EMDR Therapy for Trauma & Anxiety

EMDR Therapy Redondo Beach - Specialized Trauma Treatment

Welcome to Beachy Feels Therapy, where we specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in the heart of Redondo Beach. Located conveniently in Riviera Village, our therapy center offers a safe, compassionate, and transformative space for individuals in search of healing from trauma and emotional distress.

EMDR Therapist: Celynna Harnetiaux

EMDR: FAQs

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.

EMDR therapy is an extensively researched, effective treatment approach that aids in the healing of past trauma and other distressing experiences. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) to help reduce distress and reorganize how the memory is filed in the brain.

What does EMDR look like in therapy? What can I expect?

Your EMDR therapist will take you through the 8 phases of treatment in structured sessions. Throughout the phases you will learn coping skills and grounding techniques.

Your therapist will guide you to notice images, body sensations, self beliefs, and emotions related to the distressing event until you reach a positive belief and positive sense of self.

What are the 8 phases of EMDR?

  1. History Taking: The therapist gathers background information and identifies target memories for treatment.

  2. Preparation: The client is introduced to EMDR, and coping strategies are taught for emotional regulation.

  3. Assessment: Specific traumatic memories and related beliefs are identified and rated for distress.

  4. Desensitization: Bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements) is used to reduce the emotional intensity of the target memory.

  5. Installation: A positive belief is reinforced with bilateral stimulation to replace the negative one.

  6. Body Scan: The client checks for any remaining physical tension or sensations related to the memory.

  7. Closure: The therapist ensures the client feels calm and provides techniques for self-soothing between sessions.

  8. Reevaluation: Progress is reviewed in later sessions, and any unresolved issues are addressed.

How does EMDR work?

Traumatic memories can feel stuck or not fully processed in the brain and when triggered they can feel as if they are happening in the present.

EMDR works together with your brain to heal from stuck or not fully processed memories of trauma. The bilateral stimulation helps slow or calm the heightened emotions while simultaneously moving the memory from the past to the present allowing you to gain insight, feel relief and organize the memory as less traumatic.

How is EMDR different from typical therapy?

EMDR sessions are different from typical talk therapy sessions. EMDR sessions are typically more structured and don’t require you to talk about the details of the distressing issues or your trauma. EMDR aids in your brain’s natural ability to heal.

For many clients, EMDR helps them heal from trauma in fewer sessions than typical therapy.

To learn more visit, www.emdria.org.

Is EMDR just for PTSD?

EMDR was initially developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), its applications have expanded significantly to address a wide range of mental health conditions such as:

  • Anxiety: EMDR can help people who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or panic disorders by targeting the traumatic memories or negative experiences that may underlie these conditions.

  • Depression: EMDR can be effective in treating depression, especially when it is linked to unresolved trauma or distressing life events.

  • Phobias: EMDR is useful for people struggling with phobias, as it helps reduce the emotional distress associated with feared objects or situations.

  • Addictions: EMDR has been applied in addiction treatment by addressing the traumatic events or emotional pain that may drive addictive behaviors.

  • Grief and Loss: Individuals dealing with grief can benefit from EMDR, which helps them process the pain and find healthier ways to cope with their loss.

  • Chronic Pain and Somatic Issues: EMDR has also shown promise in helping individuals manage chronic pain that is linked to emotional trauma or stress.

EMDR Therapy in Redondo Beach – Your Path to Healing

Benefits of EMDR Therapy: Trauma Recovery Therapy

  • Effective for PTSD and trauma recovery: EMDR is particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma, including childhood abuse, accidents, violence, and more.

  • Reduces anxiety and depression: Many clients find that EMDR helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

  • Fast and lasting results: Compared to traditional therapy, EMDR often provides faster relief from symptoms, and the effects are long-lasting.

  • Holistic healing: EMDR not only addresses emotional and mental symptoms but can also lead to physical healing as your body releases stored trauma.

Effectiveness of EMDR:

Numerous studies have supported EMDR’s efficacy in reducing symptoms of PTSD. The American Psychological Association (APA), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department of Veterans Affairs endorse it as an effective trauma treatment. Research also indicates that EMDR can produce faster results than traditional talk therapy, sometimes requiring fewer sessions to achieve significant symptom reduction.

Questions about Insurance?

We have partnered with Mentaya to help clients use their out-of-network benefits to save money on therapy. Use this tool below to see if you qualify for reimbursement for my services.

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Our Services

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How To Find an EMDR Therapist in the South Bay

Serving the South Bay Communities of Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, and Palos Verdes.

Therapy for those who are looking for a genuine connection and healing relationship.

Most of our clients come to us because they are looking for a therapist that gets it. Someone who they feel comfortable with and someone who they know is being real with them.

We lead with compassion, authenticity, humor and honesty in the therapy room. We are honored to hold space for you and hear your story.

A note from Celynna…

Hello and welcome!

Finding a therapist based on their online presence can be daunting.

It’s my goal to make that task feel just a little bit easier. Take a look around and get a feel for who we are.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re unsure or if you have any questions at all!

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Beachy Feels Therapy

Beachy Feels Therapy: Our Services

EMDR Therapy for You and Your Loved Ones

At our Redondo Beach practice, we offer comprehensive therapy services designed to support individuals, couples, families, teens, and college students through life’s challenges. For women, we specialize in areas such as anxiety, perfectionism, body image, self-esteem, and boundary setting, with options for EMDR therapy to address trauma and deep-rooted emotional struggles. We also provide therapy for teens to help navigate the pressures of adolescence, as well as counseling for parents of teens to foster healthier family dynamics. Couples can find guidance for improving communication and strengthening their relationship, while families can work together to build understanding and resolve conflicts. With both in-person sessions in Riviera Village and online options, therapy is accessible and tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community.