EMDR Therapy
Serving clients virtually in California, Washington, and locally in San Rafael and Berkeley
EMDR Therapy for Trauma Healing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy for treating many forms of trauma. It uses guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity over time. I integration parts work into EMDR so that not only can we desensitize distressing memories and experiences, but we can also clarify what these wounded parts need to move forward more vibrantly in life.
I offer EMDR in the following ways:
Short-term EMDR therapy focused on specific memories or themes.
Integrated EMDR within ongoing therapy to support deeper, long-term healing.
EMDR combined with low-dose ketamine, when appropriate, to support deeper processing and integration.
The EMDR Process
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We begin by getting to know each other and making sure you feel safe, supported, and resourced. We’ll talk about your goals, your history, and build grounding tools so you feel steady before doing deeper trauma work.
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Together, we identify specific memories, experiences, or themes that feel connected to your current distress. You’re always in control of the pace, and we only move toward what feels manageable.
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During EMDR, I guide you through gentle eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while you briefly bring attention to a memory. This helps the brain reprocess the experience so it no longer feels as overwhelming or stuck.
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After reprocessing, we take time to help your body integrate what’s shifted. This may include gentle body awareness, future-focused visualization, and reinforcing new, supportive beliefs—so the changes feel settled, embodied, and easier to carry into daily life.
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EMDR can be used as a short-term approach or woven into longer-term therapy. We’ll regularly check in about how the work is landing and adjust based on what you need.
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy
Low-dose ketamine can be thoughtfully combined with EMDR to support deeper and more fluid trauma processing. In these extended 90–120 minute sessions, ketamine helps soften protective defenses and increase cognitive and emotional flexibility, while EMDR supports the reprocessing of traumatic memories in a structured, integrative way. This approach can allow material that feels stuck or difficult to access to be worked with more gently, often supporting greater ease, insight, and nervous system settling.
This approach draws from the Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy™ model developed by Danielle Ciccone, LPCC, LMHC, and Michele Topel, LPC, LCPC.
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EMDR sessions are 50-120 minutes. We will discuss session length when developing your treatment plan.
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EMDR is often used as a short-term therapy focused on specific memories or themes. It can also be integrated into longer-term therapy when that feels more supportive.
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No—you don’t need to share detailed descriptions of traumatic events. EMDR works primarily with what you notice internally, rather than retelling the story.
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Yes, EMDR can be helpful for complex or long-standing trauma when approached thoughtfully and at a pace that feels safe. Preparation and ongoing support are key parts of this process.
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EMDR combined with low-dose ketamine may be supportive for some people, but it requires careful screening. Please see the Ketamine Therapy page for eligibility details, or book a consultation to discuss whether Ketamine-Assisted EMDR is appropriate for you.
FAQs
Ready to Dive In ?
I offer a free 20-minute consultation to learn more about my approach and services, and see if its a good fit.