EMDR Therapists in San Diego
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an innovative therapeutic approach that is meticulously designed to alleviate the lingering effects of trauma and other distressing lived experiences. The heart of EMDR is a robust foundation of evidence-based effectiveness, backed by decades of research and clinical practice.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (more commonly known as EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that can help to rewire thought patterns that are based on past traumatic experiences.
Dr. Francine Shapiro, a renowned American psychologist and educator, discovered EMDR in 1989 and has since been shown to assist clients in accessing and processing traumatic memories so that they can no longer inflict emotional distress.
EMDR utilizes eye movement or other bilateral stimulation (such as tapping or walking) to activate both sides of the brain. The theory behind this process of bilateral stimulation is to mimic the brain’s Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep stage. When we enter REM sleep, we are in the deepest stage of our sleep cycle. This is the stage in which we dream, and our dreams are a way for our brain to process recent events. In some cases, we may have a negative memory stuck in our brain. When this happens, the result can be the experience of nightmares.
How Does EMDR Work?
When we experience traumatic events, oftentimes we are unable to process it, which can lead to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other disorders. This can mean that even if the traumatic event occurred weeks, months, or even years ago, when the memory surfaces it can feel as if it’s happening again the the present. Our body will experience the same physical and emotional reactions it did when the event originally occurred.
EMDR works by both client and provider creating a safe space to process the trauma, identify the negative beliefs clients have formed due to that trauma, and then process and address those distressing memories and beliefs so they begin to affect the person less. EMDR can help to reduce the vividness and emotion that is associated with the traumatic memories.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR
EMDR can benefit many clients, most commonly it is used to treat those dealing with conditions such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Chronic pain
- Panic attacks
- Addictions
- And more
EMDR is a versatile therapy that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual, making it a valuable tool for our team at Clayton Counseling in San Diego.
How To Get Started With EMDR At Clayton Counseling
Clayton Counseling was founded by Kristen Clayton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working with children, teens, families, and adults for over a decade. Her goal is to help her clients gain a better understanding of their true selves by creating a safe space for feelin’ and healin’. She is a certified EMDR therapy administrator and continues to pursue additional education so that she can better help her clients.
Clayton Counseling in San Diego has an amazing team of therapists with a wide variety of skills and life experiences. Other providers who are EMDR certified include:
- Laura Khosroabadi, LCSW
- Shelby Imhoff, AMFT
- Darlene Morris, AMFT
If you are interested in learning more about EMDR and the services we offer at Clayton Counseling in San Diego, call us at (858) 224-2579 or e-mail us at admin@claytoncounselinginc.com today to request a free consultation.
Links to some EMDR resources we think you may find helpful: