Discover EMDR therapy, an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
Learn how it works and how I can help you heal in California.
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What is EMDR Therapy?
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized therapy that helps you heal from trauma and distressing experiences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—like guided eye movements, taps, or tones—to help your brain reprocess painful memories. Imagine your mind as a cluttered filing cabinet: EMDR helps you organize those messy, overwhelming drawers so the past no longer disrupts your present.
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Developed in the 1980s, EMDR is widely recognized as an evidence-based treatment for trauma by organizations like the World Health Organization. Whether you’ve experienced a single event or prolonged distress, EMDR can help you find relief and move forward.
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How Does EMDR Work?
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Traumatic memories can get “stuck” in your brain, triggering intense emotions long after the event. EMDR mimics the natural processing that happens during REM sleep, allowing you to reprocess these memories safely. Here’s the gist:
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You’ll focus on a specific memory while I guide you through bilateral stimulation (e.g., following my hand with your eyes).
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This process reduces the emotional charge of the memory, making it less distressing over time.
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Eventually, you can think about the event without feeling overwhelmed—it’s still part of your story, but it no longer controls you.
Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes, and many clients feel a shift within just a few appointments.
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Conditions EMDR Can Help With
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​EMDR is best known for treating PTSD, but it’s also effective for:
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Anxiety and panic attacks
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Depression
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Phobias
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Chronic pain
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Grief and loss
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Addictions
If any of these resonate with you, EMDR might be the key to unlocking a lighter, freer version of yourself.
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My Experience with EMDR
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As a California-based therapist, I’m trained by the EMDR International Association and have helped clients from all walks of life—survivors of accidents, abuse, or childhood trauma—find peace through this approach. At Bright Eyed Therapy, I bring a compassionate, judgment-free space to every session. My goal is to empower you to heal, using my expertise to guide you through the process with care and understanding.
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What to Expect in EMDR Sessions
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EMDR follows an eight-phase process, customized to your needs:
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History Taking: We’ll explore your past and pinpoint memories to target.
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Preparation: I’ll teach you tools to stay calm and grounded.
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Assessment: We’ll focus on a memory and how it affects you now.
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Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation, we’ll reduce its emotional impact.
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Installation: We’ll replace negative beliefs with positive ones.
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Body Scan: We’ll check for lingering tension.
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Closure: You’ll leave each session feeling stable.
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Reevaluation: We’ll track your progress and adjust as needed.
Some worry EMDR might feel too intense, but I’m here to ensure it’s manageable and supportive every step of the way.
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Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR can benefit anyone struggling with trauma or emotional distress, especially if talk therapy hasn’t fully helped. It’s also often covered by insurance, making it more accessible. Not sure if it’s a fit? I’d love to chat with you in a free consultation to explore your options.
Take the First Step
Let’s work together to help you reclaim your peace.