Services
EMDR Therapy
A brain-based approach to healing trauma — so the past no longer holds power over your present.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy originally developed for trauma and PTSD, and now widely used for anxiety, depression, grief, and more. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works directly with how the brain stores and retrieves distressing experiences — not just how we talk about them.
When we go through something overwhelming, the brain sometimes freezes the memory in its raw, unprocessed state. It stays lodged there — activating intense emotions, physical sensations, or negative beliefs long after the event has passed. You might feel stuck, reactive, or unable to move forward without fully understanding why. EMDR helps your brain finally complete what it started, so those memories lose their charge and become part of your story rather than a disruption of it.
How does it work?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — rhythmic eye movements, tapping, or sound — to activate the same mechanism your brain uses during REM sleep to integrate experiences. While you hold a distressing memory in mind, this back-and-forth stimulation allows the brain to reprocess it at a deeper level. Negative beliefs tied to the memory shift. The emotional charge softens. What was once overwhelming becomes something you can hold with more distance and clarity.
The goal isn't to erase what happened — it's to change how it lives in you. EMDR is structured in phases, beginning with preparation and resourcing, so you always have the tools to stay grounded before and after processing sessions.
"The goal isn't to forget what happened — it's to finally let it belong to the past."
What EMDR Treats
Trauma & PTSD
Anxiety & Panic
Depression
OCD
Chronic Pain
Addictions
Dissociative Disorders
Phobias
Eating Disorders
Distressing Memories
Complicated Grief
Personality Disorders
Our Approach
We integrate EMDR within a broader relational and somatic container. Bilateral stimulation is one tool — held within a therapeutic relationship that values presence, pacing, and your sense of safety throughout.
Your Therapist
Sessions
EMDR sessions are typically 50 minutes, though extended 80-minute sessions are available and recommended for deeper processing work.
Sessions are available in person in Santa Cruz and online anywhere in California. Online EMDR works well — many clients find the comfort of their own space supports the work.
We begin with one or more preparation sessions before any trauma processing begins, so you feel genuinely resourced and ready.
Rates
Individual Session
50 min
$250
Extended Session
80 min
$300
Sliding Scale
Based on need
$150–$250
Learn More
EMDR in Practice
What is EMDR Therapy?
How EMDR Works
EMDR for Trauma & PTSD
Frequently Asked Questions
How is EMDR different from talk therapy?
Traditional talk therapy works primarily through language and insight. EMDR works more directly with the nervous system — using bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess stored trauma rather than just discussing it. Many clients find it reaches places that words alone cannot.
How many sessions does it take?
It depends on what you're working with. Some people experience significant shifts in a handful of sessions; others with complex or developmental trauma work over a longer period. We always begin with preparation and stabilization before moving into processing, so you feel ready.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. Online EMDR is effective and widely practiced. We use tapping or auditory bilateral stimulation that works well over video. Many clients actually prefer the comfort of their own environment for this kind of deeper work.
Is it safe? What if I get activated during a session?
Your safety and stability are always the first priority. We spend as much time as needed in the preparation phase — building internal resources and grounding skills — before any trauma processing begins. You are in control throughout: we can pause, slow down, or stop at any point.
Do I need to talk about the trauma in detail?
No. Unlike some approaches, EMDR doesn't require a detailed verbal account of what happened. You hold the memory internally while we do the bilateral work — you share only what feels right. This can make it more accessible for experiences that feel too painful or hard to put into words.
Is EMDR right for me?
EMDR is a good fit if you feel stuck — whether around a specific traumatic event, ongoing anxiety, or patterns that keep repeating in your life despite insight. The best way to find out is to start with a consultation and explore it together.
Ready to begin?
Start with a free 20-minute consultation call. We'll hear what's bringing you in and make sure we're a good fit before scheduling your first session.
Book a Free Consultation