San Diego · Telehealth across California
EMDR Therapy
Healing Trauma at the Source, Not Just Talking About It
EMDR helps your brain reprocess painful memories so they lose their grip, often reaching what talk therapy alone has not. And you do not have to retell every detail of what happened to feel the difference.
Some memories don't fade. They stay stuck.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. When something overwhelming happens, the brain can store the memory in a raw, unprocessed form, so it keeps firing as if the danger were still here. EMDR uses gentle bilateral stimulation, side-to-side eye movements, taps, or tones, to help your brain finish processing that memory and file it away as something that is truly over. The memory does not disappear. It stops hurting the way it did.
EMDR is one of the most researched treatments for trauma and PTSD, and it is recognized by major health organizations worldwide. At New Birth, it is one of the core tools inside our trauma therapy, delivered by an EMDR-certified clinician.
How it works
What EMDR looks like, step by step
EMDR is structured and paced, and you stay in control the whole way. In broad strokes:
Building safety
First we get to know you and build calming, grounding tools, so you feel steady before any deeper work begins.
Targeting the memory
Together we identify the memory or belief to work on, and the negative idea attached to it, such as "I'm not safe."
Reprocessing
While you briefly hold the memory in mind, we guide gentle bilateral stimulation, letting your brain move the memory toward resolution.
You are never forced to relive or narrate every detail. Much of the work happens internally, at a pace your nervous system can handle, with you able to pause at any time.
What EMDR can help with
Beyond big-T trauma
EMDR is best known for PTSD, but it can help with many experiences that leave a mark:
- PTSD and complex trauma
- Childhood trauma and abuse
- A single frightening event
- Accidents and medical trauma
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety and panic
- Phobias
- Painful or intrusive memories
- Negative self-beliefs
- Performance and confidence blocks
What to expect
A focused course, not endless sessions
Many people move through EMDR in a focused course rather than open-ended therapy, often around 8 to 10 sessions once the groundwork is in place, though this varies with your history and goals. It works in person and just as effectively over secure telehealth.
The New Birth difference
EMDR, plus the whole picture
Trauma lives in the body as well as the mind. Alongside EMDR, we can look at sleep, stress, and the nervous system through our whole-person care, and we also offer Brainspotting and somatic approaches when they fit. For younger clients, we use child-adapted EMDR as part of our children's trauma care.
Why clients choose us
Certified, careful, whole-person EMDR
- An EMDR-certified clinician, not just EMDR-aware
- Careful pacing and strong groundwork before reprocessing
- You never have to retell every detail
- The whole-person view, including the body and nervous system
- Brainspotting and somatic approaches also available
- Child-adapted EMDR for younger clients
- A veteran-owned practice experienced with combat and service trauma
- In person in San Diego, or telehealth across California
You don't have to carry it forever
If a memory still has its hooks in you, EMDR may be able to help. Your free consultation is a no-pressure place to ask questions and see if it fits.
Common questions
Questions about EMDR
Does EMDR really work? Is it evidence-based?
Yes. EMDR is one of the most studied treatments for trauma and PTSD and is recognized by major health organizations. Many people experience meaningful relief, though outcomes vary from person to person.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No, and this surprises many people. EMDR works largely with how the memory is stored, so much of the processing happens internally. You do not have to narrate every detail out loud to benefit.
How many sessions will I need?
Once the preparation work is done, many people move through EMDR in a focused course, often around 8 to 10 sessions, though it depends on your history and goals. We will give you a clearer sense after your consultation.
Does EMDR work over telehealth?
Yes. EMDR is delivered effectively online using secure video and guided bilateral stimulation. We offer it both in person in San Diego and by telehealth across California.
Is EMDR safe? Can it make things worse?
EMDR is considered safe when delivered by a trained clinician. Because it can stir up feelings, we spend real time on grounding and safety first, go at your pace, and you can pause at any point. Some people notice emotions surface between sessions, and we prepare you for that.
Can children have EMDR?
Yes. We use child-adapted EMDR for younger clients as part of our children's trauma care, matched to their age and readiness.
Do you take insurance?
New Birth is a private-pay practice. We provide superbills you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement, though reimbursement is never guaranteed. Current rates are on our fees page.
Explore related care
New Birth Family Counseling provides psychotherapy to clients located in California. EMDR is delivered by an EMDR-certified clinician. This page is informational and does not constitute medical or psychological advice or a diagnosis. EMDR is a clinical treatment, and outcomes vary from person to person.