EMDR Orange County

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, also known as simply EMDR, is a therapy to help your brain process traumatic experiences in a way that reduces the intensity of the memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, like eye movement or tapping, to help rewire the brain’s response to distressing memories. Over time, this allows you to recall past events without being emotionally overwhelmed by them.

EMDR is highly effective for:

• PTSD and trauma recovery
• Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
• First responders and frontline workers
• Survivors of abuse or assault
• Grief, loss, and complex trauma

How EMDR Works: A Step-by-Step Process

1. History and Assessment – We identify key experiences that may be contributing to your current distress.
2. Preparation – You’ll learn grounding techniques to feel safe and in control during therapy.
3. Processing and Bilateral Stimulation – Using guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds, your brain begins to reprocess painful memories in a way that lessens their hold over you.
4. Integration and Closure – Over time, these once-overwhelming memories lose intensity, and you’ll enjoy more peacefulness.

Why Consistency in EMDR Matters

EMDR is not a one-and-done process—it’s a journey. Consistent sessions help your brain fully integrate these changes so that the relief you experience lasts. Regular therapy sessions keep progression going and give you the support you need along the way. While the number of sessions varies based on individual needs, many clients start to notice meaningful shifts within 6 to 12 sessions. It’s important to note that deeper, more complex trauma may take longer to work through.

Alongside consistency, choosing the right therapist matters, too. Our team specializes in trauma-focused care and offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for healing. Whether you’re seeking EMDR for PTSD, anxiety, or past emotional wounds, we’re here to help.

Meet Your EMDR Therapists

Dora Valencia, LCSW

Dora Valencia helps her clients move forward toward a future no longer defined by traumatic past experiences through EMDR therapy.

Aly Giermann, LCSW

Aly Giermann utilizes EMDR in her practice to help clients process painful memories and find relief from emotional wounds.

Hannah Pasternak, LCSW

Hannah Pasternak uses EMDR therapy to compassionately guide clients through healing, helping them process past traumas so they can reclaim peace.

Sairah Abbasi, LCSW

Sairah Abbasi supports clients in gently confronting and resolving painful memories through EMDR to build a future of emotional freedom from them.

Take The First Step

It’s time to let go of the pains of your past with EMDR therapy. We help clients across Orange County, including Irvine, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Tustin, and surrounding areas. If you’re looking for expert EMDR therapy near you, we’re just a call away. Contact our Intake Coordinator at 949-236-1990 or intakes@lisaeatontherapy.com. You can also learn more over at our Get Started Page.