EMDR Therapy in Los Angeles
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has been extensively researched, proving to be an effective treatment for trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It has also been shown to be helpful for a wide range of problems including:
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Phobias
Depression
Grief and loss
Substance abuse
Other emotional distress
EMDR Therapy at Well Woman Psychology can even improve peak mental performance!
How does EMDR Therapy work?
Our brains are both adaptive and resilient. They have developed a natural ability to heal from trauma, but when an event is too distressing (or too prolonged), it can overwhelm that process. When the information related to trauma isn’t fully processed, it gets stored in the brain as it was originally experienced. Complete with distorted thoughts, perceptions, and intense emotions.
The emotional intensity that this memory still holds means that the brain can’t update itself with new experiential information that would let the body know it is safe again. For example, you have a kind partner, but your brain may not be able to integrate this new information (partners can be kind and safe) and continue reacting as if they were a previous partner who was abusive.
EMDR Stimulates the Brain
An EMDR therapist will utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing to stimulate your brain in such a way that the trauma memory can be finally, entirely processed. Our mental wiring can be updated with new experiences that help us learn that we are safe and whole. It turns down the volume of the trauma-related emotions. This allows you to make connections and realizations you couldn’t previously make.
When is EMDR Therapy most helpful?
EMDR is particularly helpful for those frustrating times when you know something is true but it doesn’t feel true. If you know logically that it’s okay for someone to be upset with you, you still may not feel that you’re safe in light of that. It might be a situation in which your current partner has never acted badly, but you still feel like you’re with someone who may explode on you at any moment.
Additionally, EMDR therapy is useful for very intelligent clients who have a hard time mentally getting out of their own way. Some of the clients I have seen as an EMDR therapist in Los Angeles are so analytical. They are used to thinking their way out of any problem but have a hard time not doing this. Sometimes this elevated level of thinking gets in the way of the brain’s natural ability to heal.
The eye movement part of EMDR serves partially as a way to distract the thinking part of the brain, so the rest of it can do what it needs to do: feel and make connections and process. If it was possible to outsmart trauma through analytic thought, I would be unemployed!
EMDR is different from other forms of trauma therapy and PTSD treatment because it does not require you to talk about your trauma in detail. Instead of focusing on consciously changing feelings, behaviors, and thoughts, EMDR simply helps your brain resume its natural healing process.
Start EMDR Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
There are many benefits to trying eye movement desensitization and reprocessing with an EMDR therapist in Los Angeles. It can help you properly process traumatic memories and start living a happier and healthier life. If you want to see how EMDR therapy can help you follow these steps.
Reach out for a consultation at Well Woman Psychology
Meet with your EMDR therapist
Start allowing your brain to resume its natural healing process.
Other Services We Offer in Los Angeles, CA
At Well Woman Psychology in Manhattan Beach, CA I want to support you and whatever struggles you face as a woman. That is why I off a variety of mental health services for women including therapy for body image issues, sex therapy, individual relationship therapy, trauma therapy, and PTSD treatment. As a therapist for women, I provide services to support women’s health such as therapy for miscarriage, infertility, pregnancy, and new moms. All of my services are offered throughout the states of California, Illinois, New York, and Washington through online counseling.