If These Sound Familiar, You’re in the Right Place
Trauma doesn’t always look the way people expect it to. Maybe you’re exhausted from trying to avoid certain places, people, or memories. Perhaps you’ve convinced yourself you should be “over it” by now, but your body and mind keep telling you otherwise. If you’re struggling with any of the experiences below, you’re not alone, and EMDR can help.
Common Symptoms
You might experience unwanted memories that pop up at unexpected times, sometimes so vividly it feels like you’re right back in that moment. These traumatic memories can be triggered by sights, sounds, smells, or even emotions that remind you of past trauma. Unlike talk therapy where you might need to repeatedly describe what happened, EMDR therapy helps your brain reprocess these memories so they lose their emotional charge. Many people find that after EMDR sessions, the memories that once felt overwhelming become just memories, stored in the past where they belong.
Living in a constant state of alertness is exhausting. You might scan rooms for exits, startle easily at sudden noises, or feel like you can’t fully relax even in safe situations. This is your nervous system trying to protect you, but it’s working overtime. EMDR helps retrain your brain’s threat response system through adaptive information processing, teaching your mind and body that you’re safe now. The therapy helps address not just the thoughts, but the physical sensations that keep you locked in survival mode.
You might find yourself making excuses to skip events, avoiding certain neighborhoods, or even steering clear of entire topics of conversation. This avoidance can feel like protection, but it often shrinks your world smaller and smaller. EMDR processing works with your brain’s natural healing capacity, helping you address what you’ve been avoiding without forcing you to confront it all at once. The EMDR protocol allows you to work through difficult material at your own pace, in a controlled and safe environment.
When trauma follows you into sleep, rest becomes impossible. Nightmares can leave you dreading bedtime, and poor sleep affects everything from your mood to your relationships. Research on EMDR therapy has shown significant improvements in sleep quality for trauma victims, as the therapy helps process the disturbing life experiences that fuel these nightmares. As your brain reprocesses the trauma memories through EMDR, many people report that their sleep naturally improves.
Past trauma can make it hard to let people in, even when you genuinely want connection. You might find yourself pushing people away, testing their loyalty, or feeling unable to be vulnerable. The treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder through EMDR can help you work through the experiences that taught you it wasn’t safe to trust. Unlike talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to analyze every relationship pattern, it works directly with the memories that created those patterns in the first place.
Sometimes the pain becomes so overwhelming that your brain just shuts down emotions altogether. You might feel like you’re watching your life from the outside, going through the motions but not really feeling present. This disconnection is a protective response to psychological trauma, but it also cuts you off from joy, connection, and the fullness of life. EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment that includes techniques to help you safely reconnect with your emotions at a pace that feels manageable.
Less Common Symptoms People Don’t Always Talk About
Your body keeps the score of adverse life experiences, sometimes manifesting as chronic pain, digestive issues, headaches, or other physical symptoms doctors can’t quite explain. You’re not making it up. The connection between trauma and physical health is real. EMDR recognizes this mind-body connection and works with both the psychological and physical manifestations of trauma. Many clients report that physical symptoms they’ve carried for years begin to ease as they process the underlying trauma.
Gaps in memory can feel confusing and even shameful, like your mind is hiding something from you. This is actually your brain’s way of protecting you from overwhelming information. You don’t need complete recall to heal. The EMDR therapeutic process works with whatever you do remember, and your brain will only bring up what you’re ready to handle. The procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions emphasize safety and pacing, ensuring you’re never pushed beyond what feels manageable.
Trauma can shake your sense of who you are, leaving you feeling broken or changed in ways others can’t understand. You might carry negative beliefs about yourself like “I’m not safe,” “I’m powerless,” or “There’s something wrong with me.” These aren’t truths, they’re the result of disturbing life experiences your brain hasn’t fully processed. EMDR helps replace these negative thoughts with more adaptive beliefs. Through EMDR processing, many people discover that what felt like permanent damage was actually a normal response to abnormal circumstances.
You might feel ashamed about your triggers, guilty about how trauma has affected your relationships, or embarrassed that you can’t “just get over it.” These feelings of shame often keep people from seeking help, but they’re actually common responses to trauma. The meaning of painful events gets distorted when we haven’t had a chance to process them fully. EMDR therapy helps you work through not just the trauma itself, but also the shame and self-blame that often come with it.
Whatever you’re experiencing, it makes sense given what you’ve been through.
Your reactions aren’t signs of weakness, they’re signs that your brain is trying to protect you. EMDR offers a path forward, helping you process these experiences so you can reclaim the life you deserve.
These experiences are valid
and they’re signs that you deserve support.
What You’re Going Through: Understanding Trauma
Trauma affects millions of people, but it can feel incredibly lonely. It’s not weakness, and it’s not something you can just “snap out of.” Trauma is a real response to overwhelming experiences, and it deserves real, compassionate treatment.
When something traumatic happens, your brain works overtime to protect you. Sometimes those protective mechanisms stick around long after the danger has passed, showing up as anxiety, flashbacks, avoidance, or feeling disconnected from your life.
70% of adults
have experienced at least one traumatic event
Evidence-based
EMDR is recognized by the WHO and APA
84% improvement
in multiple studies of EMDR effectiveness
Understanding EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, known as EMDR, is a powerful form of psychotherapy that helps your brain process traumatic memories and distressing life experiences in a new way. Developed by Francine Shapiro, the creator of EMDR, this therapy is based on the understanding that when we experience trauma, our brain’s natural healing process can get blocked.
Think of it like a splinter, your body knows how to heal a cut, but if there’s something stuck in the wound, it can’t heal properly. EMDR removes that block, allowing your brain to process the memory the way it was meant to.
The therapy works through bilateral stimulation, typically using eye movements, though it can also involve taps or sounds. While you briefly focus on a traumatic memory, your therapist guides you through specific eye movements that activate your brain’s natural adaptive information processing system. This isn’t hypnosis and you’re fully aware the entire time.
Evidence-Based Healing
The EMDR International Association reports that EMDR therapy has been researched more extensively than any other method used for the treatment of trauma.
Multiple studies show significant improvement in PTSD symptoms, often in fewer sessions than traditional therapy approaches.
Multiple studies show significant improvement in PTSD symptoms, often in fewer sessions than traditional therapy approaches.
Brain-Based Approach
Research shows that EMDR actually changes how traumatic memories are stored in the brain.
Brain imaging studies reveal that after successful treatment with EMDR, the parts of the brain associated with fear and threat response become less activated when recalling the traumatic event.
Brain imaging studies reveal that after successful treatment with EMDR, the parts of the brain associated with fear and threat response become less activated when recalling the traumatic event.
Timeline for Relief
While every person’s journey is unique, research indicates that 84-90% of single-trauma victims no longer show PTSD symptoms after just 3 EMDR therapy sessions.
For complex trauma, the timeline may be longer, but people often report feeling relief even after the first few EMDR therapy training sessions with their therapist.
For complex trauma, the timeline may be longer, but people often report feeling relief even after the first few EMDR therapy training sessions with their therapist.
The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing process helps your brain reprocess the memory so it’s stored differently, losing its emotional intensity. Many people describe it as the memory moving from feeling like it’s happening right now to feeling like something that happened in the past.
What makes EMDR different from traditional talk therapy is that you don’t have to describe your trauma in detail or spend months analyzing what happened. The insights clients gain in EMDR therapy often come naturally as your brain does its own processing work.
The World Health Organization, along with numerous other health organizations, recognizes EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma. There is much research on EMDR therapy demonstrating its effectiveness, particularly for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. This isn’t experimental, it’s a well-established, evidence-based approach to healing.
Targeted Healing
EMDR targets the root of trauma stored in your nervous system, not just the symptoms you’re experiencing today.
Results You Can Feel
Many people notice shifts within 3-6 sessions, with profound healing unfolding over time.
How EMDR Helps You Heal
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based approach specifically designed to help people struggling with trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works by helping your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer control your life.
Neurologically Proven
Brain scans show that EMDR actually changes how traumatic memories are stored, reducing their emotional charge.
Builds Lasting Skills
EMDR doesn’t just resolve past trauma – it strengthens your resilience for the future.
How EMDR Helps You Heal
EMDR therapy offers a path to healing that’s both scientifically proven and deeply personal. Here’s how this approach can help you process trauma and move forward with your life.
Why Choose Relationship Counseling Center of California for EMDR?
At Relationship Counseling Center of California, we understand that choosing a therapist for trauma work is a deeply personal decision. You need someone who not only has the training and expertise in EMDR practice, but who also creates a space where you feel genuinely safe and understood. Here’s what makes our approach different.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR is particularly effective for people who’ve experienced trauma and other disturbing experiences that continue to affect their daily life. Here are some of the conditions and situations where EMDR helps:
Not sure if this is right for you?
Schedule a
free consultation
to talk through your specific situation with one of our therapists.
Many people aren’t sure whether their experiences “count” as trauma or if they’re “bad enough” for this kind of therapy to treat what they’re going through.
Here’s the truth:
If an experience continues to affect your life, your relationships, or your sense of safety, it deserves attention. You don’t need to have been diagnosed with PTSD to benefit from EMDR. Even single distressing events that your mind keeps returning to can be processed effectively through this approach.
The best way to find out if EMDR is right for you is to talk with a therapist who can assess your specific situation and explain how the therapy typically works for issues like yours.
Your Journey with EMDR: What to Expect
Starting therapy can feel uncertain especially when you’re not sure what the process will look like. Here’s a realistic picture of what to expect when you begin EMDR therapy at Relationship Counseling Center of California.
Free Consultation (10 minutes)
Your journey begins with a free consultation where we’ll talk about what brings you to therapy and whether EMDR might be a good fit. This is your chance to ask questions, get a feel for our approach, and decide if you’d like to move forward. There’s no pressure, just an open conversation about what you’re looking for and how we might help.
Your First Session : Your Intake Appointment
In your first full session, we’ll spend time understanding your history and what you’re hoping to address through therapy. This includes identifying the traumatic memories or distressing experiences that are most affecting your life right now. We’ll also talk about your current symptoms, your support system, and any concerns you have about the EMDR therapy process. This isn’t about reliving trauma in detail, it’s about getting a clear picture of what we’ll be working with.
Preparation: Building Your Foundation
Before diving into processing traumatic memories, we make sure you have the tools and resources you need to feel safe and grounded. This preparation phase might take one session or several, depending on what you need. We’ll teach you calming and grounding techniques you can use during EMDR sessions and in your daily life.
We’ll also discuss what to expect during EMDR processing and address any fears or concerns you have. This foundation work is crucial because it ensures you’re ready to do the deeper work safely. We’ll establish how we’ll communicate between sessions and what to do if difficult emotions come up outside of our sessions together.
Active EMDR Processing Sessions
This is where the core work happens. Using the EMDR therapy protocol, we’ll work with specific target memories while incorporating bilateral stimulation through eye movements (or alternative methods if you prefer). Each EMDR session focuses on one memory or issue at a time. You’ll briefly think about the memory while following specific eye movements, and your brain will begin processing the experience.
Many people are surprised by how this works, insights and connections often emerge naturally without you having to consciously figure anything out. The therapy helps your brain do what it’s designed to do: process and integrate experiences so they no longer feel overwhelming. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes, and we always make sure you’re feeling grounded and stable before you leave.
Progress Review and Integration
As we work through target memories, we’ll regularly check in about what’s changing. You might notice that certain triggers don’t bother you as much anymore, that you’re sleeping better, or that you feel more present in your relationships. We’ll track these changes and adjust our approach as needed.
Some memories process quickly in just one or two sessions, while others take more time. We’ll also work on reinforcing the positive beliefs that emerge through EMDR processing, helping them become integrated into how you see yourself and the world. The goal isn’t just to reduce distress, it’s to help you build a more empowered, peaceful relationship with your past.
Timeline Expectations
How Long Does EMDR Take?
The timeline for EMDR varies significantly based on what you’re working with. Research shows that for a single traumatic event, many people experience significant relief in 3-6 sessions. For complex trauma or multiple adverse life experiences, therapy typically takes longer, often 8-12 months or more.
But here’s what’s important: you don’t have to wait until the end of therapy to feel better. Most people notice positive changes along the way, even early in the process. Some find that symptoms that have plagued them for years begin to ease after just a few sessions of EMDR.
The work isn’t always linear, you might have weeks where you feel significantly better, then hit a rough patch as you’re processing difficult material. That’s normal and expected. We’ll work at a pace that feels right for you, checking in regularly about how the process is going and adjusting as needed.
Therapists Who Specialize in EMDR
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSW #76698
she/her
LCSW #76698
she/her
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
AMFT #138218
she/her
AMFT #138218
she/her
Associate Clinical Social Worker
ACSW #114824
she/her
ACSW #114824
she/her
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
AMFT #141376
she/her
AMFT #141376
she/her
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
LPCC #19185
she/her
LPCC #19185
she/her
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
AMFT #130104
she/her
AMFT #130104
she/her
Common Questions About EMDR
Unlike talk therapy, where you spend time discussing your feelings and analyzing your experiences, EMDR therapy works more directly with how memories are stored in your brain. In traditional talk therapy, you often need to describe your trauma in detail and work through it cognitively over many months or years.
With EMDR, you don’t have to talk extensively about what happened. Instead, the therapy uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) to help your brain process the memory in a new way. Think of it this way: talk therapy helps you understand the memory, while EMDR helps you process and integrate it so it no longer triggers you the same way. Many people find that EMDR produces results more quickly than traditional approaches, especially for trauma-related issues.
With EMDR, you don’t have to talk extensively about what happened. Instead, the therapy uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) to help your brain process the memory in a new way. Think of it this way: talk therapy helps you understand the memory, while EMDR helps you process and integrate it so it no longer triggers you the same way. Many people find that EMDR produces results more quickly than traditional approaches, especially for trauma-related issues.
This is one of the most common fears people have about EMDR, and here’s the good news: you don’t have to share every detail if you don’t want to. Your therapist needs enough information to identify target memories and understand what you’re working with, but you’re never required to describe the trauma in graphic detail.
Some people do choose to share more, and that’s okay too, but it’s not necessary for the therapy to work. The EMDR protocol focuses on your internal experience of the memory rather than the external details. What matters is how the memory affects you now, not recounting exactly what happened. This makes EMDR particularly helpful for people who find it too difficult or retraumatizing to talk extensively about their experiences.
Some people do choose to share more, and that’s okay too, but it’s not necessary for the therapy to work. The EMDR protocol focuses on your internal experience of the memory rather than the external details. What matters is how the memory affects you now, not recounting exactly what happened. This makes EMDR particularly helpful for people who find it too difficult or retraumatizing to talk extensively about their experiences.
EMDR is a well-researched and safe treatment when conducted by a properly trained therapist who has completed EMDR basic training. While processing traumatic memories can bring up uncomfortable emotions temporarily, this is part of the healing process, not a sign that something is wrong. Think of it like draining an infected wound, it might hurt in the moment, but it’s necessary for healing.
That said, we always prioritize your safety and stability. Before we begin processing memories, we make sure you have strong coping skills and resources in place. During sessions, we constantly check in about your comfort level, and you can always pause or stop if things feel too overwhelming. Some people do experience temporary increases in dreams or emotional sensitivity as memories are being processed, but these effects typically pass quickly. The goal is for EMDR to reduce your symptoms, not amplify them, and we pace the work carefully to ensure that happens.
That said, we always prioritize your safety and stability. Before we begin processing memories, we make sure you have strong coping skills and resources in place. During sessions, we constantly check in about your comfort level, and you can always pause or stop if things feel too overwhelming. Some people do experience temporary increases in dreams or emotional sensitivity as memories are being processed, but these effects typically pass quickly. The goal is for EMDR to reduce your symptoms, not amplify them, and we pace the work carefully to ensure that happens.
The timeline varies significantly based on what you’re addressing. For a single traumatic event, like a car accident or assault, research shows many people experience significant relief in 3-6 EMDR therapy sessions. For complex trauma, multiple adverse life experiences, or longstanding PTSD, treatment typically takes longer, often several months to a year or more.
However, unlike some therapies where you might not feel better until the very end, with EMDR many people notice improvements along the way. You might sleep better after just a few sessions, or find that specific triggers bother you less. The therapy typically follows the eight-phase EMDR protocol, but how long you spend in each phase depends on your individual needs. We’ll discuss expected timelines based on your specific situation and check in regularly about progress.
However, unlike some therapies where you might not feel better until the very end, with EMDR many people notice improvements along the way. You might sleep better after just a few sessions, or find that specific triggers bother you less. The therapy typically follows the eight-phase EMDR protocol, but how long you spend in each phase depends on your individual needs. We’ll discuss expected timelines based on your specific situation and check in regularly about progress.
Yes, EMDR can be done while taking psychiatric medications. In fact, many people find that combining EMDR with appropriate medication provides the best results, especially for conditions like depression or severe anxiety alongside PTSD. The therapy doesn’t interfere with medications, and medications don’t prevent EMDR from working.
As you process trauma and your symptoms improve, your medication needs might change, and it’s important to have your doctor involved in those decisions. Some people find they’re able to reduce or eventually discontinue medications as they work through their trauma, while others continue medication as part of their overall mental health management. Either approach is valid and should be decided in consultation with your medical provider.
As you process trauma and your symptoms improve, your medication needs might change, and it’s important to have your doctor involved in those decisions. Some people find they’re able to reduce or eventually discontinue medications as they work through their trauma, while others continue medication as part of their overall mental health management. Either approach is valid and should be decided in consultation with your medical provider.
While eye movements are the most common form of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR, they’re not the only option. If you have vision problems, get eye strain easily, or just find the eye movements uncomfortable, we can use alternative forms of bilateral stimulation. This might include alternating taps on your hands or knees, or alternating sounds in each ear.
The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy was originally developed using eye movements, but research has shown that other forms of bilateral stimulation can be equally effective. What matters is that we find an approach that works for you and helps activate your brain’s natural processing abilities. We’ll experiment during the preparation phase to find what feels most comfortable and effective for you.
The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy was originally developed using eye movements, but research has shown that other forms of bilateral stimulation can be equally effective. What matters is that we find an approach that works for you and helps activate your brain’s natural processing abilities. We’ll experiment during the preparation phase to find what feels most comfortable and effective for you.
No, you definitely don’t need a PTSD diagnosis to benefit from EMDR. While EMDR was originally developed for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and has extensive research supporting its use for PTSD, it’s also effective for many other issues. People use EMDR for anxiety, depression, phobias, performance issues, complicated grief, and chronic pain, among other conditions.
Even if you’ve experienced something that affected you but wouldn’t necessarily meet the clinical criteria for PTSD, EMDR can help. What matters is whether you have distressing memories or experiences that are still impacting your life. If you’re not sure whether your experiences would benefit from EMDR, that’s a great question to explore in your free consultation.
Even if you’ve experienced something that affected you but wouldn’t necessarily meet the clinical criteria for PTSD, EMDR can help. What matters is whether you have distressing memories or experiences that are still impacting your life. If you’re not sure whether your experiences would benefit from EMDR, that’s a great question to explore in your free consultation.
After an EMDR session, people’s experiences vary. Some people feel energized and lighter, like a weight has been lifted. Others feel tired, as if they’ve done intense physical exercise, which in a way, your brain has. It’s common to need some quiet time after a session to let the processing continue. Sometimes new memories, insights, or dreams emerge in the hours or days following a session. This is normal and means your brain is continuing to work on integrating the material.
We’ll always make sure you’re grounded and stable before leaving a session, and we’ll talk about what to expect and how to take care of yourself between sessions. Some people can go right back to their regular activities, while others prefer to schedule sessions when they have some downtime afterward. There’s no wrong way to respond, we’ll help you understand what’s normal and when to reach out if you’re concerned.
We’ll always make sure you’re grounded and stable before leaving a session, and we’ll talk about what to expect and how to take care of yourself between sessions. Some people can go right back to their regular activities, while others prefer to schedule sessions when they have some downtime afterward. There’s no wrong way to respond, we’ll help you understand what’s normal and when to reach out if you’re concerned.
This is an excellent question to ask. Proper EMDR training matters because while the basics can sound simple, the therapy involves complex procedures that require specialized skill. Therapists who are properly trained have completed programs approved by the EMDR International Association, which is the professional association for EMDR practitioners. This training typically involves 40+ hours of instruction, supervised practice, and ongoing consultation.
You can ask potential therapists about their training directly. They should be able to tell you where they received their EMDR therapy training, when they completed it, and whether they continue with ongoing consultation and education. At Relationship Counseling Center of California, our therapists have completed comprehensive EMDR basic training and remain committed to ongoing professional development in this area. We’re happy to discuss our training and credentials with you.
You can ask potential therapists about their training directly. They should be able to tell you where they received their EMDR therapy training, when they completed it, and whether they continue with ongoing consultation and education. At Relationship Counseling Center of California, our therapists have completed comprehensive EMDR basic training and remain committed to ongoing professional development in this area. We’re happy to discuss our training and credentials with you.
We understand that the cost of therapy is an important consideration. We accept most major insurance companies. You can check to see if we accept your insurance here. Many insurance plans do cover EMDR therapy, especially when it’s being used to treat diagnosed conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. We also accept cash payments for clients who do not have or do not want to use insurance.
Our session fees are competitive for the Fresno area, and we believe investing in your mental health through specialized EMDR treatment is invaluable. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss costs in detail and help you explore your options. We never want finances to be a barrier to getting the help you need, so please talk with us openly about any concerns.
Our session fees are competitive for the Fresno area, and we believe investing in your mental health through specialized EMDR treatment is invaluable. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss costs in detail and help you explore your options. We never want finances to be a barrier to getting the help you need, so please talk with us openly about any concerns.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
You don’t have to carry the weight of trauma alone. EMDR offers a proven path to healing, and we’re here to walk that path with you. Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or painful memories that just won’t let go, there’s hope.
Your first step is simple: reach out for a free consultation. We’ll talk about what you’re experiencing, answer your questions about EMDR therapy, and help you decide if this approach feels right for you.
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Crisis Support:
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
Our practice is not equipped for crisis intervention.