EMDR trained · Online throughout California Online EMDR therapy in California

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, well-researched therapy for trauma and distressing memories. It's recommended for PTSD by organizations including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

When something overwhelming happens, the memory can get stored with the same images, emotions, and body sensations you had at the time. That's why a smell, a tone of voice, or a certain kind of conflict can bring it all rushing back. In EMDR, you briefly bring a memory to mind while following bilateral stimulation: side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or tones. Over time, the memory tends to lose its charge. You still remember what happened, but it stops running the show.

What EMDR can help with

• Single traumatic events, like an accident, an assault, or a sudden loss
• Childhood or ongoing experiences that still shape how you see yourself
• Anxiety, panic, and a nervous system that never quite settles
• Painful beliefs like "I'm not enough" or "It was my fault"
• Medical or birth trauma, and grief
• Relationship hurts and betrayal

You don't need a dramatic story or a diagnosis to benefit. If something from your past still feels loud in the present, EMDR may help.

How EMDR works online

EMDR works well over video, and many people are surprised by how natural it feels. Depending on what feels best to you, we can use:

• Eye movements, following a moving target on your screen
• Self-tapping, like alternating taps on your knees or the "butterfly hug"
• Alternating tones through headphones

Being in your own space can make the work feel safer. We'll also close each session in a way that helps you feel grounded before you go back to your day.

What to expect

EMDR doesn't start with your hardest memory. First, we get to know each other, talk about your history and goals, and build skills to help your nervous system settle. We only move into processing when you feel ready, and you stay in control the whole time. You can pause or stop whenever you need to.

Some people come to me specifically for EMDR. Others use it alongside talk therapy and approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. We'll decide together what fits.

Is EMDR right for me?

EMDR can be a good fit if you're an adult in California who wants to work through the past, not just manage its effects. It may not be the right first step if you're in crisis or don't yet feel steady day to day. In that case, we'd focus on safety and support first. The free consultation is a good time to talk through whether EMDR makes sense for you.

Online therapy isn't an emergency service. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.