Top-Rated EMDR Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
EMDR therapy is a structured technique that encourages clients to briefly place their focus on trauma-based or difficult memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which is associated with reductions in the heightened emotional experiences related to trauma.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Like any therapy approach, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) focuses on your current concerns. EMDR therapy is an extensively researched method that has proven to be effective for those seeking to recover from trauma or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Ongoing research continues to yield positive clinical outcomes for issues including anxiety, depression, phobias, and grief.
EMDR trauma therapy is a structured approach that encourages clients to briefly place their focus on trauma-based or difficult memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which is associated with reductions in the heightened emotional experiences related to trauma.
Who can benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is effective for children and adults of all ages. An EMDR Therapist can help you address a wide range of concerns including:
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Phobias
Chronic illness
Depression
Grief and Loss
Performance Anxiety
Body Image Concerns
PTSD and Trauma
Sexual Issues
Sleep disturbance
What is different about EMDR?
Many of the clients I work with have tried different types of therapy over the years and are looking for a different way to relate to difficult emotions, thoughts, or experiences. They often remark that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing “sounds a little woo woo,” that “everyone tells me I have to try it because it worked wonders for them” or “it’s that therapy with lights and sounds.” So how on earth does it work?
EMDR Therapy also differs from other trauma and PTSD approaches in that you are not required to discuss your trauma in detail. Rather than challenging your cognitions or behaviors, EMDR creates the space for your mind to heal itself naturally.
It Allows Your Brain to Heal
Our brains are naturally resilient and adaptive. They are wired to process and heal from trauma, but when an event is too emotionally charged, prolonged, or distressing, the natural process cannot take place. In these instances, the trauma gets stored in the brain and the body as if the event were taking place in the present. When this process is paused, the emotional warnings override the integration of new experiences that allow your mind to focus on what is happening in the present.
For example, you’re driving to work as your regular routine, but your brain and body are sending out signals that danger is imminent. Maybe it’s been years since a car accident, but the panic rising throughout your body feels like it’s happening again in the here and now. Or maybe it’s been decades since you’ve been with or even seen a past partner who was abusive to you, but your body and brain sometimes respond as if there is a threat. Your current partner may be warm, responsive, and engaged, but your brain and body can’t integrate all the new information that says you’re safe now.
It Gives Your Brain A Break
You can also benefit if you are often in your head and are great at rationalizing. Many clients have tried cognitive and behavioral approaches and some are even total experts at understanding and recognizing their thought patterns. Even with this level of self-understanding, they struggle with the physical sensations of anxiety, anger, and overwhelm. EMDR Therapy can be effective in giving that rationalizing side of your brain a break from running on overdrive so you can process through emotions and move towards healing.
EMDR Therapy at Worth and Wellness Psychology can help you create real change.
“The moon reminds me that you are still whole, no matter what phase you’re in.”
- Unknown
Attachment-Focused EMDR
The benefits of EMDR Therapy can also be used to help clients with attachment wounds. Clients who benefit are often those who have tried EMDR and did not experience the full benefits due to more acute or chronic relational trauma and early attachment wounds. Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) can be used to help you address a wide range of concerns including:
Childhood physical or sexual abuse
Childhood neglect
Early losses
Medical trauma
Parental drug or alcohol abuse
Caregiver misattunement
Secondary trauma
EMDR Therapy at Worth and Wellness Psychology can help you address early attachment wounds.
Meet your Los Angeles EMDR therapist
Dr. Adrianna Holness
Hi! I'm Dr. Adrianna Holness, a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner and founder of Worth and Wellness Psychology, a boutique therapy practice serving women in Los Angeles and virtually throughout California.
I'm passionate about partnering with women in their mental health and wellness journey. Whether you've experienced a recent traumatic event or are struggling with the ripple effects of complex trauma, I'm here to support you.
Here's a bit more about me.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
License Number: California #31501
Education: Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from Loma Linda University
Years in Practice: 11
Additional Specialty Areas: Anxiety Disorders, Trauma Therapy, Individual Therapy for Relationship Struggles, Therapy for Highly Sensitive People, Therapy for Women of Color, Dating Therapy, Therapy for Therapists
Why choose Worth and Wellness for EMDR in Los Angeles?
-
I'm here to help you heal from the inside out.
As a woman, I understand the unique challenges you face. Whether it's anxiety, perfectionism, or the lingering effects of past trauma, these struggles can hold you back from living your most fulfilling life.
-
For over a decade, I've walked alongside women on their healing journeys.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in EMDR therapy, a powerful tool for processing trauma and emotional distress. But EMDR is just one piece of the puzzle.
-
I create a safe space for all women.
I believe in culturally centered care and an intersectional feminist lens. This means I consider how your race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other identities shape your experiences. You'll never feel judged or unseen in my therapy room.
-
We'll focus on your strengths, not just your struggles.
I believe you have the inner strength and resilience to heal. Together, we'll uncover those strengths and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
-
This is your journey, and I'll walk alongside you at your pace.
I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We'll create a personalized treatment plan that empowers you to take charge of your healing and build a life filled with self-compassion and acceptance.
FAQs about EMDR psychotherapy
-
EMDR therapy is increasingly recognized by insurance companies as an effective treatment for trauma and other mental health conditions. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific insurance plan. Here at Worth & Wellness Psychology, we are an out-of-network (OON) provider. While this means we don't directly bill your insurance, there are still benefits to consider:
Greater Flexibility and Choice: Choosing an OON provider allows you to work with a therapist who specializes in EMDR therapy and aligns well with your needs.
More Control Over Your Treatment: OON therapy often allows for longer sessions, which can be more effective for EMDR treatment.
We Can Help With Reimbursement: We can provide you with the necessary documentation to submit a claim to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to inquire about your out-of-network mental health coverage and reimbursement procedures for EMDR therapy.
-
EMDR may not be the best initial approach for everyone. While EMDR is a powerful tool, it can be most effective when certain conditions are met. Here are some situations where EMDR therapy might not be recommended:
Those in Crisis or Very High Stress: If you're experiencing a recent trauma or overwhelming emotional state, stabilizing your mental health might be a priority before starting EMDR.
Severe Mental Illness: EMDR can be helpful for some mental health conditions, but for severe or uncontrolled conditions, other therapeutic approaches that help build emotion regulation skills might be necessary first.
Difficulty Managing Emotions: EMDR can bring up strong emotions during sessions. If you struggle to manage intense emotions, building coping skills through other therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), could be beneficial before EMDR.
Dissociative Disorders: People with dissociative disorders like dissociative amnesia may benefit more from other therapies that address dissociation specifically.
Certain Medical Conditions: While generally safe, eye movements may not be suitable for individuals with uncontrolled epilepsy or certain eye conditions. Thankfully, other options are available, including using auditory or tactile bilateral stimulation techniques.
Those Looking for Additional Mental Health Services: EMDR is helpful in healing from trauma and other mental health issues, but it doesn't replace other services like psychiatry, case management, and more. If you're looking for these services, I recommend working with a local community mental health center for wrap-around support.
If you're not sure whether EMDR is right for you, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. We can discuss your specific needs and get a better sense of the most appropriate treatment approach for you. If EMDR isn't the right fit, I also provide traditional talk therapy as another option.
-
Finding the right EMDR therapist is crucial for a successful therapy experience. Here are some key factors to consider:
EMDR Certification and Training: Look for a therapist who is trained in EMDR by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). This shows that they have completed extensive training and supervision in EMDR therapy.
Experience with Your Concerns: While EMDR is effective for various issues, some therapists specialize in specific areas like trauma, anxiety, or eating disorders. Consider if the therapist has experience treating concerns similar to yours.
Therapeutic Approach: It's important to find a therapist whose overall approach aligns with your preferences. I use a culturally centered and intersectional feminist lens, which might resonate with you if those aspects are important in your therapy journey.
Comfort and Connection: Therapy is most effective when you feel safe, heard, and understood by your therapist. During your initial consultation, pay attention to your comfort level and whether you feel a sense of connection with the therapist.
Not sure if I'm the right therapist for you? Schedule a free consultation here.
-
EMDR therapy has shown promising results in treating trauma and various mental health conditions. Here's what research suggests:
High Success Rates Reported: Studies indicate that EMDR can be very effective, with some showing up to 80-90% of patients reporting significant reductions in PTSD symptoms after treatment.
Faster Treatment Compared to Traditional Approaches: EMDR therapy often works in fewer sessions compared to some traditional talk therapy approaches for trauma.
It's important to remember that success rates can vary depending on individual factors. These factors include:
The severity of the trauma
Co-occurring mental health conditions
Commitment to the therapy process
During your consultation, we can discuss your specific situation and whether EMDR may be able to help you.
More EMDR therapy resources
I recognize that each person's needs and values are different. While I'd be honored to support you in your healing process, I respect the fact that my practice may not be right for you. If that's the case, encourage you to explore these other EMDR therapists in Los Angeles.
3 highly recommended Los Angeles EMDR therapists
-
Larisa has over two decades of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in providing trauma-sensitive, multicultural therapy for people looking to heal from difficult past experiences and envision a new path forward.
• Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• License number: California #61776
• Education: Master's Degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• Specialty area(s): Dual Diagnosis, Trauma and PTSD, Addiction
• Website: https://www.empowertct.com/
-
Nina is a first-generation Filipina American who provides both individual and couples therapy. She takes a culturally sensitive, social justice-oriented approach to trauma therapy to help people show up as active participants in their own lives.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
License number: California #112444
Education: Loma Linda University, School of Behavioral Health
Specialty area(s): Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD
Website: https://www.ninagonzaga.com/
-
Dr. Baggett's practice specializes in supporting women with trauma, body issues, sexual intimacy, reproductive challenges, and relationships. Her work is informed by an antiracist, anti-oppression, weight-inclusive lens.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
License number: Calfornia #25870
Education: University of Memphis
Specialty area(s): Sexual Intimacy, Body Image Issues, Trauma and PTSD
Website: https://www.wellwomanpsychology.com/
Start EMDR Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Are you interested in trying eye movement desensitization and reprocessing? As an EMDR therapist, I can guide you through the process so that your brain can rest and heal. In order to start EMDR Therapy at Worth and Wellness follow these steps:
Start working with an EMDR therapist
Beginning healing with support and guidance
Other Counseling Services I Offer in Los Angeles, CA
At Worth and Wellness, I offer and variety of individual therapy. This includes therapy for relationship issues, dating, trauma, and anxiety. As well as specially tailored support for women of color, therapists, and the Highly Sensitive Person.