EMDR Therapy in San Diego
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers a dynamic approach to healing for individuals grappling with the effects of trauma and other mental health concerns. At Achieve Concierge, we utilize EMDR therapy to provide a structured, evidence-based treatment that aids in processing distressing memories and reducing their emotional impact. Our goal is to help individuals resolve unprocessed trauma so they can begin to move past it and regain their hope, health and mental wellness.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR has gained popularity in recent years as a safe and effective solution for alleviating the symptoms of trauma and other mental health challenges like anxiety or depression. It is a structured and evidence-based technique that aims to help people process upsetting memories and reduce their emotional charge. The therapy involves recalling distressing events while focusing on a bilateral stimulus. The idea is that this bilateral stimulation can help the brain reprocess traumatic memories and lessen their impact.
Bilateral stimulation is something that you can see, hear or feel on both sides of the body. A common example of this is “butterfly taps,” where you cross your arms and place your left hand on your right shoulder and your right hand on your left shoulder, then gently tap each shoulder with the opposite hand in a gentle, rhythmic and alternating pattern.
In EMDR, the bilateral stimulus is bilateral eye movement, which involves moving the eyes back and forth as you recall a traumatic memory. Trauma can change the way we store painful memories, but bilateral stimulation is thought to activate both sides of the brain so it can process and release the memories that are “stuck” in the nervous system.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR?
EMDR therapy can be a beneficial treatment for individuals living with various mental health challenges, including but not limited to:
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Social anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Personality disorders
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use
Is EMDR Effective?
The idea of using eye movement or other forms of bilateral stimulation to process traumatic experiences can seem unusual and unconventional. However, EMDR therapy is a well-established and evidence-based treatment modality that has helped countless individuals find relief from the symptoms of trauma, depression and other mental health disorders.
While the exact mechanisms of how EMDR therapy works are not yet fully understood, it has been shown to be effective in lessening the emotional impact of traumatic memories and improving overall mental health. The bilateral eye movements used in EMDR therapy are thought to stimulate both sides of the brain, which may help us reprocess traumatic memories by giving us something else to focus on, making it less upsetting to recall distressing events.
The Evidence Behind EMDR
Since EMDR was first introduced in 1987, a number of studies have supported its effectiveness. A 2014 review of 24 studies found that it:
- Can help relieve emotional distress after a traumatic experience
- May work more quickly than other trauma-focused therapies
- Helps relieve bodily symptoms such as muscle aches
EMDR has also been endorsed by leading health organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Research that compares EMDR to other psychotherapies often finds it to be equally or more effective in less time. A 2024 study in the peer-reviewed Journal of Traumatic Stress found that EMDR was more effective than prolonged exposure therapy for certain populations with PTSD, offering substantial symptom improvement with fewer treatment sessions.
The EMDR Treatment Process
The EMDR therapy process typically involves the following phases:
- History and Treatment Planning — Your therapist will gather information about your past experiences, current symptoms, and treatment goals.
- Preparation — Your therapist will work with you to develop coping strategies and relaxation techniques to use during therapy.
- Assessment — Your therapist will identify specific memories to target during therapy and determine the level of distress associated with each memory.
- Desensitization — You will focus on the targeted memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This phase is intended to reduce the emotional impact of the memory.
- Installation — You will replace negative beliefs associated with the targeted memory and replace them with positive ones.
- Body Scan — Your therapist will check your body for any remaining physical tension or discomfort. Typically, these effects will diminish as you go through the sessions.
- Closure — Your therapist will ensure that you feel emotionally stable before ending the session and let you know what to expect next.
- Re-evaluation — Your therapist will evaluate your progress and determine if further sessions are needed.
The EMDR treatment process is designed to be thorough and systematic, ensuring each individual’s unique experiences and needs are addressed. Through these carefully structured phases, our therapists at Achieve Concierge guide you through EMDR with precision and empathy, helping you effectively process traumatic and distressing memories.
EMDR Therapy at Achieve Concierge
At Achieve Concierge, our skilled and compassionate therapists are trained in EMDR therapy. We recognize that each individual’s experience with trauma is unique, so we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. Our goal is not only to alleviate symptoms but also to empower you with a sense of resilience and well-being.
We offer a highly supportive environment for our clients, ensuring that you feel heard, understood and valued throughout your therapy journey. By incorporating EMDR therapy into our comprehensive treatment plans, we provide our clients with the tools they need to heal from past traumas and move forward in life with confidence and strength.
Schedule a Consultation at Achieve Concierge Today
At Achieve Concierge, we believe in the profound healing potential of EMDR therapy. Our skilled clinicians and therapists are dedicated to providing personalized care that respects and responds to your unique experiences and challenges, utilizing EMDR and other evidence-based techniques to help you gain control of your symptoms and improve your mental wellness. Reach out today by calling us at 619-393-5920 or completing our online contact form to learn more about EMDR therapy and how it can help.