A DIFFERENT WAY TO PROCESS TRAUMA
EMDR Therapy in Orange County
EMDR was developed specifically to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories that have gotten, in a sense, stuck, replaying with the same intensity as when they first happened instead of settling into the past where they belong. It doesn’t require reliving every detail of what happened out loud, which makes it more tolerable for many people than traditional talk-based trauma therapy.
HOW EMDR WORKS
Explore what happens during EMDR sessions and how memory reprocessing works.
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WHAT DOES EMDR TREAT?
Explore EMDR’s use for PTSD, trauma, anxiety, grief, and other distressing memories.
THE ORIGINS OF EMDR
The History of EMDR
EMDR has an unusual origin story: in 1987, psychologist Francine Shapiro noticed, while walking through a park, that some of her own distressing thoughts seemed to lose their emotional intensity as her eyes moved rapidly back and forth. Curious rather than dismissive, she began studying the pattern systematically, eventually developing a structured, testable protocol. What started as an offhand personal observation is now one of the most-researched approaches to trauma treatment in the field.
REPROCESSING DISTRESSING MEMORIES
How EMDR Works
During EMDR sessions, you briefly focus on a distressing memory while engaging in a specific bilateral stimulation pattern, typically guided eye movements. Over repeated sessions, this process appears to help the brain integrate the memory in a way that reduces its emotional intensity. APA’s most recent clinical practice guideline for PTSD includes EMDR among its recommended evidence-based approaches, alongside trauma-focused CBT.
WHEN MEMORIES AFFECT THE PRESENT
What Conditions Does EMDR Treat?
EMDR is most established as a treatment for PTSD and trauma, though it’s also used to address anxiety, grief, and other distressing memories that continue to affect present-day functioning.
Explore Your Treatment Options
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
More structured daytime treatment for those who need a higher level of support.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Structured clinical support through our Intensive Outpatient Program.
Outpatient Therapy
Ongoing, personalized therapy with the flexibility to fit your everyday life.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT EMDR
FAQs
Clear answers to some of the questions we hear most often. Don't see what you're looking for? Give us a call — our team is happy to help.
Does EMDR require talking through the trauma in detail?
No. One advantage of EMDR is that it typically doesn’t require detailed verbal recounting of the traumatic event, which some people find more tolerable than exposure-based therapies.
How many EMDR sessions are typically needed?
This varies significantly based on the complexity of the trauma. Some people see meaningful change in a handful of sessions, while more complex trauma may require longer-term work.
Is EMDR only used for PTSD?
No. While it’s best established for PTSD, EMDR is also used for anxiety, grief, and other distressing memories.
Is EMDR considered a legitimate, evidence-based treatment?
Yes. It’s included among the recommended approaches in APA’s most recent clinical practice guideline for PTSD treatment.