EMDR therapy works by leveraging the brain’s natural ability to process and heal from distressing experiences, a process that can be disrupted by trauma. The core mechanism involves bilateral stimulation, most commonly rapid eye movements guided by a therapist, which mimics the brain’s activity during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep—a phase linked to memory consolidation and emotional regulation. The theory, known as the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, suggests that traumatic memories are improperly stored in the brain, remaining fragmented and emotionally charged rather than integrated into a cohesive narrative. During EMDR, a client focuses on a specific memory, including its images, emotions, and bodily sensations, while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This dual attention is believed to activate both hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication between the amygdala (emotion center), hippocampus (memory storage), and prefrontal cortex (rational thinking). As the memory is reprocessed, its emotional intensity decreases, and new, adaptive insights often emerge—such as shifting from "I’m powerless" to "I survived." The eight-phase protocol begins with history-taking to identify target memories, followed by preparation to build coping skills. In the desensitization phase, the bilateral stimulation occurs, reducing the memory’s distress level. Subsequent phases reinforce positive beliefs and check for residual tension. Researchers propose that this process may resemble neural desensitization or memory reconsolidation, though the exact neuroscience remains under study. The result is that the memory retains its factual content but loses its debilitating emotional grip, allowing clients to function better in daily life. EMDR’s effectiveness lies in its ability to bypass prolonged verbal analysis, offering a somatic and cognitive pathway to healing.

Honestly, it’s different for everyone— since we’re all unique and have different goals. It really depends if you are wanting to target something like a single incident trauma or maybe something that was more chronic (attachment type trauma). For a single incident trauma it could be just a few sessions, but for more chronic trauma it would take more. One thing that I love about EMDR is how quick and effective it is. It’s known for working very quickly and with each session you will experience more and more relief.

Wondering if EMDR’s right for you? At Wholeness Collective Therapy, we think it’s perfect for anyone carrying a memory that won’t let go—maybe a scary moment or a long stretch of tough times. If you’re hit with flashbacks, jitters, or just feel stuck, we’d love to help. It’s amazing for PTSD, but we’ve seen it work wonders for anxiety, phobias, even sadness tied to a specific “why.” You don’t need a big label—just a sense that something’s weighing you down. We work with young teens to late adults. What makes you a great fit? Being ready to face those feelings, even if it’s a little scary at first. You don’t have to be a pro at handling emotions—but it helps if you’re open to the ride. If you’re wrestling with big dissociation or we might start slower with other Somatic tools first. We’re all about meeting you where you’re at. Love talking? Great. Hate it? No worries—EMDR doesn’t need tons of words. If you’re motivated to feel whole again that’s what matters the most.

Okay, let’s talk results— EMDR’s got a solid track record, especially for trauma. Studies we lean on say 80-90% of folks with a single rough patch—like a bad breakup or accident—see huge relief in 3-10 sessions. That’s a big deal! For deeper, messier stuff, like years of struggle, it’s more like 70% feeling better, but it might take longer. Research from places like the EMDR International Association backs this up, and it holds its own against big therapies like CBT. For anxiety or phobias tied to a memory, we’re talking 70-85% success, though it’s trickier if the root’s less clear. Success looks differently for everyone - maybe it’s sleeping better or not flinching at old triggers. We’ve had clients say it’s like turning down the volume on pain. Does it always “fix” everything? Not quite—life’s messy—but when we stick to all eight phases, the wins stick too. We’re real with you: it depends on how you dive in and what you’re carrying. But we’re proud to offer something this strong, something that’s helped so many feel whole again. It’s not a magic wand, but it’s very close :)

So, what’s it like right after an EMDR session with us at Wholeness Collective Therapy? Most clients walk out feeling like they’ve shed 100lbs of emotional weight- they feel lighter, more clear and hopeful. We’ve heard, “I can breathe easier,” and that’s the goal. The memory’s still there, but it’s quieter. Others may feel tired even though they feel good—like they’ve run a mental marathon. You want to remember that after you process trauma your nervous system settles - sometimes leaving you sleepy—your brain’s been busy! Sometimes, emotions bubble up—tears, shakiness, or a raw edge— put it does pass pretty quickly with the help of the bilateral stimulation. You might notice your body too—maybe a knot in your chest loosens or your hands tingle. We always wrap up with a calm-down, making sure you’re steady before you head out. Your neural pathways are very open when you leave - so you want to remember to be gentle with yourself the following 48 hours.

It truly depends on the individual and their goals. Most clients start with weekly sessions that are anywhere from 1- 2 hours. It’s common for a target to be completed in those 1-2 hours! Sometimes we will suggest a regular “talk therapy” session in between completing a target and moving on to the next. It truly depends on what each individual client needs. Janelle offers EMDR Intensives which is a different format than ongoing weekly therapy. EMDR Intensives are offered in a half-day or full-day model.

The first EMDR session is less about diving into trauma and more about laying groundwork, typically focusing on the first two phases: history-taking and preparation. It’s about identifying what’s "stuck" and prioritizing treatment goals. Most likely in the following EMDR session after you have identified what trauma you want to work on there is a list of questions that your therapist will ask to help get in touch with the trauma (this is the start of the processing phases 3-7). One if these questions is to help identify the negative belief associated with that trauma (when we go through trauma our brain pairs it with a negative belief about ourselves). After all the questions are asked and the client is in touch with the trauma then bi-lateral stimulation though a light bar can begin. Typically the bi-lateral movement will go on for about 60 seconds or more and then the therapist will pause and ask, “what did you notice.” The client will say, “I am feeling this or remembering that.” The bi-lateral stimulation will continue on with pauses throughout until the client is at a “zero” on their self-rated trauma scale. Once at a zero then then the installation and body scan phases can begin.

Yes! We have a virutal platform that we love to use. All you need is headphones and a private space. It’s a similar platform to zoom, but allows for bi-lateral eye movements through the screen and also bi-lateral sound through the headphones. We are all licensed therapists in the state of California so in order to do it virtually you would need to be in the state of California. Janelle offers EMDR intensives however that you are welcome to travel to Carlsbad for even if you live out of state.

You are fully conscious when doing EMDR so no. They seem similar at first glance—both feel a little mysterious and promise big shifts. But they’re more like cousins than twins. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, isn’t about putting you in a trance. Instead, it’s a grounded way to help your brain process tough memories using eye movements —like following a light bar—while you stay fully consciously awake and in charge.

Yes, you talk during EMDR, but it’s not constant or like traditional talk therapy—it’s purposeful and phased, tied to the eight-stage process. In the initial history-taking and preparation sessions, talking dominates as you share your background, pinpoint target memories, and learn coping skills with the therapist. Once processing begins (phases 3-7), verbal exchange shifts. During assessment, you speak to identify the memory’s image, negative belief (e.g., “I’m worthless”), emotions, and body sensations, setting a baseline. Then, in desensitization—the core bilateral stimulation phase—talking drops significantly. You focus on the memory while following eye movements or other stimuli for 20-60 seconds, then briefly report what comes up: a new image, thought, or feeling. You’re not silent, but it’s not a deep discussion—more like checkpoints. In the installation phase, you verbalize a positive belief (e.g., “I’m safe now”) to reinforce, and during the body scan, you note physical sensations aloud if any linger. Closure might involve more talking to debrief and stabilize.