EMDR Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
EMDR therapy is a structured technique that encourages clients to briefly place their focus on trauma-based or difficult memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which is associated with reductions in the heightened emotional experiences related to trauma.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Like any therapy approach, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) focuses on your current concerns. EMDR therapy is an extensively researched method that has proven to be effective for those seeking to recover from trauma or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Ongoing research continues to yield positive clinical outcomes for issues including anxiety, depression, phobias, and grief.
EMDR trauma therapy is a structured approach that encourages clients to briefly place their focus on trauma-based or difficult memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which is associated with reductions in the heightened emotional experiences related to trauma.
Who can benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is effective for children and adults of all ages. An EMDR Therapist can help you address a wide range of concerns including:
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Phobias
Chronic illness
Depression
Grief and Loss
Performance Anxiety
Body Image Concerns
PTSD and Trauma
Sexual Issues
Sleep disturbance
What is different about EMDR?
Many of the clients I work with have tried different types of therapy over the years and are looking for a different way to relate to difficult emotions, thoughts, or experiences. They often remark that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing “sounds a little woo woo,” that “everyone tells me I have to try it because it worked wonders for them” or “it’s that therapy with lights and sounds.” So how on earth does it work?
EMDR Therapy also differs from other trauma and PTSD approaches in that you are not required to discuss your trauma in detail. Rather than challenging your cognitions or or behaviors, EMDR creates the space for your mind to heal itself naturally.
It Allows Your Brain to Heal
Our brains are naturally resilient and adaptive. They are wired to process and heal from trauma, but when an event is too emotionally charged, prolonged, or distressing, the natural process cannot take place. In these instances, the trauma gets stored in the brain and the body as if the event were taking place in the present. When this process is paused, the emotional warnings override the integration of new experiences that allow your mind to focus on what is happening in the present.
For example, you’re driving to work as your regular routine, but your brain and body are sending out signals that danger is imminent. Maybe it’s been years since a car accident, but the panic rising throughout your body feels like it’s happening again in the here and now. Or maybe it’s been decades since you’ve been with or even seen a past partner who was abusive to you, but your body and brain sometimes respond as if there is a threat. Your current partner may be warm, responsive, and engaged, but your brain and body can’t integrate all the new information that says you’re safe now.
It Gives Your Brain A Break
You can also benefit if you are often in your head and are great at rationalizing. Many clients have tried cognitive and behavioral approaches and some are even total experts at understanding and recognizing their thought patterns. Even with this level of self-understanding, they struggle with the physical sensations of anxiety, anger, and overwhelm. EMDR Therapy can be effective in giving that rationalizing side of your brain a break from running on overdrive so you can process through emotions and move towards healing.
EMDR Therapy at Worth and Wellness Psychology can help you create real change.
“The moon reminds me that you are still whole, no matter what phase you’re in.”
- Unknown
Attachment-Focused EMDR
The benefits of EMDR Therapy can also be used to help clients with attachment wounds. Clients who benefit are often those who have tried EMDR and did not experience the full benefits due to more acute or chronic relational trauma and early attachment wounds. Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) can be used to help you address a wide range of concerns including:
Childhood physical or sexual abuse
Childhood neglect
Early losses
Medical trauma
Parental drug or alcohol abuse
Caregiver misattunement
Secondary trauma
EMDR Therapy at Worth and Wellness Psychology can help you address early attachment wounds.
Start EMDR Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Are you interested in trying eye movement desensitization and reprocessing? As an EMDR therapist, I can guide you through the process so that your brain can rest and heal. In order to start EMDR Therapy at Worth and Wellness follow these steps:
Start working with an EMDR therapist
Beginning healing with support and guidance
Other Counseling Services I Offer in Los Angeles, CA
At Worth and Wellness, I offer and variety of individual therapy. This includes therapy for relationship issues, dating, trauma, and anxiety. As well as specially tailored support for women of color, therapists, and the Highly Sensitive Person.