EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) relies on a client's own rapid, rhythmic eye movements, and is founded on the belief that these eye movements can weaken the intensity of emotionally charged memories. EMDR is most often used to treat PTSD or other traumas, but is also sometimes used for panic attacks, eating disorders, addictions, and anxiety. EMDR sessions can last up to 90 minutes, and usually starts with a client rating their level of distress. A therapist then typically moves their fingers in front of your face (or sometimes toe tapping or musical tones), asking you to follow along with your eyes, while you recall a traumatic event and all the sensations that come with it. You will gradually be guided by the therapist to shift thoughts from the traumatic experience to a more comforting one. The goal of EMDR is to make disturbing memories less immobilizing. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s EMDR specialists today.

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I have extensive training in EMDR, and I find it very helpful in processing trauma and healing so that you can be present in your life. I have found that EMDR is helpful in helping you cultivate relationships with intention, set purposeful boundaries, and advocate for yourself, as well as attune to yourself.

— Rachelle Friedman, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference.

— Eric Strom, Clinical Social Worker in Minnetonka, MN
 

EMDR is my primary treatment modality, and I bring a wealth of experience in guiding individuals towards trauma healing. My approach focuses on collaboratively identifying trauma targets for processing, while also prioritizing resourcing techniques to reestablish a sense of safety and inner peace. Through EMDR therapy, I help clients transform the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain, ultimately freeing them from flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance issues associated with trauma.

— Susan Spicer, Psychologist in Houghton Lake, MI

EMDR uses the brain's adaptive information processing system to help an individual move towards healing by removing blocks in the system that stop healing from occurring and activate the brain’s natural healing processes. EMDR uses “bilateral stimulation” whether that is eye movements or tapping, to increase a sense of calm and integrate information. The approach has been shown to help decrease negative emotions and beliefs and increase adaptive beliefs and positive emotions.

— Dr. Kathryn Williams, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
 

EMDR is one therapeutic modality to help individuals work through impacts of past trauma. I find this method particularly helpful as clients do not need to share intimate details of their traumatic experiences while utilizing EMDR. Change also continues to occur between sessions and positive beliefs about the self can be enhanced more quickly through EMDR.

— Beth Gustin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Westminster, CO

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

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

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing - utilized often in Trauma work to target painful memories or experiences but also used to target negative core beliefs we have about ourselves that show up in our day to day lives.

— Christine Chenitz, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Kennett Square, PA

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a fairly new, nontraditional type of psychotherapy. It's growing in popularity, particularly for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD often occurs after experiences such as military combat, physical assault, rape, or car accidents.

— DONAL DWYER, Licensed Professional Counselor in Mount Pleasant, MI
 

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing is a trauma therapy that differs from traditional talk therapy. It helps your mind and body process the trauma using your natural coping mechanisms. It can be used to target a variety of issues including abuse, grief and loss, anxiety, pain, and sleep disturbance.

— Christina Cunningham, Mental Health Counselor in Colorado Springs, CO

I am EMDR trained and applying to be officially certified with EMDRIA. I have found that EMDR can move clients into the next phase of their work, by storing and filing memories to their proper place while releasing the symptoms these memories show up as in day to day life. The power of this work allows clients to install positive beliefs about themselves and releasing the patterns that have occurred.

— Katia Callan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Lutherville, MD
 

I am now offering telehealth EMDR session, and ensuring that of treatment is affordable for all to access. This modality of treatment has efficacy and back by research that should be accessible to all. Reach out for rates and sliding scale options now!

— Adrina Wilson, Counselor in , CA

I am a Certified EMDR practitioner and trained with the EMDR Institute.

— Robin Friedman, Clinical Social Worker in White Plains, NY
 

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing or "EMDR" is extremely helpful Research has shown EMDR therapy to be effective in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction and more. EMDR helps you process through debilitating thoughts and beliefs you've struggled with as a result of past experiences. EMDR helps get "stuck" memories "unstuck" so that you can move on with your life and stop living in the past.

— Julie Holburn, Counselor in Boulder, CO

EMDR's transformative nature lies in its capacity to reprocess traumatic memories, shift negative beliefs, enhance emotional regulation, and promote positive changes in various aspects of an individual's life. It represents a powerful therapeutic tool for those seeking to overcome the lingering effects of life's distressing events and move towards healing and growth. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that heals at the speed of thought by taking the past out of the present.

— Allison Glorioso, Mental Health Counselor in Fort Myers, FL
 

The neuro-physiological charge from past trauma can be reprocessed and released from the body during the re-visitation of an experience within the safety of the current moment. This release can be facilitated through the secure safety of another, such as a certified EMDR therapist.

— Angel Hirsch, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cedar Park, TX

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective treatment for understanding the different elements of healing from PTSD and anxiety. Incorporating thoughts, emotions and sensations while revisiting painful experiences, the body is able to process and heal.

— laura merritt, Psychotherapist in SEATTLE, WA
 

Completed 20+ hours of basic EMDR training.

— Colleen Steppa, Therapist in Phoenix, AZ

EMDR is a powerful tool to help resolve thoughts, feelings, and body sensations resulting from traumatic experiences, abuse, and other maladaptive experiences. EMDR is well-researched, and I have myself used EMDR with my own counselor and have seen first-hand, both as client and counselor, how healing it can be.

— Brandie Sellers, Licensed Professional Counselor in Timnath, CO