EMDR Therapy in San Francisco + Marin county, CA
EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful and efficient method to address the symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and other painful experiences.
EMDR therapy involves targeting memories that have become neurologically “stuck”, using bilateral stimulation (usually in the form of eye movement or alternating tactile buzzers) to accelerate the brain’s capacity to process and resolve the troubling material.
These frozen memories can be either “Big T” traumas (such as violence, rape, or life-threatening injury) or “little T” traumas (such as small but powerful adverse life events such as being called a name or feeling left out by peers). These unresolved memories make the past feel like it is still very much present and force current life experiences to be filtered through a negative, distorted lens.
How EMDR Therapy Works:
Assessment and Preparation
In the beginning stages of therapy, I help my clients identify distressing memories or difficult life experiences from the past that may be contributing to distress in their day-to-day experiences, interactions, and relationships.
Bilateral Stimulation
I guide clients in performing specific eye movements, taps or sounds while recalling distressing memories. This is believed to mimic the brain's natural memory processing mechanisms, similar to what happens during REM sleep.
Memory Reprocessing
As my clients follow the movements, the emotional charge of the memory gradually reduces, and they begin to reframe their thoughts and emotions around it.
Desensitization and Healing
Over multiple sessions, my clients typically experience a reduction in distress, and the once-traumatic or overwhelming memory feels less intrusive or upsetting.
EMDR Therapy Typically Follows an Eight-Phase Structured Approach
History-Taking and Treatment Planning
First, I assess the client’s history so we can identify specific distressing memories or experiences that may be contributing to your present day thoughts, emotions, sensations, habits, and relationships. Together, we’ll map out a plan for how we’ll move forward with EMDR.Preparation
We’ll develop coping strategies and relaxation techniques to manage emotional distress during and between sessions.Assessment
Together, we’ll identify specific negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations associated with a traumatic memory or difficult experience. We’ll also explore positive beliefs and strengths that we can weave into our work together.Desensitization
At this stage, I’ll guide clients through bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while the client recalls the traumatic memory or difficult experience. This helps the brain reprocess the memory, gradually reducing its emotional intensity.Installation
I help my clients develop or strengthen positive beliefs we can draw on to counter the distressing beliefs that may be linked to past memories or experiences.Body Scan
Clients will then focus on any lingering physical tension or discomfort related to the memory. If discomfort remains, more processing is done.Closure
At the end of each session, we’lll close by ensuring that you are in a stable emotional state and are ready to resume your day. Relaxation techniques may be used.
Reevaluation
At the start of the next session, we’ll check the progress and determine if further processing is needed.
More about EMDR Therapy
The brain appears to have a natural healing process for dealing with difficult life events, much like the body has a natural healing process for cuts and broken bones.
EMDR therapy can be likened to cleaning out an infected wound or setting a bone, so that the body can be effective in restoring healthy functioning. While other types of therapy are effective in allowing insight into the root causes of difficult emotions and providing tools for challenging negative thought and behavior patterns, EMDR therapy allows changes in emotional, cognitive, and behavioral response patterns to occur spontaneously.
This is not to say that the process of EMDR therapy is easy. It is a multi-phase process, often involving significant assessment and preparation, as well as strategic targeting of pivotal past experiences, present triggers to distress, and related future challenges.
Like the analogy of cleaning a wound or setting a bone, it can be an intense experience to activate the thoughts, feelings, and sensations of the memories that fuel a person’s fear, anger, and sadness. However, the reward is often that the source of the pain is then neutralized, as the brain integrates the positive and reality-based perspectives of safety, efficacy, and self-worth.
The Effectiveness of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy was initially developed to treat trauma and over 30 randomized studies (and much related research) have provided empirical validation of its efficacy.
EMDR therapy has been assigned to Category A as “strongly recommended” for the treatment of trauma by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (2004, 2010).
EMDR therapy has been included in SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (2011) for the reductions of trauma-related stress, anxiety, and depression.
In 2013, the WHO (World Health Organization) formally approved the recommendation of EMDR therapy for adults and children with PTSD.
Cautions and Safety Factors for EMDR Therapy
It is important to assess your current life situation to determine the most appropriate approach to EMDR therapy.
You may need to postpone a demanding schedule immediately following EMDR therapy sessions. It is also important to explore issues that may arise as change occurs. For instance, adjustment in intimate, social, or professional patterns of interaction/behavior may become important following shifts in your beliefs about yourself after processing related themes in EMDR therapy.
Reprocessing of the memory may continue after the end of the formal therapy session. Other memories, flashbacks, dreams, feelings, and sensations may occur. Frequently the brain is able to process the additional material without help and without it being overwhelming. However, it is not necessary or encouraged for you to purposefully continue thinking about the trauma-related material. Instead, you are advised to utilize the calming and attention-shifting tools recommended by the therapist, connect with support systems, and contact the therapist if necessary.
Is EMDR Therapy for Me?
If you’re experiencing flashbacks, anxiety, emotional numbness, or a constant sense of being on edge, you’re not alone. These can all be signs of unresolved trauma. Healing is possible, even if the pain feels far away or deeply ingrained. Reach out today to schedule a complementary 20-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit, so you can begin processing what’s happened with care, safety, and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Therapy with me is a collaborative and compassionate process. I work with adults and teens who identify as highly sensitive, introspective, or creative. Many of my clients struggle with feeling overstimulated, anxious, or disconnected from themselves or others. Our sessions are designed to help you understand your emotional patterns, heal from past trauma, and reconnect with your authentic self.
I integrate approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), art therapy, somatic awareness, and, when appropriate, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Each session is personalized. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. My goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes at your own pace.
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If you find yourself stuck in patterns of overthinking, self-doubt, people-pleasing, or emotional overwhelm, therapy can be a supportive and effective next step. Many of my clients come to therapy because they feel anxious in social settings, struggle with imposter syndrome, or notice that past experiences continue to shape their current relationships and sense of self.
You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Sometimes, the most powerful work begins when you’re simply curious about why you feel the way you do and ready to experience life with more ease, clarity, and confidence.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based form of trauma therapy that helps people process and reconsolidate distressing memories and reduce the emotional charge these experiences continue to have in the present. Instead of talking through every detail of a painful experience, EMDR helps the brain reprocess those memories so they no longer feel as activating in the present.
This approach is especially helpful for clients with trauma histories, social anxiety, or chronic self-doubt. Many highly sensitive people (HSPs) find EMDR particularly supportive because it works gently with the nervous system and doesn’t require rehashing painful stories. Over time, clients often report feeling calmer, more grounded, and better able to handle stress and triggers.
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Masking refers to the tendency to hide or suppress parts of yourself, be it your emotions, needs, humor, or authentic personality, in order to fit in, avoid judgment, or stay safe. It’s common among HSPs, trauma survivors, and those with social anxiety or imposter syndrome.
In therapy, we explore where these protective patterns came from and how they’ve helped you survive in the past. We also work to gently unlearn them, so you can show up more authentically in relationships and feel comfortable being yourself without the fear of being “too much” or “not enough.”
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Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) combines the therapeutic effects of ketamine, a fast-acting medication shown to support neuroplasticity and emotional healing, with psychotherapy in a safe, supportive setting.
Clients who engage in KAP often experience breakthroughs in processing long-held emotional pain, trauma, or patterns of depression that have felt resistant to traditional talk therapy. During sessions, you’ll have support before, during, and after your experience to help integrate insights into daily life.
KAP can be especially beneficial for clients experiencing chronic depression, anxiety, or emotional blocks. All KAP sessions are conducted in partnership with a medical provider with attention to eligibility, safety and integration of the experience.
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You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. Art therapy uses forms of creative expression like drawing, painting, collage, or other mediums, as a way to access emotions and experiences that may be hard to put into words.
Art therapy helps clients externalize complex feelings, reduce anxiety, and gain insight into unconscious thoughts and patterns. For highly sensitive people and trauma survivors, it can offer a grounding, nonverbal way to explore healing at a pace that feels safe and empowering.
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A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is someone with a finely tuned nervous system who processes information and emotions deeply. About 15–20% of people fall into this category, a trait identified by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron.
HSPs often notice subtleties in their environment, feel deeply affected by others’ moods, and need time to recharge after social or sensory stimulation. In therapy, we work on understanding your sensitivity as a strength, developing tools to regulate overstimulation, set boundaries, and embrace your sensitivity in order to engage meaningfully in your relationships, work, and interests.
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You may benefit from trauma-informed therapy if you:
Experience difficulty regulating your emotions
Feel detached or numb
Experience an exaggerated startle response or experience hypervigilance
Have experienced relationship patterns rooted in fear or shame
Struggle with physical tension, exhaustion, or burnout
Struggle with intrusive memories or avoidance of reminders
Therapy provides a safe space to process these experiences at your own pace. Through approaches like EMDR, somatic awareness, and mindful grounding, you can reestablish a sense of safety, self-trust, and empowerment.
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Yes! This is one of my specialties. Many of my clients struggle with social anxiety, especially those who are highly sensitive, introverted, or creative. We work on understanding the root of these fears, often tied to early experiences of judgment, rejection, or perfectionism.
If you experience imposter syndrome, therapy can help you uncover the underlying beliefs that fuel self-doubt and comparison. Over time, we’ll replace those patterns with self-compassion and authenticity, helping you feel more confident in both professional and personal settings.
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Our first session is about connection and understanding. You’ll have space to share what’s bringing you to therapy, what you’ve tried so far, and what you’d like to change. I’ll ask some gentle questions to learn about your background and goals, and we’ll begin to outline a plan that feels right for you.
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Most clients begin with weekly sessions, which provide enough consistency to create meaningful change towards your initial goals. As therapy progresses and you feel more grounded, we may shift to biweekly sessions.
The length of therapy depends on your goals, history, and pace of healing. Some people see noticeable shifts in a few months, while others choose longer-term therapy for ongoing personal growth and self-understanding.
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Yes. I offer secure online therapy sessions for clients located anywhere in California, North Carolina, and Florida. Many clients appreciate the flexibility and privacy of virtual sessions, especially highly sensitive people who feel more comfortable processing in their own space or have busy work schedules..
Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions, and I use HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms to ensure your confidentiality and comfort.
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Getting started is simple.
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
If you decide to move forward, I’ll send a secure intake packet to complete before your first session.
We’ll meet for a 60-minute session to begin exploring what’s bringing you to therapy and how I can help.
From there, we’ll create a plan that fits your needs and goals at a pace that honors your sensitivity and your process.
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My areas of focus include:
Anxiety, panic, and overthinking
Social anxiety and imposter syndrome
Trauma and complex PTSD
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)
Burnout and emotional exhaustion
Creative blocks (artists, writers, musicians)
Life transitions and identity exploration
Integration of psychedelic or ketamine experiences
Each of these challenges is approached with compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based care.
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That’s completely normal, especially for HSPs or those who’ve felt misunderstood in past therapeutic or relational settings. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start.
Therapy is a space where it’s safe to not know, to explore, and to take things one step at a time. My approach is gentle, supportive, and rooted in building trust. Over time, you’ll likely find yourself feeling more grounded, self-aware, and confident in navigating life’s challenges.
Ready to Get Started with Therapy?
Begin by booking a complementary 20-minute consultation. This is a chance for you to ask any questions and for me to learn more about what’s bringing you to therapy.
If we’re a good fit, we’ll schedule your first 60-minute session. Before we meet, I’ll send you an electronic intake packet to complete at your convenience. During our initial session, you’ll have space to share more about your goals, challenges, and what you hope to gain from therapy.
From there, we can set up ongoing weekly sessions. The length of your therapy journey will depend on your individual needs and goals. Together, we’ll create a pace that feels right for you..