ONLINE EMDR

Online Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing with our licensed and expertly trained therapists in California.

EMDR Online

There is peace and calm on the other side.

The impact of unresolved trauma in our lives can show up in ways that make living a peaceful and fulfilling life very difficult. There are many forms of trauma and ways of healing from our traumatic experiences.  One of the most effective forms of treatment we offer is Online Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).    

Online EMDR Can Help:

Strengthen resilience

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Healing attachment and psychological wounds

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Improve your relationships

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Improved coping mechanism

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Enhanced emotional regulation

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Reduce emotional distress caused by trauma

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What is EMDR?

Trauma specialist Philip Manfield, Ph.D., endorses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a potent therapeutic method that has gained recognition for its success in alleviating the symptoms of trauma. This technique was innovated by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and is a composite of several therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and somatic therapy.

 

During EMDR sessions, the therapist directs the client through an organized procedure that entails the recollection of traumatic events while concurrently administering bilateral stimulation, often through horizontal eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile inputs. This process is thought to expedite the reprocessing of the traumatic memories, permitting their adaptive integration.

 

At the core of EMDR is its ability to empower individuals to confront and process unresolved traumatic memories, thereby diminishing the intense emotions linked with these memories and facilitating therapeutic progress. Clients frequently report a transformation in how they view themselves and their past, fostering enhanced resilience and overall mental health.

 

While EMDR is celebrated for its effectiveness, it's essential to acknowledge that it may not be universally applicable. The outcomes of EMDR can differ, contingent upon various personal factors and the specific trauma experienced. Nonetheless, a significant number of therapists and clients have attested to the considerable improvements EMDR has facilitated in managing the effects of trauma and advancing emotional recovery.

Remote EMDR

Does Online EMDR Work?

Online EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has shown to be effective for many individuals. While traditionally delivered in person, the transition to online delivery has been well-received and effective for several reasons:

1. Accessibility:

Online EMDR makes this therapeutic approach available to individuals who might not have access to it otherwise, due to geographical constraints, mobility issues, traffic, or busy schedules.

 

2. Comfort and Safety:

Being in a comfortable and safe personal environment can help some clients open up more easily during therapy sessions, potentially leading to better outcomes.

 

3. Consistency of Care:

Online delivery can provide more consistent therapeutic support, as sessions can be more easily scheduled without the need to travel, which can be beneficial for maintaining the momentum of therapy.

 

4. Evidence-Based:

EMDR is an evidence-based practice, and its core elements can be effectively adapted to an online format. The critical component of bilateral stimulation can be facilitated using visual cues on-screen, auditory tones through headphones, or physical tapping techniques clients can perform on themselves under the guidance of the therapist.

 

5. Supported by Research:

Emerging research suggests that online therapy, including EMDR, can be as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health conditions, including trauma and PTSD. 

However, like any therapeutic intervention, the effectiveness of Online EMDR can vary from person to person. Factors such as the individual’s specific condition, the severity of symptoms, the quality of the therapeutic relationship, and the client's comfort with technology can all influence outcomes.

 

For individuals considering Online EMDR, it's essential to work with a licensed therapist trained in EMDR to determine the appropriateness of this modality for their specific needs. We have therapists who are fully licensed in the state of California with specialized training in EMDR. A thorough assessment and a collaborative decision-making process with our therapists can help ensure the best possible approach to treatment for you.

Virtual EMDR

Who Can Benefit from Online EMDR?

 

Online Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (Online EMDR) can benefit a wide array of individuals, particularly those who have experienced trauma or distressing life events. Here are some groups of people who can particularly benefit from Online EMDR:

 

Individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Those suffering from PTSD, often arising from experiences like military combat, physical assault, or natural disasters, can find relief from symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety through Online EMDR.

Survivors of Acute Trauma

This includes victims of violent crimes, accidents, or any sudden and distressing event. Online EMDR helps in processing the trauma, which can reduce the ongoing impact of those events.

 

People with Anxiety Disorders

For individuals grappling with anxiety disorders—such as panic disorder, social anxiety, or phobias—that stem from traumatic past events, Online EMDR can help by addressing the root causes of their anxiety.

 

Those Experiencing Depression

While EMDR is primarily associated with treating trauma, it has also been found to help alleviate symptoms of depression, especially when the depressive episodes have a link to traumatic experiences.

 

Individuals Facing Attachment Issues

Online EMDR can benefit those who have experienced early life disruptions or trauma, which might now be affecting their ability to form secure adult attachments.

 

Survivors of Grief and Loss

Those who are struggling with intense grief or complicated bereavement can utilize Online EMDR to process and integrate their loss more healthily.

 

Individuals Seeking Personal Development

Online EMDR isn't limited to those with clinical disorders. It can also support personal growth, improving self-esteem, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.

 

Busy Professionals or Remote Individuals

Online EMDR provides access to therapy for people who have busy schedules or live in remote areas where in-person EMDR services are not readily available.

 

People with Limited Mobility

For those who have disabilities or other reasons that make leaving the home challenging, Online EMDR offers a practical alternative to in-person sessions.

 

Individuals with Health Concerns

Particularly relevant in times of public health concerns like a pandemic, Online EMDR allows individuals to continue their therapy without the risk associated with face-to-face meetings.

 

Online EMDR retains the essence of its traditional in-person format while offering greater accessibility, convenience, and comfort, making it a suitable option for many looking for effective trauma treatment.

EMDR Online

EMDR Online Process

 

The EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) process typically involves several phases, each designed to address different aspects of trauma processing and resolution. Here's an overview of the typical EMDR process:

 

1. History-taking and assessment:

The therapist begins by gathering information about the client's history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. This phase helps our therapist understand the nature of the trauma and how it is impacting your life.

 

2. Preparation:

Before engaging in the trauma processing work, the therapist helps you develop coping skills and relaxation techniques to ensure you feel safe and grounded during the process. This may involve teaching you strategies for managing distressing emotions and sensations.

 

3. Assessment and target selection:

The therapist collaborates with you to identify specific memories, images, thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations associated with the traumatic experience. These are referred to as "targets" for the EMDR treatment. Together, you will selects which target to focus on first.

 

4. Desensitization:

In this phase, the you hold the target memory or aspect of the traumatic experience in mind while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This bilateral stimulation can take various forms, such as following our therapist's hand movements with their eyes, listening to alternating tones, or experiencing tactile sensations. It is encouraged to notice whatever thoughts, feelings, sensations, or images arise for you during this process, without trying to control or judge them. Sets of bilateral stimulation are repeated until the distress associated with the memory decreases.

 

5. Installation:

Once the distress associated with the memory has decreased to a manageable level, the therapist helps you reinforce positive beliefs and emotions related to the memory. This may involve identifying and integrating adaptive beliefs, emotions, or sensations that counteract the negative beliefs or feelings associated with the trauma.

 

6. Body Scan:

The therapist guides the client through a body scan to identify any residual tension or discomfort that may be present. If necessary, additional EMDR processing can be used to address any remaining distress or body sensations related to the trauma.

 

7. Closure:

At the end of each session, the therapist helps you stabilize and return to a state of equilibrium. This may involve relaxation exercises, grounding techniques, or other self-soothing strategies.

 

8. Reevaluation:

In subsequent sessions, you and your therapist will review progress, assess any remaining targets for processing and continue working through them as needed.

How Online EMDR Treatment Can Help

 

EMDR can help you in several ways if you've experienced trauma or distressing events in any form.  Some of the ways this trauma therapy is beneficial are:

 

Trauma Processing

EMDR facilitates the processing and resolution of traumatic memories, allowing you to effectively process and integrate the emotional and cognitive aspects of the trauma. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms such as flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

 

Improved Emotional Regulation

EMDR helps you develop greater emotional regulation by promoting adaptive responses to distressing emotions associated with traumatic experiences. Through the processing of traumatic memories, you can learn to manage and cope with intense emotions more effectively.

 

Cognitive Restructuring

EMDR can help you challenge and reframe negative beliefs and thoughts that may have developed as a result of trauma. By identifying and integrating more adaptive beliefs and perspectives, you can experience a shift in how you perceive yourself, others, and the world around you.

 

Enhanced Coping Skills

EMDR equips you with coping skills and resources to manage distressing emotions and triggers related to the trauma. You'll learn strategies for self-soothing, relaxation, and grounding, empowering you to navigate challenging situations with greater resilience and self-confidence.

 

Improved Self-Concept

EMDR can promote a positive sense of self by fostering self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-esteem. As you process and integrate traumatic memories, you may experience increased self-acceptance and self-worth, leading to a more balanced and cohesive self-concept.

 

Interpersonal Relationships

EMDR can positively impact your relationships by addressing any interpersonal difficulties or relational patterns stemming from unresolved trauma. As you heal from past experiences, you may find it easier to connect with others, communicate effectively, and establish healthier boundaries in relationships.

 

Overall Well-Being

EMDR can contribute to your overall well-being by reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns related to trauma. As you work through unresolved issues and achieve greater emotional equilibrium, you may experience improvements in various areas of your life, including work, family, and leisure activities.

 

If you or someone you know may benefit from online EMDR treatment here at California Couples Counseling, we would be more than happy to support you today.  Please, give us a call, text, or send us a message and our admin team will support you today.

faqs

Common questions about Online EMDR

  • Certainly. It is entirely possible to maintain sessions with your personal therapist while completing Online EMDR therapy. An existing therapeutic relationship isn't a prerequisite to start EMDR with our licensed therapists. As you advance through your EMDR journey, you and your therapist can collaboratively establish ongoing treatment objectives, which may encompass conventional talk therapy modalities, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), alongside EMDR.

  • Yes! EMDR Online can be just as effective as in-person therapy. The convenience of virtual EMDR supports our clients in outcomes they would not have otherwise had.

  • Our California license restricts us to only providing online EMDR to residents of California.

  • Contact us and we will support you with scheduling your online EMDR session today.

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