Who are the Best EMDR Therapists in NYC?
I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional distress. My goal is to help my clients process and heal from past traumatic memories or stressful experiences using the healing process of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).
If you have been struggling with traumatic memories and symptoms related to a traumatic event or other anxiety disorders, I encourage you to reach out. EMDR can be a highly effective therapy process for those who are looking to address and overcome trauma. My practice is a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking healing and growth.
However, please keep in mind that EMDR may not be the best fit for everyone. If you are currently in crisis or experiencing severe mental health symptoms that require immediate intervention, I recommend seeking support from a mental health professional who can provide more intensive care.
If you believe that my practice could be a good fit for you, I invite you to reach out to me to schedule a consultation. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to healing and wellness
3 of the best EMDR therapists
While I'd be honored to help everyone, I also recognize that I may not be the best fit for each individual. Above all, it's important to me that you get the care and support that's right for you. Here, I offer my recommendations for other EMDR trauma therapists in NYC if you find that my practice isn't aligned with your needs.
1. Megan Salar, MSW, ACADC. Trainer, consultant and speaker.
Megan is a business owner, therapeutic life coach, author, and clinical trainer. She is breaking ground on conversations surrounding trauma, addiction, EMDR, and traditional talk therapy. She provides virtual coaching sessions. I was trained in EMDR by Megan and in my experience, Megan is an incredibly empathetic and compassionate person who utilizes her unique, hands on approach, to challenge you to embrace your true authentic self.
Credentials: Therapeutic Life Coach, ACADC ( Advanced Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor)
Education: Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from Northwest Nazarene University in 2011
Specialties: Megan now offers her unique EMDR-informed, trauma-informed, and addiction-based coaching for clients seeking to break free from their chains of trauma and/or addiction. Megan also offers consultation services to other clinicians and like-minded professionals, who want to further and deepen their practice, and skills or just want to consult on their toughest cases. These sessions are offered individually and in small group settings.
Modalities: Breaking ground on conversations surrounding trauma, addiction, EMDR, and traditional talk therapy. Using her unique, hands-on approach, Megan will challenge you to embrace your true authentic self.
2. Vanessa Merlis, LCSW-R
Vanessa is a local Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in psychodynamic therapy and trauma healing utilizing EMDR. I have worked with Vanessa and have seen her in action. She is compassionate and tirelessly works to help you feel safe and confident to achieve the level of progress you desire. She also offers in-person sessions, so I encourage you to reach out to her if you're not interested in virtual mental health care.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Work therapist (LCSW) in New York
License number: R073510-1
Education: Degree from Hunter College School of Social Work
Specialties: Trauma and PTSD, eating disorders, autism, ADHD, adoption, anxiety, depression Asperger's syndrome, behavioral issues, child therapy, developmental disorders, dissociative disorders (DID), divorce, domestic abuse and violence, EMDR, family conflict, grief, impulse control disorders, infertility, infidelity, marital and premarital counseling, mood disorders, obesity, obsessive-compulsive (OCD), parenting, relationship issues, sexual abuse
Modalities: Attachment-based, EMDR, integrative, psychodynamic, relational, trauma-focused
3. Sophia Barson, LCSW
Sophia will provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and honest space for clients to be truly understood and grow. She believes in a holistic and dynamic approach with a focus on mindfulness.
Sophia is in-network with a few insurances if you want to use your insurance for EMDR therapy sessions. She accepts:
Aetna, Anthem, Oscar Health, Oxford, and United Healthcare
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York
License number: 091157
Education: Masters Degree from Columbia University School of Social Work
Specialties: Trauma and PTSD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, attachment and relationships, family conflict, divorce, infertility, grief, addiction.
Modalities: Integrative & holistic approach, EMDR, Psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
FAQs about EMDR therapy
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EMDR can treat a variety of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and addiction. Research studies have found that EMDR therapy is highly effective in treating PTSD, with success rates ranging from 60% to 90%.
For other mental health conditions, the success rate of EMDR therapy varies depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Some studies have shown that EMDR therapy is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, with success rates ranging from 60% to 80%.
Overall, EMDR therapy has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, with many individuals experiencing significant improvements in their symptoms after completing EMDR therapy.• A 2014 study found that 77% of the study’s participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD after completing EMDR therapy.
• Other studies have shown that 84–90% of single-event trauma victims no longer have PTSD symptoms after three 90-minute sessions, and 77% of multiple trauma victims no longer have PTSD after six 50-minute sessions
Shapiro, F. (2014). The Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Medicine: Addressing the Psychological and Physical Symptoms Stemming from Adverse Life Experiences. The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71-77.
In my practice, I have seen firsthand how much a single EMDR therapy session shifts the way your body experiences distressful events or body sensations tied to traumatic experiences. One that may have been informing the way you perceive yourself in relationship to others. I often hear clients say, "I am not sure how to describe it, but in my body I feel less stress about it, more relaxed".
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EMDR may not be suitable for individuals with certain conditions or circumstances, including:
1. Severe mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or dissociative identity disorder.
2. Individuals who have experienced recent trauma or who are currently in crisis.
3. Those who are unable or unwilling to engage in the processing of traumatic memories.
4. Individuals with medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the emotional intensity of EMDR therapy.
5. Those who are unable to tolerate the potentially distressing emotions and memories that may arise during EMDR therapy.
6. People who are not able to engage in the necessary preparation and stabilization phase of EMDR therapy.I offer other modalities that can be used in tandem with EMDR or separately as a main form of modality, such as art therapy, internal family systems work, cognitive behavioral therapy as well as family therapy.
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1. Qualifications and experience: Ensure that the therapist is credentialed as a life coach and has an EMDR certification in having obtained EMDR training or is a licensed mental health professional and has completed training in EMDR therapy. Look for someone with experience treating trauma and a good track record of helping clients with similar issues.
2. Compatibility: It is important to feel comfortable and safe with your therapist. Consider factors such as their communication style, personality, and approach to therapy to ensure a good fit.
3. Cost and insurance: Check if the therapist accepts your insurance or offers sliding scale fees if cost is a concern. Make sure to clarify the fees upfront to avoid any surprises.
4. Location and availability: Consider the therapist's location and availability to ensure that you can easily access sessions and schedule appointments that work for you.
5. Treatment approach: Understand the therapist's approach to EMDR therapy and how they integrate it into their practice. Make sure you feel confident in their ability to guide you through the process effectively.
6. Reviews and recommendations: Look for reviews or recommendations from previous clients to get a sense of the therapist's reputation and effectiveness in treating trauma with EMDR therapy.
7. Consultation: Consider scheduling a consultation with the therapist to discuss your needs, treatment goals, and any concerns you may have. This can help you determine if they are the right fit for you.I offer free consultations so you can have the opportunity to ask questions and get to know me more before committing to the therapy process. I look forward to hearing from you!
Unlock a new way to heal with EMDR therapy in NYC.
Take the first steps toward creating a life you love.
Whether you're looking to heal from painful past experiences or need extra support as you navigate life transitions, I'm here to help. I'm passionate about helping people from all walks of life get the mental health care they need (and deserve).
No matter what you're going through, know that it's never too late to ask for help. Connect with me today to ask questions, learn more about the process, and begin finding relief from life's challenges. I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully supporting you on your journey!
