EMDR is a simple but efficient therapy that helps clients reprocess images, self-thoughts, emotions, and body sensations trapped in the past. It can be a helpful approach especially for those who have already tried talk based therapies yet continue to feel stuck or overwhelmed.

EMDR is an integrative therapy approach that helps people metabolize distress that is related to disturbing memories, oftentimes trauma. It is like a guided free associative process using bilateral stimulation. Although the most widespread use of it is for trauma,  it can be helpful to treat a variety of symptoms and conditions. I often use it with clients to help with anxiety, depression, and other behavioral/somatic symptoms.

Yes! EMDR can be done from your home or in the office. We can discuss further what format would be most appropriate for your needs.

I will typically use EMDR as part of an integrated treatment plan. Each individual reacts differently to EMDR therapy and time spent in each phase varies. 

Adjunctive EMDR is designed to be shorter (4-12 sessions) to assist clearing up distress that is interfering with the client making therapeutic gains. 4-12 sessions is usually considered short term to assist clearing “simple” distress and trauma. A longer term approach where EMDR is integrated in ongoing therapy may be needed especially for clients with complex trauma or dissociation.

A typical session will last anywhere between 50-90 minutes. Although it can be tempting to try to squeeze as much as possible into the standard clinical hour, I highly recommend clients try to go for the 90 minute format if able to do so.  For many clients, the standard clinical hour isn’t enough time to reprocess targets.

Yes! EMDR therapy wouldn’t replace or interrupt ongoing therapy but supplements the primary therapeutic relationship in an intensive format. Ideally, your primary therapist and I can discuss a schedule that best meets your needs. A schedule can include the client seeing both therapists in a week or alternating therapy each week with both therapists or seeing the EMDR therapist weekly and the primary therapist every other week. 

It is common for clients to want to process and discuss what came up for them in the EMDR session with their primary therapist. This is part of the healing process as clients will integrate new learning, discuss new insights, or change behaviors or responses to life and relationships.

EMDR sessions can be longer than the standard 50 minutes, therefore it is important to clarify with your insurance company whether they will cover sessions longer than 50 minutes.

I offer a complimentary 15 minute initial phone consultation prior to starting therapy. To schedule a phone consultation contact me by phone 323.296.9846, email, or through the Contact Form.