At Mellow Therapy, we offer in-person EMDR therapy sessions at our Culver City office. Our approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and focused on lasting healing.
EMDR Therapy in Culver City
Our Approach to EMDR Therapy
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
During an EMDR session, you’ll engage in targeted bilateral stimulation, which may involve following the therapist’s finger movements or utilizing auditory or tactile cues. This unique approach helps activate the brain’s natural healing mechanisms, allowing you to reprocess traumatic memories and alleviate associated emotional pain.
What Happens During an EMDR Session?
Prep & Assessment
Before diving into EMDR therapy, there’s a bit of groundwork. We start with a prep & assessment phase, ensuring you feel safe and in the know. This is where we explain and show you the EMDR techniques, ensuring you’re comfortable with what’s about to happen. The assessment phase is like detective work, figuring out which memories are causing your emotional or physical pain today.
Before diving into EMDR therapy, there’s a bit of groundwork. We start with a prep & assessment phase, ensuring you feel safe and in the know. This is where we explain and show you the EMDR techniques, ensuring you’re comfortable with what’s about to happen. The assessment phase is like detective work, figuring out which memories are causing your emotional or physical pain today.
Treatment Time
Once the prep and assessment phases are a wrap, it’s go-time! You’ll be asked to focus on a “target” image, handpicked during the assessment. Then comes the eye movement part – tracking the practitioner’s fingers (or a pen) with your eyes. It’s normal for the memory to get a bit fuzzy – that means the door to the memory is opening, and the real processing is happening on a deep, subconscious level.
Eye Movements & Breaks
The eye movements come in short sets (15-30 seconds), with breaks in between that suit your needs. You’re in control – raise your hand anytime if you need a breather. EMDR is like a train ride – you just let it happen. You might feel things – thoughts, sensations, or maybe nothing at all. Whatever it is, you’re asked to notice it like scenery passing by.
Your Pace, Your Control
If things get a bit much, raise your hand – you’re the boss. Between sets, you share what’s going on. There are no right or wrong answers, just your experience guiding the way. We rate your feelings about the memory from 1-10 before and after the session. The goal? Noticeable improvement by the time you step out.
EMDR FAQs
What are the benefits of EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with trauma-related conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Benefits of EMDR include:
- Accelerated Healing: EMDR is like the express lane to emotional recovery. It fast-tracks the processing of traumatic memories, leading to quicker and more sustainable healing.
- Minimized Verbalization: Say goodbye to feeling stuck for words. EMDR requires less talking about your past, making it a great fit for those who find it challenging to express their experiences verbally.
- Holistic Integration: Beyond just thoughts, EMDR addresses the emotional and even physical aspects of trauma. It’s a full-spectrum approach to healing.
- Efficient Processing: EMDR helps your brain process and rewire old memories more efficiently, freeing you from the emotional weight they carry.
- Versatility: It’s not just for specific traumas. EMDR can be effective for various issues like anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional challenges.
Who would benefit from EMDR?
- Trauma Survivors: If you’ve experienced trauma, EMDR is your superhero cape. It’s designed to help you process and heal from the emotional aftermath.
- Anxiety Warriors: If anxiety is your arch-nemesis, EMDR can be a game-changer. It’s like a calming breeze for those racing thoughts and worries.
- PTSD Fighters: EMDR is a frontline warrior against PTSD symptoms. It helps you confront and overcome the lingering effects of past traumatic events.
- Emotional Road Warriors: For those facing emotional hurdles or challenges, EMDR provides a dynamic and targeted approach to navigate through and emerge stronger.
- Talk Therapy Seekers: If traditional talk therapy feels a bit blah, EMDR adds an exciting twist. It’s perfect for those looking for a more dynamic and engaging therapeutic experience.
- Anyone Seeking Quicker Results: If you’re all about that speedy recovery, EMDR’s accelerated healing process might be exactly what you’re looking for.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
EMDR sessions are recommended once per week, spanning an average of 6-12 sessions. While some find benefit in fewer sessions, others may require more. As a general rule, the treatment duration tends to be shorter when addressing more isolated traumatic memories.
