Gentle Healing Through EMDR Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Some memories stay with us long after the moment has passed. They show up in the body as tension, in the mind as racing thoughts, and in daily life as a heaviness that is hard to name. EMDR therapy in Los Angeles, CA, offers a calm, guided path toward releasing that weight. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps the mind and body settle old distress so the past can finally rest.
How does EMDR work?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach first developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro nearly four decades ago and since refined through ongoing clinical research and practice. It helps people process distressing memories and experiences that continue to affect their emotional well-being, sense of self, and relationships.
Overwhelming experiences can remain emotionally charged in our minds and in our bodies long after they have passed. Memories may continue to trigger intense feelings, bodily sensations, or negative beliefs, even when we know we are no longer in danger.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation – such as guided eye movements, alternating taps, or auditory tones -while you briefly focus on aspects of a distressing memory. This can help the memory become less emotionally charged and allow new perspectives to emerge. The memory is not erased; rather, its emotional impact and associated beliefs may shift, allowing the experience to soften in intensity and become more integrated.
What Is an EMDR Session Like?
EMDR begins with understanding your history and concerns, identifying and developing resources, and establishing safety to help you stay grounded. When there is enough readiness and groundedness, we identify a memory or experience to explore, including the emotions, bodily sensations, and beliefs associated with it.
As you hold aspects of the experience in mind, I guide you through brief sets of bilateral stimulation. Between sets, you simply notice what arises—such as emotions, sensations, images, memories, or shifts in perspective—without needing to direct or analyze the process.
Everyone responds differently. Strong emotions can surface along the way. We work collaboratively and at a pace that respects your readiness and capacity, allowing time for stabilization and integration when needed. As processing unfolds, distress may lessen and more compassionate, balanced perspectives may emerge.
How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take?
The length of EMDR therapy depends on your goals, personal history, available resources, and the complexity of the experiences being addressed. Initial sessions focus on building a therapeutic relationship, exploring your concerns, supporting stabilization, and developing a sense of readiness and capacity for trauma reprocessing. With complex or attachment-related trauma, preparation and stabilization are key before processing specific memories.
Trauma reprocessing sessions commonly last 75- 90 minutes. Some concerns may respond to a relatively brief course of treatment, while longstanding or complex trauma often benefits from a more extended, phased approach.
In my practice, EMDR can be integrated with Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic psychotherapy. This allows us to work not only with distressing memories, but also with the protective parts of you that may feel apprehensive about revisiting the past and the emotional and bodily responses that arise. Together, we work toward greater integration, self-compassion, and a more settled relationship with your experiences.
For those who may benefit from a more focused and immersive approach, I also offer time-limited therapy intensives, which provide an opportunity for deeper therapeutic work within a longer-format session. You can learn more on my Therapy Intensives page.
For more information on EMDR please visit the EMDRIA website.