EMDR Therapy for Trauma
RE-WIRE TRAUMA AND FIND STRENGTH
EMDR Therapy can help people reduce trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Sometimes strong feelings come up unexpectedly for you: panic, anger, irritation, or crying. You feel more touchy than normal, like an exposed nerve. You wish you could shake it off or make it stop, but it continues to intrude on your life in unwanted ways.
This is the experience many people describe when they begin their search for EMDR therapy. They’re looking for understanding, safety, and control. Additionally, they want to make the intrusive feelings stop so they can feel like themselves again.
We provide EMDR therapy for trauma in-person and virtually in downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena.
EMDR Therapy is a specific way of working therapeutically to resolve difficult emotional experiences. EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. This therapeutic approach harnesses our brain’s innate capacity for healing by using what’s called “bi-lateral stimulation”. This process (traditionally using eye movement) helps the brain create new pathways to process traumatic experiences so they don’t intrude or cause emotional disruptions. Furthermore, EMDR therapists are trained to be sensitive to your unique needs and to help you feel strong and safe throughout the process. For example, it’s been proven to help people resolve traumatic experiences and relationship issues. Finally, you’ll learn to approach difficult experiences with mastery and confidence.
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We're here to help
John Allan Whitacre, AMFT
EMDR THERAPY FOR TRAUMA
McKenzie Laird, AMFT
TRAUMA THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION
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Try this EMDR Tapping Technique
This EMDR tapping exercise can help you begin to tune into your healing capacity. Gavin Cross, LMFT helps people work through difficult experiences through EMDR therapy.
Articles on EMDR
Read our recent blog articles on EMDR Therapy
We’re in the Biltmore Offices located on 520 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 671. Parking can be found in Pershing Square or the LA Public Library.
Our Pasadena Office is located on 595 E. Colorado Blvd. Suite 629. Parking can be found on the street.
Our therapists also offer virtual appointments throughout California
EMDR Therapy FAQs
Understanding EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma and distressing experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on the brain’s natural ability to reprocess memories, reducing their emotional impact.
During EMDR, a trained therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation—often eye movements, taps, or sounds—to help your brain reprocess stuck or painful memories. This process allows you to transform how these memories are stored, alleviating symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional triggers. Here’s what EMDR can do for you:
- Resolve Trauma. EMDR helps reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories, freeing you from their grip.
- Reduce Symptoms. It effectively addresses PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related issues.
- Promote Healing. By reprocessing memories, EMDR fosters self-compassion and emotional resilience.
- Enhance Confidence. You’ll gain clarity and strength to navigate life with greater ease.
Our EMDR therapists in Pasadena and LA are trained to create a safe, supportive environment to guide you through this transformative process. Whether you’re dealing with past trauma or current stressors, EMDR can help you reclaim your life.
How EMDR Helps You Heal
- Targeted Memory Processing. You’ll focus on a specific memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes.
- Desensitization. The emotional intensity of the memory decreases as your brain reprocesses it in a safer, more adaptive way.
- Integration. Negative beliefs tied to the memory (e.g., “I’m not safe”) are replaced with positive ones (e.g., “I am in control”).
- Body Awareness. EMDR often includes checking for physical sensations, ensuring the trauma is fully processed.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Transformative Healing for Trauma and Beyond
EMDR therapy is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating trauma and related conditions. Our clients in Pasadena and Los Angeles experience profound changes through EMDR, including:
- Faster Relief. EMDR often works more quickly than traditional therapy, with many noticing improvements in weeks.
- Long-Lasting Results. By addressing the root of trauma, EMDR helps prevent symptoms from resurfacing.
- Versatility. Beyond PTSD, EMDR treats anxiety, phobias, grief, and even performance anxiety.
- Empowerment. You’ll gain tools to manage triggers and build a stronger sense of self.
Whether you’re seeking in-person sessions in our welcoming offices or prefer virtual EMDR, our therapists are here to help you achieve lasting healing.
What to Expect During EMDR Therapy
Starting EMDR can feel daunting, but our Pasadena and LA therapists make the process clear and supportive. Here’s what a typical EMDR journey looks like:
- Preparation. Your therapist builds trust, explains EMDR, and teaches coping skills to ensure you feel safe.
- Processing. You’ll focus on specific memories or triggers while engaging in bilateral stimulation, guided by your therapist.
- Check-Ins. Your therapist regularly pauses to discuss your experience, ensuring you’re comfortable and progressing.
- Closure. Each session ends with techniques to help you feel grounded and ready to return to your day.
Sessions typically last 50-90 minutes, and the number of sessions varies based on your needs. We offer both in-person and online EMDR to fit your schedule.
Cost and Availability of EMDR Therapy
Our EMDR therapists’ rates align with market standards for private practice in Pasadena and Los Angeles. Pricing details are available on each therapist’s profile page.
For information about fees, click here.
We understand that EMDR is an investment in your well-being. To make it accessible, we ensure no waitlists—you can connect with an EMDR therapist within a week of reaching out. Our team will match you with a therapist who fits your needs and schedule, offering both in-person and virtual options.