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

eye movement desensitization & reprocessing

EMDR Therapy in Redondo Beach, CA

You’re in the right place.

When talking about it isn’t enough, EMDR offers a way to gently process what words alone can’t reach.


EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR gently supports the reprocessing of difficult memories without requiring detailed discussion of every event. The therapist serves as a guide throughout the process, helping clients access and reframe these experiences in a way that promotes deep and lasting healing.

EMDR is structured around the “3 P’s”: Phases, Prongs, and Protocols. The eight phases offer a clear and grounded path—beginning with preparation and continuing through reprocessing and integration—to ensure the work feels safe and manageable. The three prongs focus on past experiences, current triggers, and future challenges, addressing emotional distress from a whole-person perspective.

A key component of EMDR is Bilateral Stimulation (BLS)—such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—which activates the brain’s natural ability to process and resolve stuck memories. With flexible protocols that can be adapted to meet a variety of needs, including phobias, grief, or complex trauma, EMDR offers a personalized approach that fosters clarity, emotional strength, and a renewed sense of empowerment.

  • 8 Phases

    EMDR therapy involves moving through eight structured phases:

    1) History & Treatment Planning, 2) Preparation, 3) Assessment, 4) Desensitization, 5) Installation, 6) Body Scan, 7) Closure, and 8) Reevaluation

    While these phases offer a clear framework, the healing process is not always linear. You may move back and forth between phases depending on readiness, responses, and what surfaces during therapy.

  • BLS Options

    Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) is a core element of EMDR therapy that helps the brain process and integrate distressing memories. It involves alternating stimulation of the left and right sides of the body, which can be done in three main ways:

    1) eye movements, 2) tactile tapping, or 3) auditory tones.

    Each method is equally effective, and the choice depends on what feels most comfortable and supportive for the client.

  • 3 Formats

    EMDR therapy is available in three formats to meet your needs, goals, and schedule:

    1) standard weekly sessions, 2) intensive sessions, and 3) adjunct therapy.

    If desired, EMDR therapy can be integrated into weekly 50-minute therapy sessions. Intensive EMDR therapy involves longer, 2-hour sessions offered as needed. Adjunct EMDR therapy supports clients who are already in therapy & want to focus on a specific target.

emdr therapy

Benefits

✓ Helps reframe and heal from distressing past experiences.

✓ Decreases emotional and physical reactions tied to trauma.

✓ Addresses triggers and builds resilience against future stress.

✓ Clears mental blocks caused by unresolved memories.

✓ Provides a safe and structured approach to personal growth.

✓ Replaces negative beliefs with empowering ones.

✓ Tailored treatment that can adapt to individual needs.

✓ Builds lasting emotional strength and self-awareness.

Person smiling indoors next to decorative wall art and green plant

About Me.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and EMDR-Certified practitioner, I specialize in holistic healing and compassionate care. My practice is based in Redondo Beach, CA, and I proudly serve clients across California.

    • B.A., Psychology – Loyola Marymount University, CA

    • M.S., Counseling Psychology – Mount Saint Mary’s University, CA

      • Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy

    • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) -CA License #134744

    • BBS Approved Supervisor - Board of Behavioral Sciences

    • Certified EMDR Therapist & Consultant-in-Training (CIT) – EMDR International Association

    • Certified Reiki Master – Maggie Gold Inner Wellness

    • Certified Skylight Therapist – Skylight Psychedelics

    • Clinical Supervision: Foundations - Therapist Development Center

    • Flash Technique Certification – The Flash Technique (FT)

    • Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Training – Skylight Psychedelics

    • EMDR Training - Institute for Creative Mindfulness

    • EMDR Certification – EMDR International Association

    • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

    • EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

    • Co-Owner & Founder of Eunoia Wellness Studio, Redondo Beach, CA

    • BBS Approved Clinical Supervisor, Board of Behavioral Sciences

    • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Private Practice, Redondo Beach, CA (formerly in Hermosa Beach, CA)

    • Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, completed supervision under Dr. Kelly Mothner, Hermosa Beach, CA

    • Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Soultenders, Arcadia, CA

    • Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee, The Ness Counseling Center, Los Angeles, CA

    • Graduate Intern, Career Services & Internships, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, CA

    • Student Activities Assistant, Office of Student Activities, Otis College of Art and Design

    • Operations Manager, Student Health and Wellness Center, Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, CA

    • Behavioral Health Intern, Project Touch Teen & Family Counseling, Hermosa Beach, CA 

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.

  • Individual therapy involves 50-minute EMDR sessions. Most individuals typically need 6 to 12 sessions to address specific issues like trauma, phobias, or anxiety.

    The exact number depends on your goals and the complexity of the concerns being addressed. This will be discussed during the intake to create a plan tailored to your needs.

  • 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 so that the treatment can be adjusted as needed.