therapy service
EMDR Therapy in pasadena & online in California
It’s time to Get Past Your Past.
Struggling with negative beliefs, unpleasant memories, or intense emotions?
When something overwhelming happens, your brain and nervous system can’t always process it the way they normally would. Instead of being stored like a regular memory, the experience can get frozen in time—along with the same thoughts, emotions, and body sensations you had in that moment.
These stuck memories often show up as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, or strong emotional reactions that don’t match what’s actually happening in the present.
EMDR is a type of therapy that helps people heal from painful or traumatic experiences that feel “stuck” in the mind and body.
you’re not broken, just a little stuck
EMDR helps you leave the past in the past, so you can live in the present.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that targets unprocessed memories that contain the negative emotions, sensations and beliefs. EMDR helps your brain “digest” those old memories —so what’s useful is integrated, what’s no longer needed is released, and the memory is stored in a way that no longer causes harm. The memory remains, but it no longer feels as intense, overwhelming, or triggering.
Francine Shapiro
EMDR doesn’t change or erase your memories—it changes how they feel. The memory stays the same, but the emotional weight it carries shifts—and that shift changes how we see ourselves, others, and the world.
How it works
How Does EMDR Therapy heal trauma?
bilateral stimulation
EMDR helps your brain reprocess painful memories using a technique called Bilateral Stimulation (BLS)—which simply means giving gentle, rhythmic input to both sides of the brain.
BLS might involve moving your eyes back and forth, tapping on your knees, listening to alternating tones in each ear, or holding small vibrating “tappers” in each hand.
This type of stimulation activates the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate experiences, similar to what happens during REM sleep (the dream stage), when the brain sorts through emotions, memories, and information from the day.
emotional re-programming + cognitive re-processing
During EMDR, I’ll gently guide you to bring up a memory, image, or feeling while we use BLS. As the process unfolds, you might notice:
Images or flashes of other memories
Emotions rising and falling
Physical sensations in your body
New insights or shifts in perspective
These experiences often move like waves—appearing, intensifying, and eventually easing. You don’t need to explain everything in detail. Short snapshots of what you’re noticing are enough. And if anything ever feels too intense, we can pause or stop at any time.
What is an EMDR Session like?
An EMDR session is collaborative, flexible, and paced with your nervous system in mind. We’ll start by making sure you feel safe and resourced before moving into any deeper work. Throughout the session, I’ll guide you gently and check in often. You won’t have to relive the trauma or talk through every detail—just notice what comes up as your brain begins to reprocess. The goal is for your system to release what's stuck, so you can feel more grounded, present, and free.
Every session is different, and there’s no ‘right’ way to process.
Before we begin...
We’ll try out a few BLS options so you can see what feels most comfortable. We’ll also come up with a “stop” signal so you can let me know if you want to pause.
During a session …
You’ll be fully awake and aware the whole time. You can pause, stop, or take a break whenever you want. I’ll check in with you throughout the process to make sure you’re feeling safe and supported.
After a session...
You might feel tired, emotional, or notice dreams or physical sensations afterward. This is a normal part of your brain continuing to process. Use your coping tools, take care of yourself, and reach out if anything feels too intense.
Trauma repeats until it’s resolved—so When the past keeps showing up in the present, it’s a sign your system is stuck and calling for healing.
Healing means the past no longer controls how you feel or what you believe.
the Benefits
EMDR Therapy is a Proven Approach for Trauma, Anxiety, and PTSD
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based approach that supports the healing of distressing and traumatic experiences. It works by helping the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer hold the same emotional charge—allowing you to move forward with greater clarity, calm, and connection.
EMDR may be especially helpful if you’re navigating:
PTSD & Complex Trauma
Soften the emotional intensity of past events, including childhood abuse or chronic relational trauma.
Dissociation or Memory Gaps
Gently integrate fragmented or overwhelming memories that feel disconnected or confusing.
Abuse Recovery
Heal from the emotional and psychological impact of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.
Anxiety & Panic
Reduce chronic worry, fear responses, and the sense of being constantly on edge.
Depression & Shame
Shift deeply rooted negative beliefs and emotional patterns tied to earlier life experiences.
Grief & Loss
Process unresolved sorrow, regret, or heartbreak after a death, breakup, or other loss.
Medical or Accident Trauma
Find relief from trauma related to surgeries, accidents, or life-threatening events.
Performance Anxiety
Strengthen confidence and reduce fear around public speaking, test-taking, or athletic performance.
Phobias or Fears
Address the unresolved memories fueling irrational fears or avoidant behaviors.
EMDR is ideal for those who feel stuck in the past, replaying the same painful loops despite their best efforts to move on. By helping the nervous system and brain reprocess these experiences, EMDR creates space for more peace, emotional regulation, and a renewed sense of self.
FAQs
you’ve got questions - have answers
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In an EMDR session, I’ll gently support you in recalling a distressing memory while engaging your brain in bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or sound). This process helps your nervous system reprocess the memory so it no longer feels as overwhelming or emotionally charged. Over time, the emotional intensity decreases, and new, healthier beliefs can take root.
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t depends on your unique history and the type of trauma you’re working through.
Single-incident trauma (like a car accident, assault, or natural disaster) may resolve within 6–12 sessions for many people.
Chronic or complex trauma (such as childhood abuse or repeated relational harm) often requires more time, care, and integration. This may include months—or even years—of therapy, depending on your goals and what feels supportive for your system.
Together, we’ll move at a pace that feels manageable, integrating EMDR with grounding and somatic tools to ensure safety and steady progress.
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Yes—EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy that’s safe when facilitated by a trained professional. It helps the brain process trauma in a structured way. That said, it can sometimes bring up intense emotions between sessions, especially for those with complex trauma or dissociation.
I tailor EMDR to your nervous system’s capacity. We’ll incorporate grounding tools, resources, and plenty of stabilization work before diving into deeper material, so the process feels safe and supported.
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While traditional talk therapy often focuses on analyzing experiences, EMDR works more directly with your brain and nervous system to help shift the emotional charge of painful memories.
Here’s how EMDR stands apart:
It’s about reprocessing, not reliving – You don’t have to talk through every detail for healing to occur.
It works with your body and brain – EMDR taps into the body’s natural ability to heal trauma, similar to what happens during REM sleep.
It’s often faster – Many people notice shifts more quickly than with talk therapy alone.
If you’ve felt stuck in your healing or overwhelmed by storytelling-based approaches, EMDR may offer a different path forward.
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Absolutely. EMDR is just as effective online when facilitated by a trained therapist. During virtual sessions, we can use:
On-screen guided eye movements
Self-tapping techniques (like the butterfly hug)
Audio tones through headphones
I’ll walk you through everything and help create a calming, supportive environment—so you feel safe working from home or wherever you are.
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No—you do not need to recount every painful memory in full detail. One of the powerful things about EMDR is that it helps the brain reprocess traumatic experiences without needing to explain them extensively.
You may briefly recall the memory while using bilateral stimulation, but you won’t be asked to go into detail. My role is to help guide the process gently and safely so that the memory no longer holds the same emotional weight in your nervous system.
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EMDR may be a good fit if you feel stuck in patterns tied to the past—whether that’s anxiety, shame, intrusive memories, or low self-worth. If you’ve done talk therapy but still feel like something hasn’t fully shifted, EMDR offers a different approach that works with the brain and the body to support real change.
If you're curious but unsure, we can begin with resourcing and stabilization techniques and gently explore your readiness together.
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Yes. EMDR integrates beautifully with other modalities like Somatic Experiencing®, parts work (IFS), talk therapy, and energy work. In fact, blending EMDR with body-based or relational approaches often creates a more holistic and sustainable healing process.
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Just like with Somatic Experiencing® you don’t need to have a perfect memory of the event for EMDR to be effective. Sometimes trauma is stored in the body as sensations, emotions, or vague impressions. EMDR can still help reprocess these fragments, gently reducing their impact over time.
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Bilateral stimulation (BLS) refers to rhythmic left-right movements—through eye movements, tapping, or tones—that help the brain reprocess distressing memories. It activates both hemispheres of the brain, which seems to support the natural healing process, similar to what happens during REM sleep. Over time, this helps the memory become less activating and more integrated.
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Sometimes. Healing isn’t always linear, and EMDR can stir up emotions or physical sensations as your system processes past experiences. That said, we’ll always move at a pace your nervous system can handle—and we’ll focus on building regulation skills before diving into deeper material. Feeling safe, supported, and resourced is my top priority.
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That’s okay—and more common than you might think, especially for people with complex trauma. In our work together, we’ll prioritize nervous system safety and build strong resourcing skills before doing any deep processing. If you ever feel overwhelmed, we’ll slow down, pause, or shift focus. EMDR is not about pushing through—it’s about listening to your system and honoring its pace. Healing can still happen, even gently.
in-person
online
EMDR Therapist Near me?
I offer EMDR therapy in person in Pasadena, CA, or online for clients throughout California. EMDR therapy is highly effective in both formats. If you're local, we can also create a hybrid schedule that blends in-person and virtual sessions to fit your needs.