EMDR Therapy san francisco
available online
For Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, & Depression
WALTZ Trauma Care and Therapy uses an online tool at bilateralstimulation.io
Wait, is online emdr as effective as in-person?
Hello San Francisco Residents,
Yes, it is!
What matters is your eye movement (if we choose to go with the visual) while your therapist asks you to bring up your memory in the back of your mind. As long as your therapist helps you find the best setting and prepare you for the experience, you are good to go! It ultimately comes down to the trust in the relationship with your therapist!
You can stay covid-conscious and get quality EMDR Therapy with us online. We use an online tool for the visual cues during a video appointment for the best outcomes.
Continue reading below to learn more about EMDR Therapy.
EMDR Therapy in San francisco, CA
You have memories that are painful, lonely, scary, and shameful. You feel stuck in your past. You are feeling angry at the people who have hurt you. You don't know what to do with this anger and sadness.
These memories make you feel small, worthless, frozen, and embarrassed.
You are feeling tense in your stomach and your chest, something uncomfortable in your throat, and numb in your legs.
Are you wondering if EMDR Therapy can help you not feel this way anymore?
You live with these beliefs about yourself
“I’m unlovable”
“I’m dirty”
“I’m unworthy”
“I’m incompetent”
“I’m broken”
“I’m in danger”
… And more
Trauma has many faces. It’s your anxiety and depression.
Let me help!
Three Pillars in EMDR Therapy
Meet your EMDR Therapist in san francisco
My name is Ashley.
You found an EMDR Certified Therapist.
I hear you. I get you.
Let me help you reclaim your life!
So, how do i work with you in emdr therapy?
We start by figuring out how your trauma is showing up and bothering you in your daily life
Notice which memories bring up the same feelings, sensations, and thoughts
Carefully pay attention to all aspects of the memories to untangle the pain and find relief
Work on any leftover triggers in the present and help you gain confidence
Tackle any worries of what ifs and possible situations in the future
Elements of EMDR Therapy
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Resourcing
Experience the relief of stress through the imagery and somatic work together in the session and learn to practice and manage the overwhelming symptoms in-between the sessions
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![Eye Movement]()
Desensitization
Reduce the level of distress associated with the memories, including images, emotions, and body sensations
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![self care]()
Self Care
Plan to take care of yourself after each session, whether you need extra sleep, hydration, walking in nature, deep breathing, and social support
After EMDR Therapy with me, you will…
Feel much less bothered by the memories
No longer feel the need to focus on those memories
Become more empathetic toward self
Be more relaxed in your body, easy to breathe
“Okay, I want to try it. But, I’m afraid EMDR therapy sessions will be too much for me.”
Facing the trauma and targeting the memories are intimidating. We start looking at those memories only after practicing some useful tools and techniques. You will first experience what it is like to attend to your body, use imagery or imagination, and be creative. Also, “pushing it through” is NOT encouraged. We work with what we can manage in each session. You have to tell me during the session if it becomes too overwhelming. Yes, the level of distress or the intensity of emotions can briefly increase at certain moments during the exercise. And usually it is brief and quickly follows with relief. Emotions get expressed and released. New perspectives and insights follow.
EMDR Therapy is not suggested when you are having active, serious dissociative experiences. It is also difficult when you block out the memories completely for very reasonable protection from risks and harm. In this case, I may step back and connect with you more through a relational approach before you are ready to dive in. It is based on my clinical judgment. A treatment plan is different for everyone. Each is individualized and tailored to the specific needs of the person. You can still start therapy with me. It is just that EMDR therapy can wait for later or does not have to be a part of your treatment plan.
If you are feeling unstable, maybe you need a higher level of care before starting therapy with me. There are some awesome DBT clinics, IOP/PHP programs, as well as the groundwork that will be helpful for you. I'm happy to connect when you are ready.
So, Wondering About What to Prepare for EMDR Therapy When It Is Online?
You simply need a computer (better than a phone) or a tablet so I can see you over a video for the best outcomes. You also need a stable internet connection so we are not interrupted! You do want a quiet space with privacy so you can feel comfortable and safe during our session. Please grab a box of tissues! The tears are for grieving, remembering what was missed and what you needed, and becoming self-compassionate. I look forward to meeting you!
Experience Effective Virtual EMDR Therapy in the Comfort of Your Home
Ready to embark on your healing journey? Schedule an online EMDR therapy session in California. Take the first step towards transformation and well-being today.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy san francisco
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Yes! It can be done virtually. It was with the start of the pandemic when the mode of psychotherapy had to change for all so that people could continue to receive services they needed and stay safe. Our EMDR Therapist uses an online tool to deliver the visual bilateral stimulation. It increases the effectiveness and the consistency because we can easily adjust the stimulation for you. If visual is too distracting, your EMDR therapist will ask you to tap your body for the stimulation. It may not make much sense here, but you will quickly learn how it works!
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Yes! Even if EMDR therapy is delivered online, you are still meeting with a trained or certified professional who is there to guide you through the process. EMDR Therapy is evidence-based, which means it has been heavily researched and scientifically proven through a standardized procedure, just like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
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No. It is strongly advised not to try EMDR by yourself or through a website where it claims that you can do it step-by-step. Not only it is going to be ineffective, but it may cause a higher level of distress. A trained, at least, professional who has completed the Basic Training through EMDR International Association can help you with an ongoing assessment and monitoring of your symptoms, responses, and outcomes.
