EMDR Therapy in California

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy used to help people process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences.

Rather than focusing only on talking through events, EMDR works with the brain and nervous system to reprocess stuck memories so they become less intense and less disruptive in daily life.

EMDR is widely used for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and distress related to difficult life experiences — including pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

What EMDR Therapy Can Help With

EMDR therapy can be helpful for:

• Trauma and PTSD

• Birth trauma and medical trauma

• Postpartum anxiety and depression

• Pregnancy-related anxiety

• Panic attacks

• Childhood trauma or attachment wounds

• Grief and loss

• Distressing memories that feel “stuck”

You do not need to remember every detail of an experience for EMDR to be effective.

How EMDR Works

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or tones) while you briefly focus on aspects of a distressing memory.

This process supports the brain’s natural ability to reprocess experiences, allowing memories to be stored in a more adaptive way.

Over time, clients often notice:

• Reduced emotional intensity

• Fewer intrusive thoughts or images

• Increased sense of safety and control

• Greater clarity and perspective

Our Trauma-Informed Approach to EMDR

At Rooted in Harmony Counseling, EMDR is always practiced within a trauma-informed, relational framework.

We prioritize:

• Safety and pacing

• Resourcing and stabilization

• Nervous system regulation

• Collaborative treatment planning

Our therapists integrate EMDR with attachment-based therapy, somatic practices, and relational work to support whole-person healing.

EMDR for Perinatal Mental Health

EMDR can be especially helpful for:

• Birth trauma

• Pregnancy or postpartum anxiety

• Medical trauma related to pregnancy or delivery

• Pregnancy loss or infertility

• Identity shifts after becoming a parent

We specialize in perinatal mental health and understand the unique emotional and physiological layers of this season.

Who We Work With

We provide EMDR therapy for:

• Adults

• Teens

• Pregnant and postpartum individuals

• Individuals and couples

All services are offered virtually and in person in California.