EMDR Therapy for Deep Healing and Lasting Change

If life feels like it’s stuck on repeat, and you keep reliving painful memories, emotional flashbacks, or other effects of trauma, you deserve to begin your path toward peace. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can help.

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a research-supported and structured approach that helps the brain reprocess traumatic events so you can finally move forward. I specialize in working with individuals who carry the weight of trauma and/or abuse. Whether your trauma is rooted in childhood, a toxic relationship, or a distressing event or series of events, EMDR therapy may hold a promise for meaningful relief.

If you’re not sure if EMDR is right for you, that’s okay; you may have already tried different types of therapy and felt frustrated when insights gained didn’t ease your pain. EMDR works differently. It doesn’t focus on relieving your trauma. Instead, it helps your nervous system reprocess what happened so it no longer holds the same negative emotional charge.

As a psychotherapist trained in trauma-informed care, somatic trauma therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy, I use EMDR as part of a holistic approach tailored to your needs. We can also use mindfulness techniques and body awareness to support your emotional regulation and grounding throughout your therapy.

What Happens During EMDR Therapy?

We’ll start by building trust, learning calming techniques, and identifying the experiences and memories you need to work through. When you’re ready, I’ll guide you through a series of gentle back-and-forth eye movements, tapping, or sounds while you bring a memory to mind. This stimulation is what helps the brain “re-file” the memory in a way that is not so emotionally distressing for you. Its emotional intensity becomes weaker.

You’ll remain completely awake and in control through the entire session. You won’t be asked to relive the traumatic event(s), but instead, will be asked to notice what comes up and allow your mind to process it naturally. As it does, many clients report that they feel “lighter,” as if a heavy burden has been lifted, and more at peace. They also often find that they become less reactive to triggers.

Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?

If you’re not sure if this type of therapy would help you, ask yourself the following:

• Do I struggle with intrusive memories and flashbacks?
• Do I experience anxiety, low self-worth, or emotional overwhelm?
• Do I feel stuck in patterns shaped by abuse or trauma?
• Do I want to move beyond survival and actually thrive?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, EMDR can be helpful. I offer online sessions and in-person sessions for people in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak Park, Ventura, and throughout California. You don’t need to face this alone; healing is possible, and I’m here to help you through.

Begin Your Healing Journey Today

If you feel ready to explore EMDR therapy with a compassionate and experienced guide, contact me. Together, we’ll build safety, restore your inner strength, and reclaim the life you deserve.

Don’t hesitate to reach out today to schedule a consultation with Valeriya Bauer, psychotherapist. Your past doesn’t define you; what you choose today does.