EMDR Therapy Orange County

If you're feeling caught up in difficult memories or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, EMDR therapy can help. Through this cutting-edge approach, you'll be able to tap into your brain's natural ability to heal and experience profound transformation. As a clinical psychologist and EMDR therapist in Orange County, I've seen firsthand how beneficial it can be. Connect with me today to get started.

What can EMDR therapy help with?

EMDR therapy can be a powerful tool for healing from a variety of mental health conditions and life challenges. Here are some common issues it can address:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): If you've been through a traumatic event that continues to cause flashbacks, nightmares, or anxiety, EMDR can help you process those memories and reduce their emotional impact.

  • Anxiety disorders: Whether you struggle with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or phobias, EMDR can help you identify the underlying triggers and develop coping mechanisms to manage feelings of anxiety.

  • Depression: While not a cure for depression, EMDR can address negative thoughts and beliefs that often contribute to feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.

  • Phobias: Does a specific object or situation cause intense fear or avoidance? EMDR can help you reprocess the memories associated with the phobia and reduce its hold on you.

These are just a few examples. EMDR therapy can also be helpful for grief, chronic pain, body image concerns, and other negative experiences.

Why choose EMDR therapy?

Each person's therapy journey is different. However, many of my clients enjoy EMDR because it's different from other forms of mental health treatment they've tried in the past. Here are a few reasons to consider giving it a try.

Faster Relief

Studies show that EMDR therapy can be effective in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy for certain issues like PTSD [1].

Focus on the Present and Future

EMDR therapy helps you develop helpful coping mechanisms and a more empowered outlook on your life moving forward.

Less Reliving Trauma

Unlike some therapies that require detailed retelling of traumatic experiences, EMDR focuses on processing the memory without having to verbalize all of the details.

Gets You Out of Your Head

Many of my clients rationally understand their thought patterns but have trouble tapping into the physical sensations of their emotional responses. EMDR can help you get unstuck.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether EMDR therapy is the right fit. With that said, I'm happy to offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation so we can discuss whether it might work for you.

Am I a good candidate for EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy can be a powerful tool for many people, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here's how to know if EMDR might be a good fit for you:

  • Have you experienced a traumatic event that continues to bother you? This could be anything from a major life event like an accident or assault to a more seemingly minor experience that still has a negative impact on your well-being.

  • Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, phobias, or other emotional challenges? EMDR can address the root causes of these issues, leading to lasting relief.

  • Are you open to exploring your challenges in a new way? EMDR therapy is a collaborative process, and your willingness to participate actively is key to its success. It's also different from many forms of traditional therapy.

Unsure if EMDR is right for you?

That's okay! I offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your individual needs and explore the best treatment options for you. During the consultation, we can discuss your experiences and goals to see if EMDR aligns with your needs.

Here's what you can expect during a consultation:

  • We'll discuss your background and the challenges you're facing.

  • I'll explain EMDR therapy in more detail and answer any questions you have.

  • We'll explore if EMDR is a good fit for your goals and preferences.

  • I'll provide information on alternative treatment options if EMDR isn't the right fit.

Remember, you have options when it comes to your mental health. Let's work together to find the best path for you.

emdr therapy orange county

Meet your EMDR therapist

Hi! I'm Dr. Adrianna Holness, a licensed clinical psychologist and EMDR therapist. I'm also the owner and founder of Worth and Wellness Psychology, a boutique therapy practice in Orange County, California.

I have extensive training in treating trauma, including childhood trauma and generational trauma, along with other challenges and mental health disorders. For over a decade, I've had the privilege of sitting with people as they navigate some of the most difficult seasons of their lives and support them in finding healing.

My work is informed by an intersectional feminist lens, meaning that I'm passionate about helping women explore their beautiful, diverse identities. As a biracial (Black and Latina) woman, I have a deep lived understanding of how cultural norms and expectations can inform our life experiences.

I'm committed to cultivating a safe and supportive environment where my clients can feel comfortable expressing themselves and take steps toward the lives they want to be living. I'd love to do the same for you, too.

 FAQs about EMDR therapy

  • EMDR treatment is a structured form of therapy that involves several stages:

    • History Taking & Planning: We'll discuss your background and goals, and identify specific memories to target with EMDR.

    • Preparation: You'll learn about EMDR and practice coping techniques that you'll use throughout the process.

    • Processing: We'll focus on the target memory while using bilateral stimulation to help your brain process it in a new, healthier way.

    • Evaluation: We'll assess your progress and determine if further EMDR sessions are needed.

  • EMDR might not be the right fit for everyone. Here are some situations in which another form of support might be more appropriate.

    • Individuals experiencing active psychosis or hallucinations: EMDR relies on a focused state, which can be difficult with these mental health challenges.

    • People with complex dissociative disorders: Specialized mental health services are typically needed before considering EMDR for dissociation.

    • Those in crisis or with uncontrolled substance abuse: EMDR may not be suitable until a crisis is stabilized and substance abuse is addressed.

    • People looking for traditional talk therapy. If you're looking for more traditional forms of trauma therapy, consider options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

    Important Note: This list is not exhaustive. If you're not sure whether EMDR is right for you, I invite you to schedule a consultation.

  • EMDR therapy is different from traditional talk therapy for a few reasons:

    • Specialized Training: EMDR therapists undergo additional training and certification beyond basic therapy practices.

    • Shorter Treatment Duration: While individual needs vary, EMDR therapy often requires fewer sessions.

    • Implementation of somatic techniques: EMDR utilizes somatic techniques like eye movements, tapping, or bilateral audio.

    Remember, the value of EMDR therapy lies in its effectiveness in addressing specific issues. If you're interested in learning more about the potential benefits and costs associated with EMDR therapy, a complimentary consultation can help you determine if it's the right fit for you.

Resources

Therapy is a highly personalized process, and I want to make sure that each person gets the help they need. If my practice isn't the right fit for you, I encourage you to explore these other options for EMDR therapy in Orange County.

3 highly recommended EMDR therapists in Orange County

emdr therapy orange county

  • Nina is a first-generation Filipina American who works with clients to dissect the layered systems of oppression they were raised in. I recommend Nina because she is relational, transparent, and deeply involved in helping clients heal from trauma as they work to create the lives they want.

    • Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

    • License number: 112444

    • Education: Loma Linda University, School of Behavioral Health

    • Specialty area(s): Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD

    • Website: https://www.ninagonzaga.com/

emdr orange county

  • Dr. Baggett focuses her practice on empowering women as they learn to challenge the narratives and expectations placed on them by others. I recommend Dr. Baggett because she is funny, thoughtful, and an advocate for her clients as they learn to create a life in alignment with their values.

    • Credentials: Ph.D. Counseling Psychology

    • License number: 25870

    • Education: University of Memphis

    • Specialty area(s): Sexual Intimacy, Body Image Issues, Trauma and PTSD

    • Website: https://www.wellwomanpsychology.com/

emdr orange county

  • Dr. Williams is passionate about helping clients challenge anxiety and perfectionism to connect more deeply with themselves and with the world around them. I recommend Dr. Williams because she is warm, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping clients navigate life's stressors.

    • Credentials: Ph.D. Psychology

    • License number: 25870

    • Education: Tulane University

    • Specialty area(s): Anxiety, Family Therapy, Trauma and PTSD

    • Website: https://flourishmentpsychology.com/

Find deeper healing with EMDR therapy.

Painful past experiences don't need to dictate how you move forward. EMDR therapy can help you heal naturally by harnessing your innate ability to recover and grow. Connect with me today to learn more and get started. I look forward to hearing from you!

References

[1] Yan, S., Shan, Y., Zhong, S., Miao, H., Luo, Y., Ran, H., & Jia, Y. (2021, July 5). The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing toward adults with major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.700458/full