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.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that helps people heal from painful experiences shaped by trauma, oppression, and systemic harm. It is especially useful for those navigating anxiety, PTSD, and internalized negative beliefs. EMDR uses guided eye movements or other gentle actions to help the brain process distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity and fostering resilience
— Dolores Chandler, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Durham, NCI have over 40 hours of training and ongoing consultation and education in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR is an extensively researched therapy modality most often used to assist with decreasing PTSD symptoms or other emotionally disturbing memories.
— Stephanie Baldwin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Hillsborough, NCI attended an EMDR 3-day extensive, in-person training which provided me with my EMDR therapist certification. I have applied EMDR in counseling sessions and witnessed how EMDR has significantly improved peoples mental health.
— Daniel Lavelle, Licensed Professional Counselor in Vienna, VAI am partially trained in EMDR to assist clients overcome difficulties experienced in reaction to traumatic experiences. If you have experienced sexual violence in the state of Pennsylvania, ask me about ways to assist with the cost of therapy.
— Douglas Harshberger, TherapistI have used EMDR therapy almost exclusively with every client starting out. No one is required to use EMDR, but I find it a far more effective method to help a client to heal and find wholeness. EMDR allows the client to explore deeper into self and discover aspects that they were simply unaware of. The client is able to change their negative beliefs regarding themselves or situations to embrace a better perspective on past and present experiences. The shift results in immediate results.
— MaryEllen Martyn, LPC-EMDR Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TXEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma, anxiety, and distressing experiences. Through guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing emotional intensity and promoting adaptive healing. Backed by research, EMDR is effective for PTSD, anxiety, and negative thought patterns, fostering long-term emotional resilience and well-being.
— Miriam Torres Brinkmann, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CAI use this evidence-based therapy to help clients like you process difficult memories and emotions that may be holding you back. Whether you are dealing with past trauma, anxiety, or other challenges, EMDR can help you reframe these experiences, reduce their impact, and create space for healing. Through this process, you can regain control over your thoughts and feelings, ultimately helping you reclaim your life and well-being.
— Kristine Madu, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Richmond, VAEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories EMDR facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experience to bring these to an adaptive resolution EMDR facilitates accessing the traumatic memory network so that information processing is enhanced with new associations forged between the traumatic memory and more adaptive memories or information
— Maria Puentes, Psychotherapist in Altamonte Spring, FLFully trained by EMDRIA-approved consultants at the Humanitarian Assistance Program, Jordan has found EMDR to be a relatively fast and effective way to treat trauma and other disorders. Jordan has used this modality to help everyone from adult refugees to child survivors of community violence.
— Jordan Dobrowski, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, ILI am an EMDR-trained therapist and specialize in treating clients with trauma, depression, and anxiety
— Neda Allam, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tulsa, OKEMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process. It is an effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.
— Joseph Burclaw, Licensed Professional Counselor in Schofield, WII am an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist and have used EMDR successfully in my practice for over two years. EMDR can easily be adapted for tele-therapy and has proven effective for the treatment of PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety and low self-esteem.
— Heidi Mela, Clinical Social Worker in Bronx, NYEMDR therapy facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experience to bring these to an adaptive resolution. After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced. During EMDR therapy the client attends to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus, typically eye moevements.
— Helen Palmer, Licensed Mental Health CounselorI have extensive experience utilizing EMDR, both for the treatment of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, as well as applying the principles underlying EMDR to effectively treat mood disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, binge eating, OCD, impulsivity, and avoidance.
— Jett Roberts, Licensed Professional Counselor in Plano, TXI completed EMDR training in 2016 and have been using the technique in my practice ever since. I have also completed workshops on special topics in EMDR and continue to grow my skills as often as possible.
— Lacey Stewart, Counselor in Manhattan, KSEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from different treatment approaches.
— Dr. David Shoup, Psychologist in Pacifica, CAMost effective for single-incident traumas, phobias, grief and loss. I was trained under the Laurel Parnell institute for attachment-focused EMDR
— Katie La, Licensed Professional Counselor in Frisco, TX