EMDR Therapists in Shirley, NY

Photo of Heather M Ortiz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Heather M Ortiz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shirley, NY 11967  (Online Only)
With the many ups and downs of life, we can all benefit from some additional support. My goal as a therapist is to help you identify your core values and create the positive change you desire.
With the many ups and downs of life, we can all benefit from some additional support. My goal as a therapist is to help you identify your core values and create the positive change you desire.
(631) 800-7687 View (631) 800-7687
Photo of Brittni Traina, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Brittni Traina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shirley, NY 11967  (Online Only)
As a licensed clinical social worker, I want to help you achieve your goals in obtaining an improved quality of life by working together to identify coping strategies that best suit you. I enjoy teaching you skills including mindfulness training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and distress tolerance skills so that you can implement them to decrease the intensity, severity, and frequency of your psychiatric symptoms.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I want to help you achieve your goals in obtaining an improved quality of life by working together to identify coping strategies that best suit you. I enjoy teaching you skills including mindfulness training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and distress tolerance skills so that you can implement them to decrease the intensity, severity, and frequency of your psychiatric symptoms.
(631) 379-5637 View (631) 379-5637

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Darcy Cahill in Shirley, NY
Darcy Cahill
LMSW
Verified Verified
Patchogue, NY 11772
Darcy believes that each person possesses the innate capacity for healing, and that we are always moving towards connection and growth. She views her work as an opportunity to create a warm and trusting space that can be used to identify and address the disruptions that have occurred along the way of this natural growth process. Darcy has specialized training in perinatal mental health. She utilizes a variety of different approaches, including EMDR therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Darcy believes that each person possesses the innate capacity for healing, and that we are always moving towards connection and growth. She views her work as an opportunity to create a warm and trusting space that can be used to identify and address the disruptions that have occurred along the way of this natural growth process. Darcy has specialized training in perinatal mental health. She utilizes a variety of different approaches, including EMDR therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
(631) 685-2101 View (631) 685-2101
Photo of Jillian Mellon, Counselor in Shirley, NY
Jillian Mellon
Counselor, LMHC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Patchogue, NY 11772  (Online Only)
I am an EMDR Trained Therapist. My counseling style is collaborative, supportive, and transparent. I believe that when people are provided with a genuinely safe, warm, and nonjudgmental space to self-explore, we gain awareness, process difficulties, and substantially improve the quality of our lives. I invite you to begin this journey of healing and transformation. I have an eclectic skill set that I can personalize to meet your treatment needs. Together, we can explore life balance issues such as, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, life transitions, trauma, panic, relationship issues, and/or coping with family conflict.
I am an EMDR Trained Therapist. My counseling style is collaborative, supportive, and transparent. I believe that when people are provided with a genuinely safe, warm, and nonjudgmental space to self-explore, we gain awareness, process difficulties, and substantially improve the quality of our lives. I invite you to begin this journey of healing and transformation. I have an eclectic skill set that I can personalize to meet your treatment needs. Together, we can explore life balance issues such as, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, life transitions, trauma, panic, relationship issues, and/or coping with family conflict.
(631) 529-6424 View (631) 529-6424
Photo of Cara Ann Stillwell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Cara Ann Stillwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bayport, NY 11705
Cara Ann Stillwell is a clinician at Inspiring Wellness in Sayville, NY who specializes in EMDR therapy. Cara is a NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned her degree through Stony Brook University. As a trained EMDR Therapist, Cara provides this specialized psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms of emotional distress that are a result of disturbing life experiences. Cara has professional experience in the mental health field providing individual and family therapy as well. She works with a variety of ages including children 5 and older, college aged, young adults and adults.
Cara Ann Stillwell is a clinician at Inspiring Wellness in Sayville, NY who specializes in EMDR therapy. Cara is a NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned her degree through Stony Brook University. As a trained EMDR Therapist, Cara provides this specialized psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms of emotional distress that are a result of disturbing life experiences. Cara has professional experience in the mental health field providing individual and family therapy as well. She works with a variety of ages including children 5 and older, college aged, young adults and adults.
(631) 309-2971 View (631) 309-2971
Photo of Cheryl Levy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Cheryl Levy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Medford, NY 11763  (Online Only)
I am trained in Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Systems, EMDR and TFT.
Navigating life can be difficult, but more so if you have anxiety and depression or have faced trauma or loss. These feelings can cause you to feel overwhelmed and out of control. There are times in everyone's life when they can benefit from support, guidance and help in understanding why past coping skills may no longer be helpful. Through a non-judgement, supportive environment, I work with my clients to identify strengths, validate truths and explore patterns and beliefs that may no longer be helpful in attaining their goals. Virtual sessions are offered to make it easy to connect in the comfort of your home.
I am trained in Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Systems, EMDR and TFT.
Navigating life can be difficult, but more so if you have anxiety and depression or have faced trauma or loss. These feelings can cause you to feel overwhelmed and out of control. There are times in everyone's life when they can benefit from support, guidance and help in understanding why past coping skills may no longer be helpful. Through a non-judgement, supportive environment, I work with my clients to identify strengths, validate truths and explore patterns and beliefs that may no longer be helpful in attaining their goals. Virtual sessions are offered to make it easy to connect in the comfort of your home.
(631) 557-5145 View (631) 557-5145
Photo of Sowania Germain,LMHC,PMH-C Emdr Couples Intensives, Counselor in Shirley, NY
Sowania Germain,LMHC,PMH-C Emdr Couples Intensives
Counselor, MA, LMHC, PMH-C, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East Patchogue, NY 11772  (Online Only)
I use EFT, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help you achieve real change in days so you can feel better, faster.
Are you a new Mother that is struggling to balance motherhood , career and self care? Do you feel like you have lost your identity, or are having a hard time getting back to normal? Are you grieving the loss of a recent pregnancy & wondering if you will ever get pregnant and sustain a viable pregnancy? If you’re struggling to communicate with your partner and want to get back to a healthy, loving relationship… You don’t have to be alone in this … Maybe you’re needing help — and a lot of it — right now, and you don’t want to spend months or even years in the traditional weekly model of therapy treatment to feel better.
I use EFT, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help you achieve real change in days so you can feel better, faster.
Are you a new Mother that is struggling to balance motherhood , career and self care? Do you feel like you have lost your identity, or are having a hard time getting back to normal? Are you grieving the loss of a recent pregnancy & wondering if you will ever get pregnant and sustain a viable pregnancy? If you’re struggling to communicate with your partner and want to get back to a healthy, loving relationship… You don’t have to be alone in this … Maybe you’re needing help — and a lot of it — right now, and you don’t want to spend months or even years in the traditional weekly model of therapy treatment to feel better.
(631) 380-1805 View (631) 380-1805
Photo of Nicole L Coogan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Nicole L Coogan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bayport, NY 11705
Inspiring Wellness provides a safe, nurturing environment for those seeking a way to reduce stress through therapy. We have therapists on staff including Clinical Social Workers, EMDR Therapists and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists who can help you meet your personal wellness goals. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction are incorporated into all sessions with our clients. Our therapists specialize in Individual and Family Therapy and use psycho-education designed to improve coping skill and interpersonal skills in order to help better manage symptoms of anxiety, depression and mood liability.
Inspiring Wellness provides a safe, nurturing environment for those seeking a way to reduce stress through therapy. We have therapists on staff including Clinical Social Workers, EMDR Therapists and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists who can help you meet your personal wellness goals. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction are incorporated into all sessions with our clients. Our therapists specialize in Individual and Family Therapy and use psycho-education designed to improve coping skill and interpersonal skills in order to help better manage symptoms of anxiety, depression and mood liability.
(631) 496-1808 View (631) 496-1808
Eleanor Palma
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bayport, NY 11705
I have been a licensed psychologist for more than 25 years, and am certified in hypnosis by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. I have expertise in anxiety disorders, depression, trauma related disorders, and treatment of chronic pain. I utilize an active, solution oriented approach to therapy, which can include behavioral management, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and hypnosis.
I have been a licensed psychologist for more than 25 years, and am certified in hypnosis by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. I have expertise in anxiety disorders, depression, trauma related disorders, and treatment of chronic pain. I utilize an active, solution oriented approach to therapy, which can include behavioral management, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and hypnosis.
(631) 830-4779 View (631) 830-4779
Photo of Shannon Marshall, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Shannon Marshall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brookhaven, NY 11719  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR/psychoanalysis/CBT & DBT.
Telehealth therapist: I have a direct approach, and help my clients to meet their goals. Therapy can be enjoyable, and challenging at the same time. I try and strike that balance. I am trained in EMDR for trauma, OCD exposure therapy, DBT for a tool based therapy, and psychoanalysis for inner child work. I take most health insurances and offer a private pay rate if needed. My clients would likely say that I have pushed them to meet their goals, and that they don't feel they are facing them on their own. If you want to take charge of your mental health-contact me. I am committed to each client I see.
I am trained in EMDR/psychoanalysis/CBT & DBT.
Telehealth therapist: I have a direct approach, and help my clients to meet their goals. Therapy can be enjoyable, and challenging at the same time. I try and strike that balance. I am trained in EMDR for trauma, OCD exposure therapy, DBT for a tool based therapy, and psychoanalysis for inner child work. I take most health insurances and offer a private pay rate if needed. My clients would likely say that I have pushed them to meet their goals, and that they don't feel they are facing them on their own. If you want to take charge of your mental health-contact me. I am committed to each client I see.
(631) 490-5483 View (631) 490-5483
Photo of Daisha Nesbitt, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Shirley, NY
Daisha Nesbitt
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mastic, NY 11950  (Online Only)
Connecting CBT, DBT, EMDR, Solution Focus Therapy, and Mindfulness with modern life application toward your transformation.
Email to work with our interns 10 sessions/ $10 per session! For you, your child, or family-What would you like to overcome? Let’s collaborate to facilitate transformation by helping you understand emotions, learn coping skills, increase confidence, heal from trauma, relieve anxiety, reduce depressive cycles, find balance in new life dynamics and feel empowered. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, adventurer and corny joke lover I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults and families who are ready to make changes in their lives. I am person centered, direct, strength based, and encourage my clients to be themselves.
Connecting CBT, DBT, EMDR, Solution Focus Therapy, and Mindfulness with modern life application toward your transformation.
Email to work with our interns 10 sessions/ $10 per session! For you, your child, or family-What would you like to overcome? Let’s collaborate to facilitate transformation by helping you understand emotions, learn coping skills, increase confidence, heal from trauma, relieve anxiety, reduce depressive cycles, find balance in new life dynamics and feel empowered. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, adventurer and corny joke lover I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults and families who are ready to make changes in their lives. I am person centered, direct, strength based, and encourage my clients to be themselves.
(845) 237-5270 View (845) 237-5270
Photo of Jane Teitel-Negrin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Jane Teitel-Negrin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Farmingville, NY 11738
As a solution-focused therapist I honor the interconnection of Mind, Body and Spirit by applying complementary approaches and techniques (cognitive, behavioral, analytical, EMDR) to challenge negative perceptions that thwart us from a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Our growth brings positive change! Today you are one step closer to a new you as you reach out for support and guidance with the realization that something isn't working effectively in your relationship with yourself and others. In a safe, caring and respectful environment I work with individuals, couples, and families toward creating more fulfilling lives. When we seek compassionate professional help at difficult times in our lives we are valuing ourselves and our relationships so that we can get what we need and deserve.
As a solution-focused therapist I honor the interconnection of Mind, Body and Spirit by applying complementary approaches and techniques (cognitive, behavioral, analytical, EMDR) to challenge negative perceptions that thwart us from a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Our growth brings positive change! Today you are one step closer to a new you as you reach out for support and guidance with the realization that something isn't working effectively in your relationship with yourself and others. In a safe, caring and respectful environment I work with individuals, couples, and families toward creating more fulfilling lives. When we seek compassionate professional help at difficult times in our lives we are valuing ourselves and our relationships so that we can get what we need and deserve.
(631) 938-7284 View (631) 938-7284
Photo of Erena DiGonis, LCSW, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Erena DiGonis, LCSW, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellport, NY 11713  (Online Only)
Welcome to our group psychotherapy practice! We are a team of dedicated licensed therapists specializing in anxiety, stress-related issues, and trauma for teenagers and adults. We provide virtual therapy for individual, couples, or family sessions. Our therapists have extensive training and experience with trauma modalities such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Psychedelic Integration therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness, Nutrition, Coaching, and Neuroscience. Our style is warm and highly interactive. Additionally, we are proud to offer bilingual therapists fluent in Spanish and Russian. We offer Case Consultation for therapists.
Welcome to our group psychotherapy practice! We are a team of dedicated licensed therapists specializing in anxiety, stress-related issues, and trauma for teenagers and adults. We provide virtual therapy for individual, couples, or family sessions. Our therapists have extensive training and experience with trauma modalities such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Psychedelic Integration therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness, Nutrition, Coaching, and Neuroscience. Our style is warm and highly interactive. Additionally, we are proud to offer bilingual therapists fluent in Spanish and Russian. We offer Case Consultation for therapists.
(934) 200-2705 View (934) 200-2705
Photo of Veronica J. Harkins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Veronica J. Harkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bayport, NY 11705
I have completed Part II of the certification in EMDR which I have found to be especially helpful to people with issues related to trauma, anxiety and or depression.
Helping someone to feel comfortable and safe discussing whatever they are struggling with is my highest priority. The decision to talk to a professional about personal problems is often difficult and frightening. However, the way I see it is that we all encounter challenges that may be beyond our ablity to handle well alone at some points in our lives. Having the courage to ask for help is really a strength rather than a weakness. People who come to me for help say I am easy to talk to and provide them with the chance to develop a healthy perspective.
I have completed Part II of the certification in EMDR which I have found to be especially helpful to people with issues related to trauma, anxiety and or depression.
Helping someone to feel comfortable and safe discussing whatever they are struggling with is my highest priority. The decision to talk to a professional about personal problems is often difficult and frightening. However, the way I see it is that we all encounter challenges that may be beyond our ablity to handle well alone at some points in our lives. Having the courage to ask for help is really a strength rather than a weakness. People who come to me for help say I am easy to talk to and provide them with the chance to develop a healthy perspective.
(631) 619-7943 View (631) 619-7943
Photo of Stav Levy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Stav Levy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SIFI, Emdr, DBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Coram, NY 11727  (Online Only)
I am EMDR certified for complicated trauma , I am SIFI certified.
Let’s walk through the beach, the woods. Take a sip of tea with fresh mint, and enter a world of imagination, creativity, become one with the river, no judgment, safety, healing, serenity, grounding, love, solace, and always meeting you where you’re at. I take a holistic approach and focus on the mind body connection. I believe guided imagery meditation, motivational interviewing, dbt, creativity, psychodynamic, trauma informed care, emdr, and person centered approaches are ideal. I prefer to assist anyone who has felt demoralized or ostracized because of who they are. I believe we can impact the world together one smile at a time.
I am EMDR certified for complicated trauma , I am SIFI certified.
Let’s walk through the beach, the woods. Take a sip of tea with fresh mint, and enter a world of imagination, creativity, become one with the river, no judgment, safety, healing, serenity, grounding, love, solace, and always meeting you where you’re at. I take a holistic approach and focus on the mind body connection. I believe guided imagery meditation, motivational interviewing, dbt, creativity, psychodynamic, trauma informed care, emdr, and person centered approaches are ideal. I prefer to assist anyone who has felt demoralized or ostracized because of who they are. I believe we can impact the world together one smile at a time.
(516) 271-1731 View (516) 271-1731
Photo of Beth Miller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Beth Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, CEC, CAHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bayport, NY 11705
I have extensive training in CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Life Coaching, energy work, & more.
Yes! You CAN absolutely transform your anxiety, depression, and negativity. You can get unstuck, breakthrough your blocks, heal your past, and create a thriving future. You can feel at peace, connect with your highest self, and live your purpose. Everyone can learn how to make these changes... and I would be honored to show you how. Together, we will create a clear vision of what you want in your life, heal your blocks & traumas, and teach you the skills needed for a lifetime of happiness and success. Your life is precious & meaningful, and you deserve to feel positive and powerful in it.
I have extensive training in CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Life Coaching, energy work, & more.
Yes! You CAN absolutely transform your anxiety, depression, and negativity. You can get unstuck, breakthrough your blocks, heal your past, and create a thriving future. You can feel at peace, connect with your highest self, and live your purpose. Everyone can learn how to make these changes... and I would be honored to show you how. Together, we will create a clear vision of what you want in your life, heal your blocks & traumas, and teach you the skills needed for a lifetime of happiness and success. Your life is precious & meaningful, and you deserve to feel positive and powerful in it.
(631) 593-5420 View (631) 593-5420
Photo of Elizabeth Markow-Brown, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Elizabeth Markow-Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MPS, MSW, LCSW, ATR
Verified Verified
Bellport, NY 11713
Since each client's history, way of processing information, learning style, and personal development is unique, we work together to utilize modalities in addition to traditional psychotherapy such as expressive arts therapies, EMDR, hypnosis, etc.
I have enjoyed the last 35 years working with clients of all age groups in a professional capacity in various settings ; hospitals, clinics, schools and private practice.I now integrate expertise, life experience, and training solely to a small private practice in a calm and serene setting. I help clients develop an individualized approach to cope with life situations, and create a path toward emotional health, comfort, and relief . Are you a mom coping with an ill or learning disabled child, or aging parent? An anxious shy teen with peer issues? Individual with relationship issues? You can develop strategies to cope.
Since each client's history, way of processing information, learning style, and personal development is unique, we work together to utilize modalities in addition to traditional psychotherapy such as expressive arts therapies, EMDR, hypnosis, etc.
I have enjoyed the last 35 years working with clients of all age groups in a professional capacity in various settings ; hospitals, clinics, schools and private practice.I now integrate expertise, life experience, and training solely to a small private practice in a calm and serene setting. I help clients develop an individualized approach to cope with life situations, and create a path toward emotional health, comfort, and relief . Are you a mom coping with an ill or learning disabled child, or aging parent? An anxious shy teen with peer issues? Individual with relationship issues? You can develop strategies to cope.
(631) 496-2281 View (631) 496-2281
Photo of Feel Alive Therapy LCSW P.C. , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Feel Alive Therapy LCSW P.C.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Patchogue, NY 11772
Hi! We are so happy you're here. Congratulations on taking the first step towards becoming a better version of yourself. At Feel Alive Therapy LCSW P.C. we believe in capitalizing on our client's strengths in order to empower them to heal and self-improve. We create a safe, welcoming, and comforting environment for our clients to process their feelings and emotions. Our goal is to assist our clients in developing an increased sense of self-awareness and insight. Our clients focus on learning the necessary coping mechanisms necessary to live a happy, healthy, and balanced life.
Hi! We are so happy you're here. Congratulations on taking the first step towards becoming a better version of yourself. At Feel Alive Therapy LCSW P.C. we believe in capitalizing on our client's strengths in order to empower them to heal and self-improve. We create a safe, welcoming, and comforting environment for our clients to process their feelings and emotions. Our goal is to assist our clients in developing an increased sense of self-awareness and insight. Our clients focus on learning the necessary coping mechanisms necessary to live a happy, healthy, and balanced life.
(631) 509-3221 View (631) 509-3221
Photo of Katherine Orobona, Licensed Master Social Worker in Shirley, NY
Katherine Orobona
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
Yaphank, NY 11980
Our childhood, history, and personal myths about ourselves are powerful forces that have the ability to shape our interpersonal relationships and behaviors; worldview and ourselves. At some point, we all have experiences, challenges or life altering experiences that will have the ability to change our trajectory, bring us to a cross road or that will challenge our core beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. Through my work with individuals, families and couples I have enjoyed helping others to navigate these obstacles in order to transform these adverse experiences into opportunities of growth.
Our childhood, history, and personal myths about ourselves are powerful forces that have the ability to shape our interpersonal relationships and behaviors; worldview and ourselves. At some point, we all have experiences, challenges or life altering experiences that will have the ability to change our trajectory, bring us to a cross road or that will challenge our core beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. Through my work with individuals, families and couples I have enjoyed helping others to navigate these obstacles in order to transform these adverse experiences into opportunities of growth.
(516) 212-6981 View (516) 212-6981
Photo of Krista Metrinko, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shirley, NY
Krista Metrinko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Moriches, NY 11940
You get up early for a quick shower or a hot cup of coffee before the kids wake up and the day gets insane. Or, you peel yourself out of your bed with foggy eyes and force yourself to get ready to start the day. That knot in your stomach just won't go away and you feel like you are running in circles. Things have happened in your life that affected you in ways you can't really understand. Strained relationships with family, a divorce or difficulty adjusting to your new role as a parent. Life doesn't have to be this way!
You get up early for a quick shower or a hot cup of coffee before the kids wake up and the day gets insane. Or, you peel yourself out of your bed with foggy eyes and force yourself to get ready to start the day. That knot in your stomach just won't go away and you feel like you are running in circles. Things have happened in your life that affected you in ways you can't really understand. Strained relationships with family, a divorce or difficulty adjusting to your new role as a parent. Life doesn't have to be this way!
(631) 419-7985 View (631) 419-7985

See more therapy options for Shirley

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.