EMDR THERAPY
in San Diego
At Oceanside Mental Health, we offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as part of our Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs. EMDR is a research-backed protocol that helps individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences, distressing memories, and emotional difficulties.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a specialized therapy that helps individuals reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional impact it has on their daily life. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation and allows the client to have autonomy in the process.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol to guide clients through trauma processing safely and effectively:
- History-Taking & Treatment Planning – Identifying traumatic memories, symptoms, and treatment goals.
- Preparation – Teaching grounding and self-regulation techniques to ensure emotional stability and confidence for reprocessing.
- Assessment – Identifying target memories and negative beliefs associated with trauma/memories.
- Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation to reduce emotional intensity linked to distressing memories.
- Installation – Strengthening positive beliefs with memory instead of the negative self-perceptions.
- Body Scan – Checking for remaining distress and ensuring full resolution of traumatic responses in the body.
- Closure – Stabilizing emotions at the end of each session to ensure safety and well-being after sessions.
- Reevaluation – Reviewing progress and identifying any remaining distress to address in future sessions.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is particularly effective for individuals struggling with:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Depression and negative self-beliefs
- Substance use and relapse triggers
- Chronic stress and emotional dysregulation
EMDR for Co-Occurring Disorders
For clients dealing with both mental health and substance use challenges, EMDR can help by:
- Addressing trauma-related triggers that contribute to substance use
- Reprocessing memories linked to self-destructive or impulsive behaviors
- Reducing cravings and emotional distress that fuel addiction cycles
Integrating EMDR into PHP/IOP Treatment
At Oceanside Mental Health, EMDR is used alongside other therapeutic approaches for a comprehensive treatment experience, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Restructuring negative thought patterns
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Enhancing emotional regulation skills
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)- Developing a self or identity that is not defined by the trauma(s) and engages in a value system.
- Mindfulness & Somatic Therapies – Supporting mind-body healing
- Medication Management – Addressing neurobiological factors contributing to distress
What to Expect During an EMDR Session
- History & Treatment Planning – Identifying distressing memories and goals for reprocessing
- Preparation – Learning grounding and coping strategies for emotional safety
- Assessment & Processing – Using bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic memories
- Closure & Integration – Reinforcing positive beliefs and emotional regulation skills
A Path to Healing & Empowerment
EMDR therapy empowers individuals to heal from the past and regain control over their emotional well-being. Many clients experience lasting relief from distressing memories and develop a greater sense of self-love and recovery.
To learn more about EMDR therapy, visit:
- EMDR International Association (EMDRIA): https://www.emdria.org
- EMDR Institute: https://www.emdr.com
If you or a loved one are interested in healing through EMDR therapy, contact us today to learn more about our PHP/IOP programs.
Dr. Anna Pollard (PSY35428) is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Clinical Director at Oceanside Mental Health where she oversees the clinical operations, ensuring the highest standards of care for clients and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a health emphasis from the California School of Professional Psychology, an APA-accredited program.
