EMDR Treatment Centers in New Braunfels, TX

Photo of Ani Narasimhan - Windmill Wellness Ranch, Treatment Center
Windmill Wellness Ranch
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Windmill Wellness Ranch, located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, seamlessly blends historic charm with state-of-the-art mental health treatment. Celebrated for its exceptional outcomes, the ranch provides a holistic approach to recovery, encompassing physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Their innovative treatments feature individualized trans-cranial magnetic stimulation at the Brain Frequency Center to balance brain function and relieve symptoms. We're adept at treating trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, chronic pain, and behavioral addictions, offering thorough care for individuals and their families.
Windmill Wellness Ranch, located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, seamlessly blends historic charm with state-of-the-art mental health treatment. Celebrated for its exceptional outcomes, the ranch provides a holistic approach to recovery, encompassing physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Their innovative treatments feature individualized trans-cranial magnetic stimulation at the Brain Frequency Center to balance brain function and relieve symptoms. We're adept at treating trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, chronic pain, and behavioral addictions, offering thorough care for individuals and their families.
(830) 999-2207 View (830) 999-2207
Photo of Micah M Niles - Steps Recovery Centers, Payson Residential, Treatment Center
Steps Recovery Centers, Payson Residential
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Detox is the process of getting the drugs or alcohol out of the system and treating any uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that may occur. The amount of time a client remains in our detox varies on a number of factors. These includes the severity of the dependency or addiction, what amounts of certain drugs are in the system, the type of drug and how long it takes to get medically stabilized. Medical detoxification involves administering and prescribing a series of medications to help minimize withdrawal and cravings, and constant assessment from medical professionals.
Detox is the process of getting the drugs or alcohol out of the system and treating any uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that may occur. The amount of time a client remains in our detox varies on a number of factors. These includes the severity of the dependency or addiction, what amounts of certain drugs are in the system, the type of drug and how long it takes to get medically stabilized. Medical detoxification involves administering and prescribing a series of medications to help minimize withdrawal and cravings, and constant assessment from medical professionals.
(385) 324-3674 View (385) 324-3674
Photo of Mindful Health - Mindful Health, Treatment Center
Mindful Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78131
We are dedicated to serving a diverse range of clients, each with unique concerns and requirements. Our clientele includes individuals seeking comprehensive mental health and wellness solutions, and we take pride in tailoring our services to address a variety of issues and needs. Our clients come to us for a multitude of reasons, such as managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and more. We understand that mental health is a complex and multifaceted aspect of well-being, and our team of therapists, psychiatrists, and holistic wellness practitioners is equipped to provide individualized care to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you're in need of traditional individual therapy, medication management, group programming, or are exploring innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Spravato, QB Testing, and Mindful Yoga, our facility is designed to offer a comprehensive range of services.
We are dedicated to serving a diverse range of clients, each with unique concerns and requirements. Our clientele includes individuals seeking comprehensive mental health and wellness solutions, and we take pride in tailoring our services to address a variety of issues and needs. Our clients come to us for a multitude of reasons, such as managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and more. We understand that mental health is a complex and multifaceted aspect of well-being, and our team of therapists, psychiatrists, and holistic wellness practitioners is equipped to provide individualized care to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you're in need of traditional individual therapy, medication management, group programming, or are exploring innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Spravato, QB Testing, and Mindful Yoga, our facility is designed to offer a comprehensive range of services.
(469) 813-8242 View (469) 813-8242

Online Treatment Centers

Photo of Sara Buckler - Continuum Outpatient Center, LCDC, LCSW, LPC, Treatment Center
Continuum Outpatient Center
Treatment Center, LCDC, LCSW, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78249
Continuum Outpatient Center is a tranquil setting where clients are welcomed and accepted. Here, clients learn to love themselves and create healthy, balanced lives and relationships. Built around healing, respect, empowerment and choice; clients receive individualized care. We utilize evidence-based treatment modalities with an underlying holistic, strength-based approach. Programming offers a flexible foundation for each clients recovery journey built around community, strengthening the family, and positive connections. We pride ourselves on truly providing an individualized approach to address mental health, substance abuse, and other co-occurring disorders.
Continuum Outpatient Center is a tranquil setting where clients are welcomed and accepted. Here, clients learn to love themselves and create healthy, balanced lives and relationships. Built around healing, respect, empowerment and choice; clients receive individualized care. We utilize evidence-based treatment modalities with an underlying holistic, strength-based approach. Programming offers a flexible foundation for each clients recovery journey built around community, strengthening the family, and positive connections. We pride ourselves on truly providing an individualized approach to address mental health, substance abuse, and other co-occurring disorders.
(210) 361-1342 View (210) 361-1342
Photo of The Meadows Outpatient Center - Austin - The Meadows Outpatient Center - Austin, Treatment Center
The Meadows Outpatient Center - Austin
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731
At The Meadows Outpatient Center we combine The Meadows Model with a time-tested IOP milieu that together creates a blueprint for ongoing, successful, and long-term recovery. Our program is designed to reinforce the recovery skills for those dealing with complex emotional trauma and addiction issues, and to reunite families. The beautiful views of Austin, Texas makes The Meadows Outpatient Center the ideal place to begin or continue your journey of recovery.
At The Meadows Outpatient Center we combine The Meadows Model with a time-tested IOP milieu that together creates a blueprint for ongoing, successful, and long-term recovery. Our program is designed to reinforce the recovery skills for those dealing with complex emotional trauma and addiction issues, and to reunite families. The beautiful views of Austin, Texas makes The Meadows Outpatient Center the ideal place to begin or continue your journey of recovery.
(737) 520-7640 View (737) 520-7640
Photo of Daniel Carter - Sage Recovery & Wellness Center, Treatment Center
Sage Recovery & Wellness Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
We believe treatment is more than learning to change unwanted or unhealthy behaviors. Long-term change comes treating the mind and body collectively. We integrate traditional mental health treatment, with a complete wellness program. We offer individual counseling, couples & family counseling, play therapy, medication management, yoga, acupuncture detoxification and specialized Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) for those that need a higher level of care for their depression, anxiety, mood disorders, emotion regulation, or substance abuse.
We believe treatment is more than learning to change unwanted or unhealthy behaviors. Long-term change comes treating the mind and body collectively. We integrate traditional mental health treatment, with a complete wellness program. We offer individual counseling, couples & family counseling, play therapy, medication management, yoga, acupuncture detoxification and specialized Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) for those that need a higher level of care for their depression, anxiety, mood disorders, emotion regulation, or substance abuse.
(512) 960-3586 View (512) 960-3586
Photo of Our Admissions Team - New Day Recovery Services, Treatment Center
New Day Recovery Services
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78213
New Day Recovery Services in San Antonio, Texas, is at the forefront of outpatient substance abuse treatment, offering hope for individuals navigating the path to sobriety. With a commitment to helping both men and women reclaim their lives, New Day Recovery provides an array of tailored services, including Intensive Outpatient Treatment, Individual Counseling, Recovery Coaching, and Sober Living options. Recognizing the uniqueness of your journey, we cater to your specific recovery needs. This personalized approach ensures that every individual receives the support necessary to achieve life-long sobriety.
New Day Recovery Services in San Antonio, Texas, is at the forefront of outpatient substance abuse treatment, offering hope for individuals navigating the path to sobriety. With a commitment to helping both men and women reclaim their lives, New Day Recovery provides an array of tailored services, including Intensive Outpatient Treatment, Individual Counseling, Recovery Coaching, and Sober Living options. Recognizing the uniqueness of your journey, we cater to your specific recovery needs. This personalized approach ensures that every individual receives the support necessary to achieve life-long sobriety.
(726) 227-2433 View (726) 227-2433
Photo of Jimmy And Josh Myers - The Timothy Center, PhD, LPC-S, CSAT-C2, PA-C, Treatment Center
The Timothy Center
Treatment Center, PhD, LPC-S, CSAT-C2, PA-C
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
In 2017, The Timothy Center was awarded the Gold Seal of Approval in Behavioral Health Care and Accredited by The Joint Commission. Created out of a passion to provide professional counseling to adults, adolescents and their families, who oftentimes struggled socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually. The vision was to broaden the practice to meet the needs of Austinites and their families and to support and offer help to navigate through life's challenges. The Center has grown from 2 full-time counselors to 11. Using proven psychotherapeutic techniques coupled with accredited training and licensure, The Timothy Center has become one of the most sought after Centers - now open in 4 Austin locations, with secure online counseling available throughout the State.
In 2017, The Timothy Center was awarded the Gold Seal of Approval in Behavioral Health Care and Accredited by The Joint Commission. Created out of a passion to provide professional counseling to adults, adolescents and their families, who oftentimes struggled socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually. The vision was to broaden the practice to meet the needs of Austinites and their families and to support and offer help to navigate through life's challenges. The Center has grown from 2 full-time counselors to 11. Using proven psychotherapeutic techniques coupled with accredited training and licensure, The Timothy Center has become one of the most sought after Centers - now open in 4 Austin locations, with secure online counseling available throughout the State.
(512) 598-4960 View (512) 598-4960
Photo of Lacey Eaton - Liberty Hill Counseling Center, Treatment Center
Liberty Hill Counseling Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Liberty Hill, TX 78642
Life can be challenging at times, providing clients with the understanding that change is part of life and together we will work together to get through their struggles. Aiding clients with the understanding of living by Faith, to be Known by Love, and to be a Voice of Hope! My counseling practice began as a ministry to fulfill a great need of Christian services. Providing clients with the ability to be healthy, happy and comforted with a belief of hope and peace in a time of need.
Life can be challenging at times, providing clients with the understanding that change is part of life and together we will work together to get through their struggles. Aiding clients with the understanding of living by Faith, to be Known by Love, and to be a Voice of Hope! My counseling practice began as a ministry to fulfill a great need of Christian services. Providing clients with the ability to be healthy, happy and comforted with a belief of hope and peace in a time of need.
(737) 204-6383 View (737) 204-6383
Photo of Marsha Stone - Amend Wellness, Treatment Center
Amend Wellness
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Elgin, TX 78621
Amend’s stabilization program helps men and women recalibrate in the midst of a crisis. Over the course of 7 – 14 days, individuals find safety through in-the-moment care and support at our luxury emotional healing retreat. Take the time to finally unravel years of stress, depression, and anxiety while enjoying unparalleled amenities.
Amend’s stabilization program helps men and women recalibrate in the midst of a crisis. Over the course of 7 – 14 days, individuals find safety through in-the-moment care and support at our luxury emotional healing retreat. Take the time to finally unravel years of stress, depression, and anxiety while enjoying unparalleled amenities.
(512) 882-0156 View (512) 882-0156
Photo of Arbor Admissions - The Arbor, PhD, PsychMD, LCSW, LMFT, LPC, Treatment Center
The Arbor
Treatment Center, PhD, PsychMD, LCSW, LMFT, LPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Georgetown, TX 78626
The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare’s innovative inpatient program is located on 67 acres along the shores of the San Gabriel River. Clients reside in luxurious, gender specific residences that offer a small group setting, chef-prepared meals and a peaceful environment away from the distractions of life where one can focus on his or her recovery. We offer a holistic, 90-day program that includes both traditional and cutting-edge, evidence-based therapies. Our program provides support for those suffering co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders, or a history of trauma. We work with our clients and their families to create a continuing care program that provides long-term support for as long as needed. Optional long-term support is available via our continuum of care, a system of programs and support groups that offer various levels of structure and accountability as the person graduates from inpatient care to an increasingly independent life.
The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare’s innovative inpatient program is located on 67 acres along the shores of the San Gabriel River. Clients reside in luxurious, gender specific residences that offer a small group setting, chef-prepared meals and a peaceful environment away from the distractions of life where one can focus on his or her recovery. We offer a holistic, 90-day program that includes both traditional and cutting-edge, evidence-based therapies. Our program provides support for those suffering co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders, or a history of trauma. We work with our clients and their families to create a continuing care program that provides long-term support for as long as needed. Optional long-term support is available via our continuum of care, a system of programs and support groups that offer various levels of structure and accountability as the person graduates from inpatient care to an increasingly independent life.
(866) 202-0641 View (866) 202-0641
Photo of Jo Anne Harrison - Restorative Hope Sanctuary, LPC-S, Treatment Center
Restorative Hope Sanctuary
Treatment Center, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Killeen, TX 76549
We will do our best to meet you where you are! Equine Therapy Center coming soon! Your Wellness is our priority!
We will do our best to meet you where you are! Equine Therapy Center coming soon! Your Wellness is our priority!
(254) 556-3631 View (254) 556-3631
Photo of Arise Recovery - Arise Recovery Centers - Austin, Treatment Center
Arise Recovery Centers - Austin
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78757
The Arise Recovery Centers IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) was created to provide our clients with affordable, transparent, individualized, best practice, and effective drug & alcohol treatment while staying grounded in the principles of 12 step recovery. We work with each individual to heal their mind, body, and spirit, as they develop new life skills that result in long-term recovery.
The Arise Recovery Centers IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) was created to provide our clients with affordable, transparent, individualized, best practice, and effective drug & alcohol treatment while staying grounded in the principles of 12 step recovery. We work with each individual to heal their mind, body, and spirit, as they develop new life skills that result in long-term recovery.
(737) 520-7955 View (737) 520-7955
Photo of Anew Era Tms Austin Westlake - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry - We Are Open!, Treatment Center
Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry - We Are Open!
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental illness, Anew Era TMS can provide excellent quality psychiatric treatment and TMS therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, post-partum, tinnitus, or chronic migraines. At Anew Era TMS Austin, our priority is patient care and comfort driven by a personalized treatment plan.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental illness, Anew Era TMS can provide excellent quality psychiatric treatment and TMS therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, post-partum, tinnitus, or chronic migraines. At Anew Era TMS Austin, our priority is patient care and comfort driven by a personalized treatment plan.
(512) 488-4834 View (512) 488-4834
Photo of Richard Connell - Connell & Associates, Treatment Center
Connell & Associates
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Killeen, TX 76542  (Online Only)
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! ONLINE VISITS AVAILABLE ACROSS TEXAS. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, marital problems, or difficulties with your child, we are here to help. Connell & Associates has proudly served families in central Texas since 2013, and now we are excited to offer telehealth services through Texas. Our caring and experienced clinical staff offer individual therapy, couples counseling, psychotropic medication management, and diagnostic evaluation services. We are proud to be the top-rated behavioral health group in central Texas, and we strive to make every interaction as positive and therapeutic as possible.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! ONLINE VISITS AVAILABLE ACROSS TEXAS. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, marital problems, or difficulties with your child, we are here to help. Connell & Associates has proudly served families in central Texas since 2013, and now we are excited to offer telehealth services through Texas. Our caring and experienced clinical staff offer individual therapy, couples counseling, psychotropic medication management, and diagnostic evaluation services. We are proud to be the top-rated behavioral health group in central Texas, and we strive to make every interaction as positive and therapeutic as possible.
(254) 503-3827 View (254) 503-3827
Photo of Banyan Texas - Banyan Texas, MBA-HA, Treatment Center
Banyan Texas
Treatment Center, MBA-HA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waelder, TX 78959
The expression “Everything is bigger in Texas” holds true. Banyan Texas is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, spanning 70 private, high fenced acres. This expansion into Waelder is Banyan’s first Texas facility providing detoxification and residential addiction treatment services. These levels of care treat dual-diagnosis cases; people struggling with both substance use disorders and mental health disorders. The expansive property offers serenity and privacy, yet is still less than an hour away from Austin, one hour from San Antonio, and approximately an hour and a half from downtown Houston. Clients can rehabilitate surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife in this former world-class lodge which includes a fishing pond, walking trails, chef-prepared meals, fitness center, fully equipped cabin-style rooms, stone fireplace, shuffleboard, swimming pool, and commercial kitchen and dining areas. Banyan Texas programming includes acudetox, experiential art therapy, CBT, DBT, 12-step education, gender-specific therapy groups, Faith in Recovery programming, life skills, relapse prevention, anger management, individual, group, and family therapy.
The expression “Everything is bigger in Texas” holds true. Banyan Texas is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, spanning 70 private, high fenced acres. This expansion into Waelder is Banyan’s first Texas facility providing detoxification and residential addiction treatment services. These levels of care treat dual-diagnosis cases; people struggling with both substance use disorders and mental health disorders. The expansive property offers serenity and privacy, yet is still less than an hour away from Austin, one hour from San Antonio, and approximately an hour and a half from downtown Houston. Clients can rehabilitate surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife in this former world-class lodge which includes a fishing pond, walking trails, chef-prepared meals, fitness center, fully equipped cabin-style rooms, stone fireplace, shuffleboard, swimming pool, and commercial kitchen and dining areas. Banyan Texas programming includes acudetox, experiential art therapy, CBT, DBT, 12-step education, gender-specific therapy groups, Faith in Recovery programming, life skills, relapse prevention, anger management, individual, group, and family therapy.
(830) 251-4284 View (830) 251-4284
Photo of John Harvey - Northwest Counseling & Wellness Center, EdD, LPC, ADS, Treatment Center
Northwest Counseling & Wellness Center
Treatment Center, EdD, LPC, ADS
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78750
Northwest Counseling & Wellness Center offers an alternative to Western, bio-medical based interventions to suffering. We embrace a holistic approach, appreciating the human capacity to heal 'from the 'inside out' and to not rely solely on deficit-based, medicinally controlled approaches promoted by conventional Western medicine. We help clients discover and engage in their own potential to manage, overcome, and navigate hardships in life.
Northwest Counseling & Wellness Center offers an alternative to Western, bio-medical based interventions to suffering. We embrace a holistic approach, appreciating the human capacity to heal 'from the 'inside out' and to not rely solely on deficit-based, medicinally controlled approaches promoted by conventional Western medicine. We help clients discover and engage in their own potential to manage, overcome, and navigate hardships in life.
(512) 271-4908 View (512) 271-4908
Photo of Laurel Tracy - Grace & Emerge Recovery TX PHP, IOP & OP, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LMSW, LCDC, Treatment Center
Grace & Emerge Recovery TX PHP, IOP & OP
Treatment Center, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LMSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78757
Grace & Emerge offers outpatient trauma care, merged with a supportive sober living environment. This unique aftercare continuum is designed to treat the trauma behind mental health and addiction struggles in a holistic manner that promotes long-term, sustainable wellness. Through a series of focused step-downs, we can heal the whole woman: medically, therapeutically, spiritually, and familially. Every step of the way, our dedicated and passionate team meets each client where she’s at with what she needs to grow.
Grace & Emerge offers outpatient trauma care, merged with a supportive sober living environment. This unique aftercare continuum is designed to treat the trauma behind mental health and addiction struggles in a holistic manner that promotes long-term, sustainable wellness. Through a series of focused step-downs, we can heal the whole woman: medically, therapeutically, spiritually, and familially. Every step of the way, our dedicated and passionate team meets each client where she’s at with what she needs to grow.
(512) 881-9266 View (512) 881-9266
Photo of Austin Grief - The Austin Center for Grief & Loss, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, Treatment Center
The Austin Center for Grief & Loss
Treatment Center, LPC, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78757
The Austin Center for Grief & Loss provides counseling services to individuals and families who have experienced grief or trauma due to the death of a loved one from illness, accident, suicide, or violence; along with those who have experienced loss due to divorce, separation, or postpartum depression. Austin Grief immediate action to broadly expand our mental health services via telehealth to meet the needs of people suffering extreme stress, anxiety, and other mental health impacts due to COVID and during this time of social unrest. People are experiencing loss of health, jobs, community, and sense of security. Austin Grief is here to meet those needs. Our professional counseling and therapy groups are provided by licensed therapists with highly-specific training in the areas of grief, loss, and trauma. We also provide on-going, donation-based peer support groups formed around specific types of loss (no ongoing fees to attend). Our agency strives to help anyone in need. We offer sliding scale fees and financial assistance for those who qualify.
The Austin Center for Grief & Loss provides counseling services to individuals and families who have experienced grief or trauma due to the death of a loved one from illness, accident, suicide, or violence; along with those who have experienced loss due to divorce, separation, or postpartum depression. Austin Grief immediate action to broadly expand our mental health services via telehealth to meet the needs of people suffering extreme stress, anxiety, and other mental health impacts due to COVID and during this time of social unrest. People are experiencing loss of health, jobs, community, and sense of security. Austin Grief is here to meet those needs. Our professional counseling and therapy groups are provided by licensed therapists with highly-specific training in the areas of grief, loss, and trauma. We also provide on-going, donation-based peer support groups formed around specific types of loss (no ongoing fees to attend). Our agency strives to help anyone in need. We offer sliding scale fees and financial assistance for those who qualify.
(512) 866-1611 View (512) 866-1611
Photo of Starlite Recovery Detox Program - Starlite Recovery - Detox Program, Treatment Center
Starlite Recovery - Detox Program
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Center Point, TX 78010
Removing toxic substances from the body sounds like an intimidating process, but at Starlite Recovery Center, we help individuals safely and effectively work through withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. Our facility in Center Point, Texas, provides medically supervised detoxification services for adults who are struggling with a substance use disorder. Clients who participate in the detoxification, or detox, program receive 24/7 support and daily physician visits from an experienced team that specializes in addiction medicine. These professionals tailor each person’s treatment plan to ensure that they are set up for the best possible outcomes. Most clients spend an average of five to 10 days in detox, and many step down to our residential program at the conclusion of treatment.
Removing toxic substances from the body sounds like an intimidating process, but at Starlite Recovery Center, we help individuals safely and effectively work through withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. Our facility in Center Point, Texas, provides medically supervised detoxification services for adults who are struggling with a substance use disorder. Clients who participate in the detoxification, or detox, program receive 24/7 support and daily physician visits from an experienced team that specializes in addiction medicine. These professionals tailor each person’s treatment plan to ensure that they are set up for the best possible outcomes. Most clients spend an average of five to 10 days in detox, and many step down to our residential program at the conclusion of treatment.
(830) 521-5658 View (830) 521-5658

See more therapy options for New Braunfels

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.