can resolve complicated neuropsychiatric conditions through comprehensive diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities, including neurotransmitter assessment, neuropsychological tests, Ketamine treatment, Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, TMS Treatment, Suboxone treatment, IOP group therapy.
Nashville Brain Institute (NBI) is a Neuropsychiatric clinical and research institution that specializes in precision psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. Precision psychiatry is an approach that focuses on understanding the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that cause the symptoms of mental health conditions. Our goal is to develop personally tailored, measurement-based evaluations and interventions by targeting the underlying mechanisms, which in turn will address previously overlooked aspects of mental health conditions and offer a long term solution for mental illness. In NBI, our mental health specialists work together with our neurologist to bridge the gap between neurobiology and psychiatry, therefore we can resolve complicated neuropsychiatric conditions through comprehensive diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities, including neurotransmitter assessment, neuropsychological tests, Ketamine treatment, Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, TMS Treatment, Suboxone treatment, IOP group therapy.
(615) 709-9148 View (615) 709-9148
Photo of Greg Kfoury - Integrative Life Center, Treatment Center
Integrative Life Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
Many treatment centers offer separate programming for substance abuse, disordered eating, intimacy disorders, and mood disorders. Few offer comprehensive treatment for more than one issue at the same time. At Integrative Life Center, we offer care that treats the primary problem, while also addressing the underlying, more complex issues that are often caused by unresolved trauma. Our coping mechanisms wear many different masks. Instead of honing in on how people use destructive behaviors to cope, we are far more interested helping them discover why. We believe that by focusing on treating the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - people can begin to move towards lasting recovery.
Many treatment centers offer separate programming for substance abuse, disordered eating, intimacy disorders, and mood disorders. Few offer comprehensive treatment for more than one issue at the same time. At Integrative Life Center, we offer care that treats the primary problem, while also addressing the underlying, more complex issues that are often caused by unresolved trauma. Our coping mechanisms wear many different masks. Instead of honing in on how people use destructive behaviors to cope, we are far more interested helping them discover why. We believe that by focusing on treating the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - people can begin to move towards lasting recovery.
(615) 398-4973 View (615) 398-4973
Photo of Preston Goforth - Focus Treatment Centers, Treatment Center
Focus Treatment Centers
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Focus provides compassionate and comprehensive treatment for adults struggling with eating disorders, substance use disorders, and dual diagnosis for both. Our whole-person approach reflects each patient's unique journey and life experiences so that care is genuine and personalized. Our Chattanooga location offers onsite medical detox, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care. We provide screenings and assessments to help determine the appropriate level of treatment needed, as well as same day benefits verification. Additionally, our Knoxville location offers intensive outpatient programs for adolescents and adults, as well as outpatient therapy and nutrition services.
Focus provides compassionate and comprehensive treatment for adults struggling with eating disorders, substance use disorders, and dual diagnosis for both. Our whole-person approach reflects each patient's unique journey and life experiences so that care is genuine and personalized. Our Chattanooga location offers onsite medical detox, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care. We provide screenings and assessments to help determine the appropriate level of treatment needed, as well as same day benefits verification. Additionally, our Knoxville location offers intensive outpatient programs for adolescents and adults, as well as outpatient therapy and nutrition services.
(866) 948-9013 View (866) 948-9013
Photo of Provive Wellness - Provive Wellness of Brentwood, Treatment Center
Provive Wellness of Brentwood
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Brentwood, TN 37027
A leading provider of mental health and substance abuse programming.
A leading provider of mental health and substance abuse programming.
(615) 640-9994 View (615) 640-9994
Photo of Johnathan Johnson - New Directions Wellness Center, LPC, MHSP, Treatment Center
New Directions Wellness Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37217
New Directions Wellness Center has been in the Nashville area for over 10 years providing outpatient counseling services. We specializes serving teens and adults in the Nashville area. We take a values-driven, but secular, approach to working with our clients focusing on not just their chief complaint but supporting every aspect of their life. We treat general mood issues, anxiety, stress, identity, relationship, and behavioral issues. We have several providers available for in-person or virtual sessions.
New Directions Wellness Center has been in the Nashville area for over 10 years providing outpatient counseling services. We specializes serving teens and adults in the Nashville area. We take a values-driven, but secular, approach to working with our clients focusing on not just their chief complaint but supporting every aspect of their life. We treat general mood issues, anxiety, stress, identity, relationship, and behavioral issues. We have several providers available for in-person or virtual sessions.
(629) 306-8184 View (629) 306-8184
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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.