Now accepting new clients for weekly individual therapy in Carlsbad, CA
Now accepting new clients for weekly individual therapy in Carlsbad, CA
Dr. Michael Elkin, Ph.D
✔ EMDR is an evidence-based therapy – It is backed by extensive research and recognized by organizations like the APA and WHO as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
✔ EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is an integrated, 8-phase therapeutic approach that consider's a person's somatic (physical) and emotional states, with a focus on how the brain perceives events.
✔ It works with your brain’s natural healing process – EMDR helps reprocess distressing memories, allowing your brain to integrate them in a way that reduces their emotional intensity.
✔ Bilateral stimulation is key – Eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues help activate both sides of the brain to facilitate healing.
✔ You don’t have to talk in detail about your trauma – Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on processing emotions and body sensations without requiring you to relive painful experiences.
✔ Relief can be fast – Some people feel significant improvement in just a few sessions, while deeper issues may take longer to work through.
✔Your brain continues healing between sessions – EMDR stimulates adaptive processing, meaning changes can keep happening even after your session ends.
✔ Builds Emotional Resilience – Strengthens your ability to manage stress, navigate challenges, and feel more in control of your emotions.
✔ EMDR is not just for PTSD – It’s also effective for anxiety, phobias, depression, chronic stress, grief, low self-esteem, and performance enhancement.
✔ EMDR helps Shift Negative Beliefs – EMDR not only reduces distress but also replaces negative thought patterns with more adaptive empowering ones.
EMDR can help reduce overwhelming worry, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms of anxiety.
Whether from a single event or ongoing distress, EMDR can help you process traumatic memories and regain a sense of safety.
If you feel stuck in negative beliefs about yourself, EMDR can help rewire those thought patterns and promote self-compassion.
EMDR can support you in processing the pain of losing a loved one and finding a way to move forward.
If fears are limiting your life—such as fear of flying, driving, or public speaking—EMDR can help desensitize and reframe them.
Past experiences, including neglect or emotional abuse, can continue to affect you as an adult. EMDR helps process these wounds so they no longer define your present.
EMDR can help shift patterns rooted in past experiences, making it easier to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
If you feel emotionally exhausted from work, caregiving, or daily responsibilities, EMDR can help you regain balance and resilience.
🧐 Discovered by Accident – EMDR was discovered in 1987 by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro when she noticed that moving her eyes from side to side seemed to reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts.
👀 Engages Both Sides of the Brain – EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones) to activate both hemispheres of the brain, helping process stuck memories.
👮♂️Used by the Military & First Responders – EMDR is widely used to help veterans, police officers, firefighters, and other first responders process traumatic experiences.
🌍Used Worldwide – EMDR is recognized by major organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) as an effective treatment for trauma.
🧠 Your Brain Does the Healing – EMDR taps into your brain’s natural ability to heal itself, much like how your body heals a physical wound.
⏳Can Lead to Rapid Results – Some people experience significant relief in just a few sessions, making EMDR an efficient therapy for trauma and emotional distress.
✏️ No Homework Required – Unlike some therapy approaches, EMDR doesn’t require journaling or extensive assignments between sessions—your brain does the work during the sessions and continues the healing between sessions.
⚽ Can Improve Performance & Creativity – Many athletes, performers, and professionals use EMDR to overcome mental blocks, reduce anxiety, and enhance their performance.
If you have any questions about EMDR—how it works, what to expect, or whether it’s right for you—I’d be happy to help! Whether you're wondering about its effectiveness for trauma, how it differs from traditional talk therapy, or what sessions look like, I’m here to provide clarity and support. Healing is personal, and finding the right approach matters. Let’s explore whether EMDR could be a good fit for your journey. Reach out today, and I’ll gladly answer any questions you have!
Laura S. Brown, Ph.D.
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