EMDR Therapy

When the past holds you back in the present, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can shift negative emotions and beliefs rooted in past memories, allowing for greater freedom and peace today.

*Serving all of California via Video Therapy

Could your struggle to move forward in life be related to trauma?

You have things going for you in life, but you notice the same patterns ruling your thoughts and emotions. You might still struggle to feel good enough despite your accomplishments and positive relationships. You continue to hold yourself back even though you want to express yourself more or in a different way than you’re used to. Perhaps you find yourself getting caught up in a past traumatic situation, thinking about it again and again despite it being a long time ago.

Trauma doesn’t have to be a big event. It’s the impact of a series of circumstances that was too much to cope with.

EMDR Trauma Therapy with Kat Chan Therapy in California

When you think of trauma, what often comes to mind are catastrophic events, such as war, natural disasters, physical or sexual abuse, acts of terrorism, or car accidents.

However, trauma refers to the long-lasting impact of ANY event(s) on one's self-esteem, ability to trust themselves or others, and/or their sense of safety in the world. It can include the events above as well as experiences like:

  • Parental conflict, divorce, or absence in childhood

  • A family member’s chronic health condition(s), mental illness and/or addiction

  • Chronic emotional invalidation, or a denial of one's emotions by others

  • Relationship betrayal, loss, or conflict

  • Bullying

  • Racism and discrimination

  • Social isolation

  • Medical events, such as hospitalizations, surgical procedures, and more

  • Toxic workplace environments

  • Financial instability or loss

  • Immigration experiences

EMDR trauma therapy video session

Using a blend of approaches such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma Resiliency Model, and mindfulness, I work with you to:

  • develop practical skills to ground yourself during difficult emotions

  • resolve memories of negative past experiences that are still holding you back using EMDR therapy

  • transform the relationship you have with yourself from critical and alone to nurturing and championing

Trauma therapy can help you find greater peace and freedom from the past.

"Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence."

— Peter Levine, Ph.D. and trauma expert

Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR Therapy

  • EMDR is a unique, evidence-based therapy approach that addresses both the emotional and physiological aspects of trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy or CBT, which often focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors through discussion, EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories directly, allowing you to release intense emotions and sensations associated with past experiences. It’s a gentle, guided approach that doesn’t require you to revisit every detail of painful memories, which often makes it a more comfortable process for those dealing with trauma. Many people find that EMDR can accelerate healing, helping them experience relief and positive changes more quickly.

  • EMDR begins by identifying specific distressing memories or experiences and then using guided eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) to help the brain reprocess emotions and associations that are “stuck” in the nervous system. This reduces the intensity of negative feelings and often brings new insights. As a result, clients often feel calmer and more at ease with past experiences, reducing the lingering impact of trauma on their present and future well-being.

  • Definitely. EMDR is highly effective in an online format, offering you the comfort of being at home while still engaging deeply in the process. Using secure video sessions, you will be guided through the same EMDR techniques and adapting them to your needs just as we would in person. Many clients find virtual EMDR just as powerful, experiencing meaningful changes in a familiar, safe space. With virtual EMDR, healing is flexible and accessible wherever you are.

  • Absolutely! EMDR can be beneficial for anyone facing overwhelming or distressing emotions, even if they haven’t experienced a significant trauma. Many people find EMDR helpful for managing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, or negative beliefs about themselves that might stem from difficult experiences or patterns over time. This approach can help you process and release emotional “stuck points” that keep you feeling weighed down, even if the source seems subtle or hard to pinpoint.

  • Yes! An EMDR intensive is a series of focused, extended sessions designed to help you work through distressing emotions or memories more efficiently than weekly therapy. During an intensive, we’ll have the time and space to dive deeply into your concerns, allowing you to make progress in a shorter period without the disruption of weekly breaks. This approach is especially helpful if you’re managing a busy schedule or have specific issues you’d like to resolve more quickly. Throughout the intensive, you’ll have a safe, supportive environment where we can go at a pace that feels right for you.

Ready to take the first step towards healing?

Reach out to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.