EMDR Therapy
OFFERED In-person in Ventura and online throughout CaliforniaYou've done everything you know how to do to move forward. So why does the past still feel like it's shaping your present?
Certain experiences can continue to shape the way we see ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us long after they've ended.
Even when you know those experiences are in the past, they can still feel present—showing up as anxiety, self-doubt, challenging relationship patterns, or emotional reactions that seem difficult to change.
EMDR helps the brain and body process these experiences so they no longer carry the same emotional charge. While we can't erase the past, we can change how it lives within us, creating more freedom, flexibility, and connection in our present lives.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain and body process unresolved experiences.
Using bilateral stimulation, EMDR supports the brain's natural ability to reprocess difficult experiences so they no longer carry the same emotional intensity.
EMDR also includes developing resources and coping skills to help regulate your nervous system and support you in and outside of therapy.
EMDR may be helpful if you:
Are still bothered by past experiences and traumatic relationships
Struggle with chronic guilt, self-criticism, or feelings of not being "good enough."
Find yourself people-pleasing, over-functioning, or putting others' needs before your own.
If you keep repeating the same patterns in your relationships despite trying for years to change them.
Have anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional reactions that feel bigger than the situation in front of you.
Continue to beat yourself up even when you know your negative thoughts aren’t actually true.
My Approach to EMDR
EMDR is one of the primary approaches I use in therapy. I integrate it with Somatic Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Parts-Informed work to address not only the experiences that shaped you, but also how they continue to affect your thoughts, emotions, body, and nervous system.
While EMDR follows an established treatment framework, I'll tailor the process to your unique needs and pace, helping you build resources, strengthen regulation, and stay connected to the present as we process difficult experiences. EMDR isn't about reliving the past—it's about helping your body and mind release the emotional weight it once held.
What Changes Through EMDR?
You may begin to:
Stop second-guessing yourself.
Navigate triggers with more ease.
Stay present with your emotions and experiences (even the big ones).
Feel more self-compassion and less self-criticism.
Have deeper trust in your needs, feelings, and boundaries.
Have more balanced and fulfilling relationships.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're curious whether EMDR therapy may be a good fit for you, I invite you to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.
Together, we can discuss your goals, answer any questions you may have, and determine whether EMDR is the right approach for your needs.
EMDR Therapy FAQ
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Every person's experience with EMDR is different. Some people notice thoughts, memories, emotions, body sensations, or new insights emerging during processing. Others describe feeling lighter, calmer, or more connected to themselves over time.
EMDR is not about forcing emotions or reliving painful experiences. Throughout the process, we work collaboratively at a pace that feels manageable, allowing your nervous system to guide the work while helping you stay connected to the present.
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Bilateral stimulation involves alternating stimulation between the left and right sides of the body, often through guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds.
It's used during EMDR processing while you briefly notice aspects of a difficult memory or experience. Although researchers continue to study exactly how EMDR works, bilateral stimulation is one component of the structured EMDR process that helps distressing experiences become less emotionally activating.
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EMDR may be a good fit if you feel stuck in patterns, beliefs, or emotional reactions that continue to affect your life.
Many people seek EMDR when they feel ready to move beyond insight alone and create meaningful and lasting change. During our consultation, we can discuss your goals and determine whether EMDR is an appropriate fit for your needs.
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Weekly EMDR takes place within regular therapy sessions, allowing us to work gradually over time. EMDR Intensives offer extended sessions, typically in 3-4 hour blocks, so we can spend more focused time on a specific issue without having to stop and restart the process each week.
Neither approach is inherently better. The right format depends on your goals, needs, and preferred pace, and we'll work together to determine which option makes the most sense for you.
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The length of EMDR therapy varies from person to person. Factors such as your goals, current stressors, and the experiences being processed can all influence the timeline.
Some clients notice meaningful shifts within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work. During our consultation and throughout therapy, we will regularly discuss your goals and adjust our approach based on your needs and progress.
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Yes. EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy with decades of research supporting its effectiveness, particularly for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms.
Many clients seek EMDR because they understand their patterns intellectually but continue to feel stuck emotionally. EMDR offers a way to move beyond insight by helping process distressing experiences that continue to carry an emotional charge.
While everyone's experience is different, research supports EMDR as an effective treatment for reducing PTSD symptoms and the distress associated with traumatic memories.
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No. Unlike some forms of therapy, EMDR does not require you to share every detail of a painful experience in order for processing to occur. We will work together in a way that feels supportive and manageable while honoring your comfort level throughout the process.
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Because EMDR involves processing difficult experiences, it is not uncommon to notice temporary increases in emotions, dreams, memories, or fatigue between sessions.
These experiences are often a sign that your brain and nervous system are continuing to process material outside of therapy. Throughout the process, we focus on building resources, supporting regulation, and helping you feel grounded both during and between sessions.
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Yes. EMDR can be effectively provided through telehealth using virtual bilateral stimulation tools. Many clients find online EMDR to be just as effective as in-person therapy while offering the convenience of participating from home.
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Both approaches recognize the importance of the nervous system and the connection between mind and body. Somatic Therapy focuses on increasing awareness of bodily sensations, emotions, and nervous system patterns in the present moment. EMDR specifically helps the brain and body reprocess unresolved experiences.
Depending on your goals, we may use one approach or integrate both into our work together.