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

 

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 am an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Consultant and Trainer. This means I am Certified to provide EMDR and I train and teach others how to use EMDR. I'm not kidding, I live and breathe this stuff! :)

— Kristen Kelly, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Gahanna, OH
 

I am a member or EMDRIA and engage in continuous trainings and consultation groups related to EMDR. This practice brings fast and lasting results!

— Sherry Thomas, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA

EMDR is a wonderful therapy created by Francine Shapiro that works by using bilateral stimulation to help unlock trauma from your nervous system and heal. We'll work together and take a history and discover what your presenting complaints are and what traumatic memories are associated with your current symptoms. Then we'll focus on you experiencing relaxation protocols to release stress as well as diving into a gentle exploration of your trauma history at your own pace.

— Jenn Zatopek, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
 

I am trained in EMDR and utilize this technique, at least in part, with almost every client I work with. EMDR can offer a non-verbal way to process through through trauma, anxiety, depression, physical pain, and many other mental health concerns. EMDR is unique in that you are able to make quick and sustainable change without having to verbally discuss uncomfortable thoughts or memories.

— Nicole Benedict, Creative Art Therapist in Rochester, NY

I have a huge passion for helping people "get past their past". In my experience, the fastest and most effective way to do this is through EMDR therapy. I will take the time needed to prepare you for this sometimes intense therapy and help guide you through the maladaptive memory networks that have developed in your mind and body. Once you are on the other side, I look forward to helping you prepare for a glorious future no longer saturated with triggers to the past.

— BRIANA MESSERSCHMIDT, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Alamitos, CA
 

I find EMDR to be extremely helpful and transformative for people from all walks of life, whether you have experienced trauma or are "stuck" on an issue that has yet to be resolved by talk therapy or other approaches. I am currently in the process of Certification in EMDR.

— Georgie Kelly, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA

I am an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist and have used EMDR successfully in my practice for over two years. EMDR can easily be adapted for tele-therapy and has proven effective for the treatment of PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety and low self-esteem.

— Heidi Mela, Clinical Social Worker in Bronx, NY
 

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an 8-phase, evidence based model to treat a variety of symptoms/issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, complex trauma, phobias, and panic attacks and is effective with children, adolescents, and adults. By processing distressing experiences/memories using EMDR, we can reduce the emotional and psychological impact on our everyday functioning leaving room for healing and growth without the weight of the past.

— Carisa Marinucci, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Las Vegas, NV

I completed level 1 training on EMDR and completed 20 hours of consultation and have had more than 2 years of experience incorporating EMDR into my practice. I typically use EMDR for PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

— Olivia Outlund, Counselor in Iowa City, IA
 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma.

— Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Coronado, CA

I am trained in EMDR and regularly use these techniques in my practice. EMDR is absolutely effective in a telehealth setting and I've seen great progress with clients while using this treatment for trauma, negative self-talk, looping thoughts, and childhood abuse. I offer extended and intensive sessions for EMDR if you are interested in processing a deep issue and need more time for this work.

— Misty Gibson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA
 

EMDR is a treatment designed specifically to address trauma. It asks you to identify troubling memories, thoughts, feelings, and sensations in a highly structured format. It has been shown to offer relief from intrusive symptoms of trauma more quickly than many other approaches, though of course results vary for different individuals. I offer EMDR both in person in Rutland and online throughout VT where appropriate. I am EMDR certified by the EMDR International Association.

— Sarah Greenspan, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Rutland, VT

I specialize in Attachment-Focused EMDR, designed for healing trauma resulting from adverse childhood experiences – abuse, neglect, loss of loved ones, childhood illness and so on. If the past stayed in the past, we could just leave these behind and move on. But when we're under stress, the past can intrude into the present – as anxiety, depression, freezing, dissociation. These present-day experiences are our key to the healing process, and as they resolve, they're our best measure of success.

— Bob Fischer, Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA
 

I have extensive training in treating trauma wounds and abuse that continue to cause you and others harm, through reprocessing our harmful neural networks. I believe strongly in the healing that comes from addressing the wounds and attachment pain that contribute to our deep negative beliefs.

— Victoria Love, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Phoenix, AZ

Are you struggling with symptoms that just won't go away no matter what you do? EMDR can help. EMDR is an evidenced based treatment for Trauma that can help with a variety of mental health concerns including Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and Addiction. Many people may not feel that they are traumatized from life's experiences, but they likely have experienced some difficult things that have shaped their beliefs about themselves. EMDR can help you process these experiences and heal.

— Jennifer Leupp, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
 

I offer EMDR as a treatment option for PTSD and other mental health disorders. I completed EMDR Basic Training at the beginning of 2020 and began the EMDR Certification process in January 2024.

— Kasey Joffe, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR

I am certified in EMDR, which means that I've spent a lot of time and training learning this therapy modality! EMDR is especially effective for intrusive thoughts, memories, flashbacks, and nightmares, and I've seen clients have amazing moments of healing when using EMDR. I'm happy to discuss with each client the benefits and drawbacks to using EMDR on their specific symptoms and how EMDR could work for them.

— Emily Nayar, Clinical Social Worker
 

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) uses eye movements and other forms of stimulation to activate the brain’s ability to resolve current concerns and past traumas. The ultimate result we feel better, not just think we are better!

— Denise Harlan, Clinical Social Worker in Riverside, CA