Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) in Ventura, CA

EMDR Therapy Can Help:

Medical Trauma

Trauma from car accidents

Depression

Grief and loss

Performance anxiety

Chronic Pain & Chronic Illness

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Sexual assault

Sleep disturbances/ Nightmares

Childhood Trauma

Violence and abuse

Have You Had Thoughts Such As:

“I am not good enough”

“I can’t succeed”

“I am not safe”

“I am a failure”

“I don’t belong”

“I am alone”

These beliefs usually connect back to trauma and hard learnings earlier in life. Importantly, EMDR Therapy can update these beliefs and support you in being a more confident and capable person.

You Are Not Alone

70% of Americans have experienced a trauma and 60% of adult Americans have had childhood trauma. This is known as complex or developmental trauma. Subsequently, untreated trauma leads to mental disorders such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Hence, it effects our relationships and our work life. Similarly, it can lead to addiction, anger issues, shame, low self worth, and chronic illness or chronic pain.

But most importantly, healing trauma is possible. Working with a EMDR therapist in Ventura can get you started.

How Does EMDR Work?

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy intervention. Simply put, EMDR is an 8 Phase therapy that was created by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. She discovered that bilateral actions such as eye movements, alternating sounds, tapping, could neutralize distressing memories and emotions.

EMDR works in the brain by retrieving memories from the Hippocampus (time/memory keeper). It moves the memories into the Prefrontal Cortex (thinking brain). The bilateral movements (looking back and forth, for instance) integrate different parts of the brain (prefrontal cortex, ventromedial, amygdala, thalamic regions). To clarify, it loosens trauma brain networks, and restructures thoughts and feelings so they become more adaptive.

The Science of EMDR

In clinical studies EMDR treatment has shown that it decreases activation in areas in the limbic system of the brain. These areas are involved in flight/fight/freeze (Pagani, 2007) and (de Voogd et al, 2018). Also, there have also been studies that show positive neuroanatomical changes after EMDR (Letizia et al., 2007).

In addition, there are multiple theories on why EMDR works. One is that it is desensitizing memories or distressful emotions by taxing the working memory. Another theory is that the bilateral movements activate and integrate the right and left hemispheres of the brain. A popular theory is that EMDR mimics REM sleep. To explain, in REM sleep your eyes rapidly move back and forth while sleeping, which is processing and storing memories.

EMDR Therapy has been proven successful in veterans, cancer patients, survivors of sexual abuse, psychosis, and so much more.

A few EMDR clinical studies:

Brief psychological intervention with traumatized young women

The treatment of posttraumatic stress disordered sexual assault victims

EDMR treatment for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder

What Happens In The EMDR Session?

EMDR is done in 8 phases. To begin, history taking will take place and discussion around what you want to work on. Then, you will be introduced to the EMDR treatment equipment so that you are comfortable when we begin reprocessing the memories. Some people like using eye movements, but some people process better with their eyes closed using other modes of bilateral stimulation that we offer. After that, you will learn grounding and relaxation techniques to prepare you for working with the trauma. We then will start the bilateral reprocessing (eye movements or other bilateral stimulation). Importantly, we go at a pace that feels safe for you. 

FAQ

A Lot of Therapists Are Offering EMDR. Why Should I Work With You?

Yes, a lot of California therapists offer EMDR. But unfortunately, a lot of therapists are not following the evidenced based 8- Phase EMDR protocol. This protocol has been clinically studied and found to be effective. Most importantly, a therapist waving their finger in front of you for a few minutes at the end of your session is NOT EMDR. Above all, when you come to see us in Ventura, you should feel comfortable knowing that we use the entire 8 Phase protocol.

Additionally, Sipora Weissman is a Certified EMDR Therapist by EMDRIA. This means that she has done additional professional consultation and trainings to meet the rigorous requirements set by EMDRIA.

To Sum Up, Reach Out!

We are offering EMDR Therapy in-person in Ventura and online all over California. The therapy office in Ventura is a short drive from Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Ojai, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks. We offer a 20-minute complementary phone session for any questions you may have about EMDR therapy. Reach out to connect to an EMDR therapist!