EMDR Therapists in South Pasadena, CA

Photo of Megan McGuinness, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Megan McGuinness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I draw from the wisdom of narrative therapy and the transformative power of EMDR.
The therapeutic relationship holds immense potential to empower lives, therefore choosing the right therapist is crucial. Your well-being is of utmost importance, and I am dedicated to providing you with the care and support you need. Together we will navigate the twists and turns, gently untangling the knots of anxiety, lifting the weight of depression, mending the wounds of troubled relationships, and bravely facing the shadows of past traumas. Let us unravel the roadblocks that hinder you from fully embracing the life you envision.
I draw from the wisdom of narrative therapy and the transformative power of EMDR.
The therapeutic relationship holds immense potential to empower lives, therefore choosing the right therapist is crucial. Your well-being is of utmost importance, and I am dedicated to providing you with the care and support you need. Together we will navigate the twists and turns, gently untangling the knots of anxiety, lifting the weight of depression, mending the wounds of troubled relationships, and bravely facing the shadows of past traumas. Let us unravel the roadblocks that hinder you from fully embracing the life you envision.
(213) 320-3863 View (213) 320-3863
Photo of Mae Ana Sefami, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mae Ana Sefami
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting for the treatment of trauma, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for treatment resistant depression.
I assist individuals in overcoming their inner pain, and learning to face the challenges of life from a place of strength, compassion, and connection. As your ally in healing, I can help you process the emotions, memories and experiences that may underly your current suffering, so that you’re free to feel connected with yourself, with others, and with life. Sometimes past traumas become trapped in our bodies and minds, and we need help to feel safe in ourself and our relationships. My approach is based on these principles: Efficacy (I use Evidence Based modalities), collaboration, individualized care, and warm relational connection.
I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting for the treatment of trauma, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for treatment resistant depression.
I assist individuals in overcoming their inner pain, and learning to face the challenges of life from a place of strength, compassion, and connection. As your ally in healing, I can help you process the emotions, memories and experiences that may underly your current suffering, so that you’re free to feel connected with yourself, with others, and with life. Sometimes past traumas become trapped in our bodies and minds, and we need help to feel safe in ourself and our relationships. My approach is based on these principles: Efficacy (I use Evidence Based modalities), collaboration, individualized care, and warm relational connection.
(747) 200-8978 View (747) 200-8978
Photo of Casey MacGregor-Toshima, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Casey MacGregor-Toshima
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Most people need help at various times in their lives navigating difficult experiences. My approach is collaborative, action-oriented and positive with individuals and couples. When relevant, I incorporate somatic (body) approaches, including EMDR and Brainspotting modalities to working with anxiety, phobias, trauma and other issues. My practice also includes the option of "walking and talking" outdoors. I am influenced by IFS / IFIO (parts work), self-compassion, feminist, and polyvagal approaches. I help clients connect more deeply with the past and address barriers to well-being in the present.
Most people need help at various times in their lives navigating difficult experiences. My approach is collaborative, action-oriented and positive with individuals and couples. When relevant, I incorporate somatic (body) approaches, including EMDR and Brainspotting modalities to working with anxiety, phobias, trauma and other issues. My practice also includes the option of "walking and talking" outdoors. I am influenced by IFS / IFIO (parts work), self-compassion, feminist, and polyvagal approaches. I help clients connect more deeply with the past and address barriers to well-being in the present.
(626) 684-3136 View (626) 684-3136
Photo of Maria C. Shufeldt, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maria C. Shufeldt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I am trained in EMDR therapy and can arrange "Walk and Talk" sessions for some clients.
It's hard to make sense of what's happening today in the world. It's also hard to make sense of what's happening with yourself. You feel so many things you can't even explain. As humans, we live in intersecting relationships: the earth, society, each other, work, spirituality (for some), individual and generational history. and our changing identities. Identifying and managing all of these relationships while moving in place is dizzyingly daunting. You want change, stability, a sense of purpose, and better connections. Even small moments of contentment would be a relief and a good start.
I am trained in EMDR therapy and can arrange "Walk and Talk" sessions for some clients.
It's hard to make sense of what's happening today in the world. It's also hard to make sense of what's happening with yourself. You feel so many things you can't even explain. As humans, we live in intersecting relationships: the earth, society, each other, work, spirituality (for some), individual and generational history. and our changing identities. Identifying and managing all of these relationships while moving in place is dizzyingly daunting. You want change, stability, a sense of purpose, and better connections. Even small moments of contentment would be a relief and a good start.
(818) 465-5634 View (818) 465-5634
Photo of Julia Childs, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julia Childs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
With training in EMDR and psychodynamic depth therapy, I focus on creating a safe relationship where you can learn how your internal world colors your external experience.
You're a highly sensitive, creative, and empathic person who is ready to heal. You dream of an integrated life where your emotions, intuition, and spirit coexist. A life where healthy relationships flourish and the trauma of your past is finally laid to rest. You may feel exhausted by the pain of your childhood, old relationships, and even current circumstances. In turn, this has created a hunger for a safe space where you can show up as your full self. Welcome. You're home.
With training in EMDR and psychodynamic depth therapy, I focus on creating a safe relationship where you can learn how your internal world colors your external experience.
You're a highly sensitive, creative, and empathic person who is ready to heal. You dream of an integrated life where your emotions, intuition, and spirit coexist. A life where healthy relationships flourish and the trauma of your past is finally laid to rest. You may feel exhausted by the pain of your childhood, old relationships, and even current circumstances. In turn, this has created a hunger for a safe space where you can show up as your full self. Welcome. You're home.
(626) 606-2592 View (626) 606-2592
Photo of Nicole Cherry, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole Cherry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030  (Online Only)
My clinical work is in Trauma, Women's Mental Health, Intimate Partner Violence, and EMDR (eye-movement desensitization reprocessing).
Are you going through a divorce, or perhaps you're not sure of the direction of your marriage or relationship? Do you have co-parenting challenges? Are you looking for someone to listen, have empathy and genuinely care about your situation? I specialize in working with women going through a separation or divorce, those who have experienced trauma with their intimate partner or witnessed it in their childhood, are experiencing PTSD, anxiety and depression.
My clinical work is in Trauma, Women's Mental Health, Intimate Partner Violence, and EMDR (eye-movement desensitization reprocessing).
Are you going through a divorce, or perhaps you're not sure of the direction of your marriage or relationship? Do you have co-parenting challenges? Are you looking for someone to listen, have empathy and genuinely care about your situation? I specialize in working with women going through a separation or divorce, those who have experienced trauma with their intimate partner or witnessed it in their childhood, are experiencing PTSD, anxiety and depression.
(323) 900-5292 View (323) 900-5292
Photo of Kristina Rim Bartek, MA, LMFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristina Rim Bartek
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030  (Online Only)
I am trained in the these evidence-based practices: EMDR Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, Aggression Replacement, and Strengthening Families.
Every person has inherent creativity and a capacity to thrive. My role is to help connect you to your existing strengths and to help you try out new tools. When words are not enough, we can turn to more creative processes. Art therapy and EMDR are modalities that engage the body and mind, what we feel and think. Both modalities help us not only think differently, but also feel something new and healing.
I am trained in the these evidence-based practices: EMDR Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, Aggression Replacement, and Strengthening Families.
Every person has inherent creativity and a capacity to thrive. My role is to help connect you to your existing strengths and to help you try out new tools. When words are not enough, we can turn to more creative processes. Art therapy and EMDR are modalities that engage the body and mind, what we feel and think. Both modalities help us not only think differently, but also feel something new and healing.
(626) 790-8221 View (626) 790-8221
Photo of Michael J Zittel, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael J Zittel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
In most cases is effective EMDR to target and resolve issues that inhibit well being.
When we can gain control over the elements that bring us down, anxiety, depression, and doubt, a sense of hope that healing is possible can arise. My goal is to help you break free from felt limitations, recover vital parts of yourself, and engage in a life with meaning. My experience includes helping people recover from the debilitating effects of trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD; manage and recover from anxiety, depression, grief, shame, and loss.
In most cases is effective EMDR to target and resolve issues that inhibit well being.
When we can gain control over the elements that bring us down, anxiety, depression, and doubt, a sense of hope that healing is possible can arise. My goal is to help you break free from felt limitations, recover vital parts of yourself, and engage in a life with meaning. My experience includes helping people recover from the debilitating effects of trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD; manage and recover from anxiety, depression, grief, shame, and loss.
(626) 240-1439 View (626) 240-1439
Photo of Natasha Hamlin, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natasha Hamlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030  (Online Only)
I believe that through a compassionate and authentic relationship, therapy is a place where people can grow, foster their unique strengths, and reach their personal goals. I use a collaborative approach so that together, we can explore challenges, and strengthen your ability to cope and problem solve in order to help you reach your goals. I blend a combination of effective and proven evidence-based practices such as EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, DBT, and other modalities to help my clients work though trauma, anxiety, depression, anger issues, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, and more.
I believe that through a compassionate and authentic relationship, therapy is a place where people can grow, foster their unique strengths, and reach their personal goals. I use a collaborative approach so that together, we can explore challenges, and strengthen your ability to cope and problem solve in order to help you reach your goals. I blend a combination of effective and proven evidence-based practices such as EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, DBT, and other modalities to help my clients work though trauma, anxiety, depression, anger issues, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, and more.
(323) 433-6914 View (323) 433-6914
Photo of Zoë Kahn, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Zoë Kahn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I am trained in psychodynamic therapy, EFT, and EMDR.
Hi, I'm Zoë. I'm a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience in mental health. I work with adults and couples who are seeking a deeper relationship with themselves and with each other. I find that with acceptance of your true self, the more confident you will feel in communicating openly, making hard decisions, setting boundaries and making desired changes in your life. This holds true in our relationships as well. When we learn to accept realities about ourselves, we can then learn how to share our inner world with others. I would love to help you find deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.
I am trained in psychodynamic therapy, EFT, and EMDR.
Hi, I'm Zoë. I'm a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience in mental health. I work with adults and couples who are seeking a deeper relationship with themselves and with each other. I find that with acceptance of your true self, the more confident you will feel in communicating openly, making hard decisions, setting boundaries and making desired changes in your life. This holds true in our relationships as well. When we learn to accept realities about ourselves, we can then learn how to share our inner world with others. I would love to help you find deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.
(323) 645-5972 View (323) 645-5972
Photo of Daniel Doyle, LMFT, LPCC, RDT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Daniel Doyle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, RDT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Clinical Counselor, and a Certified EMDR Therapist.
I provide a comfortable environment and support to assist you in identifying and working to resolve issues that keep you stuck in unhealthy and unproductive patterns. These may include dissatisfaction with work, poor relationships, or struggles with anxiety, depression or self esteem. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I use a streamlined approach to specifically target and resolve the issues that are interfering with your growth and happiness. I consider it a privilege to join my clients on their journey as they gain clarity, increased self-awareness and renewed energy to manage life's ups and downs more effectively.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Clinical Counselor, and a Certified EMDR Therapist.
I provide a comfortable environment and support to assist you in identifying and working to resolve issues that keep you stuck in unhealthy and unproductive patterns. These may include dissatisfaction with work, poor relationships, or struggles with anxiety, depression or self esteem. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I use a streamlined approach to specifically target and resolve the issues that are interfering with your growth and happiness. I consider it a privilege to join my clients on their journey as they gain clarity, increased self-awareness and renewed energy to manage life's ups and downs more effectively.
(626) 513-8550 View (626) 513-8550
Photo of Heather R Halpern, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather R Halpern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I am highly trained and certified in EMDR and Hypnosis.
In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I have helped more than 5,500 clients in the last 30 years. I am dedicated to helping men, women, couples, children, and families achieve greater well-being and success. I am gentle, focused, and direct in helping people successfully resolve: Signs or Symptoms of Depression or Anxiety, Life stressors such as Family and Work Problems, Grief, Loss, Marital Distress or Divorce, Parenting, Child and Adolescent Issues, Health Related Adjustment Issues, Post Traumatic Stress.
I am highly trained and certified in EMDR and Hypnosis.
In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I have helped more than 5,500 clients in the last 30 years. I am dedicated to helping men, women, couples, children, and families achieve greater well-being and success. I am gentle, focused, and direct in helping people successfully resolve: Signs or Symptoms of Depression or Anxiety, Life stressors such as Family and Work Problems, Grief, Loss, Marital Distress or Divorce, Parenting, Child and Adolescent Issues, Health Related Adjustment Issues, Post Traumatic Stress.
(626) 935-9961 View (626) 935-9961
Photo of Holly Evans, MA, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Holly Evans
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I offer EMDR & other trauma focused therapies to treat depression, anxiety & reproductive trauma (TFMR, stillbirth, NICU, miscarriage, fertility process, birth trauma).
Having a baby has been so much harder than you ever thought it could be. You're feeling anxious, overwhelmed by your emotions & isolated- living in "survival mode". It's impossible to avoid reminders of what you've been through. You're replaying bad memories on repeat and imagining worst case scenarios. How is everyone else making this motherhood thing look so easy? Whether you're facing ongoing fertility process, feeling traumatized by a difficult birth, or need to heal a loss, getting support is an important step in moving forward without traumatic experiences interfering in your life, your relationships & your parenting.
I offer EMDR & other trauma focused therapies to treat depression, anxiety & reproductive trauma (TFMR, stillbirth, NICU, miscarriage, fertility process, birth trauma).
Having a baby has been so much harder than you ever thought it could be. You're feeling anxious, overwhelmed by your emotions & isolated- living in "survival mode". It's impossible to avoid reminders of what you've been through. You're replaying bad memories on repeat and imagining worst case scenarios. How is everyone else making this motherhood thing look so easy? Whether you're facing ongoing fertility process, feeling traumatized by a difficult birth, or need to heal a loss, getting support is an important step in moving forward without traumatic experiences interfering in your life, your relationships & your parenting.
(323) 379-0813 View (323) 379-0813
Photo of Sonnet Daymont, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sonnet Daymont
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I provide in person EMDR for trauma work.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed? Therapy can be helpful for life transitions, treating anxiety, and healing from trauma. Many of my clients are lawyers, writers, professional artists, stay at home moms, but I also enjoy working with older teenagers, and early professionals. I provide time tested strategies based on successful research (CBT, EMDR, Existential Therapy, Positive Psychology). I am trained in art therapy and as a mindfulness teacher, including certification for Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, MBSR. I can meet with clients in-person, or online and have a small therapy dog present in our office.
I provide in person EMDR for trauma work.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed? Therapy can be helpful for life transitions, treating anxiety, and healing from trauma. Many of my clients are lawyers, writers, professional artists, stay at home moms, but I also enjoy working with older teenagers, and early professionals. I provide time tested strategies based on successful research (CBT, EMDR, Existential Therapy, Positive Psychology). I am trained in art therapy and as a mindfulness teacher, including certification for Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, MBSR. I can meet with clients in-person, or online and have a small therapy dog present in our office.
(415) 594-5322 View (415) 594-5322
Photo of Kelly Muhonen, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly Muhonen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
So much can get in the way of our ability to receive and give love in healthy relationships. I enjoy working with people who are seeking healing from past wounds so that they can love themselves and others. I help people develop self-confidence and self-awareness that promotes creativity and deeper connectedness. If you’ve experienced trauma or if you struggle with negative beliefs about yourself, EMDR may be a helpful resource and is a specialty of mine. I am also certified as a Safe and Sound Protocol provider, which helps people experience a felt sense of safety and calm.
So much can get in the way of our ability to receive and give love in healthy relationships. I enjoy working with people who are seeking healing from past wounds so that they can love themselves and others. I help people develop self-confidence and self-awareness that promotes creativity and deeper connectedness. If you’ve experienced trauma or if you struggle with negative beliefs about yourself, EMDR may be a helpful resource and is a specialty of mine. I am also certified as a Safe and Sound Protocol provider, which helps people experience a felt sense of safety and calm.
(626) 427-3645 View (626) 427-3645
Photo of Kathleen Telser - Kathleen Telser, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathleen Telser, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
For clients who have experienced trauma, I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), as well as other trauma-treatment methods that have proved to be effective.
Emotional and physical trauma, when unresolved, can leave us feeling alone, misunderstood, disconnected and sometimes shamed. It can keep us from forming the relationships we seek and alienate us from the intimacy we might desire. In a non-judgmental way, I engage my clients to help them find meaning and growth through a combination of deep understanding and emotional presence. My approach is attachment-based and focuses on attunement and self-acceptance. When working with couples as well as individuals, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
For clients who have experienced trauma, I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), as well as other trauma-treatment methods that have proved to be effective.
Emotional and physical trauma, when unresolved, can leave us feeling alone, misunderstood, disconnected and sometimes shamed. It can keep us from forming the relationships we seek and alienate us from the intimacy we might desire. In a non-judgmental way, I engage my clients to help them find meaning and growth through a combination of deep understanding and emotional presence. My approach is attachment-based and focuses on attunement and self-acceptance. When working with couples as well as individuals, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
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Photo of Jade Tree Holistic Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jade Tree Holistic Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
We integrate psychodynamic therapy- which explores how your psychological, emotional and relational set points got formed- with somatic work, mindfulness, art therapy, meditation, EMDR and Jungian dream analysis.
Jade Tree is a collective of psychotherapists who offer holistic, professional, artful, compassionate therapy for adults, couples and adolescents. We tailor our caring, hands-on approach to each client, and our aim is to help you become the person you want to be. We believe that real lasting change is possible, and we have the skill and dedication to help you get there.
We integrate psychodynamic therapy- which explores how your psychological, emotional and relational set points got formed- with somatic work, mindfulness, art therapy, meditation, EMDR and Jungian dream analysis.
Jade Tree is a collective of psychotherapists who offer holistic, professional, artful, compassionate therapy for adults, couples and adolescents. We tailor our caring, hands-on approach to each client, and our aim is to help you become the person you want to be. We believe that real lasting change is possible, and we have the skill and dedication to help you get there.
(323) 747-7238 View (323) 747-7238
Photo of Paula A Jones, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Paula A Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I am trained in EMDR, trauma therapy, and am able to provide this remotely.
We all have challenges as well as strengths in our lives. I support my clients as they work through life challenges , and mental health diagnosis such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I see teenagers and adults as well as couples in most cases virtually. In the context of a supportive relationship, I help clients deal with emotions that are causing distress and guide them in making meaningful life changes in their behaviors, thoughts and circumstances.
I am trained in EMDR, trauma therapy, and am able to provide this remotely.
We all have challenges as well as strengths in our lives. I support my clients as they work through life challenges , and mental health diagnosis such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I see teenagers and adults as well as couples in most cases virtually. In the context of a supportive relationship, I help clients deal with emotions that are causing distress and guide them in making meaningful life changes in their behaviors, thoughts and circumstances.
(424) 587-2544 View (424) 587-2544
Photo of Jennifer Duke - Jennifer Duke Psychotherapist, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Duke Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I use EMDR and Havening.
You deserve to be happy, and my goal is to get you there. Together we can explore the issues at hand and develop a plan that allows you to move forward, confidently. Do you feel like life has become unmanageable? Are you unsure of the next step? Do you feel like you and your partner are more like roommates instead of romantic partners?
I use EMDR and Havening.
You deserve to be happy, and my goal is to get you there. Together we can explore the issues at hand and develop a plan that allows you to move forward, confidently. Do you feel like life has become unmanageable? Are you unsure of the next step? Do you feel like you and your partner are more like roommates instead of romantic partners?
(626) 317-8665 View (626) 317-8665
Photo of Alison Lewis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alison Lewis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
EMDR can resolve trauma in ways that talk therapy alone can't.
Everyone gets stuck sometimes. It could be about relationships, work issues or family stress. It can be about things that happened in childhood, like rejection or physical or sexual abuse. Feeling bad about ourselves and the effects of trauma can derail us. Trauma is a word that means "unhealed wound." When we have experienced trauma we might develop low self esteem, anxiety or depression, or we might engage in unhealthy behaviors. What do you want to change? I've been a therapist for 25 years and I want to help you get to where you want to go.
EMDR can resolve trauma in ways that talk therapy alone can't.
Everyone gets stuck sometimes. It could be about relationships, work issues or family stress. It can be about things that happened in childhood, like rejection or physical or sexual abuse. Feeling bad about ourselves and the effects of trauma can derail us. Trauma is a word that means "unhealed wound." When we have experienced trauma we might develop low self esteem, anxiety or depression, or we might engage in unhealthy behaviors. What do you want to change? I've been a therapist for 25 years and I want to help you get to where you want to go.
(213) 465-3908 View (213) 465-3908
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EMDR Therapists

Who is EMDR for?

EMDR was initially developed as a treatment for individuals with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for whom memories of a deeply distressing experience can be inadvertently triggered by random everyday events. The procedure has since been applied in the treatment of many other conditions. For example, it is used by some therapists to treat anxiety disorders including panic and phobias, depression, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and some personality disorders. It is suitable for adolescents and adults.

Why do people need EMDR?

People need EMDR as a way to manage distressing memories that in some way hamper the ability to function in the present. The procedure is believed to target the way memories are stored in the brain. Evidence indicates that past disturbing experiences cause ongoing distress because they were not adequately processed, and when such memories are triggered in the present, they are accompanied by all the emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations as the initial experience.

What problems does EMDR treat?

First and foremost, EMDR is intended as a treatment for PTSD, to defuse distressing memories that intrude on and impair everyday functioning. It is also often used to help those who are subject to panic attacks, phobias, and other forms of anxiety. In addition, EMDR has been used to treat individuals with depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders.

What happens in EMDR therapy?

First the therapist takes an individual’s history, and then the therapist and client decide which distressing experience(s) will be the target(s) of the exercise, delivered via a side-to-side visual stimulus requiring lateral eye movements. The client will be asked to activate thoughts, feelings, and any body sensations related to the troubling experience. The eye movements are said to reduce the emotional charge of the memory, so that the experience can then be safely discussed with the therapist and digested, minimizing its ability to trigger anxiety.