Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of psychotherapy used to treat traumatic memories and other distressing experiences.
How it Works:
EMDR involves a series of steps that help the patient process and integrate traumatic memories.EMDR is an evidence-based therapy, meaning that there is substantial scientific research to support its effectiveness. Numerous studies have shown that EMDR can significantly reduce the symptoms of trauma and improve the Client's quality of life. EMDR is not a “forever” therapy, but instead designed to help you through distressing targets that affect your daily life. For complex trauma it can take years, but results may vary for other disorders.
Do you have a sliding scale?
Yes, but I only have 2 open slots per season, please add your name to the waitlist if you would like to be considered.
Who is a good candidate for EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, particularly those struggling with trauma and its related effects. It's effective for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions stemming from traumatic experiences. It can also help with grief and loss, phobias, eating disorders, substance abuse, and performance anxiety, among other issues. .
Can we do EMDR online?
Yes, in California, however my preference is hybrid or in-person in San Diego at an office if dealing with complex trauma or severe emotional dysregulation.
What are the benefits of Somatic EMDR therapy for trauma recovery?
Somatic EMDR (EMDR integrated with somatic/body‑based techniques) offers several practical benefits for trauma recovery:
More complete trauma processing — it combines EMDR’s memory‑reprocessing with body‑centered work so both cognitive/emotional and physiological trauma traces are addressed. (innersummits.ca)
Better nervous‑system regulation and safety during processing — somatic skills (breath, grounding, interoceptive tracking, titration) help clients stay regulated and reduce the risk of re‑traumatization while reprocessing. (pittsburghcit.com)
Reduced PTSD symptoms and related anxiety/depression, plus improvement in physical/somatic complaints (sleep, chronic tension/pain) in many clients. (pittsburghcit.com)
Access to preverbal/sensory memories — somatic techniques allow therapists to work with body‑stored implicit memories that talk therapy alone may miss. (somaticpsychotherapycenter.com)
Stronger long‑term regulation and resilience — by rebuilding safety and trust in the body, somatic EMDR supports lasting symptom reduction and improved coping. (rachelpires.com)
Will EMDR “cure” my trauma?
Trauma or PTSD in general is not curable, but does have research that back incredible increases in overall life satisfaction and decreases in distressing and severity of symptoms. “EMDR therapy significantly reduces PTSD, depression, anxiety, and subjective distress, with moderate to large effect sizes.” — Meta-analysis, PLoS ONE, 2014
What is trauma?
When an event overwhelms your nervous system, and the effects last longer than a few months. Many people have small '“t” traumas that add up over time. Many people who survive natural disasters will be fine, but a small percentage (about 2/10 will experience PTSD symptoms).
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the body as a source of healing and insight. It is based on the premise that the body stores memories and experiences, both positive and negative, and that these can impact our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. EMDR naturally treats the body and brain, and your brain does all the work.
Can EMDR therapy be effective for managing anxiety and PTSD?
Short answer: Yes — EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that is effective for treating PTSD and has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms as well. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
What should I expect during my first EMDR therapy session?
Intake and history: Your first EMDR appointment is often mainly an intake — the therapist will ask about your history, current problems, goals, and any safety concerns so they can decide if EMDR is appropriate. (emdrtherapynashville.com)
Explanation and consent: The therapist will explain how EMDR works (the eight phases, bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or taps), discuss risks/benefits, and get your informed consent before starting any reprocessing. (laureltherapy.net)
Stabilization and resources: Expect to practice grounding/safety or “resource” techniques (a safe place exercise, breathing, coping tools). Many clinicians focus on building stability first and may not process traumatic targets on visit one. (emdrtherapynashville.com)
Possible brief processing (or none): Some therapists may do a short demonstration or begin limited reprocessing if you’re ready; others keep the first session assessment-only. Sessions commonly run ~60–90 minutes. (psychologytoday.com)