EMDR Therapy in Redondo Beach, CA || Catherine Alvarado, LMFT

eye movement desensitization reprocessing

EMDR Therapy in Redondo Beach, CA

Is traditional therapy just not cutting it anymore?

You’ve done the work. You’ve learned the skills. But something is still holding you back.

You’re dealing with distressing memories and negative beliefs.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy is a powerful approach that helps individuals process and heal from these experiences. Originally developed for trauma, EMDR has also been proven effective for a wide range of mental health concerns, offering new pathways for healing.

You’re seeking relief from specific issues beyond trauma.

EMDR Therapy can address Anxiety Disorders, Specific Phobias, Health Anxiety, Pure OCD, Addiction, Depression, Somatic Symptoms, and Self-Esteem Issues. This innovative approach targets the roots of distress, providing a comprehensive treatment for those looking to overcome persistent challenges.

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps process and heal from past traumas and distressing life experiences. This therapeutic method goes beyond traditional talk therapy, allowing individuals to access and reframe traumatic memories safely and effectively. Therapist serves as a guide, facilitating healing on a profound level.

Through EMDR, it's possible to address various forms of trauma, anxiety, phobias, and other emotional challenges that may have occurred in the past, be presently disturbing, or anticipated in the future. This method involves a structured eight-phase process that uses bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements or tapping—to help the brain reprocess disturbing memories.

As these memories are reprocessed, emotional and physical responses are reduced, leading to relief from symptoms and a renewed sense of clarity and resilience.

Whether dealing with past trauma, phobias, or persistent negative beliefs, EMDR therapy offers a pathway to transform distress into empowerment. With compassionate guidance and a proven therapeutic framework, EMDR therapy helps to move beyond the pain of the past and embrace a future of healing and self-discovery.

8 PHASES

  1. History & Treatment Planning

  2. Preparation

  3. Assessment

  4. Desensitization

  5. Installation

  6. Body Scan

  7. Closure

  8. Reevaluation

BILATERAL STIMULATION

  • visual (e.g., eye movements)

  • auditory (e.g., taps, music, nature sounds)

  • tactile (e.g., pulsators, tappers, self-tapping)

What is EMDR therapy? || Catherine Alvarado, LMFT

Benefits of emdr therapy

Reprocess and release unresolved trauma, reducing emotional distress.

EMDR helps individuals heal from the effects of trauma by unlocking and processing painful memories, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress.

Transform negative beliefs and foster greater self-esteem.

By addressing harmful core beliefs and self-doubt, EMDR helps build healthier self-esteem, creating a positive impact on daily life and relationships.

Alleviate physical symptoms and emotional triggers tied to stress and anxiety.

EMDR can relieve somatic symptoms like chronic pain or tension and support recovery from addiction by targeting the emotional roots of these issues, allowing for comprehensive healing.

Offer a pathway to healing where other methods have been ineffective.

EMDR accesses deeper emotional layers, making it effective even for those who haven’t found success with other therapeutic approaches.

EMDR therapy Overview

Available in person in Redondo Beach & online across CA

For Teens and Adults seeking therapeutic support

Recurring 50 min sessions or Intensive 2 hour sessions

Personalized planning + specialized approaches

Licensure & Certifications

    • Currently a Certified EMDR Therapist training to become an EMDR Consultant, providing supervision and guidance to other EMDR practitioners.

    • Engaged in ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of EMDR best practices and contribute to the professional community.

    • Achieved licensure as a professional psychotherapist, fulfilling all state-required clinical hours and supervision.

    • Licensed status ensured the competence needed to deliver EMDR within a broader therapeutic framework.

    • Practiced EMDR for over 3 years, applying specialized techniques across diverse cases.

    • Built extensive hands-on experience in helping clients reprocess traumatic memories.


      • Fulfilled EMDRIA’s requirements for certification, which included additional EMDR-specific client consultations and advanced casework.

      • Received individual and group consultation from EMDRIA-approved consultants to refine skills and deepen expertise.

    • Completed an intensive EMDR training program approved by EMDRIA.

    • Gained foundational skills in using EMDR techniques to support trauma recovery.

Ready to transform your past and reclaim your future? Begin your journey with EMDR Therapy today.

faqs

Other intensive questions? I’ve got answers.

  • EMDR therapy is a structured therapy that encourages the individuals to briefly focus on aspects of a target while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation. This therapy aims to reduce the vividness and emotional impact of these memories, promoting psychological healing and symptom relief.

  • EMDR therapy involves eight phases: history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. During the desensitization phase, individuals focus on a target while following or engaging with bilateral stimulation. This process helps reprocess the target so it’s less distressing.

  • The length of EMDR therapy varies depending on the individual and the nature of their trauma. Some people may experience relief in a few sessions, while others may need more extensive treatment over several months.

  • Research has shown that EMDR therapy is effective in reducing psychological and physical symptoms. It is recommended by several health organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization.

  • During an EMDR session, you will be guided you through a structured process that includes choosing a target, then briefly identifying negative beliefs, representative images, emotions, and body sensations. Bilateral stimulation is then added to help reprocess the target and distress. 

  • Some individuals may experience heightened emotions or physical sensations during or after EMDR sessions. It’s important to discuss any concerns with your therapist, who can provide support and adjust the treatment as needed.