EMDR Therapy in Sierra Madre, CA

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps your brain and body safely reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming or stuck. Through gentle, guided techniques like bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds), EMDR allows your nervous system to release old trauma and make space for new, more empowering beliefs. EMDR therapy has 8 phases:

• History Taking: We get to know your story, your strengths, and what you'd like to work on. We always work at your pace.

• Preparation: You’ll learn calming tools and grounding techniques to help you feel safe and supported. We also call this phase “resourcing”.

• Assessment: We identify a target memory and the thoughts, feelings, and body sensations connected to it.

• Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping), we begin processing the memory so it feels less distressing.

• Installation: We strengthen a positive belief to replace the old, limiting one tied to the memory.

• Body Scan: We check in with your body to notice and release any leftover tension or activation.

• Closure: Each session ends with grounding and care to make sure you leave feeling stable and supported.

• Reevaluation: We check in at the next session to make sure the shifts are sticking and continue the work.

Not at all. One of the benefits of EMDR is that you don’t have to rehash everything out loud. EMDR involves a lot of “quiet noticing”. You’ll stay connected to the memory internally, while I guide you through the process as gently and safely as possible.

Many clients describe EMDR as mentally intense but deeply relieving. You might notice images, emotions, or body sensations as we work. It’s kind of like your mind is sorting through a messy file and putting things in order.

Some clients have said. that EMDR has helped them view things from a bird’s eye view, and feel more objective about their experiences.

After reprocessing sessions, client’s often feel tired and sometimes hungry - this is where self care becomes important!

It depends. Some clients feel noticeable relief in just a few sessions, while others take more time. It can take longer if there are multiple layers to unpack or a history of complex trauma. We always move at your pace and focus on building safety first.

My fee for services is $225 per 50-minute session. I have a limited amount of sliding scale slots that will be prioritized for BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ clients. There is no guarantee that any of these will be available at the time you call. Please let me know if you need sliding scale fees during our call. If I cannot accommodate, I am happy to point you in a direction to meet your financial needs.

*If you are a Utah resident, please reach out to me regarding therapy rates!

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I am currently considered to be an out of network mental health provider.

I am happy to provide you a superbill each month to give to your insurance. Please check with your insurance about your out of network mental health benefits - many of my clients are able to get reimbursement from their insurance.

Why you should consider working with an “out of network” therapist:

• No limitations on sessions. We can meet for as long as you need without having to worry if insurance will cut us off, or end coverage, which could abruptly end your care.

• Allows me to offer you more flexible, personalized, and intentional care.

• Helps me keep your information completely confidential, without needing to share diagnosis or notes with insurance companies.

• Allows us to avoid surprise billing issues, which can lead to lapses in treatment.

• Lets us focus on what’s best for you, not what insurance says is best for you!