EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in Person in Temecula & Online Counseling Throughout California

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a proven psychotherapy technique widely used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), childhood trauma, and other trauma-related conditions. Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1980, EMDR therapy helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences by guiding them to recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This process helps the brain integrate and process memories, significantly reducing their emotional intensity.

EMDR therapy is effective for those dealing with trauma-related issues and does not require completing homework between sessions or talking in detail about the distressing memories. The therapy is structured to allow the brain to process unresolved traumatic experiences and continue its natural healing process.

If you're struggling with trauma, anxiety, or PTSD and are looking for EMDR therapy in person in Temecula or online counseling across California, I’m here to support you in healing and overcoming emotional distress. Let’s work together to help you regain peace and emotional well-being.

SCHEDULE 15 MINUTES FREE - CONSULTATION

HOW EMDR WORKS:

EMDR typically involves 8 phases:

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an effective psychotherapy technique designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, childhood trauma, and other trauma-related conditions. This therapy works through 8 structured phases that guide individuals through the healing process. Here’s how EMDR therapy works to help you overcome emotional distress:

1.History & Treatment Planning: This phase focuses on understanding your history and creating a personalized treatment plan aimed at reprocessing traumatic experiences. We evaluate your internal and external resources to ensure effective progress.

2.Preparation:Building a solid therapeutic relationship is essential. This phase fosters trust, ensures a sense of safety, and provides psychoeducation about the EMDR process. We’ll also discuss any concerns or questions, and equip you with coping and relaxation techniques to support you manage emotional distress during and after the sessions.

3. Assessment: In this phase, we identify the traumatic event to be processed, including its associated images, emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations. Baseline measurements like Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) and Validity of Cognition (VOC) are established to track progress. You’ll rate the distress level and identify negative beliefs tied to the memory, as well as the positive beliefs you wish to adopt.

4. Desensitization: This phase involves the use of bilateral stimulation (BLS), such as eye movements or taps, while you focus on the traumatic memory or event. The goal is to process the memory in a healthy way, diminishing its emotional intensity.

5. Installation: Here, positive emotions and beliefs are introduced and reinforced, which helps you adopt a healthier perspective on the traumatic experience.

6. Body Scan: In this phase, you focus on the traumatic memory and the positive belief while scanning your body. If any tension or discomfort remains, we use bilateral stimulation (BLS) to release physical distress and reach emotional resolution.

7. Closure: At the end of each session, we work to return you to a stable and calm state. This ensures you feel grounded, regardless of whether the reprocessing of the traumatic memory is complete.

8. Reevaluation: Each new EMDR session begins with reevaluation. We review any changes in your emotional state and check if new memories or issues have arisen. This helps determine the next treatment steps to continue your healing journey.

EMDR therapy can help you break free from trauma and anxiety, empowering you to heal and move forward with greater peace of mind. Whether you’re seeking EMDR therapy in person Temecula or online counseling across California, I am here to guide you through the healing process.

By using EMDR and other evidence-based therapeutic methods, we’ll work together to restore emotional balance and help you achieve long-term emotional well-being.

SCHEDULE 15 MINUTES FREE - CONSULTATION