Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing

Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a remarkably effective therapy approach used to overcome the emotionally painful effects of trauma and a wide range of other emotional conditions. It has been shown to be twice as effective in HALF the amount of time of standard traditional psychotherapy treatments alone. EMDR is a combination of traditional talk therapy and bilateral stimulation following an eight-phase model.

EMDR is known to be effective with survivors of trauma, however, it can be used for many other challenges you may be struggling with. We specifically specialize in the treatment of EMDR with Black, Indigenous, People of Color. We integrate various modalities within the EMDR framework. Many clients have reported experiencing relief from symptoms and have noticed dramatic improvements in the quality of their lives. As mentioned, EMDR has been used successfully to help people overcome other challenges as well, such as:

• Anxiety

• Complex PTSD

• Dissociation

• Life transitions

• Stress

• Panic attacks

• Grief

• Fear of flying

• Disturbing memories

• Sexual, physical, emotional abuse

• Intergenerational trauma

Who May EMDR Benefit?
Anyone who has experienced any situations in the bullet point list above will benefit from EMDR.

We also specialize in providing EMDR to first responders and medical personnel such as: 

• Mental Health Professionals

• Teachers

• Paramedics

• Doctors & other healthcare professionals

• Lifeguards

• Fire Fighters

• Military Personnel

• Protective Service Workers

How does EMDR therapy look like with you? We are all trained by EMDRIA, which is the founder's (Francine Shapiro's) institute. We follow the protocol, so in the first session we will gather your history and do an assessment. We will be talking (without details) about the memories you would be targeting/talking about. After this, we like to have our clients try the bilateral stimulation preferences for in-person sessions (light bar for eye movements, buzzies for bilateral stimulation on your palms) or an online program for teletherapy appointments and the traditional style of EMDR bilateral stimulation (following my fingers). After you select your preference we will be installing a resource for you (‘resource’ refers to coping skills). Once this is "installed," we will begin selecting which trauma we will begin to desensitize. After that we go through the following 4 phases, and begin from the start for a new target memory. 

We pay close attention to our clients' needs and reactions, and help clients become properly prepared for EMDR sessions, so that individuals do not close the session feeling overwhelmed with emotions.

If you're unsure whether EMDR would benefit you, please call us at (818) 963-6727 for a free 15-minute phone consultation and we can discuss whether EMDR would be a good fit for you, and which clinician is available.

If you are sure and would like to schedule a session, click the button below to leave me a message.

Disclosure: We use somatic techniques during session, and we will not be doing Phase 4 (bilateral stimulation) until we complete Phases 1-3.  

Please note - if you are seeking a diagnosis to help you understand yourself, or for superbill/paperwork reasons, please notify your therapist. We do not diagnose unless requested.

For more administrative and general questions about therapy, visit the frequently asked questions page: 

Adriana Alejandre, LMFT, EMDRIA Approved Consultant is part of the Trauma Recovery Network (TRN)  which is a network of EMDR Therapists prepared to assist survivors of natural or man-made disasters and first responders involved in these incidents from traumatic stress.