What is EMDR Therapy? A Guide From an EMDR Therapist in Carlsbad, CA
I first learned about EMDR therapy in 2005 while I was a student intern at a drug and alcohol center for women. To say that the life stories that I was hearing were traumatic - was putting it lightly. I very quickly learned that the stories I was hearing were beyond what I had the skillset for at the time. I needed something strong in my toolkit that worked and worked fast. My supervisor at the time was a very wise, older man who I deeply respected. One day, he did a demonstration on EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - and I was amazed. I HAD to learn what this magic was and so I did. Now, 20 years later, I am still amazed at the magic of EMDR.
Understanding EMDR Therapy
So what is it? EMDR therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help individuals process any level of trauma that lingers and disrupts daily life. Whether it’s a significant trauma, like abuse or a major accident, or a subtler experience that still carries emotional weight, EMDR aims to reduce the intensity of these memories. Rather than erasing them, it helps the brain reframe them so they no longer trigger overwhelming reactions.
The Origins of EMDR: The Story Behind a Powerful Therapy
The method originated with Francine Shapiro, a psychologist who, in 1987, observed that lateral eye movements seemed to lessen her own stress during a walk. Intrigued, she explored this phenomenon, developing EMDR by 1989 after testing it with trauma survivors, including veterans. Her findings gained traction, and today, EMDR is endorsed by organizations like the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization. It is an effective treatment grounded in decades of research and clinical use.
How EMDR Therapy Works
In practice, EMDR unfolds over sessions typically lasting 90-120 minutes. We begin by understanding your history and identifying specific memories to target. This does not require exhaustive detail. The process follows an eight-phase protocol, starting with preparation and progressing to reprocessing. During the core phases, you focus on a memory. You will focus on its images, emotions, and physical sensations. At the same time, we facilitate bilateral stimulation through a light bar machine in our office (or an EMDR virtual platform if you are working with us virtually). This stimulation supports the brain in reprocessing the memory, reducing its emotional charge. Also, when we go through trauma our brain automatically pairs it with a negative belief about ourselves (ex: I’m not good enough, I’m powerless, etc.) During the process of EMDR that negative belief actually flips- allowing us to see and embody the truth (ex: I am good enough, I now have choices, etc.).
The Science Behind EMDR & How the Brain Processes Trauma
The science behind EMDR draws on the brain’s natural capacity to heal, akin to physical recovery from injury. Shapiro’s Adaptive Information Processing model suggests that trauma can disrupt this process, leaving memories unintegrated and emotionally potent. Bilateral stimulation appears to engage both hemispheres of the brain, facilitating connections that allow these memories to be reframed—shifting, for example, from a sense of helplessness to resilience. So while the memory remains, its power to distress diminishes significantly.
At Wholeness Collective Therapy, we integrate EMDR into our holistic approach because it aligns with our focus on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it doesn’t demand extensive verbal recounting, which can be a relief for those who find narrating trauma challenging. Instead, it leverages the brain’s innate mechanisms, requiring only brief check-ins during sessions. You might say, “It feels less vivid now,” or note a physical shift, like reduced tension, and we guide the process from there. Progress varies—some notice relief in 1-5 sessions for a single event, while complex histories may take longer.
Is EMDR the Right Therapy for You?
Is EMDR right for you? A lot of clients who feel “talked out” around a trauma incident or feel “stuck” have found a lot of relief and real, tangible shifts after doing EMDR. In fact, research indicates that 80-90% of individuals with single-incident trauma experience significant improvement within a dozen sessions. If you’re carrying something that feels unresolved—whether loud or subtle—our EMDR therapists would be honored to explore how EMDR could help.
Start Your Healing Journey with an EMDR Therapist in Carlsbad, CA
As EMDR therapists in Carlsbad, CA, we understand that true healing isn’t about managing symptoms. Healing is about processing and releasing what’s been holding you back. Whether you’re struggling with the weight of past trauma, feeling stuck in negative patterns, or simply searching for a new approach to healing, EMDR therapy can help you move forward with clarity and resilience. If you’re ready to experience meaningful change, we are here to support you. Here’s how you can get started:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn how EMDR therapy can help you.
Book your first EMDR session and begin working toward relief and empowerment.
Experience the transformation as you reprocess painful memories in a safe, supportive space.
Additional Therapy Services Offered in Carlsbad, CA
In addition to individual therapy and EMDR, our compassionate team offers The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)—a unique, music-based program designed to calm and regulate your nervous system through over-the-ear headphones. We also provide somatic coaching, which supports the deep connection between the mind and body. These integrative approaches work alongside therapy to create a more holistic path to healing.
You don’t have to carry the weight of unresolved trauma alone. Let’s take the next step together. Reach out today to begin your healing journey.