EMDR THERAPY

in california 


What is EMDR THERAPY?

EMDR is a therapeutic approach that has shown tremendous promise in helping individuals just like you to find relief from the burden of trauma and anxiety.

Understanding EMDR: The Power of Adaptive Processing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy approach developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It has gained widespread recognition as an effective treatment for trauma, anxiety, and a range of other emotional difficulties. EMDR is founded on the belief that the human mind has a natural capacity to heal itself and move toward psychological wellness. The key is tapping into this inherent ability.

During EMDR therapy sessions, your therapist will guide you through a structured eight-phase approach that targets the roots of distressing memories and works towards transforming their negative impact on your well-being. 

A core component of EMDR involves bilateral stimulation, which can include eye movements, taps, or sounds, to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. This process facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic memories, allowing your mind to adaptively integrate these experiences into your broader life narrative. 

The EMDR Experience: A Safe Space for Healing

If EMDR is the right course of treatment for you, you can expect a warm, non-judgmental, and safe therapeutic space. Your comfort and well-being are of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to tailoring the treatment to suit your unique needs and preferences. Throughout the process, we will work collaboratively, at a pace that feels right for you.

As your EMDR therapist, I am here to provide support and guidance necessary for your emotional healing and growth. As we delve into the memories that have held you captive, we do so with the utmost care, knowing that revisiting these experiences can be challenging. However, we firmly believe that by addressing the roots of your distress, you can reclaim control over your life and emotions. 

The Transformative Outcomes of EMDR

Through EMDR, clients often experience a range of transformative outcomes that positively impact their lives:

Resolution of Traumatic Memories: EMDR helps to reprocess traumatic memories, allowing them to become integrated into your life story without the overwhelming emotional charge. Reduction of Anxiety and Distress: As the burden of past traumas is lifted, clients often experience a significant reduction in anxiety and distress, leading to an enhanced sense of well-being. Improved Coping Mechanisms: EMDR equips clients with adaptive coping strategies to navigate future challenges, fostering resilience and emotional strength. Enhanced Self-Understanding: Exploring the root causes of distress fosters a deeper understanding of oneself, paving the way for personal growth and self-compassion. Empowerment and Emotional Freedom: Clients often report a newfound sense of empowerment and emotional freedom, enabling them to live life more fully and authentically.

As a former EMDR therapy recipient, I can say it has been true for me as well. It would be an honor to be able to guide you along your path of healing. ______________________________________________

FAQs

Is EMDR only effective for PTSD? 

No. Although EMDR was initially focused on the treatment of PTSD, there are other conditions in which EMDR has shown effective. The following are other conditions to have proven useful:

    Grief & Loss

    Anxiety

    Disturbing Memories

    Intergenerational trauma

    Pain Disorders

    Performance Anxiety

    Stress Reduction

Do I need to use special equipment for EMDR?

There are tappers and lights sold specifically for EMDR therapy; however, it is not necessary for EMDR therapy to be effective. There are other bilateral stimulation methods to try in session without the use of equipment. This is an area to explore together as you figure out which bilateral stimulation you feel most comfortable with. 

Can EMDR therapy be done virtually?

Yes, EMDR therapy has been just as effective virtually as in-person. Since EMDR therapy can bring on vulnerable emotions, virtual therapy allows you to be in the comfort of your own home, with familiar sites, scents, and even pets if they are a useful part of your therapy. 

If you’ve read this far, thank you for being here and having the courage to dedicate time for yourself. If you’re curious about EMDR therapy or chat about whether it’s the right type of therapy for you, schedule your complimentary session now! 

This video introduction to EMDR therapy can be used to show clients how EMDR therapy works, what is is like, and how widely it is recognized.

Courtesy of EMDR International Association

What does EMDR therapy look like? This short video for clients explains the 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy and what they might experience in EMDR therapy sessions.

Courtesy of EMDR International Association