Transformative Trauma Treatment at Glendora Recovery Center

EMDR Therapy in Los Angeles

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1340 E. Route 66 Street Suite #106, Glendora CA 91740

Understanding EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach specifically designed for trauma counseling. Unlike traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses primarily on changing thought patterns, EMDR therapy works by helping trauma survivors heal through reprocessing memories that have become “stuck” in the brain’s trauma response system. According to the American Psychological Association, EMDR has been extensively researched and proven effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with studies showing 84-90% of single-trauma victims no longer meet PTSD criteria after just three 90-minute sessions.

This innovative approach to targeted trauma resolution works by helping the brain process and integrate traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, typically involving guided eye movements while recalling distressing experiences. The process allows the brain to heal naturally and reduces the emotional charge associated with trauma triggers.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

During Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy sessions, our qualified therapists guide clients through eight distinct phases designed for comprehensive reprocessing memories and healing trauma triggers:

Preparation and History Taking: We establish a therapeutic relationship and assess your readiness for EMDR processing while identifying specific trauma responses.
Resource Installation: We help you develop coping strategies and positive resources to manage distressing emotions during trauma counseling.
Assessment and Activation: Together, we identify specific traumatic memories, associated negative beliefs, and current trauma triggers.
Desensitization: Through bilateral stimulation, we process the traumatic memory until emotional distress decreases and trauma response normalizes.
Installation: We strengthen positive beliefs about yourself and your experiences while reducing sensitivity to trauma triggers.
Body Scan: We ensure no residual physical tension remains related to the traumatic memory, incorporating elements similar to somatic therapy.
Closure: Each session ends with techniques to help you feel grounded and stable.
Reevaluation: We assess progress and plan future sessions as needed for continued targeted trauma resolution.

How Does EMDR Therapy Support Addiction Recovery?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), studies show that traumatic, extremely stressful experiences like abuse, violence, neglect, or the death of a loved one make a person more vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder. This connection makes targeted trauma resolution through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy particularly valuable in addiction treatment settings.

At Glendora Recovery Center, we recognize that unresolved trauma responses often drive addictive behaviors as individuals attempt to self-medicate emotional pain triggered by unprocessed memories. Our intensive outpatient program incorporates EMDR therapy alongside trauma counseling to address these root causes, leading to more sustainable recovery outcomes for trauma survivors.

What Conditions Does EMDR Therapy Treat?

Our qualified therapists use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy Los Angeles services to provide effective treatment for trauma and related conditions, including:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma response
Childhood abuse and developmental trauma in trauma survivors
Depression and anxiety disorders stemming from trauma triggers
Panic attacks and phobias related to traumatic experiences
Addiction and substance abuse rooted in unresolved trauma
Grief and loss requiring specialized trauma counseling
Performance anxiety and social fears
Disturbing memories and nightmares affecting daily functioning

How Is EMDR Different from Traditional Talk Therapy?

While cognitive-behavioral therapy and traditional talk therapy often focus on discussing problems and developing coping strategies, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy works differently by directly targeting how traumatic memories are stored in the brain. Unlike conventional trauma counseling approaches, EMDR facilitates reprocessing memories through bilateral stimulation, helping trauma survivors integrate difficult experiences more effectively.

According to research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, EMDR therapy shows faster results than conventional therapy, with most clients experiencing significant improvement in 6-12 sessions compared to months or years of traditional therapy. This efficiency in achieving targeted trauma resolution makes EMDR particularly valuable in our partial hospitalization program, where clients need intensive support while maintaining their daily responsibilities.

Is EMDR Therapy Effective for Teens and Adolescents?

Young trauma survivors are particularly responsive to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, as their brains are still developing and more adaptable to healing through reprocessing memories. Our specialized adolescent outpatient program includes EMDR therapy and comprehensive trauma counseling to help teenagers process traumatic experiences and manage trauma triggers before they develop into more serious mental health or substance abuse issues.

Research shows that early intervention with treatment for trauma like EMDR can prevent the development of more severe psychological problems later in life, making it an essential component of our teen drug abuse treatment services. Our qualified therapists are specially trained to work with adolescent trauma survivors using age-appropriate techniques.

What Does the Science Say About EMDR?

Neuroimaging studies have revealed how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy creates positive changes in the brain’s trauma response system. According to research published in the journal PLOS ONE, EMDR therapy elicited significant functional decreases in deep gray matter (including the amygdala, thalamus, and caudate nucleus) and cortical activities (including notably the precuneus, and the ventromedial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) in PTSD patients compared to healthy controls.

These neurological changes help explain why trauma survivors often experience rapid improvement in symptoms and increased emotional stability after EMDR treatment. The process of reprocessing memories through bilateral stimulation appears to help the brain integrate traumatic experiences in a healthier way, reducing the intensity of trauma response patterns.

How Does EMDR Integrate with Other Therapies?

At Glendora Recovery Center, we combine Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy with complementary approaches to maximize healing for trauma survivors. Our holistic treatment for trauma includes:

Art therapy to process emotions creatively and access memories in new ways
Yoga therapy for body-mind integration, functioning as a form of somatic therapy
Group therapy providing peer support among trauma survivors
Individual counseling for personalized trauma counseling
Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for managing trauma triggers
Family therapy to heal relationships affected by trauma response patterns

This integrated approach addresses trauma from multiple angles, supporting comprehensive targeted trauma resolution and recovery. By combining EMDR with somatic therapy approaches and traditional trauma counseling methods, we ensure trauma survivors receive the most effective treatment for their specific needs.

What to Expect During EMDR Therapy

Your Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy journey at Glendora Recovery Center begins with a thorough assessment by our qualified therapists to determine if EMDR is appropriate for your specific needs as a trauma survivor. Our licensed trauma counseling professionals will:

Initial Consultation: We discuss your trauma history, current trauma triggers, and trauma response patterns to develop a personalized treatment plan for targeted trauma resolution.
Preparation Sessions: We teach you coping strategies and ensure you feel safe and prepared for reprocessing memories that may be difficult to access.
Processing Sessions: Using bilateral stimulation, we guide you through reprocessing memories at a pace that feels manageable, helping reduce your trauma response over time.
Integration: We help you integrate new insights and positive beliefs into your daily life while developing healthy responses to former trauma triggers.

Many trauma survivors report feeling lighter, more hopeful, and better able to cope with stress after completing EMDR therapy. The changes often feel profound yet natural, as if a weight has been lifted from their shoulders through effective treatment for trauma.

Success Stories and Outcomes

Clinical trials demonstrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy’s effectiveness as treatment for trauma, with the World Health Organization recognizing it as a first-line approach for PTSD in adults and children. Studies show that 77% of trauma survivors with PTSD no longer meet diagnostic criteria after EMDR treatment.

Getting Started with EMDR Therapy

If you’re a trauma survivor struggling with traumatic memories, nightmares, anxiety, or addiction, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy could be the key to unlocking your healing potential through effective reprocessing memories and targeted trauma resolution. Our qualified therapists and compassionate trauma counseling team understand that reaching out for treatment for trauma takes courage, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t let unresolved trauma triggers continue to control your life. The path to healing begins with a single phone call to our trauma survivors support center. Contact Glendora Recovery Center to schedule your confidential consultation. Our admissions specialists are available 24/7 to answer your questions about EMDR therapy Los Angeles services and help you begin your journey toward healing and recovery.