Healing Trauma with EMDR Therapy for Individuals

How EMDR Therapy Works for Trauma Recovery

Heal and Transform with EMDR Therapy

Specialized support for overcoming trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress

Trauma can leave lasting imprints—on your body, your emotions, and your sense of safety in the world. Even long after the event is over, you may find yourself feeling on edge, numb, anxious, or stuck in the past.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help you process and heal from traumatic experiences and emotional pain.

EMDR therapy taps into your brain's natural healing processes by using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to reprocess traumatic memories. These techniques help reduce emotional distress and rewire the way your brain stores and recalls painful experiences.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy:

  • Finds and Resolves Root Causes, not just Symptoms

  • Reduces Emotional Distress such as Anxiety, Panic, or Hypervigilance

  • Quick and Effective Relief from Flashbacks, Nightmares, or Intrusive Thoughts

  • Reconnection to the Body and Sense of Safety

  • Builds Resilience and Coping Skills with Increased Emotional Regulation and Ability to Stay Present

  • Enhances Self-Esteem and Confidence.

  • Healing from Attachment Wounds or Childhood Trauma

Issues that EMDR Therapy addresses:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Childhood trauma and attachment wounds

  • Racial, cultural, or intergenerational trauma

  • Anxiety and Depression

  • Relational trauma, wounding, or challenges

  • Workplace stress, burnout, or vicarious trauma

Learn more about other culturally sensitive therapy services to see how they complement EMDR Therapy.

My Approach to EMDR Therapy

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Culturally Sensitive Care

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Integrating Somatic Techniques

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Holistic Healing

The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy:

  1. History-taking and treatment planning: Understanding your background and goals

  2. Preparation: Building trust and learning coping skills

  3. Assessment: Identifying the target memory and distressing elements

  4. Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation to reduce the emotional impact

  5. Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs.

  6. Body scan: Identifying and releasing residual tension

  7. Closure: Ensuring emotional stability after sessions

  8. Reevaluation: Reviewing progress and next steps

What to Expect from EMDR Therapy

1. Initial Consultation and Planning

  • In our first meeting, we’ll explore your history, current challenges, and therapy goals. This helps us develop a tailored treatment plan and ensure EMDR is the right fit for you.

2. Safe and Supportive Preparation

  • Before we begin reprocessing, I’ll guide you through techniques to manage distressing emotions. This preparation phase builds your confidence and ensures you feel safe throughout the process.

3. Reprocessing Traumatic Memories

  • During EMDR sessions, we’ll focus on specific memories or beliefs causing distress. Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds), we’ll work to reduce their emotional impact.

4. Collaborative and Client-Led Approach

  • You are always in control during sessions. While I guide the process, you decide the pace and depth of what we explore.

5. Post-Session Integration

  • After each session, you might notice changes in your emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations as your brain continues to process. I’ll provide tools and guidance to help you navigate this period.

6. Tracking Progress

  • At each step, we’ll evaluate your progress, celebrate victories, and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This ensures our work aligns with your evolving needs.

Specialized EMDR Protocols I Offer

I am trained in standard EMDR therapy as well as specialized protocols for different types of trauma:

  • Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization (ASSYST-I and ASSYST-G) – For immediate relief of distress after a recent traumatic or overwhelming event for individuals and groups

  • Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents and Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-PRECI) – Supports recovery from recent events, past/present prolonged or ongoing traumatic stress

  • Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) – A group-based approach that allows healing in community while reducing overwhelm.

EMDR therapy helps you move beyond the past and step into a more empowered future.

Release the past, reclaim the present. Take the first step with EMDR therapy.

EMDR Therapy in Bay Area California for Asian American Individuals