EMDR Therapy in
Los Angeles & Pasadena
Trauma and stressful experiences come in all shapes and sizes, affecting each of us in unique ways that may or may not linger long after the traumatic or distressing period has ended. How we cope with that trauma (big or small) can show up in altered behavior, thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations and in turn, negatively impact our relationships, our work, and our sense of self. That’s where EMDR can play a life-changing role.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-driven, evidenced-based approach to trauma therapy that uses eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to aid in reprocessing painful experiences in such a way as to help integrate distressing memories, rather than continue to relive these past experiences in the present. What once could take hours of therapy might now be addressed in fewer sessions, without having to retell all the details of the event(s).
How does EMDR work?
EMDR uses a dual-attention approach of focusing your thoughts on a target memory while you experience small but repetitive bilateral stimulation in the form of back-and-forth eye movements, tapping, holding pulsers in your hands, or audio tones. This dual-attention allows for the brain to do what it should have done naturally when it was interrupted by trauma or other adverse event. Our brain is built to process memories and then store them--moving the memories out of the amygdala and into the hippocampus. Sometimes, not always, (and not for everyone) a traumatic experience, memories, thoughts, or physical sensations have gotten stuck, and EMDR helps to move the disturbing past experience through your brain’s natural process of filing and storing it—where the memory no longer holds the intensity that can hijack your body in the present.
To complete the process, EMDR uses an 8-phase protocol that requires hours of training and clinical practice by a therapist. The therapist provides a safe environment, collaborates with you about an appropriate pace for you, and has the knowledge to guide you through the process. There is no homework or hours of talking about the event as there is in other therapies. In successful EMDR therapy, the painful experience is transformed, not eliminated. It becomes a memory that no longer holds you captive, emotionally or physically.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
Phase 1: History taking
Phase 2: Preparation + Resourcing
Phase 3: Assessment of Target Memory
Phase 4: Reprocessing + Desensitization
Phase 5: Installation (e.g. reinforcement of a positive belief)
Phase 6: Body Scan
Phase 7: Closure
Phase 8: Re-evaluation / Future Template
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Over the course of several sessions, you and I will work toward building the foundation that prepares you for reprocessing. In Phase 1 of EMDR we will discuss your history, themes, and possible target memories you wish to address. In Phase 2 we will develop tools and resources for everyday life as well as for managing possible distress or dysregulation that may come up during reprocessing.
Throughout the process, I am the guide, and you are in the driver’s seat, determining the pace with which you move forward. Phases 3-4 are used to identify the memory and process it, using eye movement or other bilateral stimulation mentioned above. The shift can be emotional, physical, and/or cognitive. Memories that once held terror, grief, or shame, are experienced differently. Beliefs about the event take on new meaning and distressing sensations and emotions diminish in Phases 5-7.
Finally, if it’s appropriate, we’ll look at possible future scenarios where these newfound beliefs and a balanced nervous system can play a vital role in experiencing an outcome differently than you have in the past.
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What does EMDR treat?
EMDR is often used to treat survivors of single-incident trauma such as car accident, natural disaster, violence, crime, or sexual assault. EMDR is also used for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions arising from prolonged exposure to distressing experiences like childhood abuse or neglect, developmental/complex trauma, military combat, war, being a first-responder, or facing a serious health condition.
Ongoing research shows EMDR is also helpful in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, OCD, phobias, chronic pain, and addiction. Dozens of clinical studies show EMDR therapy to be so effective it is recognized as one of the standard treatments for trauma by the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the Department of Defense, and the Veterans Administration (VA).
EMDR for High Performers and Creatives
EMDR is also helpful for addressing blocking beliefs that may be limiting your performance, your self-esteem, and your sense of Self. If you’re a high-achieving executive, an elite athlete, or creative performer, you may be struggling with injury, self-doubt, procrastination, writer’s block, or performance anxiety in your chosen field. EMDR can be used to reprocess the blocking beliefs holding you back and restore a balanced state to help improve performance.
If you are experiencing symptoms from a single traumatic event, from ongoing issues from childhood, or you’re looking to improve your performance creatively and/or professionally, let’s talk about whether EMDR is right for you. You can find out more at EMDRIA.org or watch this short video explaining EMDR.