EMDR Therapy
San Diego

According to the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that was designed to heal distress associated with trauma.”  Discovered by Dr. Francine Shapiro, in 1989, EMDR therapy has been shown to help clients access and process traumatic memories so that they no longer cause emotional distress. According to the EMDR International Association, “EMDR therapy is extensively researched and widely recognized as effective trauma therapy.”

EMDR therapy uses eye movement or other bilateral stimulation (such as hand-tapping)  to activate opposite sides of the brain. The theory behind this process is to mimic the brain’s Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep. REM is the deepest stage of sleep we experience and when dreams occur—as we dream, our brain processes recent events. Although we are usually able to deal with troubling events through our dreams, some events we experience are too traumatic to process. 

When the memory of a negative event gets stuck in our brain, it may result in nightmares. However, in instances when we experience a traumatic event we’re unable to process, it can cause depression, anxiety, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Even if the event occurred weeks, months, or years ago, the memory of something traumatic can make us feel like it’s happening all over again in the present. As a result, we are likely to experience the same physical and emotional distress reliving this memory as we did when it originally occurred. 

EMDR can be a powerful form of therapy in helping us get “unstuck” from persistent unpleasant memories. The unique bilateral stimulation process utilized in EMDR treatment helps us reprocess these negative events and then integrate and associate positive emotions with them so that they no longer possess the same emotional charge they once did.

EMDR therapy can be helpful for those suffering from (PTSD), anxiety, or depression as a result of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. It can also benefit those who have survived war, natural disaster, or an accident. Additionally, those who have experienced medical or childbirth trauma, miscarriage, or other disturbing memories can be helped with EMDR treatment. 

Although EMDR is an effective treatment for more recognizable forms of trauma, memories that get stuck and cause us long-term distress can originate in more subtle ways. Sometimes we don’t detect the trauma we suffer within unhealthy relationships—when we experience bullying, gaslighting, or controlling behavior, a sense of powerlessness or lack of trust can also cause trauma. In short, anyone who has experienced trauma, no matter how big or small, can benefit from EMDR treatment.

The extensive research that has been conducted on the efficacy of EMDR treatment has resulted in this therapy being endorsed by international health organizations. The World Health Organization states that EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), “should be considered for people suffering from PTSD. These techniques help people reduce vivid, unwanted, repeated recollections of traumatic events.” Furthermore, the Department of Veteran Affairs has included EMDR therapy as one of the methods it recommends in the treatment of PTSD. 

IAt Resilience Counseling, several of our therapists are trained through EMDRIA-approved programs and bring extensive experience in helping clients work through unprocessed trauma. We’ve had the privilege of witnessing powerful transformations as clients move from feeling stuck in the past to experiencing greater peace and resolution.

EMDR therapy helps the brain “unstick” painful memories, reducing the emotional distress attached to them so that healing can take place. Our team uses this evidence-based approach to support clients in moving forward with confidence and resilience.

Before starting EMDR, I teach clients self-soothing and grounding skills—such as relaxation, mindfulness, and DBT techniques—so they feel prepared and supported. EMDR is different from traditional talk therapy because it uses bilateral movements to help the brain reprocess painful memories, often in a shorter timeframe. While each person’s journey is unique, EMDR is not typically a long-term therapy. My goal is to help you process what’s holding you back so you can begin to feel lighter, more at peace, and ready to live fully.

Many people come to EMDR after trying traditional talk therapy without finding relief. Because EMDR works differently—focusing on the brain and body connection—it can be especially effective when other approaches haven’t helped. If you’re ready to move beyond your pain, EMDR offers a research-backed, compassionate way to heal.

EMDR may be a good fit if you feel stuck in painful memories, intrusive thoughts, or patterns that haven’t improved with other types of therapy. It’s especially helpful for people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or distressing life events that still feel “unresolved,” even if they happened long ago.

If you notice that reminders of the past still trigger strong emotions, or if you want a therapy that goes beyond traditional talk therapy, EMDR could be right for you. In our first sessions, we’ll explore your needs, goals, and history together to make sure EMDR is the best approach for your healing journey.