Evidence-based trauma reprocessing
EMDR for events your brain hasn't finished processing.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — a structured, evidence-based approach that helps your brain finish processing what was too much at the time. Online across California.
Good fit if
- A specific event or pattern still hijacks your body — panic, flashbacks, hypervigilance, sudden emotional waves
- You've tried talk therapy and have insight but the feeling hasn't shifted
- Intrusive thoughts or images you can't reason yourself out of
- Childhood experiences still shaping adult relationships in ways you can see but can't interrupt
- You want a method with strong empirical evidence — EMDR is an APA and VA-recommended trauma treatment
Not a fit if
- Active crisis without stabilization — we address safety and grounding first
- Severe dissociation without proper support structure — we assess and may refer to specialized providers
Not sure which column you're in? Book a free consult. If we're not the right fit, we'll help you find someone who is.
What the work looks like
How we actually work together.
EMDR has eight phases — it's structured, not improvised. We start with history and stabilization, build resources (grounding techniques, safe-place imagery), and only then move to reprocessing. You won't be flooded.
Reprocessing sessions use bilateral stimulation — eye movements, tapping, or alternating audio tones — while you hold a memory in mind. What most people notice is that memories that used to feel 'live' start to feel settled, more like past events and less like present danger. You don't have to narrate extensively; the brain does the work.
Between sessions, we check in about what's shifting. EMDR often produces noticeable change within 6–12 reprocessing sessions for single-event trauma. Complex or childhood trauma takes longer, but the mechanism — helping the brain integrate what it couldn't at the time — works the same.
Modalities we draw from
FAQ
Common questions about emdr therapy.
Does EMDR actually work?
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Yes — EMDR is one of the most extensively researched trauma treatments, recognized by the APA, VA, and WHO as a first-line treatment for PTSD. Outcome studies consistently show it reduces trauma symptoms for a wide range of conditions.
Do I have to relive the trauma in detail?
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No. EMDR can work with minimal verbal narration. You identify a memory, hold the associated image and feelings while doing bilateral stimulation, and the brain does the reprocessing. Many clients describe it as less narratively intense than traditional talk therapy.
How many sessions does EMDR take?
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Single-event trauma often resolves in 6–12 reprocessing sessions after initial stabilization. Complex or developmental trauma can take significantly longer. We'll give you a realistic estimate after the intake phase.
Can EMDR be done online?
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Yes. We use online EMDR tools designed for telehealth — visual bilateral stimulation on screen, or tapping-based alternatives. Research on virtual EMDR shows outcomes comparable to in-person.
Who on your team does EMDR?
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Jalyse Stewart (AMFT) specializes in EMDR, particularly for trauma, childhood sexual abuse recovery, and anxiety. Book a free consult to discuss fit.
References & further reading
- EMDRIA — About EMDR Therapy — EMDRIA
- APA Clinical Practice Guideline — EMDR for PTSD (conditionally recommended) — American Psychological Association
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — EMDR for PTSD — VA National Center for PTSD
Last clinically reviewed: April 18, 2026 by Christina Mathieson, LMFT #115093.
From the blog
EMDR vs CBT for Trauma: Which Is Right for You?
EMDR and trauma-focused CBT are both first-line treatments for PTSD — but they work differently, take different amounts of time, and suit different people. Here's the decision you're actually making.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy helps individuals process and overcome traumatic experiences — but who is it actually for? A look at the groups who benefit most from this unique approach to healing.
Ready to talk it through?
Free 15-minute call. We'll figure out if emdr therapy is the right work for where you are, and match you with the right person on our team.
Book a Free Consult