EMDR Therapists in Buncombe County, NC
Justina Prenatt
Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
With EMDR, mindfulness, gratitude, healthy boundaries, effective communication, and connection to nature, you can reclaim your life powerfully.
I believe that we live in challenging times. Many people find it difficult to feel confident and self assured, have peaceful, fulfilling relationships, navigate the demands of finances, family, work and home, and also focus on nourishing self care. These challenges are interconnected. They are related to how we have developed our sense of self in the context of family expectations and experiences, societal demands, cultural assumptions, and media influence. It is necessary for all of us to learn how to live our best lives in these particular circumstances. You are not alone.
With EMDR, mindfulness, gratitude, healthy boundaries, effective communication, and connection to nature, you can reclaim your life powerfully.
I believe that we live in challenging times. Many people find it difficult to feel confident and self assured, have peaceful, fulfilling relationships, navigate the demands of finances, family, work and home, and also focus on nourishing self care. These challenges are interconnected. They are related to how we have developed our sense of self in the context of family expectations and experiences, societal demands, cultural assumptions, and media influence. It is necessary for all of us to learn how to live our best lives in these particular circumstances. You are not alone.
Aimee Elise Mercier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, CHT
Verified Verified
Weaverville, NC 28787
Waitlist for new clients
I am certified in EMDR, hypnotherapy and ketamine-assisted therapy, have training in IFS, biofeedback and somatic therapies and am a registered yoga teacher.
All talked out? Many of my clients have decades of experience in therapy, yet have found little relief from their anxiety or depression. I work with adults and couples who are ready to go deeper into the unconscious mind to heal old wounds, change outdated patterns and cultivate a compassionate relationship with themselves. My clients have great insight, and are ready to finally embody and feel what they cognitively know to be true: “I am safe. I am loveable. I am enough.” Deeply knowing yourself is the greatest gift you can give your heart. Learning to regulate your nervous system is a close second.
I am certified in EMDR, hypnotherapy and ketamine-assisted therapy, have training in IFS, biofeedback and somatic therapies and am a registered yoga teacher.
All talked out? Many of my clients have decades of experience in therapy, yet have found little relief from their anxiety or depression. I work with adults and couples who are ready to go deeper into the unconscious mind to heal old wounds, change outdated patterns and cultivate a compassionate relationship with themselves. My clients have great insight, and are ready to finally embody and feel what they cognitively know to be true: “I am safe. I am loveable. I am enough.” Deeply knowing yourself is the greatest gift you can give your heart. Learning to regulate your nervous system is a close second.
Asheville Art Therapy and Counseling
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, DrPH, ATR, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Candler, NC 28715
I am currently on leave. For a child and play therapist please see website to contact our wonderful therapist Debra. As an art therapist and mental health counselor, my style of work is to focus on strengths, compassion, and coping skills. While I am trained in a diversity of methodologies including EMDR, my primary focus is to individualize my approach for each client. I have a specialty in trauma-informed practice, and I have worked with a wide range of populations, including at-risk adolescents, children, families, adults, trauma survivors, and active-duty military.
I am currently on leave. For a child and play therapist please see website to contact our wonderful therapist Debra. As an art therapist and mental health counselor, my style of work is to focus on strengths, compassion, and coping skills. While I am trained in a diversity of methodologies including EMDR, my primary focus is to individualize my approach for each client. I have a specialty in trauma-informed practice, and I have worked with a wide range of populations, including at-risk adolescents, children, families, adults, trauma survivors, and active-duty military.
Laura Oberland
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28804
I specialize in processing trauma and I am trained in EMDR therapy.
Welcome! I believe it takes just the right combination of bravery and hope to enter counseling, so I am happy that you are here. I am committed to helping people utilize their own knowledge of themselves and build a healthier, happier, and more resilient life. It is completely natural to struggle and experience difficulties. Sometimes these difficulties come from experiencing traumatic events, managing difficult relationships, and even feeling as if we do not know ourselves and what we really want out of life. My role as a counselor is to provide guidance, help to organize feelings and concerns, and support you in your goals.
I specialize in processing trauma and I am trained in EMDR therapy.
Welcome! I believe it takes just the right combination of bravery and hope to enter counseling, so I am happy that you are here. I am committed to helping people utilize their own knowledge of themselves and build a healthier, happier, and more resilient life. It is completely natural to struggle and experience difficulties. Sometimes these difficulties come from experiencing traumatic events, managing difficult relationships, and even feeling as if we do not know ourselves and what we really want out of life. My role as a counselor is to provide guidance, help to organize feelings and concerns, and support you in your goals.
Brandy Houser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
Specializing in multiple forms of therapy including DBT, CBT and EMDR.
I have been in the mental health field for 13 years with experience in Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder and people that just feel stuck. I work with a wide range of individuals ages 18 to the end stages of life. It is important for me to remain true to who I am and to provide clients with an experience that at times can be hard to sit with, however the process provides insight, meaning and problem solving. The journey to better mental health is best with a person that can walk along with you. If you are ready for change I will be there.
Specializing in multiple forms of therapy including DBT, CBT and EMDR.
I have been in the mental health field for 13 years with experience in Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder and people that just feel stuck. I work with a wide range of individuals ages 18 to the end stages of life. It is important for me to remain true to who I am and to provide clients with an experience that at times can be hard to sit with, however the process provides insight, meaning and problem solving. The journey to better mental health is best with a person that can walk along with you. If you are ready for change I will be there.
Katy Cooley
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28804
Waitlist for new clients
I am an EMDR Certified therapist.
People generally seek counseling because where they are is not where they want to be. Moving from one place to the other can only happen if changes are made. I focus on creating a trusting and safe environment with an emphasis on collaboration to help ensure that the process to change, though possibly difficult and even painful, is ultimately rewarding and lasting. My focus is on treating you as an individual with unique needs and goals and I will work with you to develop strategies for change based on the information you bring to each session.
I am an EMDR Certified therapist.
People generally seek counseling because where they are is not where they want to be. Moving from one place to the other can only happen if changes are made. I focus on creating a trusting and safe environment with an emphasis on collaboration to help ensure that the process to change, though possibly difficult and even painful, is ultimately rewarding and lasting. My focus is on treating you as an individual with unique needs and goals and I will work with you to develop strategies for change based on the information you bring to each session.
Tara Beardsley
MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28804
My therapeutic approach includes elements of Internal Family Systems, EMDR (Eye movement desensitization reprocessing), mindfulness, body awareness, and expressive art techniques.
Individuals I work with are tired of being tired, tired of anxious thoughts keeping you up at night. You may feel stuck in the cycle of unhealthy behaviors, the effects of trauma, or having difficulty asking for what you want and need. It may be hard to even know what you want or need. But you want something different. I see my role as a guide for you. I focus on helping you reconnect to your wise, compassionate and loving self. Having this connection will give you the clarity, confidence and compassion and connection you've been looking for.
My therapeutic approach includes elements of Internal Family Systems, EMDR (Eye movement desensitization reprocessing), mindfulness, body awareness, and expressive art techniques.
Individuals I work with are tired of being tired, tired of anxious thoughts keeping you up at night. You may feel stuck in the cycle of unhealthy behaviors, the effects of trauma, or having difficulty asking for what you want and need. It may be hard to even know what you want or need. But you want something different. I see my role as a guide for you. I focus on helping you reconnect to your wise, compassionate and loving self. Having this connection will give you the clarity, confidence and compassion and connection you've been looking for.
Zac Tompkins
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Candler, NC 28715
Waitlist for new clients
To that end, I employ mindfulness, CBT, EMDR, Brainspotting, existential therapy, Gestalt.
To move through suffering and risk hope of something better takes such courage. My work finds its foundation in a deep respect for that choice. I meet my clients’ courage by welcoming all parts of them- their overwhelm, strengths, grief, hopes, and fears. That welcoming manifests in my curiosity, care, and genuine empathy for your experience. My grounded presence, calm yet playful demeanor, clarity of thought, and feedback-informed approach have helped folks safely share their inner world. That safety can be deeply healing, and through it I've witnessed my clients move from simply surviving to living a life of vitality and meaning.
To that end, I employ mindfulness, CBT, EMDR, Brainspotting, existential therapy, Gestalt.
To move through suffering and risk hope of something better takes such courage. My work finds its foundation in a deep respect for that choice. I meet my clients’ courage by welcoming all parts of them- their overwhelm, strengths, grief, hopes, and fears. That welcoming manifests in my curiosity, care, and genuine empathy for your experience. My grounded presence, calm yet playful demeanor, clarity of thought, and feedback-informed approach have helped folks safely share their inner world. That safety can be deeply healing, and through it I've witnessed my clients move from simply surviving to living a life of vitality and meaning.
Mary Edson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
I am trained in talk, art, and EMDR therapy models.
Welcome! Counseling offers a safe, nonjudgmental, space for exploring the psyche, finding meaning in challenging life events, and experiencing a sense of hope. The counseling process can be creative and exciting, and at times, it can be difficult. I seek to be open, supportive, curious, and responsive to my clients as they navigate their journey. I lean toward a psychodynamic psychotherapy model, exploring how our attachment styles, family stories, coping mechanisms, and unconscious layers of thoughts and feelings influence our present day life.
I am trained in talk, art, and EMDR therapy models.
Welcome! Counseling offers a safe, nonjudgmental, space for exploring the psyche, finding meaning in challenging life events, and experiencing a sense of hope. The counseling process can be creative and exciting, and at times, it can be difficult. I seek to be open, supportive, curious, and responsive to my clients as they navigate their journey. I lean toward a psychodynamic psychotherapy model, exploring how our attachment styles, family stories, coping mechanisms, and unconscious layers of thoughts and feelings influence our present day life.
Rebecca Butler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC, SEP
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Sessions with me include honest feedback, connection, somatic techniques, strengthening self-regulation, movement, nervous system education, trauma release, inner child work, repairing and making sense of old wounds, creating new neural pathways, and at times somatic-based EMDR.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed and disconnected from both, yourself and others? Do you often feel alone, worried, and ache to feel a deeper sense of belonging? I empower individuals like you to reclaim your inner voice and assert your boundaries and authenticity. Through somatic psychotherapy, a holistic approach that creates a stronger mind-body connection, I can help you embrace your entire being - mind, body, and soul - and confidently express yourself in the world. By healing your body and mind, you can live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Sessions with me include honest feedback, connection, somatic techniques, strengthening self-regulation, movement, nervous system education, trauma release, inner child work, repairing and making sense of old wounds, creating new neural pathways, and at times somatic-based EMDR.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed and disconnected from both, yourself and others? Do you often feel alone, worried, and ache to feel a deeper sense of belonging? I empower individuals like you to reclaim your inner voice and assert your boundaries and authenticity. Through somatic psychotherapy, a holistic approach that creates a stronger mind-body connection, I can help you embrace your entire being - mind, body, and soul - and confidently express yourself in the world. By healing your body and mind, you can live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Katie Salmons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arden, NC 28704
I am also EMDR Trained if you are looking for this specialty!.
I was a teenager and young adult that experienced unhappiness and anger. I even thought therapy was a bunch of fuckery and wouldn’t help… so I avoided therapy until it was really needed. I wished I got therapy sooner as I found resilience and empowerment to be the best version of myself and that is what I hope to do for you. I primarily work with pre-adolescents, adolescents, and young adults who struggle with various types of trauma, anger, anxiety, depression with or without self injurious behaviors and suicidal ideation, all types of addiction. (Also, I am licensed in NC, SC, and CT).
I am also EMDR Trained if you are looking for this specialty!.
I was a teenager and young adult that experienced unhappiness and anger. I even thought therapy was a bunch of fuckery and wouldn’t help… so I avoided therapy until it was really needed. I wished I got therapy sooner as I found resilience and empowerment to be the best version of myself and that is what I hope to do for you. I primarily work with pre-adolescents, adolescents, and young adults who struggle with various types of trauma, anger, anxiety, depression with or without self injurious behaviors and suicidal ideation, all types of addiction. (Also, I am licensed in NC, SC, and CT).
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Sarah Page .... Therapist Counselor Navigator
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
I use a combination of CBT , mindfulness practices, trauma resolution tools (EMDR, IFS), somatic tools, relapse prevention skills and more to open my clients to their natural drive and movement toward healing, growth and change.
Are you living with depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, lack of direction, trauma? I believe that we naturally feel a call to live meaningful, loving lives and know intuitively that this is our best path but we often will feel stuck, unsure, fearful and so take no action. Existential therapy calls this a restricted existence and believes the goal of all therapy is to remove the road blocks that are limiting you from moving toward living your best life.
I use a combination of CBT , mindfulness practices, trauma resolution tools (EMDR, IFS), somatic tools, relapse prevention skills and more to open my clients to their natural drive and movement toward healing, growth and change.
Are you living with depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, lack of direction, trauma? I believe that we naturally feel a call to live meaningful, loving lives and know intuitively that this is our best path but we often will feel stuck, unsure, fearful and so take no action. Existential therapy calls this a restricted existence and believes the goal of all therapy is to remove the road blocks that are limiting you from moving toward living your best life.
Mary Monaghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I use EMDR therapy to help clients work through traumatic memories and stressors.
Stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol, harmful eating patterns, self-harm, or fall back on other old habits to cope with your emotions. You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or fear. Maybe you are in recovery from addiction or an eating disorder, and are having trouble maintaining your progress. You may be navigating your gender and sexual identify. Or perhaps you are concerned that your teenager is dealing with some of these issues. Whatever you are facing, you are not alone! I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.
I use EMDR therapy to help clients work through traumatic memories and stressors.
Stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol, harmful eating patterns, self-harm, or fall back on other old habits to cope with your emotions. You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or fear. Maybe you are in recovery from addiction or an eating disorder, and are having trouble maintaining your progress. You may be navigating your gender and sexual identify. Or perhaps you are concerned that your teenager is dealing with some of these issues. Whatever you are facing, you are not alone! I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.
Leta Bell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28804
I am interactive, solution focused and trained in EMDR, the Gottman couples method and Imago Therapy.
Hello, Thank you for visiting my page. I have worked with people who have experienced trauma, depression, unresolved grief, addiction, anxiety, loss, and life transitions. I work collaboratively with my clients, while being supportive and dedicated to their increased well being. My approach to therapy is to be genuine, open, honest, supportive, and curious. I view psychotherapy as a framework for identifying, understanding, and working through problems that cause people to feel stuck, helpless or insecure about their lives. Ultimately, I consider the goal of psychotherapy as empowering others to reach aspired levels of purpose.
I am interactive, solution focused and trained in EMDR, the Gottman couples method and Imago Therapy.
Hello, Thank you for visiting my page. I have worked with people who have experienced trauma, depression, unresolved grief, addiction, anxiety, loss, and life transitions. I work collaboratively with my clients, while being supportive and dedicated to their increased well being. My approach to therapy is to be genuine, open, honest, supportive, and curious. I view psychotherapy as a framework for identifying, understanding, and working through problems that cause people to feel stuck, helpless or insecure about their lives. Ultimately, I consider the goal of psychotherapy as empowering others to reach aspired levels of purpose.
Eman Moustafa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
Looking for more than talk therapy? Using powerfully effective evidence-based modalities, I guide you on your path to well being and toward your mental health goals with minimum distress. I use my 18 years of psychotherapy experience to help you clear obstacles getting in the way of your flow, happiness, and progress. I also bring 13 years of highly trained EMDR practice to facilitate the process. Telehealth phone sessions are an accessible way to air your concerns, feel heard, and receive support. Many people can focus better on important content without the distraction of the visual. (Only available to NC residents.)
Looking for more than talk therapy? Using powerfully effective evidence-based modalities, I guide you on your path to well being and toward your mental health goals with minimum distress. I use my 18 years of psychotherapy experience to help you clear obstacles getting in the way of your flow, happiness, and progress. I also bring 13 years of highly trained EMDR practice to facilitate the process. Telehealth phone sessions are an accessible way to air your concerns, feel heard, and receive support. Many people can focus better on important content without the distraction of the visual. (Only available to NC residents.)
Omileye Achikeobi-Lewis
Counselor, DACM, MAOM, MEd, LCMCH, LAC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
With Resolve and Release Therapy, In five sessions I shift the negative issues with combination of counseling, EMDR, Hypnotherapy and other transformative therapeutic techniques.
As a former UK Journalist, intuitive, and trauma-focused counselor, I am good at helping you discover the core of your story and shift the shadows and trauma from inner childhood issues resulting in anxiety, depression, grief, lack of direction and purpose, bad relationships and more. I do so through Resolve and Release Therapy or EMDR
With Resolve and Release Therapy, In five sessions I shift the negative issues with combination of counseling, EMDR, Hypnotherapy and other transformative therapeutic techniques.
As a former UK Journalist, intuitive, and trauma-focused counselor, I am good at helping you discover the core of your story and shift the shadows and trauma from inner childhood issues resulting in anxiety, depression, grief, lack of direction and purpose, bad relationships and more. I do so through Resolve and Release Therapy or EMDR
George Rinker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MDiv, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
My specialties have been in the areas of relationship/marital, trauma resolution (EMDR), anxiety, identity/sexuality, life purpose, self esteem, addictive behaviors, and career/vocational counseling.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years of experience; I value the uniqueness of each individual and in the strength and creativity of the human spirit. Within the counseling relationship is a safe place to define areas of growth, vent feelings, explore possibilities, find encouragement and move toward peacefulness. My approach to counseling is gentle and encouraging, although I can be direct when helpful. I will support without judging and am respectful of individual and cultural differences. Success Starts with YOU and Counseling can help !
My specialties have been in the areas of relationship/marital, trauma resolution (EMDR), anxiety, identity/sexuality, life purpose, self esteem, addictive behaviors, and career/vocational counseling.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years of experience; I value the uniqueness of each individual and in the strength and creativity of the human spirit. Within the counseling relationship is a safe place to define areas of growth, vent feelings, explore possibilities, find encouragement and move toward peacefulness. My approach to counseling is gentle and encouraging, although I can be direct when helpful. I will support without judging and am respectful of individual and cultural differences. Success Starts with YOU and Counseling can help !
Chai Clinical Concepts, PLLC Nivee Roy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHCS, LCAS, NCC
Verified Verified
Arden, NC 28704 (Online Only)
I utilize these therapy modalities: EMDR, IFS, ACT, DBT, CPT to assist my clients work through their life struggles, traumatic experiences and embrace the richness of their lives.
Life feeling like 5 steps forward and 10 steps back, hard to not people please and put others first while feeling miserable inside. You don't have to figure it out alone or feel stuck, I can help. I am licensed to provide both mental health and addiction counseling in NC, with 20yrs experience. My specialties: trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, family stress, LGBTQA+, grief/loss, inter-generational cultural issues, and premarital counseling. My lived experience as a first generation South Asian immigrant, a working parent, who has faced transitions to seek meaningful growth, shapes my authentic counseling style.
I utilize these therapy modalities: EMDR, IFS, ACT, DBT, CPT to assist my clients work through their life struggles, traumatic experiences and embrace the richness of their lives.
Life feeling like 5 steps forward and 10 steps back, hard to not people please and put others first while feeling miserable inside. You don't have to figure it out alone or feel stuck, I can help. I am licensed to provide both mental health and addiction counseling in NC, with 20yrs experience. My specialties: trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, family stress, LGBTQA+, grief/loss, inter-generational cultural issues, and premarital counseling. My lived experience as a first generation South Asian immigrant, a working parent, who has faced transitions to seek meaningful growth, shapes my authentic counseling style.
Cullen Sprague
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Are you questioning your sexual, gender, racial, or family identity? Are you struggling to make peace with the past while staying in the present? Are your behaviors not in alignment with your values? Regardless, you are refusing to minimize the issues you face by initiating therapy and prioritizing yourself. This courage will be the foundation for our work. I am a warm and engaging therapist that has success addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and anger. I have a psychodynamic framework, utilize EMDR to address trauma, IFS, and mindfulness for mood management. I provide individual counseling for ages 18 and above.
Are you questioning your sexual, gender, racial, or family identity? Are you struggling to make peace with the past while staying in the present? Are your behaviors not in alignment with your values? Regardless, you are refusing to minimize the issues you face by initiating therapy and prioritizing yourself. This courage will be the foundation for our work. I am a warm and engaging therapist that has success addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and anger. I have a psychodynamic framework, utilize EMDR to address trauma, IFS, and mindfulness for mood management. I provide individual counseling for ages 18 and above.
Chrissy Davis
Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), as well as solution-focused therapy, and am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I feel passionate about serving those who have experienced trauma, particularly attachment-based trauma. Above all, stable and consistent connection for someone with an attachment-based trauma can make all the difference in the world. I believe there is great power in holding a space for someone to feel heard and understood, as many folks do not have that safe space with anyone in their life. I also have experience working with folks with substance use challenges. I find that substances can often be what someone turns to when they don’t have the tools and support they need to manage the challenges they are facing.
I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), as well as solution-focused therapy, and am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I feel passionate about serving those who have experienced trauma, particularly attachment-based trauma. Above all, stable and consistent connection for someone with an attachment-based trauma can make all the difference in the world. I believe there is great power in holding a space for someone to feel heard and understood, as many folks do not have that safe space with anyone in their life. I also have experience working with folks with substance use challenges. I find that substances can often be what someone turns to when they don’t have the tools and support they need to manage the challenges they are facing.
See more therapy options for Buncombe County
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.