When past trauma affects your daily life, EMDR therapy can help you heal and move forward. At Riviera Therapy, our licensed therapists use this evidence-based approach to help you process distressing memories and reduce their impact on your daily life by addressing not only thoughts and feelings but also body sensations linked to these experiences.
Online EMDR therapy is also available, allowing you to access effective treatment from the comfort of your home.
What Is Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly effective form of talk therapy designed to help people recover from traumatic experiences. It works through bilateral stimulation – such as guided eye movements, tapping, or audio cues – to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. Over time, this reduces the emotional charge of past events and allows you to move forward without being overwhelmed by them.
EMDR therapy is recognized as a highly effective treatment for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is also beneficial for other conditions, including:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Phobias
- Chronic stress
- Grief and loss
- Performance anxiety
- Childhood trauma
Additionally, EMDR therapy helps address and clear negative beliefs that hinder personal growth, facilitating healing from trauma and other emotional challenges.
How EMDR Therapy Works
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase process that helps identify and reprocess distressing experiences. The goal is to reprocess past trauma to reduce their emotional intensity so they no longer feel overwhelmed. Your therapist will guide you through each step, helping you recall distressing memories while using bilateral stimulation techniques to encourage the brain to reprocess them in a way that feels less distressing.
Over time, EMDR can help you develop a healthier emotional response to past experiences, leading to lasting relief from trauma-related symptoms. Additionally, EMDR facilitates personal growth and emotional resilience, allowing individuals to connect with their inner selves and overcome past challenges.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is suitable for adults, adolescents, and even children who have experienced trauma or struggle with distressing emotions. It helps individuals reclaim their lives after trauma, allowing them to navigate their emotions and improve their overall quality of life. It is particularly useful for individuals who have found traditional talk therapy insufficient in addressing deep-seated emotional pain.
If you experience any of the following, EMDR therapy may be a good fit for you:
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Difficulty moving past a traumatic event
- Anxiety or panic that seems linked to past experiences
- Avoidance of certain places, people, or situations due to trauma
- Feeling emotionally stuck despite previous therapy
EMDR can also help address and improve relationship issues stemming from trauma, enhancing communication and creating a safe environment for healing.
Our therapists at Riviera Therapy will assess your needs and determine if EMDR is the right approach for you.
Online EMDR Therapy
We understand that not everyone can attend in-person sessions. That’s why we offer online EMDR therapy for clients who prefer to receive treatment from home. Using secure video conferencing and specialized tools and techniques adapted for remote EMDR sessions, we ensure that you receive the same high-quality care as you would in our Santa Barbara office.
Online EMDR is an excellent option for:
- Clients who live outside of Santa Barbara
- Those with busy schedules who need flexibility
- Individuals who feel more comfortable receiving therapy at home
Our therapists are experienced in delivering EMDR remotely, ensuring a smooth and effective experience.
Why Choose Riviera Therapy for Santa Barbara EMDR Therapy?
Riviera Therapy has a team of highly trained therapists with extensive experience in trauma treatment, including EMDR. We help clients navigate life’s challenges and emotional impacts, providing a safe, supportive environment where you can work through difficult experiences with the guidance of an experienced professional.
- Experienced EMDR therapists trained in trauma-focused care
- In-person and online EMDR therapy for flexible treatment options
- A personalized approach that respects your pace and comfort level
- Confidential and compassionate care in a welcoming environment
We are committed to helping you find relief and regain control over your life.
Get Started with EMDR Therapy
If you’re looking for EMDR therapy in Santa Barbara, Riviera Therapy is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how EMDR can support your healing. Whether you prefer in-person sessions or online therapy, we are ready to guide you through the process.
Our Santa Barbara Therapy center is at 1515 State Street, near State and Micheltorena Streets. We’re across from Trinity Episcopal Church and a block from Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden. We serve clients throughout Santa Barbara County, including Montecito, Goleta, and Carpinteria. Online EMDR sessions are available across California.
Take the next step toward healing. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment to start feeling better soon.
