EMDR Trauma Therapy
Sometimes the hardest step is the first one. If you feel you need it, please reach out for help. I would be honored to help on your journey.
What is EMDR trauma therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy. It is known to be a highly effective treatment for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, anxiety, and panic. EMDR has been thoroughly researched and clinically validated by numerous controlled studies. It is proven to be very effective for patients suffering from various types of trauma and the resulting negative emotions.
EMDR trauma therapy has eight phases of treatment: history and treatment planning, client preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. During the process, your brain will access the traumatic information that has been wreaking havoc, and start the healing process. Dual stimulation is a primary tool used in this model and it allows you to digest unprocessed traumatic memories and decrease their emotional charge. Ultimately, the traumatic memories are then associated with positive emotions instead.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR works with memories, emotions, and self-beliefs to eliminate the emotional, somatic, and cognitive residues left behind by a disturbing event. Trauma can convert into symptoms when the negative experience has overwhelmed the brain’s natural ability to heal. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to open the path for you to relive the disturbing memory while having your attention diverted. Over time, this form of therapy can significantly lessen the impact of a traumatic event.
What to expect from an EMDR trauma therapy session?
I will guide you through traumatic and triggering experiences in a safe, contained space, while directing you through various desensitizing exercises. Recalling traumatic memories while having your attention diverted facilitates access to the disturbing experience and makes it less emotionally upsetting to relive it. You will reconnect with the images, thoughts, negative emotions, and body sensations associated with the traumatic experience while being in a safe environment and under my constant guidance. A session lasts about an hour. You may need one or several sessions depending on the type of trauma you experienced.
How do you know you need EMDR therapy?
Unfortunately, many of us exhibit symptoms of trauma without being aware of the event behind them. Trauma can take many shapes and sizes, and not all negative experiences are perceived as harmful. However, some symptoms may indicate the presence of traumatic events in your past. You may benefit from EMDR therapy if you have:
- Inexplicable unwanted and disturbing thoughts
- Anxiety and a constant high alert status
- Sleep issues and nightmares
- Panic attacks
- Phobias and fears
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Unresolved grief
Is EMDR therapy good for you?
Therapists use EMDR therapy to treat PTSD and trauma, but it can also treat anxiety, depression, ADHD, phantom pain, eating disorders, somatic symptoms, panic attacks, and low self-esteem. Moreover, it can be an effective healing tool for people struggling with anger, self-harm, and stress. While EMDR is a safe form of therapy, it can be associated with several side effects like light-headedness and vivid dreams caused by the avalanche of emotions and thoughts brought to the surface. The first session may be very emotionally intense, and some patients may experience physical sensations associated with the disturbing memory. However, if you are ready and you trust the process, it can be a life changing source of relief.
Find the courage to heal and move on
EMDR is not your usual “talk” therapy. I always say that EMDR is about mindfulness and the courage to go deep into your past to extract whatever blocks your brain from healing. This form of therapy allows you to silence the diversion your brain is trying to create around traumatic events and get to the core of your trauma.
Furthermore, EMDR unveils not only the disruptive, unprocessed memory, but also the belief you associated with the memory. If you are struggling with negative beliefs, you will learn to evolve them into healthier ones and move on. Because that’s what EMDR is about! It is a tool to help you move past what is holding you back and look to the future with hope and confidence.
My Process
Initial Consultation Call
During this brief call, we'll get to know each other a little better to see if we're a good fit. I'll also ask about your motivations for contacting me and your goals.
Book Your Session
Next, it's time to book your first session so we can get started. I offer in-person appointments at either of my offices or we can schedule telehealth appointments.
Experience Your Growth
Once we get started, your trust in the process and commitment to the work will open a lot of doors. While the journey is not always easy, the best way to see results is to stick with it.
"Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us." -David Richo
Remember that you’re not damaged and you’re not broken. From time to time, whether we seek it or not, all of us need a little help. Sometimes it can be a little difficult, maybe a little scary to admit, but getting help is the fastest path to feeling better. Don’t hesitate to reach out today.
01.
Initial Consultation
We’ll have a brief call to get to know each other. We’ll discuss your needs and how I can help.
02.
In-Person or Telehealth
Our sessions will be held virtually for your convenience. No long commutes to come see me.
03.
Time to Do the Work
Recovery can be a long and difficult road, but it’s worth it. We’ll work through it together
F.A.Q.
Most of my career has been focused on helping people of the LGBTQIA+ community. I’ve also done a lot of work supporting HIV-positive and trans clients. I am trained and certified in a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Action and Commitment Therapy, etc. See my about page for a full list.
For over a decade I have been working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Much of my work has been focused on supporting HIV-positive and trans* clients. For almost 10 years I worked with the Los Angeles LGBT Center doing crisis counseling, case management, including therapy to support HIV-positive medical outcomes.
It can be appropriate and even highly beneficial to include family members or partner(s) during a session. All of this depends on what we are working on and where we are in that work. If it’s the right time, it’s an option, and something you are interested in, it can be very helpful and I’m happy to support it.
I provide different scheduling options for patients based on their needs. I try to be as flexible as I can and schedule appointments on weekdays, weekends and evenings. Please consult with me for availability.