Evidence-based trauma therapy that rewires the nervous system — integrated with somatic experiencing for lasting change.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most extensively researched and effective treatments for trauma available today. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories that have become frozen in the nervous system.
When we experience overwhelming events, the brain’s normal processing mechanisms can get disrupted — leaving memories stored with their original intensity of emotion, sensation, and belief intact. These unprocessed memories continue to activate as if the threat is still present, driving anxiety, hypervigilance, phobias, and PTSD symptoms. EMDR helps the brain finally digest what it couldn’t at the time, so the memory loses its charge and the nervous system can settle.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is particularly effective for trauma and anxiety-based conditions, including:
- PTSD and acute trauma
- Complex and developmental trauma (CPTSD)
- Anxiety disorders and panic attacks
- Phobias and specific fears
- Childhood trauma and attachment wounds
- Single-incident trauma (accidents, assault, medical events)
- Trauma underlying depression and chronic stress
My Approach to EMDR
I am a trained EMDR therapist, and what distinguishes my practice is the integration of EMDR with Somatic Experiencing (SE). Standard EMDR is highly effective — but when combined with somatic awareness, the work goes deeper. Rather than processing trauma through memory and cognition alone, we also track what is happening in the body during reprocessing, allowing the nervous system to complete its responses at a physical level as well as a psychological one.
This integrated approach is particularly valuable for clients with complex trauma or high nervous system dysregulation, where standard EMDR protocols can sometimes move too fast. By weaving in somatic resourcing and titration, we keep the work within your window of tolerance — effective without being overwhelming.
I also bring Narrative therapy and Jungian depth psychology into the frame. EMDR can surface powerful imagery, symbols, and inner figures during processing — and rather than moving past these quickly, I find it valuable to pause and explore what is emerging. Healing is not only about reducing symptoms; it is about understanding what the psyche is trying to say. Re-authoring long standing problem saturated stories to preferred narratives often transpires
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol, though the experience in session is often more fluid and intuitive than a clinical description suggests.
EMDR sessions begin with building the safety and internal resources needed to approach difficult material. When we move into reprocessing, I use bilateral stimulation while tracking shifts in emotion, sensation, and belief — staying closely attuned to your nervous system throughout. Sessions close with careful grounding and integration, so you leave feeling settled rather than raw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EMDR actually work?
Yes — EMDR is recognized by the WHO, the American Psychiatric Association, and the VA as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. It has decades of research behind it and is one of the most validated trauma therapies available.
Do you offer EMDR therapy online?
Yes. EMDR adapts well to telehealth using bilateral tapping or audio tones in place of eye movements. I work with clients throughout California remotely, and in person in Los Angeles at 5055 Wilshire Blvd and my Santa Monica location
Ready to Reprocess and Move Forward?
If trauma, anxiety, or phobias have been running the show — shaping your relationships, your body, your choices — EMDR offers a direct path through. You don’t have to keep managing symptoms. You can actually heal them.
Contact me to schedule a free 20-minute consultation and find out whether EMDR is the right fit for where you are.