EMDR therapy in the Bay Area and across California

Let’s get to the root of it so you can get back to living.

 

Are there things that you know to be true in your head, but they don’t always feel true in your heart?

I see you over there, trying your best to live a life that is happy and whole.  But you can’t stop feeling like you’re missing something.   You’ve tried many different things- therapy, self help books, exercise classes, meditation, medication- but you are still feeling stuck in the same patterns.  You know things logically (or in your head) but do not seem to be able to make traction because…


  • You find yourself thinking about things that happened in childhood, relationships, or during major life events like having a baby. No matter how much you think about them or talk about them it doesn't truly make it feel better.

  • You’ll be in a good place, feeling better and then something happens.  You respond in a way that you aren’t proud of  (or doesn’t feel like the real you) and you end up feeling guilty and upset at yourself all over again. 

  • No matter how good things seem on the outside, you don't feel good on the inside.  You have achieved many of the things you want for your life, but it doesn’t feel the way you thought. It’s like something is blocking your ability to truly feel gratitude, love, and happiness.

  • Happiness feels fleeting and it's hard not to question when the next bad thing will happen. You live life bracing for impact instead of feeling empowered and knowing you are equipped to navigate the ups and downs of life.

It can be so hard to be stuck in the cycle - bouncing from what feels like your best self to your worst self in a single day or sometimes in a matter of minutes.   It’s easy to get discouraged and feel like you’re not getting anywhere.

 

I see you.

You deserve to feel joy and connection

I would love to guide you through this piece of your journey

I can help you get relief and let go of the pain that holds you back from being able to feel hope and positivity.  You can feel more in control of your emotions and how you respond in even the most stressful of  situations.  You can feel like your best self and have a deeper connection with your partner, children, friends, and family.  

My hope is that you can experience relief, feel empowered, and truly believe…

  • I can handle this

  • I'm a good parent

  • I’m loved

  • I’m doing a good job

  • It wasn’t my fault

  • I’m safe now

  • I am worthy of good things and a good life

You can know in your head & feel it in your heart

EMDR Therapy can bridge the gap.

What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?

  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based and research-backed trauma therapy. Lately it’s been in the public eye, and talked about more broadly. EMDR is widely known as a leading therapy that is effective for treating trauma. It works by using bilateral brain stimulation (or eye movements) to reprocess traumatic or upsetting memories. These eye movements are guided by the therapist and are similar to eye movements that you experience during a REM sleep cycle.

  • Here’s how EMDR Works:

    When a trauma or upsetting event overrides the brain's ability to cope, the trauma “gets stuck” in the nervous system. The upsetting material can get stored in the limbic system or the emotional brain where there’s not a sense of time. That’s why it’s so common to hear people say “It happened so long ago. I should be over it by now...” When in fact, it makes perfect sense that they haven’t been able to move on because until they reprocess it, they truly are re-experiencing the traumatic memory in the here and now. The person’s fight, flight, or freeze responses are more active when they are carrying around an unresolved trauma inside.

  • EMDR allows for HEALING from the inside out.

    When we do EMDR Therapy you won’t forget the painful thing that has happened. Instead, bilateral brain stimulation will allow the brain and the nervous system to recognize that what happened is in the past and not in the here and now. When the brain is able to reprocess the memory you are able to get relief. The intensity of the painful emotions will decrease and you will be able to let go of the negative beliefs about yourself that are related to that memory. You will be free to live in the present day without the painful moments of the past controlling you or your future.

 Specializing in EMDR therapy for:

  • EMDR can be help with recovering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, birth trauma, as well as healing wounds from your childhood that can be reactivated after becoming a parent. Together we can heal the experiences keeping you stuck so you can break free from generational cycles and show up the way you intend to. I am also passionate about working with dads and partners in my practice, you deserve specialized support too. Learn more here

  • I offer specialized support for survivors of sexual abuse, violence, and other traumas. You deserve to feel heard and supported especially during pregnancy, birth, and parenting.

    You can learn more about my specialty in online therapy for trauma here

  • You deserve care while you are caring for others.

    I've worked in health care and within social services for over 15 years and have a deep understanding of the nuances and complexities of these systems. I support many healthcare professionals and service members who are healing their own childhood wounds while caregiving to others, feeling the effects of moral injury, or are impacted by experiences they have witnessed in their career.

  • Attachment wounds occur within the first 3 years of life with a parent and/or a caregiver.

    Relational wounds occur within a close relationship, and can be experienced in early childhood or any age.

    Learn more here

  • Old unhealed wounds can shape the way you interact with the world and form relationships. These injuries can have longstanding effects into adulthood and often show up in relationships. EMDR can help. Learn more about my work with individuals navigating relationship concerns here

What is an EMDR Therapy Session like?

EMDR is a structured approach.  There are specific pillars that we will follow and yet, there is room for us to be flexible and work as partners on your healing journey.  I spend a lot of time sharing information to help you understand exactly what is going to happen.  It's important to me that you feel okay every step of the way and that there are no surprises.  I see our work together as a collaboration.


Imagine that we are in a car together.  You are driving the car.  Your foot is on the gas pedal and the brake.  You get to decide when we accelerate, slow down, or come to a stop.  I’m in the passenger seat, helping to navigate and guiding you every step of the way.

Stages of EMDR Therapy

  1. Explore the roadmap together

    We start with an exploration.  We take a look at your story and past experiences.  We pay attention to themes, patterns, and anything that’s kept you from moving forward.  We peel back the layers of the onion and decide where we want to focus our energy and attention.  

  2. Pack for the journey

    Before we begin reprocessing trauma, we bolster you up with tools to your toolbox so you feel confident and ready for the experience.  This could look like practicing copy skills, breathing exercises, or other somatic activities.  Each of these will help you along the journey.

  3. Get out on the open road

    In this stage we begin reprocessing the traumatic or painful memories.   We notice what these memories bring up for your emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and body sensations.  You may notice that you hold some of the activation in your body and that by processing, you can find relief.

  4. Rest stops along the way

    There are plenty of opportunities to pause, take a break, and rest if the trauma processing becomes uncomfortable.  We never want this to be overwhelming, instead it should bring you a greater sense of peace and ultimately freedom.

  5. Visiting landmarks & reaching milestones

    Reprocessing trauma can bring people to new places within themselves that they never thought possible.  I love hearing people say that they no longer feel the intense feelings like fear, sadness, or shame.  After EMDR Therapy people begin to believe good things about themselves and welcome beautiful new possibilities into their lives.


 

Ready for a roadtrip to deeper healing & lasting change?

Schedule a free consultation

FAQS

What others have wondered about EMDR therapy

 

  • I can certainly appreciate the honesty in this question. So many clients come to me because they’ve been in traditional talk therapy for years and they are looking for something more. EMDR is highly effective and I believe it can help you too.

    If it’s hard for you to hold hope that things can change, I will hold hope for both of us. EMDR is not a magic wand, it takes time but I’m open to being on the journey with you.

  • I know that it would be ideal to get a specific number of sessions or length of time, but it’s important that we don’t rush the process. We are going to be doing deep work at the root of the trauma, so we need to take all the time necessary. If you feel ready to go deep, this is the place for you! Please know that the time frame is unique for each person.

  • Yes, there is no evidence to support that EMDR is unsafe during pregnancy. In fact, some women are drawn to processing during this time as they are preparing for motherhood or a change in their family.

  • Item descriptionEMDR International Association

More questions? Check out my FAQs page.