What is EMDR Therapy? How to Find an EMDR Therapist in Los Angeles

Life can feel overwhelming at times. The constant noise, the pressure to keep up, the endless distractions. Yet beneath it you carry something heavier, too: memories that won’t let go, a tightness in your chest that creeps up uninvited, or a sense that you’re just not fully present. Many people look to EMDR for relief, a way to untangle the past and breathe a little easier. At Here Counseling, we understand how challenging it can be to find the right therapist, and we’re here to help you navigate that journey.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is more than a buzzword—it’s a powerful, somatic approach to processing trauma and experiencing peace. In this article, (1) I’ll walk you through what EMDR is, how it works, and why it’s so effective. (2) I’ll also share the practical side of finding an EMDR therapist, especially if you’re in a big city like Los Angeles, where the search can feel daunting. Most importantly, (3) I’ll show you how the real magic of EMDR happens—not just in the technique, but in the connection you build with your therapist.

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What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment designed to help you process trauma and distressing memories. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s, it’s widely used for PTSD, anxiety, and more. You might have heard about the bilateral stimulation—guided eye movements, tapping, or tones—used while recalling tough moments. That’s part of it, but here’s the core: EMDR isn’t just about the mechanics. It’s about the safety and trust you feel with your therapist, which lets your brain and body release what’s been stuck.

Think of it like this: trauma can trap pieces of your past in a loop, replaying in your mind or showing up as tension you can’t explain. EMDR, paired with the right therapeutic relationship, helps unlock those pieces so they can settle into a quieter place.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR follows an eight-phase process that’s carefully structured to keep you grounded every step of the way:

History-Taking: We start by getting to know you—your story, your struggles, and what you want to work on.
Preparation: Your therapist helps you feel safe with tools like breathing exercises, building a foundation of trust.
Assessment: You identify the memories or beliefs that hurt—and the ones you’d like to feel instead.
Desensitization: This is where bilateral stimulation comes in, guided by your therapist, to help your brain reprocess the memory.
Installation: We reinforce positive beliefs, like “I am enough,” to take root.
Body Scan: You check in with yourself—any lingering tension?—to ensure it feels resolved.
Closure: Every session ends with calm, so you leave feeling steady.
Reevaluation: We check in later to see how you’re doing and adjust the plan if needed.

The bilateral stimulation often gets the spotlight, but the real shift happens through attunement. Dr. Daniel Siegel, a leader in developmental neurobiology, talks about co-regulation—how two people’s nervous systems sync up to create calm. In EMDR, that connection with your therapist allows your brain to rewire those old, painful pathways.

The Science Behind EMDR: It’s All About Connection

You might ask, “Do the eye movements really do all that?” They help, but the deeper healing comes from something more fundamental. Our early relationships shape the structure and function of our brains and bodies. When early relationships are unsafe, our minds respond by shutting down the emotional processes it needs to recover from harm. EMDR, done with a therapist who’s truly present, repairs that by creating a new experience of safety, which reactivates the structures the mind needs to recover from harm.

Daniel Siegel’s research supports this: when you are “attuned” to another person, your nervous system relaxes enough to process what’s been stuck. It’s like the “bilateral” movement isn’t just in your eyes or hands—it’s in you and your therapist’s brain’s activity, shifting how trauma can be experienced. That’s why the therapeutic relationship in EMDR is so vital.

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Common Misconceptions About EMDR Therapy

Let’s clear up some myths about EMDR:

“It’s all about the eye movements.”
Not quite. They’re a tool, but the safety with your therapist drives the change.
“It’s only for big trauma.”
False. EMDR works for everything from PTSD to everyday stress or self-doubt.
“Healing with EMDR is instant, or can be fixed in 1-2 sessions”
It’s not a quick fix. Healing unfolds over time, guided by your needs.

Finding EMDR Therapy in Los Angeles: What You Need to Know

If you’re in a big city like Los Angeles, finding the right EMDR therapist can feel like a challenge all its own. Here’s why—and how Here Counseling makes it easier.

Why it’s Hard to Find EMDR Therapists in Los Angeles

So Many Providers: LA is home to countless therapists, which sounds great until you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Sifting through them to find someone trained in EMDR can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Location Matters: In a sprawling city like LA, getting to therapy can be a trek. A convenient location can make or break your ability to commit to regular sessions.
In-Person Office Space: Many therapists offer only virtual sessions these days, but EMDR often shines brightest in person. Finding someone with a dedicated office space isn’t as common as you’d think.
Parking Woes: Parking in LA can be a nightmare. Circling the block before a session isn’t exactly the calm start you want for healing.

Here Counseling is a Great Place to Start EMDR Therapy

At Here Counseling, we’ve built our practice to tackle these hurdles head-on:

Convenient Downtown Location: Our office is in the historic Biltmore Court Offices in downtown LA, putting us right in the heart of the city. It’s easy to reach, no matter where you’re coming from. We also have an office space in Pasadena if you’re closer to San Gabriel Valley.
In-Person Office Space: We believe in the power of face-to-face connection. Our welcoming, private office provides a safe space to fully engage in the EMDR process.
Accessible Parking: We’ve made sure there are nearby parking options, so you can arrive at your session relaxed, not frazzled from a parking hunt.
Expert EMDR Therapists: Our team is trained in the latest EMDR techniques and committed to creating a trusting, attuned relationship with you.

In a city as vast as Los Angeles, finding the right therapist shouldn’t add to your stress. We’re here to simplify the process, so you can focus on your healing.

Real-Life Benefits of EMDR Therapy

Imagine this:

Moving through your day without that familiar dread.
Feeling lighter in your own skin, free from “what ifs.”
Connecting with others without old pain creeping in.

These aren’t just hopes—clients tell us this is what EMDR can unlock. It’s not about erasing the past; it’s about making it something you can live with, not fight against.

Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?

Ask yourself:

Do you feel trapped by worry, sadness, or memories?
Does something from your past still pull you back?
Are you ready to feel supported as you heal?

If that rings true, EMDR could be your next step. We offer a free consultation to explore it together—no pressure, just clarity.

Find EMDR Support That Works

Discover how EMDR therapy can help you heal deep emotional wounds. Book a consultation with a certified therapist near you.

Ready to Start Healing?

You don’t have to carry this alone. EMDR therapy can help you process what’s been holding you back and step into a freer version of yourself. At Here Counseling, we’re here to walk with you.