Find an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist in California

Understanding EMDR therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-informed psychotherapy approach designed to help you work through distressing experiences in a structured, step-by-step way. EMDR is often described as a “memory processing” therapy: instead of focusing only on talking through what happened, you and your therapist work with how the experience is stored in your mind and body, and how it shows up in the present.

A core feature of EMDR is the use of bilateral stimulation, which may include guided eye movements, alternating taps, or alternating tones. While the exact mechanism is still being studied, many clinicians understand bilateral stimulation as a tool that can help your brain integrate difficult material more adaptively. In practical terms, EMDR aims to help you recall a memory or trigger while also staying oriented to the present, so the distress can decrease and new perspectives can emerge.

EMDR is typically delivered using a standardized framework that emphasizes preparation, pacing, and safety. You do not have to share every detail of what happened to benefit, and your therapist should help you build skills to stay within your “window of tolerance” during the work.

How EMDR is used by therapists in California

California is home to a wide range of mental health professionals, including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional clinical counselors who may incorporate EMDR into their practice. You may find EMDR offered in private practices, group practices, community clinics, and specialty trauma programs across the state.

Because California includes densely populated regions and rural areas, access can look different depending on where you live. In major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, you may have more options for specialized EMDR providers, niche expertise (for example, perinatal trauma or first responder stress), and flexible scheduling. In other regions, you may prioritize clinicians who offer telehealth sessions statewide, making it easier to start EMDR without long commutes.

EMDR in California is commonly integrated with other approaches such as skills-based coping strategies, mindfulness practices, or attachment-focused work. Many therapists tailor EMDR to your goals, your history, and your current stress level, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all protocol.

What EMDR is commonly used for

People seek EMDR for many reasons. While it is widely associated with trauma treatment, therapists may also use EMDR principles to support you with other concerns where distressing memories, triggers, or negative beliefs play a role.

Experiences that still feel “stuck”

EMDR is often considered when you notice that certain memories continue to feel emotionally intense, intrusive, or easy to reactivate, even if the event happened long ago. You might recognize this as sudden anxiety, strong body sensations, or feeling emotionally transported back to the original experience.

Common goals people bring to EMDR

• Reducing distress linked to traumatic or frightening events
• Working through childhood experiences that impact current relationships
• Addressing anxiety that feels connected to specific triggers or memories
• Improving self-esteem when negative self-beliefs feel deeply ingrained
• Supporting recovery after accidents, medical events, or sudden losses
• Decreasing avoidance patterns that limit your daily life

Performance, confidence, and future-focused work

Some clinicians use EMDR-informed strategies for “future templating,” where you rehearse coping and confidence in situations that typically trigger distress. This can be relevant if you are preparing for a difficult conversation, returning to a location linked to a past event, or facing a high-pressure environment.

It is important to note that EMDR is not a guarantee of specific outcomes, and it is not appropriate for every situation. A qualified therapist will help you decide whether EMDR fits your needs and how to approach it safely.

What a typical online EMDR session can look like

Online EMDR (telehealth) is increasingly common and can be a practical option if you live far from a specialist or prefer receiving care from home. While the structure may vary by clinician, many follow the same broad phases used in in-person EMDR, with adjustments for privacy, technology, and comfort.

1) Intake and goal-setting

Early sessions usually focus on understanding what brings you in, your history, current stressors, and what you want to change. Your therapist may ask about triggers, symptoms you notice, and the ways you currently cope. Together, you will identify target memories or themes to work on, along with measurable goals like sleeping more consistently, feeling less reactive, or reducing avoidance.

2) Preparation and stabilization

Before memory processing begins, your therapist typically helps you build grounding and regulation skills. Online, this may include practicing breathing techniques, sensory grounding, imagery exercises, and creating a plan for what you will do after sessions if you feel emotionally activated. You may also discuss your environment, such as choosing a private room, using headphones, and ensuring you will not be interrupted.

3) Reprocessing with bilateral stimulation

When you are ready, you may focus on a target memory, the emotions and body sensations connected to it, and any negative belief that comes up (for example, “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault”). Your therapist guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation, checking in between sets to notice what changes. Over time, the distress often decreases, and you may naturally arrive at new insights, perspectives, or a more adaptive belief.

4) Closing and aftercare

Sessions typically end with a return to stabilization. Your therapist may help you orient to the present, review coping tools, and plan for the rest of your day. You might be encouraged to track what you notice between sessions, such as changes in dreams, mood, triggers, or body sensations. Because processing can continue after the appointment, planning gentle activities and good sleep hygiene can be especially helpful.

Who may be a good candidate for EMDR

You may be a good candidate for EMDR if you feel ready to work with distressing material in a structured way and you have enough stability and support to manage emotions that can arise during therapy. Many people choose EMDR when they want a focused approach that targets the roots of their reactions, not just the surface-level symptoms.

EMDR can be a fit if you:

• Notice clear triggers linked to past experiences
• Feel stuck in patterns of fear, shame, or hypervigilance
• Want a therapy approach that combines preparation skills with deeper processing
• Prefer not to describe every detail of your experiences
• Are able to practice grounding skills between sessions

At the same time, EMDR may require additional preparation or a different pace if you are currently in an unstable living situation, dealing with active substance misuse, experiencing frequent dissociation, or facing ongoing safety concerns. A responsible EMDR therapist will discuss these factors with you and may recommend stabilization work first or a blended approach.

How to find the right EMDR therapist in California

Finding the right fit matters, especially for a structured approach like EMDR. California also has unique practical considerations, including large geographic distances, traffic in metro areas, and varying availability across regions. Whether you are seeking care near Los Angeles, looking for a provider in the Bay Area near San Francisco, or exploring options in San Diego, you can use the same set of criteria to choose thoughtfully.

Look for EMDR-specific training and experience

When you review profiles, look for clinicians who describe formal EMDR training and ongoing consultation or continuing education. You can also ask how often they use EMDR and what kinds of concerns they commonly treat with it. Experience matters, particularly if you are seeking help for complex or long-standing issues.

Confirm California licensure and telehealth availability

If you plan to meet online, confirm the therapist is licensed to practice in California and offers telehealth to clients located in the state. This can broaden your options beyond your immediate city and may help you find a better match for your needs or schedule.

Ask practical questions before you start

A brief consultation or first session is a good time to ask questions that help you feel informed and in control of the process. Consider asking:

• How do you decide when a client is ready to begin EMDR processing?
• What does preparation and stabilization look like in your practice?
• How do you adapt EMDR for telehealth sessions?
• How do you handle strong emotions or dissociation during sessions?
• What is your typical session length and recommended frequency?
• What should I do between sessions if I feel activated?

Consider fit, pace, and cultural responsiveness

EMDR is collaborative. You should feel respected, heard, and not pressured to move faster than you want. California’s communities are diverse, so it can help to look for a therapist who demonstrates cultural humility and experience working with people who share your background or life context, if that matters to you.

Getting started

EMDR can be a structured, practical way to work with distressing memories and triggers when you want more than coping strategies alone. Use the listings on this page to compare EMDR therapists serving California, review their specialties and session formats, and reach out to schedule an initial consultation. The right provider will help you understand what EMDR could look like for you, at a pace that supports your safety and goals.