What is EMDR and how to get help in San Diego?
by Katherine Pica LCSW
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-based therapy that has been shown to be effective in helping people recover from trauma and PTSD. Inevitably, most of us seem to experience some form of trauma at some point in our lives. Whatever incident may be experienced as sad, upsetting or disturbing to you is a type of trauma. There is no trauma too big or small for EMDR. EMDR is a type of therapy offered at Resilience Counseling.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is thoroughly research based and has demonstrated to be an effective form of treating a number of mental health conditions. EMDR treatment includes bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, etc) to help access the opposite sides of the brain. This bilateral stimulation assists in the reprocessing of negative events or trauma. The use of bilateral stimulation in an EMDR session (guided eye movements, tapping, etc.) can often be experienced by patients as mildly soothing or comforting.
EMDR is quite different from most other forms of therapy. EMDR therapy can assist the brain by encouraging its ability to access negatively stored memories. EMDR can also greatly help in the reprocessing of events and negative beliefs held about oneself.
What can EMDR help treat?
PTSD
Grief
Dissociative Disorders
Trauma
Disturbing Memories
Stress
Sexual Abuse or Rape
Physical Abuse
Childhood Trauma
Emotional Abuse
Life-Threatening Accidents
Car Accidents
Child Birth Trauma
Upsetting Events
How does EMDR work?
EMDR uses Eye Movement or other bilateral stimulation to activate opposite sides of the brain. One theory is that it works much like Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep is thought to be the stage of sleep where we do much of our dreaming and reprocessing of recent events. Sometimes the event can be too big to process in dreams or sometimes our dreams get short-circuited (nightmares, etc). When that happens, negative events can get stuck. Even if the event was weeks, months or years ago, it still feels like it’s happening all over again. EMDR can be a powerful form of therapy in helping a patient get “unstuck” from persistent unpleasant memories and anxiety.
What does EMDR look like in the therapy session?
1. Treatment planning
The first few sessions are used to get to know your situation, background, and history. After that, we decide together what to work on and what our goals for treatment will be. In order to help you reach your goals, we will discuss different treatment options. We will decide together how to approach your goals. Treatment options may include EMDR therapy and other forms of therapy.
Before we begin the use of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, we will work together to learn skills and resources to help you soothe yourself after processing negative events. These skills are relatively easy to master, yet powerful, and can be highly effective in our everyday lives, as well as at the end of an EMDR session.
2. Reprocessing- EMDR
Reprocessing is a core part of EMDR therapy. During this phase of EMDR, you are guided to gently bring up distressing experiences while the therapist helps you focus on bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. This process supports the brain in processing memories in a new and less distressing way.
At Resilience Counseling, reprocessing is always paced carefully and guided by your comfort level. We move slowly, check in often, and ensure that you feel supported throughout the process, allowing change to unfold in a way that feels manageable and safe.
3. Integration with EMDR therapy
After the disturbing events have been processed and they are not as emotionally charged, we will work together to help integrate these new insights into your life. Integration is an important part of EMDR therapy. After distressing memories have been processed and no longer carry the same emotional charge, we work together to help you make sense of what has shifted. This phase focuses on noticing new insights, changes in beliefs, and how your responses feel different than before.
At Resilience Counseling, integration means helping you apply this learning in everyday life. We support you in practicing new ways of relating to yourself, your experiences, and current challenges, so the progress made in EMDR carries beyond sessions and into lasting change.
How to get EMDR therapy in San Diego, CA
EMDR can be a powerful and effective approach for people who feel stuck carrying the weight of past experiences. Rather than reliving events over and over, EMDR helps the brain process memories in a new way. Many people notice that distressing memories feel more distant, and there is a greater sense of calm and clarity over time.
At Resilience Counseling, EMDR therapy is provided with care, structure, and intention. Treatment is paced thoughtfully and tailored to each individual’s needs, helping clients feel supported throughout the process. Our therapists focus on creating a safe and collaborative space where healing can happen at a sustainable and meaningful pace.
If past experiences continue to affect your present, EMDR therapy may be an option worth exploring. Resilience Counseling offers EMDR therapy in person in San Diego and virtually throughout California. Get connected with an EMDR therapist. Contact Us to schedule a free 15-minute phone call.
Author Bio: Katherine Pica OCD Treatment - San Diego, CA
Katherine Pica, LCSW - Clinical Director and Practice Owner of Resilience Counseling. She supervises the therapists at Resilience Counseling brining her 19 years of experience to the team. Katherine and her EMDR therapist team are available in San Diego, CA, for in-person sessions and all over California for virtual therapy. Contact us today to take the first step!
EMDR therapy in San Diego &
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Disclaimer: The information shared on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical or mental health care. Always seek guidance from a qualified physician or licensed healthcare provider regarding any mental health or medical concerns. Do not ignore, postpone, or substitute professional advice based on content from the Resilience Counseling website. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your doctor, call 911, or reach out to your local emergency services right away.
