EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) relies on a client's own rapid, rhythmic eye movements, and is founded on the belief that these eye movements can weaken the intensity of emotionally charged memories. EMDR is most often used to treat PTSD or other traumas, but is also sometimes used for panic attacks, eating disorders, addictions, and anxiety. EMDR sessions can last up to 90 minutes, and usually starts with a client rating their level of distress. A therapist then typically moves their fingers in front of your face (or sometimes toe tapping or musical tones), asking you to follow along with your eyes, while you recall a traumatic event and all the sensations that come with it. You will gradually be guided by the therapist to shift thoughts from the traumatic experience to a more comforting one. The goal of EMDR is to make disturbing memories less immobilizing. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s EMDR specialists today.

Need help finding the right therapist?
Find Your Match

Meet the specialists

 

EMDR helps the brain reprocess memories in such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process negative core beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas, childhood abuse or neglect, or difficult events they have experienced. EMDR focuses on the brain’s ability to constantly learn, taking past experiences, and updating them with present Information.

— Nikki Schwisow, Therapist in West Jordan, UT

I am fully trained in EMDR and regularly consult with other EMDR providers to ensure you are receiving high quality care.

— Elaina McWilliams, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
 

EMDR is an optional part of the therapy with me. Please know that while it can be incorporated in our work together, it is not required. I tend to blend EMDR with IFS when it fits your needs. EMDR is more than just processing distressing events and trauma. It can also be a way to bring more grounding into your life so you can live more in the present moment.

— Crystalyn Jass Kirkpatrick, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, TX

If you’ve tried other forms of therapy and haven’t had the success you’ve hoped for, EMDR might be right for you. EMDR might also be right for you if you feel “stuck” and unable to move past certain memories, experiences, or triggers, regardless of your history with therapy. This type of therapy uses bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements or tapping) to reduce the disturbance caused by traumatic or distressing memories.

— Lauren Hawkins, Licensed Professional Counselor
 

I am trained and experienced with EMDR for a variety of issues, including trauma and PTSD, complex PTSD, agoraphobia, and panic disorder.

— Mary Bernard, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in DeLand, FL

Sometimes the memories of overwhelming experiences end up like junk thrown in a closet, chaotic and cluttered. The brain can store those memories in a way that keeps them active, causing ongoing distress that can manifest as anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, or feelings of being “stuck.” The goal is not to erase your experiences, but rather to reframe and reprocess them so they no longer hold power over your present. EMDR reduces the emotional charge tied to past events.

— Sage Leitson, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Alameda, CA
 

EMDR focuses on the individual’s present concerns. The EMDR approach believes past emotionally-charged experiences, trauma and disturbing event(s), are overly influencing your present emotions and thoughts about yourself. Basically, emotional development can get 'stuck' at the point of the trauma and/or event(s). EMDR targets the disturbing memories and utilizes bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to re-activate the brain and allow adaptive processing to resume towards resolution.

— Kevin W. Condon, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Atlanta, GA

I am trained in EMDR and Flash Technique. Sometimes when we go through traumatic loss, we can get stuck. This is a therapeutic orientation that can assist in creating movement and helping us feel in a better mental and emotional state to move forward.

— Heather Taylor, Psychologist in Bellevue, WA
 

I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, an evidence-based treatment for trauma. EMDR can be transformative with birth trauma, and can help parents feel more confident in their new role.

— Anne Miller, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Des Moines, IA

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is a proven tool in treating unresolved trauma, phobias, anxiety, panic disorders as well as many other areas of need. By using EMDR we are able to challenge and confront negative thought patterns that are holding you back in your life and begin to reprocess the events, triggers and stressors that have become unmanageable. In EMDR treatment you will find relief from events that may have caused emotional pain for many years.

— Alison Murphey, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
 

I employ EMDR to help clients process trauma by using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, sounds) to reprocess distressing memories and emotions. This approach reduces their impact, alleviates symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and fosters emotional healing and resilience.

— Jessica Del Vecchio, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nampa, ID

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is evidence-based intervention supporting individuals with reprocessing past stories, trauma and events so we can develop healthy coping strategies. EMDR is used for wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD. As your therapist, I will support you step by step with the EMDR process. We will take time to learn a few techniques before we start a full EMDR session so you feel equipped in this process.

— Avni Panchal, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oakland, CA
 

I completed 40 hours of EMDR training through the EMDR Institute, Inc. and 10 hours of consultation hours with two certified EMDR consultants. I have been using EMDR in sessions since 2021.

— Courtney Garner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

EMDR is a powerful tool for processing trauma and difficult memories. I integrate this approach with mind-body awareness to help you feel safer and more grounded. Whether dealing with big traumas or smaller stressful experiences, EMDR can help you move forward with greater ease.

— viviane zaccour, Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY
 

I have extensive experience utilizing EMDR, both for the treatment of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, as well as applying the principles underlying EMDR to effectively treat mood disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, binge eating, OCD, impulsivity, and avoidance.

— Jett Roberts, Licensed Professional Counselor in Plano, TX

I have used EMDR therapy almost exclusively with every client starting out. No one is required to use EMDR, but I find it a far more effective method to help a client to heal and find wholeness. EMDR allows the client to explore deeper into self and discover aspects that they were simply unaware of. The client is able to change their negative beliefs regarding themselves or situations to embrace a better perspective on past and present experiences. The shift results in immediate results.

— MaryEllen Martyn, LPC-EMDR Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
 

I have EMDR training and see many folks experiencing traumatic life events and often incorporate EMDR into our work together.

— Steven Cartell, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Columbus, OH