EMDR Therapy in Orange County

You know something is bothering you. Life has been hard, so you’re not exactly sure what that thing might be. You’ve experienced trauma and feel stuck in a loop, reliving what happened over and over again. You become easily angered or emotional. Sometimes you’re not sure why.

When something upsetting or traumatic happens to you, it can get stuck in your brain. This can make it very hard to move forward in your life. Over time, these distressing thoughts can cause you to feel very poorly about yourself. Therefore, it can very hard for you to function. For example, someone might experience verbal abuse or extreme criticism during their childhood. As an adult, the slightest criticism could cause them to fly off into a rage. Or, cause them to break down.

EMDR therapy allows you to become “unstuck”. It allows you to truly access your “stuck point”. That is the thing or memory keeping you from peace and happiness. EMDR therapy will help you respond in a less emotional or aggressive way when triggered by a memory of past pain. This will help you cope with the trauma you’ve experienced so healing can truly begin.

What is EMDR Therapy?

Poster answering the question of what emdr is. The poster is packed with information, and the text reads: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most researched and most common methods used to treating trauma. EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that helps people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress caused by disturbing life experiences. EMDR can help with: Depression Anxiety PTSD and Trauma Phobias Addictions Other emotional problems Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) BLS is movement in a side to side pattern. In EMDR, eye movement, tapping on your knees, or back and forth sounds can be used. Your therapist will safely guide you through BLS at a specific speed while you are thinking of an event or memory. More Progress in Less time Most people report MORE progress in LESS time than with talk therapy alone. Research shows a success rate for EMDR in the treatment of PTSD at 80-90%, in up to HALF of the time of traditional talk therapy (CBT). How does it work? EMDR helps to process trauma and memories that are "stuck" in your body and are affecting your nervous system. Memories are reprocessed A trained therapist helps you to reprocess disturbing memories, to help resolve the stress and symptoms associated with an event. Contact us at Moxie Family Therapy to discuss how our trained therapists might be able to help you. You can also learn more about EMDR at www.emdria.org www.moxiefamilytherapy.com". Contact us today for emdr treatment. See if emdr therapy in california could benefit you!


EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. We realize this is a seemingly complicated term, so let us explain. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) explains that “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method. It is proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences. Some of these include PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.”

During an EMDR therapy session, we will use eye movements, tappers, and auditory stimulation to help you access your “stuck point”. A stuck point is unique to every individual. But, it can include things like a traumatic memory, or a time when you felt profoundly out of control. It can also include feelings of helplessness, despair, and traumatic thoughts that do not go away. The use of simulation allows both sides of the brain to be stimulated. This way, both sides work together to unlock the part of your brain that is holding on to the pain. It is not a magic wand, so it does not make the memory go away altogether. But, it can help reduce the extreme emotional response you have to the memory.

The goal of EMDR therapy is to help you process the memory and the pain. This way, true healing can be done. Typically, EMDR therapy is a short-term therapeutic intervention. It is designed to be used along with other forms of psychotherapy.

Who Benefits from EMDR Therapy in California

Almost anyone who feels stuck and unable to make true progress in their therapeutic journey can benefit from EMDR. However, EMDR is especially effective in helping children, teens, and adults experiencing the following concerns:

  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Survivors of abuse and neglect
  • Anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD
  • Depression
  • Physical pain
  • Grief and loss
  • Dissociative disorders

What you can Expect From EMDR Therapy in California

EMDR is a short-term form of psychotherapy. It typically only lasts a few sessions and results in quick relief. Prior to receiving EMDR, you will meet with one of our compassionate EMDR therapists. You will get the chance to share your story and discuss the challenges you are experiencing. Then, we will work with you to determine a treatment plan to begin your healing journey at Moxie Family Therapy.

Poster of the emdr therapy process at Moxie Family Therapy. The text describes the four steps. The first is "History Taking" which involves identifying problems, taking relevant history, and developing a treatment plan. The second is "Preparation", which involves developing coping skills, practicing self calming, and emphasizing strengths. The third step is "Assessment", which involves identifying disturbing memories or events, identifying emotions and negative thoughts, and identifying more health thoughts. The final step is "Desensitization", which involves bi-lateral stimulation, strengthening positive thoughts, and continuing until distressing emotions decrease. The text below the diagram reads "www.moxie family therapy.com". Contact us today for emdr treatment, trauma therapy, and more! Start receiving the support you deserve today!

Ultimately, the goal of EMDR therapy is to desensitize your negative beliefs. Or, prevent them from having so much power over you. We can’t take your past memories or the trauma you experienced and make them “better”. However, EMDR therapy can help reduce the effect that triggers have on your thoughts and emotions. You can also read my blog on if EMDR can work for you to find out more. Ultimately, allowing you to maintain these memories but be able to cope with them easier. We often hear things like “I had a flashback, but it didn’t derail my entire day”. Or, “I can think about what happened now without getting so emotional and breaking down.”

Begin EMDR Therapy in California

Whether you are beginning EMDR therapy for PTSD, depression, or any unresolved past trauma, you deserve support and guidance. Let us provide that support along your journey. It’s time begin finding healing through EMDR at our Orange County, CA based family therapy clinic. If you have any more questions, we would love for you to read our FAQ page.

To get started, simply:

  1. Fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation.
  2. Meet with one of our EMDR therapists.
  3. Begin EMDR therapy, start healing from the past.

Other Services Offered at Moxie Family Therapy

At Moxie Family Therapy, we know that you and your family may have a wide range of mental health needs. We want to help your entire family thrive. Therefore, we offer a wide range of psychotherapy services in our Orange County Counseling Clinic or via Online Counseling. Other mental health services Moxie Family Therapy provides include adoption counseling, trauma therapy, counseling for womencounseling for young adults, counseling for college students, couples counseling, counseling for teen girls, counseling for children, play therapy, art therapy, therapy for therapists, and family therapy. Contact our counseling clinic to work on the issues that matter most to you, so you can reclaim your moxie!