EMDR Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Silvia MacAllister Voermanek, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Silvia MacAllister Voermanek
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PCC, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I'm here to support your personal growth journey. With nearly 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and life & executive coach, my approach empowers you to conquer mental health challenges and find your purpose. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, addiction, anger, self-doubt, or life's challenges, I'm here to help you embrace change. Get ready to embark on this transformative journey, and together, we'll unlock your full potential!
I'm here to support your personal growth journey. With nearly 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and life & executive coach, my approach empowers you to conquer mental health challenges and find your purpose. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, addiction, anger, self-doubt, or life's challenges, I'm here to help you embrace change. Get ready to embark on this transformative journey, and together, we'll unlock your full potential!
(415) 965-2414 View (415) 965-2414
Photo of Emily Ryan: Emdr And Trauma Intensives, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Emily Ryan: Emdr And Trauma Intensives
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I use a combination of IFS and EMDR to help you resolve PTSD, life conflicts and severe stressors.
I am committed to you and to transformation in your life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides specialized treatment in the areas of PTSD, anxiety, cancer care, depression and addiction. I have been providing therapy and counseling services to individuals, groups and families since 1999. Together we will focus on real solutions to problems and accessing your personal strengths. My background in mindfulness, IFS, EMDR and CBT based practices provides a framework for healing that is focused on both the internal strengths and resources of the individual, and the dynamic interplay between the person and their environment.
I use a combination of IFS and EMDR to help you resolve PTSD, life conflicts and severe stressors.
I am committed to you and to transformation in your life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides specialized treatment in the areas of PTSD, anxiety, cancer care, depression and addiction. I have been providing therapy and counseling services to individuals, groups and families since 1999. Together we will focus on real solutions to problems and accessing your personal strengths. My background in mindfulness, IFS, EMDR and CBT based practices provides a framework for healing that is focused on both the internal strengths and resources of the individual, and the dynamic interplay between the person and their environment.
(415) 787-4246 View (415) 787-4246
Photo of Sandrah Susan Henry, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sandrah Susan Henry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I have extensive experience in relationship therapy, transracial adoption, EMDR, family therapy and chronic illness and disability.
I am empathic and warm yet direct and challenging in our collaborative relationship. I provide a safe harbor from which to work and together we will identify ways in which your past is preventing you from living the life you want. Some of my hopes are that your tendency to be self-critical will soften and that you will become compassionate towards yourself; that you will gain positive coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety and to decrease perfectionistic tendencies and that you accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself. I will be your guide in this process.
I have extensive experience in relationship therapy, transracial adoption, EMDR, family therapy and chronic illness and disability.
I am empathic and warm yet direct and challenging in our collaborative relationship. I provide a safe harbor from which to work and together we will identify ways in which your past is preventing you from living the life you want. Some of my hopes are that your tendency to be self-critical will soften and that you will become compassionate towards yourself; that you will gain positive coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety and to decrease perfectionistic tendencies and that you accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself. I will be your guide in this process.
(415) 965-8637 View (415) 965-8637
Photo of Jay M Seiff-Haron, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Jay M Seiff-Haron
Psychologist, PsyD, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
Stress wearing you down? I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an empirically validated model for helping couples and families to turn conflicts into opportunities for connection. I also employ both EMDR and IFS (Internal Family Systems) with individuals, have worked extensively with cultural differences at home and professionally, and am a custody evaluator. I specialize in working with interracial, interfaith or LGBT families, as well as parenting and services for children ages 1-7. My practice is poly-friendly and has a social justice orientation.
Stress wearing you down? I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an empirically validated model for helping couples and families to turn conflicts into opportunities for connection. I also employ both EMDR and IFS (Internal Family Systems) with individuals, have worked extensively with cultural differences at home and professionally, and am a custody evaluator. I specialize in working with interracial, interfaith or LGBT families, as well as parenting and services for children ages 1-7. My practice is poly-friendly and has a social justice orientation.
(415) 574-0973 View (415) 574-0973
Photo of Dr. Saarah D Nicolas, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Saarah D Nicolas
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94158  (Online Only)
Through evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR and mindfulness, I have helped numerous clients manage symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma-related issues.
Have you experienced a traumatic event that has left you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to move forward? Or maybe grew up in a home that left you struggling to feel safe or worthy of love? If so, I want you to know that you are not alone. Trauma can really shake up our lives, affecting our identity, relationships, work-life balance, and the ability to just feel comfortable in our own skin. Whether you have experienced a one-time traumatic event or a pattern of ongoing trauma, I am here to help. Together, we will explore your experiences and develop practical tools to help you overcome trauma and reclaim your life.
Through evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR and mindfulness, I have helped numerous clients manage symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma-related issues.
Have you experienced a traumatic event that has left you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to move forward? Or maybe grew up in a home that left you struggling to feel safe or worthy of love? If so, I want you to know that you are not alone. Trauma can really shake up our lives, affecting our identity, relationships, work-life balance, and the ability to just feel comfortable in our own skin. Whether you have experienced a one-time traumatic event or a pattern of ongoing trauma, I am here to help. Together, we will explore your experiences and develop practical tools to help you overcome trauma and reclaim your life.
(341) 444-3958 View (341) 444-3958
Photo of Kerri Green, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kerri Green
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Are you experiencing fight, flight or freeze responses to everyday life stressors, or feeling paralyzed to make change? EMDR therapy for trauma and PTSD could be a great fit for you. Unprocessed traumatic memories can get "stuck" in your nervous system, causing you to operate from survival mechanisms that no longer serve you, and which block you from reaching your full life potential. Whether you're hoping to resolve trauma, reduce your "inner critic," find more purpose and meaning in your life, or improve your relationships, I'm here to guide you toward the growth and healing you seek.
Are you experiencing fight, flight or freeze responses to everyday life stressors, or feeling paralyzed to make change? EMDR therapy for trauma and PTSD could be a great fit for you. Unprocessed traumatic memories can get "stuck" in your nervous system, causing you to operate from survival mechanisms that no longer serve you, and which block you from reaching your full life potential. Whether you're hoping to resolve trauma, reduce your "inner critic," find more purpose and meaning in your life, or improve your relationships, I'm here to guide you toward the growth and healing you seek.
(650) 521-0707 View (650) 521-0707
Photo of Sarah Moulding, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sarah Moulding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I have completed level 3 training in Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), certification with UPenn's E/RP training and have had extensive training and experience in CBT, ACT and IFT.
I am a warm and experienced psychotherapist who works with adults living with the challenging effects of high anxiety, relationship problems, difficult life transitions, and trauma. I listen and work closely with you to understand what factors may be contributing to your present difficulty, and from there create a plan for the path forward to feeling better. Whether it be learning strategies to live a full life in spite of anxiety, improving the quality of your relationships, resolving symptoms or simply feeling less alone in the world, my goal is for you to see tangible results from your treatment with me.
I have completed level 3 training in Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), certification with UPenn's E/RP training and have had extensive training and experience in CBT, ACT and IFT.
I am a warm and experienced psychotherapist who works with adults living with the challenging effects of high anxiety, relationship problems, difficult life transitions, and trauma. I listen and work closely with you to understand what factors may be contributing to your present difficulty, and from there create a plan for the path forward to feeling better. Whether it be learning strategies to live a full life in spite of anxiety, improving the quality of your relationships, resolving symptoms or simply feeling less alone in the world, my goal is for you to see tangible results from your treatment with me.
(415) 534-6386 View (415) 534-6386
Photo of Alex Silberstein, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Alex Silberstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
EMDR is a powerful method of therapy that helps people get unstuck from their past.
I specialize in helping adults overcome anxiety and depression. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I focus on helping clients recover from the effects of trauma. I also enjoy working with couples to develop effective communication skills and reduce destructive conflict. I strive to provide clients with a warm, secure environment in which they feel safe to explore painful experiences from the past that need healing. My approach combines the perspective of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy with more practical cognitive-behavioral methods, as well as using the latest research from neuroscience about how our minds develop and change.
EMDR is a powerful method of therapy that helps people get unstuck from their past.
I specialize in helping adults overcome anxiety and depression. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I focus on helping clients recover from the effects of trauma. I also enjoy working with couples to develop effective communication skills and reduce destructive conflict. I strive to provide clients with a warm, secure environment in which they feel safe to explore painful experiences from the past that need healing. My approach combines the perspective of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy with more practical cognitive-behavioral methods, as well as using the latest research from neuroscience about how our minds develop and change.
(415) 646-0421 View (415) 646-0421
Photo of Page Nelson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Page Nelson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
I am passionate about working with children, teens, families, and couples. I believe therapy should be accessible for everyone and use a sliding scale model based on income to find a fee that works for you. I am trained in EMDR and am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. I interweave these modalities, along with exercises from IFS, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy, to help you work through issues relating to attachment in relationships, depression, traumatic experiences, anxiety, complex PTSD, grief, addictive patterns, codependency, and LGBTQ+ issues.
I am passionate about working with children, teens, families, and couples. I believe therapy should be accessible for everyone and use a sliding scale model based on income to find a fee that works for you. I am trained in EMDR and am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. I interweave these modalities, along with exercises from IFS, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy, to help you work through issues relating to attachment in relationships, depression, traumatic experiences, anxiety, complex PTSD, grief, addictive patterns, codependency, and LGBTQ+ issues.
(415) 980-6019 View (415) 980-6019
Photo of Lori Kandels, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Lori Kandels
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MBA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Free yourself from what binds you. Resolve anxiety, past trauma, work or relationship stress. Raise your financial set point. A bit about my approach... 1) Mindfulness and Neuroscience. If you are caught in a negative story, I offer practices that engage the mind and body such as mindfulness, EMDR, Brainspotting and EFT. When we are stressed, we don’t think as clearly and can fall into habits of negative thoughts and emotions. Those habits leave a neurological imprint in the body. Changing your mind is only half of the solution. You have to retrain your nervous system as well and mind/body practices speed that process along.
Free yourself from what binds you. Resolve anxiety, past trauma, work or relationship stress. Raise your financial set point. A bit about my approach... 1) Mindfulness and Neuroscience. If you are caught in a negative story, I offer practices that engage the mind and body such as mindfulness, EMDR, Brainspotting and EFT. When we are stressed, we don’t think as clearly and can fall into habits of negative thoughts and emotions. Those habits leave a neurological imprint in the body. Changing your mind is only half of the solution. You have to retrain your nervous system as well and mind/body practices speed that process along.
(415) 340-7089 View (415) 340-7089
Photo of Laurel Roberts-Meese, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Laurel Roberts-Meese
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR and have years of experience working with trauma, sexual assault, and LGBTQ issues.
I help driven professionals process trauma, decrease anxiety, and build better relationships. You've probably got a lot going on; your relationship is strained, demands on you at work are increasing, or the ways you used to cope don't seem to be working anymore. Whatever brings you to therapy, we can figure out a way to feel better together.
I am trained in EMDR and have years of experience working with trauma, sexual assault, and LGBTQ issues.
I help driven professionals process trauma, decrease anxiety, and build better relationships. You've probably got a lot going on; your relationship is strained, demands on you at work are increasing, or the ways you used to cope don't seem to be working anymore. Whatever brings you to therapy, we can figure out a way to feel better together.
(628) 216-2543 View (628) 216-2543
Photo of Stacey A Christensen, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Stacey A Christensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Certified in EMDR & CPT, and Gottman Method level II trained.
I am a collaborative therapist which means that we work together on the goals you want to achieve and how you'd like to achieve therm.
Certified in EMDR & CPT, and Gottman Method level II trained.
I am a collaborative therapist which means that we work together on the goals you want to achieve and how you'd like to achieve therm.
(415) 985-4283 View (415) 985-4283
Photo of Mara Romanak, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Mara Romanak
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I utilize brain science, EMDR, cognitive-behavioral and somatic-based therapies to help you feel better and more in control of your life.
I particularly enjoy working with young adults who are going through a difficult time navigating the transition from early to mature adulthood, perhaps wrestling with issues around relationships, work, family, self-identity and performance; struggling with chronic feelings of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem; or feeling they don't have the tools they need to manage life. I have over 25 years of experience working with both women and men; all are welcome.
I utilize brain science, EMDR, cognitive-behavioral and somatic-based therapies to help you feel better and more in control of your life.
I particularly enjoy working with young adults who are going through a difficult time navigating the transition from early to mature adulthood, perhaps wrestling with issues around relationships, work, family, self-identity and performance; struggling with chronic feelings of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem; or feeling they don't have the tools they need to manage life. I have over 25 years of experience working with both women and men; all are welcome.
(415) 408-7963 View (415) 408-7963
Photo of Laura Hauben, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Laura Hauben
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Major life events, both positive and negative, can require emotional adjustments that take us by surprise. Even desired life changes like parenthood, marriage, and graduation can lead to unexpected feelings. Current research on attachment confirms that humans are more resilient in the face of major life change and trauma when they feel understood and supported by another. I use psychotherapy and EMDR in my practice. In therapy I am direct, but I provide the empathy and compassion that we all need. My patients feel seen by me and in turn, seek out other fortifying relationships.
Major life events, both positive and negative, can require emotional adjustments that take us by surprise. Even desired life changes like parenthood, marriage, and graduation can lead to unexpected feelings. Current research on attachment confirms that humans are more resilient in the face of major life change and trauma when they feel understood and supported by another. I use psychotherapy and EMDR in my practice. In therapy I am direct, but I provide the empathy and compassion that we all need. My patients feel seen by me and in turn, seek out other fortifying relationships.
(415) 323-3931 View (415) 323-3931
Photo of Anna H McDonald, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Anna H McDonald
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
I have skill and training in trauma work (including EMDR), as well as life experience.
If you're doing mostly well, but have recently discovered that something is off, you might work well with me. I am passionate about carefully excavating til we find what's causing the disruption under the surface. If you have things that happened in your childhood or earlier adult life that you don't talk about, we might work well together. I am passionate about helping people who have experienced deep wounding from difficult experiences. I understand that healing is not linear, and that you might need a guide to find your way.
I have skill and training in trauma work (including EMDR), as well as life experience.
If you're doing mostly well, but have recently discovered that something is off, you might work well with me. I am passionate about carefully excavating til we find what's causing the disruption under the surface. If you have things that happened in your childhood or earlier adult life that you don't talk about, we might work well together. I am passionate about helping people who have experienced deep wounding from difficult experiences. I understand that healing is not linear, and that you might need a guide to find your way.
(628) 218-7767 View (628) 218-7767
Photo of Heidi Xue, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Heidi Xue
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I provide trauma-informed care, EMDR, CBT, CPT, and ACT.
Do you have trouble with anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues due to trauma? Past experiences can create imprints onto your brain that activate your fight/flight responses whenever your emotions feel dysregulated, but life without the constant feeling of being on edge is possible. Those traumatic memories don’t have to permanently influence who you are meant to be. Through therapy, you will gain control of your feelings/thoughts and your response to everyday life hurdles. Healing from trauma can create healthier beliefs about yourself and your relationships along with sustainable changes.
I provide trauma-informed care, EMDR, CBT, CPT, and ACT.
Do you have trouble with anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues due to trauma? Past experiences can create imprints onto your brain that activate your fight/flight responses whenever your emotions feel dysregulated, but life without the constant feeling of being on edge is possible. Those traumatic memories don’t have to permanently influence who you are meant to be. Through therapy, you will gain control of your feelings/thoughts and your response to everyday life hurdles. Healing from trauma can create healthier beliefs about yourself and your relationships along with sustainable changes.
(415) 534-9538 View (415) 534-9538
Photo of Lara Curry, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Lara Curry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
My name is Lara Curry. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol use, relationship issues, and relapse prevention. I employ EMDR, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, and Solution-focused brief therapy modalities. I assume anyone seeking psychotherapy genuinely desires to help sort out the difficulties in their lives. I try to work as a co-investigator to understand the issues and help explain how they evolved and how to resolve them in an informal, caring partnership with my clients.
My name is Lara Curry. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol use, relationship issues, and relapse prevention. I employ EMDR, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, and Solution-focused brief therapy modalities. I assume anyone seeking psychotherapy genuinely desires to help sort out the difficulties in their lives. I try to work as a co-investigator to understand the issues and help explain how they evolved and how to resolve them in an informal, caring partnership with my clients.
(661) 271-6194 View (661) 271-6194
Photo of Carol Gomez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Carol Gomez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
My therapeutic healing lens and orientation is embedded in Feminist Theory, Critical Race Theory, Liberation Psychology, somatic based healing, Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), Strengths-based work, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Relational Psychodynamic and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
My foundational work and experience is rooted in decades of hands-on social justice, advocacy and community organizing work primarily with communities of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ folx and survivors of partner violence, sexual violence and labor exploitation.
My therapeutic healing lens and orientation is embedded in Feminist Theory, Critical Race Theory, Liberation Psychology, somatic based healing, Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), Strengths-based work, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Relational Psychodynamic and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
My foundational work and experience is rooted in decades of hands-on social justice, advocacy and community organizing work primarily with communities of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ folx and survivors of partner violence, sexual violence and labor exploitation.
(415) 903-4648 View (415) 903-4648
Photo of Mark Hirschfield, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Mark Hirschfield
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
With a combination of talk therapy, and other effective techniques such as EMDR, I help improve coping with immediate stressors to allow work towards deeper personal growth .
Hello! I work with individuals who wish to create lasting, positive changes in their lives and relationships. I offer safe, compassionate and supportive counseling in an atmosphere that deepens understanding, promotes healing, and releases potential. Unresolved emotional issues can stifle creativity, confidence, ambition, and our ability for good relationships. Trauma and loss can cause sadness, depression and pain that inhibit and block. My personal style is interactive, empathic, non-judgmental and respectful of individual values and choices.
With a combination of talk therapy, and other effective techniques such as EMDR, I help improve coping with immediate stressors to allow work towards deeper personal growth .
Hello! I work with individuals who wish to create lasting, positive changes in their lives and relationships. I offer safe, compassionate and supportive counseling in an atmosphere that deepens understanding, promotes healing, and releases potential. Unresolved emotional issues can stifle creativity, confidence, ambition, and our ability for good relationships. Trauma and loss can cause sadness, depression and pain that inhibit and block. My personal style is interactive, empathic, non-judgmental and respectful of individual values and choices.
(415) 326-1276 View (415) 326-1276
Photo of Monica Nunez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Monica Nunez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
Telehealth appts available now anywhere in CA! I'm a psychoanalyst certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Eating Disorders. My niche is couples, control issues, communication issues, intimacy issues, guilt, anger, codependency, and trying to please others. My mission is to help you achieve self actualization!
Telehealth appts available now anywhere in CA! I'm a psychoanalyst certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Eating Disorders. My niche is couples, control issues, communication issues, intimacy issues, guilt, anger, codependency, and trying to please others. My mission is to help you achieve self actualization!
(951) 355-2694 View (951) 355-2694

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EMDR Therapists

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.