EMDR Therapy
In Irvine and Throughout California
Do you find yourself losing your temper over something small and then feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt?
This guilt can make it hard to stand by your boundaries, leading you to give in or doing too much to please others in ways that leave you feeling drained and resentful. It’s a painful cycle that can make you feel like you’re failing yourself and those around you
You’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed by the constant push and pull of daily demands, family expectations, and their own needs. It can feel like no matter how hard you try, you’re stuck in a cycle of guilt and frustration.
EMDR therapy helps you break free from this cycle by addressing the root causes of those triggers, so you can respond with calm and confidence rather than reacting out of pain or overwhelm. Imagine setting boundaries without guilt and holding onto them with strength and compassion—for yourself and others.
For Example: Your mom calls about a family gathering you’ve already said you can’t attend. She says, “Family should come first. You’re really letting everyone down.” The pressure builds, and you snap: “I have a life too, you know!”
Later, guilt sets in. You think about all your parents have done for you and rearrange your entire schedule to go, even though it leaves you drained and resentful.
EMDR therapy can help you break this cycle, so you can set boundaries and communicate with confidence—without the guilt or anger taking over.
What is Trauma?
Trauma happens when something overwhelms us emotionally or mentally, leaving a lasting mark on how we think, feel, or act. It’s like your mind and body get “stuck” in the stress of what happened, even if the event is long over.
Trauma doesn’t just come from big, dramatic events such as; a car accident, experiencing violence or natural disasters.
Trauma sometimes comes from smaller, repeated experiences that make us feel unsafe, unseen, or unloved.
For example; experiencing criticism or emotional neglect over and over, feeling like you had to be perfect to be accepted or loved. Instead of one big event, is about the accumulation of smaller wounds over time.
What Does Trauma Look Like in Everyday Life?
Both types of trauma can show up in ways like:
Getting upset or angry easily
Feeling anxious or always on edge
Struggling to trust people or open up
Feeling like you’re stuck in the same patterns, even when you want to change
How Does EMDR Therapy Heal Trauma?
EMDR therapy heals trauma by helping your brain process and reframe painful memories in a healthier way. When you experience trauma, the memory and emotions can get “stuck,” causing triggers and intense reactions in the present. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like moving your eyes back and forth) to help your brain reprocess these memories.
This process allows you to revisit the memory without the overwhelming emotional charge, replacing negative beliefs like "I'm not good enough" with more positive and empowering ones. Over time, these memories lose their grip on you, allowing you to feel calmer, more in control, and free to move forward.
EMDR Therapy is a Powerful Approach To Treat Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression often come from unresolved experiences or negative thoughts about ourselves. These can stem from painful memories, like feeling not good enough, or ongoing stress that makes us feel stuck. For example, if we have memories of letting down loved ones, we might start believing, "I'm not good enough."
For anxiety, EMDR helps by identifying and addressing the triggers that keep you in a state of fear or being on constant alert. It allows your brain to recognize that you’re no longer in danger, reducing the intensity of those anxious thoughts and feelings.
For depression, EMDR can uncover and reprocess the underlying memories or beliefs that may contribute to feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness. It helps to break the cycle of negative thinking and create space for more self-compassion and hope.
How is EMDR Therapy Different from Talk Therapy?
Traditional Talk Therapy
Traditional talk therapy often involves discussing your experiences, thoughts, and emotions to gain insight and develop coping strategies.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy
Here’s what makes EMDR unique:
It’s fast and focused. You don’t have to talk in detail about your trauma or rehash painful memories. EMDR helps your brain resolve them efficiently, so you can move forward.
It addresses the root cause. EMDR targets the stored memories and negative beliefs that keep you stuck, helping you feel relief at a deeper level.
It’s body and brain-focused. Instead of just talking, EMDR helps your nervous system release the emotional and physical hold of past experiences.
What My Clients Have Said About EMDR
“ I wish I had known something like this existed! I wouldn't have suffered all these years."
“I can’t believe how, all of a sudden, I don’t feel triggered anymore”
“I didn’t realize that I was living in the past. I feel different. It feels like now I can move forward with my life”
FAQs
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories. It works by using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to help the brain reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity. This allows individuals to reframe the memory and move past the trauma. EMDR is effective for treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties, and it can often provide faster results compared to traditional talk therapy.
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PTSD, anxiety, panic disorders, depression, grief, loss, phobias, negative core beliefs, relationship issues, childhood abuse, trauma, addiction, performance anxiety.
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During a consultation, we can discuss your specific challenges and determine together whether EMDR is the best approach for your needs. It’s important to remember that therapy is highly individualized, and we'll tailor the treatment to your goals and preferences.
If EMDR therapy is not right for you I can use different approaches to help you. Sometimes is a matter of building resources to get you ready for it.
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Yes, EMDR therapy is available online and can be just as effective as in-person sessions. Using secure video conferencing platforms, I can guide you through the EMDR process, including the bilateral stimulation techniques (such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) in a way that supports your healing journey.
Online EMDR therapy allows you to receive the help you need from the comfort and privacy of your home.
“EMDR Therapy isn’t the only service I offer at my California online therapy practice . Other mental health services at Empower U include; Therapy for Bicultural Individuals, Therapy for Immigrants, Terapia en Espanol, and Parenting Support for Immigrants. Contact me to learn more about how I can help you overcome trauma, anxiety and depression and reclaim your Power!"
Questions before getting started? Get in touch.
You don’t have to live with anxiety, anger, frustration, resentment and sadness. Therapy can help you overcome life’s toughest moments by guiding you toward finding peace, building confidence, and improving your relationships. My California therapy practice specializes in Transgenerational Trauma and Complex Trauma. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps
Step 1
Contact Cristina
Step 2
Meet with Cristina for an intake session
Step 3
Start overcoming your triggers by reprocessing your difficult memories with EMDR to find peace and be able to move forward with your life.