Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy
EMDR therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since gained widespread recognition as an effective and evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with various forms of trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. It is based on the premise that many psychological issues are rooted in unprocessed traumatic memories that continue to influence our lives. EMDR posits that the brain, similar to our bodies, has a natural ability to process and heal, helping clients to move forward with renewed core messages, resilience, and self-awareness.
Why EMDR
EMDR is a heavily researched, efficacy based, structured approach that helps individuals recover from trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD. Research shows that EMDR is often effective for anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addiction, and other distressing life experiences.
Not only do clients process upsetting memories and sensations, but the eight stages of EMDR allow room for clients to reflect on core attachments and life experiences and develop coping skills, resourcing, and nervous system stabilization strategies as well.
Another benefit of EMDR is that clients do not have to talk about traumatic memories or upsetting events in detail, which for some clients can be destabilizing. EMDR does not necessitate homework, or require clients to actively attempt to “think their way” better.
Attachment-Focused & Integrative EMDR
While EMDR is a structured approach with eight stages, there is nuance, art, and an ability to combine it with other therapies. As I work predominately with clients with complex trauma due to adverse childhood experiences and attachment injury, I love to combine EMDR with an attachment lens (often referred to as attachment-focused EMDR or AF-EMDR), Internal Family Systems informed parts work, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, and somatic-based tools in session.
The benefits of attachment-focused EMDR are that we spend added time developing tools for nervous system regulation and stability. There is a greater focus on fostering a secure base for processing traumatic memories, both in developing internal resources along with a connective, trusting relationship with your therapist.
Some individuals may harbor concerns that EMDR could be overly intense for them. While this apprehension may be valid for certain clients, it is entirely feasible for us to proceed at a pace that feels comfortable, incorporating additional tools for stability. Moreover, we can seamlessly blend EMDR with other therapeutic modalities to address trauma in a more comprehensive manner.”
No human is exactly alike, and therefore, I firmly believe in providing a tailored, integrative therapeutic experience for my clients.
Danielle Palomares is a Registered AMFT 137663 supervised by Alejandro Sandoval, LMFT 89577
as an Associate of Sandoval Therapy
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Sandoval Therapy
491 South Marengo Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
