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.

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of counseling that helps individuals deal with difficult memories or experiences. During the therapy, a trained therapist guides the person through a process that involves focusing on distressing memories while also moving their eyes or using other rhythmic bilateral stimulation. This helps the person process and manage these memories, reducing their emotional impact and promoting healing.

— Liz Mitchell, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Ypsilanti, MI
 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), is a really cool, interesting, and neuroscientific form of therapy. It is primarily used to help relieve clients from unresolved trauma and negative experiences.

— Kelsey Riddle, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Scottsdale, AZ

EMDR has been shown to be very effective in trauma reprocessing.

— Niyera Hewlett, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
 

I am an EMDR trained therapist and have completed some advanced training as well. I am a regular participant in a monthly EMDR consultation group with other therapists.

— Callie Seymour, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX

I've found eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, effective to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. As an individual who has experienced EMDR treatment, I was able to process past traumatic events in a short amount of time. Not everyone is the same due to the complexity and severity of trauma, through my years in practice, I have seen many patients find a sense of relief and calm after completing EMDR. To learn more, Let’s Talk.

— Raymond Castilleja Jr., Licensed Clinical Social Worker
 

I am a SAFE trained EMDR therapist. EMDR is an 8 stage, evidence based treatment approach for PTSD, and can also be effective for other issues. My training in EMDR is somatic and attachment focused.

— Lauren Earle, Counselor in Vancouver, WA

Currently working on my certification. I use EMDR with DBT, Ego State (Internal Family), Somatic and Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).

— Lauren O, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Cincinnati, OH
 

I have gone through formal EMDR training and have been practicing EMDR for many years. I have found that EMDR works best when it is used within the framework of IFS.

— Troy Thompson, Licensed Professional Counselor

Completed EMDR International Association approved training to conduct EMDR therapy.

— Victoriya Slavich, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New York, NY
 

Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a tool for treating trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, and many other experiences. It utilizes bilateral stimulation to retrain your brain & nervous system, basically to change how your body and mind reacts to specific memories or emotions. This process affects everyone differently. We will collaborate to make sure you feel ready if you choose this approach.

— Rebecca Doppelt, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA

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.

— Tom Bolls, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
 

EMDR is becoming widely used to treat trauma. This method helps the body reveal what has long since been hidden from our consciousness related to past trauma or painful events. This can keep us feeling stuck, anxious & depressed in a every day. Chronic overwhelming feelings often indicate the body is working hard to manage outward stress/experiences while managing inward fears from the past. It is possible to feel more safe & at ease in your body as well as move forward in your life.

— Kathleen Thompson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR

EMDR helps to stimulate the brain’s own natural ability to process information and to heal itself. Trauma leaves unprocessed memories, feelings, and thoughts, and these can all be more easily metabolized with the use of Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), which speeds up the reprocessing of information, when compared to talk therapy alone. EMDR can also be applied to treatment of anxiety, depression, trust issues, performance related anxiety, and phobias.

— Marina Tormey, Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY
 

I am an EMDR Trained Clinician with EMDRIA.

— Jason Waller, Psychotherapist in Powell, OH

I completed my training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in 2019, including 20 hours of group consultation with an Approved EMDR consultant. I am working towards being certified in EMDR currently, and have seen great positive impacts in my clients lives for doing this important work.

— Deanna Villagran, Counselor in Flourtown, PA
 

Most of the time your mind and body routinely manage new information and troubling experiences without you being aware of it. However, when you experience trauma your natural coping mechanisms can become overloaded. EMDR leverages bilateral stimulation to replicate natural processes occurring during sleep to promote healing. EMDR therapy has been used to effectively treat a wide range of mental health challenges including trauma, anxiety, and treatment resistant depression.

— Rachel Dobkins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ramsey, NJ