Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Orange County, CA, at Friendly Recovery Center
If trauma, anxiety, or distressing memories are interfering with your life, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help you process those experiences and find relief.
What Is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing?
EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps you finally get unstuck from past experiences that continue to affect how you feel and function today. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, or unresolved trauma, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements, to help your brain reprocess painful memories and reduce their emotional charge.
It’s not about talking through every detail of your trauma. It’s about helping your brain do what it was meant to: heal. EMDR is backed by extensive scientific research, and it’s been shown to be highly effective for both single-event and complex trauma. Combined with programs like OP, IOP, PHP, and telehealth, it offers proven recovery.
“When I started EMDR, I was skeptical. I didn’t want to relive the worst moments of my life. But it wasn’t like that at all. Week by week, those memories started losing their grip on me. I was surprised to feel lighter, calmer, and more in control of my emotions.”
Principles of EMDR
Reprocessing Triggers: Instead of avoiding trauma, you safely revisit distressing events so your brain can fully process them.
Bilateral Stimulation: Eye movements or other forms of rhythmic stimulation help desensitize and rewire emotional responses.
Memory Integration: Over time, the emotional impact of trauma decreases, and memories lose their power to disrupt daily life.
Client-Led Pace: You stay in control throughout the process, and your therapist ensures each session moves at a pace that feels right for you.
The Origins and Evolution of EMDR Therapy
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, who discovered that specific eye movements helped reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts. What began as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has now expanded into a widely used and research-backed method for addressing a range of mental health conditions. Today, EMDR is recognized by organizations like the American Psychiatric Association and the Department of Veterans Affairs as a top treatment for trauma. With a growing evidence base, EMDR remains one of the most recommended and respected therapies for trauma recovery worldwide.
How EMDR Helps With Trauma, Anxiety, Panic, and Stress
EMDR therapy is used to help individuals work through a range of issues tied to trauma, emotional overwhelm, or mental roadblocks.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR reduces flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance by helping you process trauma safely.
Panic and Anxiety Disorders: EMDR can calm the nervous system and resolve the core memories contributing to chronic fear or panic.
Childhood or Complex Trauma: EMDR allows you to address multiple layers of emotional pain without retraumatizing the client.
Stress Management: With CBT, people learn how to handle life’s stressors and reduce reactivity.
Stress-Related Symptoms: It helps regulate mood, sleep, and energy by resolving the stuck emotional responses that fuel stress.
“I don’t freeze up anymore. I sleep better. I’m not afraid of being triggered all the time. It gave me back my peace. I used to live in this constant state of tension, waiting for something to set me off. Now, I feel grounded.”
EMDR Therapy Techniques
EMDR uses an eight-phase framework that supports healing from the inside out:
History Taking & Treatment Planning: Understand what you’re struggling with and identify specific memories to target.
Preparation & Stabilization: Learn grounding tools and emotional regulation techniques to ensure safety and comfort.
Assessment Phase: Identify target memories and how they’re stored in your body and mind.
Desensitization with Bilateral Stimulation: Reduce the emotional intensity of disturbing memories using guided eye movements.
Installation: Strengthen positive beliefs and insights that replace negative self-perceptions.
Key Advantages of EMDR
What sets Friendly Recovery in Tustin/Orange County apart is our trauma-informed, research-driven approach to EMDR therapy. Here’s what makes our EMDR services so effective:
Fast and Focused: Many people feel relief after just a few sessions, especially compared to traditional talk therapy.
Non-Invasive: No need to go into every detail of your trauma, just enough to help your brain begin processing.
Proven Effective: We’ve seen firsthand how EMDR helps our clients find real, lasting relief.
Safe and Supportive: Sessions are guided by trained EMDR therapists in a compassionate, structured environment.
Whole-Person Support: We combine EMDR with complementary treatments to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Getting Started With EMDR Therapy
Here’s how to get moving:
- Talk With a Provider: A mental health assessment helps determine if EMDR is right for you.
- Find an EMDR Specialist: Our EMDR therapists tailor treatment to your comfort level and needs.
- Verify Insurance Coverage: Most major insurance providers offer coverage for EMDR. We’ll help you confirm your benefits.
What to Expect in Therapy
Here’s what makes our EMDR therapy different:
Certified EMDR Therapists: Our clinicians are trained in the most up-to-date EMDR protocols.
Safe and Calm Environment: Every detail of our center is designed for your comfort and emotional safety.
Custom Treatment Plans: No two people are alike, neither are our therapy plans.
Whole-Person Focus: Our center is a comfortable and supportive place to feel better.
Real Results: Our clients frequently report reduced anxiety, better sleep, improved focus, and greater emotional balance.
At Friendly Recovery in Tustin, CA, we keep things flexible because we know life doesn’t always follow a set schedule. Whether you’re looking for the structure of a Partial Hospitalization Program or the support of an Intensive Outpatient Program, we’ve got you covered. Need something more laid-back like Outpatient Care? Or the ease of Telehealth from home? We’ve got those too. Our nurturing team is here to guide you with care!
EMDR Therapy FAQs
How long does EMDR take?
EMDR can be brief or ongoing, depending on your goals and the type of trauma. Some people feel relief within 6–12 sessions, while others benefit from longer support.
Does EMDR therapy work for anxiety without trauma?
Yes. EMDR is highly effective for anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, and stress even when trauma isn’t the root cause.
What happens in an EMDR session?
You’ll identify distressing memories, then use eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to reduce the emotional impact.
Is EMDR covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover EMDR. Contact our team to check your benefits or you can verify your insurance online.
Is EMDR therapy available online at Friendly Recovery?
Yes! We offer both in-person sessions in Tustin and HIPAA-compliant telehealth options for flexible, private care.
How do I start EMDR therapy?
Contact us for a consultation. We’ll match you with a therapist who’s a great fit for your goals, preferences, and comfort level. Whether you're new to therapy or looking for a specialized approach we’re here to guide you.
Let Go of the Past and Feel Better Now
Medically Reviewed By: Shahana Ham, LCSW
Shahana Ham, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She specializes in client-centered care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
