Orange County EMDR Therapy
We proudly offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as part of our comprehensive mental health services.
EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma, PTSD, and other distressing life experiences. By using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, EMDR enables the brain to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and fostering recovery.
What does all that mean? It helps reprogram the brain to allow healing.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR is suitable for a wide range of individuals, particularly those who:
Have experienced trauma, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias.
Deal with unresolved grief or loss.
Find it difficult to process distressing life events, such as accidents or natural disasters.
What Does EMDR help?
Our EMDR therapy in Orange County can address a variety of symptoms, including:
Flashbacks and nightmares
Intrusive thoughts
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and mood swings
Emotional numbness or detachment
Sleep disturbances
EMDR therapy in Orange County can help you overcome deep-rooted trauma.
Working with an Orange County EMDR Therapist
EMDR therapy follows an 8-phase treatment protocol, designed to ensure a comprehensive and effective healing process:
History Taking and Treatment Planning: Gathering information about your history and identifying specific traumatic memories for processing.
Preparation: Building trust and preparing you with coping strategies to handle emotional distress during sessions.
Assessment: Identifying the target memory and the negative beliefs associated with it, as well as establishing positive beliefs to replace them.
Desensitization: Reprocessing the traumatic memory using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, until it no longer causes distress.
Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs associated with the processed memory to replace the previous negative associations.
Body Scan: Checking for any residual physical tension related to the memory and addressing it through further processing if needed.
Closure: Ensuring emotional stability at the end of each session, using relaxation and grounding techniques.
Reevaluation: Reviewing progress in subsequent sessions to ensure the memory has been fully processed and addressing any remaining issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that helps people heal from trauma by reprocessing distressing memories.
EMDR Interventions and Strategies:
Bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, tapping)
Guided imagery and visualization
Cognitive restructuring
Relaxation and grounding techniques
Mindfulness exercises
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The length of treatment varies, but many clients experience significant relief in 6-12 sessions. However, the number of sessions needed depends on the complexity of the trauma.
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While EMDR is highly effective for trauma, it is also used to treat anxiety, depression, phobias, and other mental health concerns.
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One of the unique aspects of EMDR is that it doesn’t require detailed discussion of the trauma. The focus is on processing the emotions and sensations associated with the memory, rather than recounting the event itself.
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact OC Psychology Center today. We are here to support you every step of the way.
EMDR therapy is powerful and designed to help
Meet our EMDR Specialists in Orange County
EMDR Certification is a rigorous process. Our Orange County EMDR therapists have completed all requirements for EMDR certification from the top EMDR training programs and certification boards, EMDRI and EMDRIA. The EMDR Institute (EMDRI) was founded by the developer of EMDR Francine Shapiro PHD. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), is the largest EMDR training and certification board.
Christine Golden, LMFT
EMDR Certification through the EMDR Institute
Poppy Peluce Fune, LCSW
EMDR Certification through the EMDR International Association.