EMDR for Depression - by Lara Barbir (Paperback)

About the Book

For many people, depression is driven by an underlying trauma--and in order to effectively treat their depression they must first address the source. Written by a psychologist and based in cutting-edge eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, this book offers a comprehensive approach to help readers resolve and release traumatic memories, build a greater sense of confidence and connection, and rediscover hope.

Book Synopsis

Rewire your brain to resolve and release painful, traumatic memories--so you can take charge of your depression and take back your life.

If you have depression, you may struggle with intense emotions or negative thoughts. You may find everyday tasks overwhelming. And you may feel irritable, sad, or exhausted most days. If you've tried to get better, but haven't found your way, it's possible that your depression is driven by underlying trauma--and in order to effectively treat your depression you must first address the source. Written by a psychologist and based in cutting-edge eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, this book can help you get started.

EMDR for Depression offers a comprehensive approach to help you resolve and release traumatic memories, build a greater sense of confidence and connection, and rediscover hope. You'll find soothing practices to regulate your nervous system, balance your emotions, and feel more in charge of your life. You'll also learn mindfulness and self-compassion skills to help you stay in the moment and see yourself--and your experiences--with greater clarity and empathy. Finally, you'll identify what it is you truly value and care about in life, so you can discover greater meaning, purpose, and fulfillment now and in the future.

The strategies taught in this book are also infused with evidence-based techniques from motivational interviewing (MI), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and positive psychology to help you find your way out of the darkness of depression. No matter how hopeless things may seem now, there is a way forward. This book can help light the way.

Review Quotes

"In this compassionate and practical book, Lara Barbir offers a clear path for understanding and healing depression rooted in trauma. With warmth and clinical wisdom, she shows how EMDR therapy can transform pain into resilience. A vital resource for both clients and clinicians."
--Arielle Schwartz, PhD, coauthor of EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology

"Lara Barbir has created an exceptional, comprehensive guide to EMDR for depression. She brings such warmth and clarity to this complex topic. The book is a thorough, well-structured, and engaging read. It seamlessly blends research and practical strategies for easy-to-understand application. It's both an invaluable reference for therapists and an approachable, enlightening read for the public."
--Erin Madden, LCSW, ICADC, CAP, certified EMDR therapist and EMDRIA-Approved Consultant

"Lara Barbir shows us, with clarity and depth, the connection between trauma and depression. Thanks to her reassuring style, we find out we are not to blame when we feel bad. We discover that self-acceptance is not an impossible dream but a skill we can learn. We see how eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) takes all that we are and have experienced and makes it unconditionally workable. Then trauma is not a dead end, but a door."
--David Richo, PhD, author of Triggers

About the Author

Lara Barbir, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and founder of Transcendent Therapy in California. She also holds a faculty appointment with The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Through her clinical work, teaching, speaking, and training, she is on a mission to create a world of more emotionally secure parents and future generations. She is particularly passionate about using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and interpersonal psychotherapy approaches with higher-functioning adults and teens struggling with depression, complex trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Prior to starting her private practice, she worked in the VA hospital setting for more than six years. She received her doctorate in counseling psychology from Radford University in Virginia.