EMDR Therapy in Orange County.
A unique way to process adverse experiences and trauma.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR has become a popular buzzword in the mental health community. But what is it really?
EMDR is a type of therapy that is designed to alleviate distressing symptoms associated with painful memories. It is most commonly known for helping to process trauma or traumatic memories. It can also be used to target adverse life events and negative beliefs we may have about ourselves. EMDR uses something called BLS (bilateral stimulation) to help process these experiences. BLS put simply is stimulation on both sides of your brain or body. Common examples of BLS are back-and-forth eye moments, tapping, auditory sound, etc.
What is EMDR not? It does not hypnotize the client. It is also not necessarily a “quick and easy” fix.
Some of my clients have found great healing by using EMDR. Please reach out to me should you have any more questions or are curious about EMDR.
Here is a helpful video in case you are interested in learning more: EMDR Video
Common Targets for EMDR Therapy
Common Targets for EMDR Therapy
Common Targets
Trauma
Negative beliefs
Painful memories
Conflict with others
Early, distressing childhood memories
Internal conflicts
Scary or adverse experiences
EMDR Therapy FAQs
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EMDR can be done on young children as well as older adults. However, it can also depend on what the client is processing as well as their ability to stay focused on the task at hand. If the client can demonstrate the ability to stay present and concentrated during EMDR sessions, they will probably be a good fit for EMDR.
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Nope! It can also be used to help process any other adverse experiences such as hurtful past memories like getting in trouble or having an argument with someone. EMDR can also be helpful for processing negative beliefs about yourself.
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EMDR can be helpful for all types of trauma. Trauma is often categorized into two categories - big T and little T. Big T traumas are often sudden and intense, and include things like life-threatening events, sexual assault, car accidents, or the death of a parent. Little T traumas can include longstanding feelings of inadequacy, ongoing parental criticism, bullying, or chronic financial stress. EMDR can be great for both.
Difficulty processing trauma
Sleep difficulties and/or nightmares involving past traumatic events
Flashbacks, panic, or intense distress about a difficult experience you faced
Distressing thoughts that relate back to past hurtful memories
Struggling to “move on” from an experience
Past, hurtful memories from your childhood