Online EMDR Therapy California
Are you feeling consumed by thoughts of painful old memories and past trauma?
Online EMDR therapy for California residents can help you finally feel free from these negative feelings related to past trauma...
Have you experienced past trauma that is negatively affecting your present life? Do you have difficulty concentrating on day-to-day tasks because you are ruminating about the past? Perhaps you experience physical symptoms such as irritability, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, or difficulty concentrating. Maybe you even replay these past memories, and experience negative beliefs about yourself and the world around you. You may realize that talking about your pain in therapy is not fixing the problem. Another scenario is that you may not have experienced anything too traumatic, but for some reason, traditional “talk therapy” just doesn’t seem to be doing the trick to help with your current struggles…
Many people experience trauma at some point in their lives.
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy is an evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. This type of therapy uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping) to help the brain process and integrate painful memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on resolving the emotional impact of trauma without requiring clients to go into excessive detail about the event. Research has shown that EMDR can be highly effective for treating trauma: a study by the Department of Veterans Affairs found that 77% of combat veterans no longer met the criteria for PTSD after 12 sessions of EMDR therapy. Additionally, the World Health Organization (2013) recognizes EMDR as a first-choice treatment for PTSD.
Major health organizations—including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the World Health Organization—recognize EMDR as an effective, evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD, highlighting its widespread acceptance in the mental health field.
EMDR Therapy can also be extremely helpful for mental health conditions other than PTSD and trauma. For example, a 2021 systematic review covering 14 different conditions (including anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues) found that EMDR produced positive outcomes in approximately 58% of studies.
Who Can Benefit from Online EMDR Treatment
Although traditional talk therapy can be very helpful for processing past traumatic memories, online Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can help you heal in a way that goes beyond talk therapy. EMDR helps the brain reprocess trapped memories that are causing you to experience current negative symptoms related to the past trauma. By reprocessing these events fully, it can help you to uncover and process beliefs that may have developed due to these experiences. It will also allow you to no longer be ailed by these intense and uncomfortable feelings when you think or talk about the past trauma. Though originally created as a treatment for trauma, EMDR has proven be useful for treatment in the following conditions:
- Panic Attacks
- Eating Disorder
- Body Dysmorphia
- Disturbing Memories
- Phobias
- Pain Disorders
- Performance Anxiety
- Addictions
- Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
Even if you haven’t experienced any of the symptoms above, online EMDR therapy sessions can still be helpful if you feel distressing emotions that may appear to be excessive given the current situation. If you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers or hold dysfunctional/negative beliefs about yourself and the world, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR online therapy . With all that is going on in the world with the COVID-19 pandemic currently, you may even feel worried to leave your home. Online EMDR in California makes it easily accessible to receive help from the comfort of your own home.
EMDR Online Therapy Can Help
What are the benefits of EMDR:
- Recovering from past trauma and no longer allowing the trauma to control your present life
- Fast track to results - many clients begin to feel relief after just a few sessions
- Let go of negative limiting beliefs, thus transforming the way that you view yourself and the world
- Overall increased self-esteem
- Having access to all of the benefits above through EMDR telehealth, without even needing to leave the comfort of your own home!
What To Expect in an Online EMDR Session
Virtual EMDR therapy is an integrative therapy technique called bilateral stimulation to activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists activate the bilateral stimulation through various techniques such as eye movements, tapping, or lights. There is a systemic way to do virtual EMDR correctly, so you want to be sure that you find a therapist that is trained in the proper technique. As your EMDR therapist online, I will provide you with the necessary tools to prepare for the online EMDR session, guide you through the session, and also show you ways to continue to practice coping skills and self-care between therapy sessions. Studies have shown that EMDR telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy and offers the same results. .
Visit the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) website for more information about EMDR research and therapy.
Tools and Techniques I Use for EMDR Virtual Therapy
There a few different ways that Virtual EMDR Therapy can be done, and I leave it up to the client’s preference once we have tested the different methods because they are all equally effective. One option is using eye movements, and in this case I use an online program that I share with the client where they can see the eye movements and I can direct them. Another option is doing an EMDR tool called “butterfly tapping”, which allows the client to have their eyes closed and lightly tap on parts of their body. The third option is using audio only, where the client can have their eyes closed and the same program I use for eye movements can provide audio in each ear, one ear at a time. All of these different options provide the bilateral stimulation that is necessary to do EMDR therapy.
Ensuring Effective Online EMDR Sessions
When doing EMDR sessions online and at home, it is necessary for the client to be in a quiet, private, uninterrupted space. This helps to keep client confidentiality, and also limits distractions during the EMDR process. I also tell clients that it can be helpful to make the room they are in feel extra comfortable in any way that they choose – such as using some nice scents like essential oils, or dimming the lights, or even sitting on a comfortable bed or chair.
Security and Privacy in EMDR Virtual Therapy
I only use HIPAA compliant programs to conduct EMDR therapy online, to ensure that client confidentiality is safe and secure.
Preparing for Your First Online EMDR Session
I work closely with all of my clients to help them feel prepared before beginning any EMDR sessions, whether in person or through EMDR telehealth. The first couple of sessions will consist of you telling me more about your presenting issues and what you would like to resolve through EMDR therapy. We review the EMDR process together and I answer any questions you may have. Then, I teach you grounding skills that we practice in session and that you can also use in between sessions to aid in relaxation and emotional regulation. I will guide you through the entire EMDR session; you can just sit back and follow my lead.
Sarah Lawley Chernick, LMFT
My name is Sarah Lawley Chernick and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and I am an EMDRIA Certified Therapist™. I am also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have 10 years of experience working in the mental health field and have used EMDR with many clients in various treatment settings and for many of the conditions listed above. Clients have stated that they felt better after even one session, and significantly better after a few in a row! I have also had clients tell me that EMDR therapy allowed them to finally let go of negative limiting beliefs that had been holding them back in their lives, thus increasing their overall self-esteem.
Not only have I utilized EMDR with many different clients, but I have used it in various treating settings including residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, school settings, outpatient clinics, and private practice. In addition to these various treatment experiences, I also utilize mindfulness and breathing techniques that I have learned through my training as a Registered Yoga Teacher. This provides a unique blend of standardized EMDR treatment intertwined with relaxing strategies to help clients feel comfortable during and after the session.
Credentials & Certifications:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (License # 115162)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- 200 HR Certified Yoga Teacher – Trained in various mindfulness and meditation techniques
- Have worked in many diverse treatment settings (community-based mental health, crisis, residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, intensive outpatient, and private practice) helping clients to overcome trauma
Are you ready to say goodbye to your distressing trauma?
Contact me to schedule a 15 minute phone consultation and see if Virtual EMDR Sessions is right for you!
My Standard Rate is $200 Per Session (50 Minutes)
As an out-of-network provider, I have partnered with Mentaya to help my clients save money on therapy. Use the out of network benefits calculator to see if you qualify for reimbursement for my services. Learn more about my rates and insurance.
You may have some questions about seeing an EMDR therapist…
Who should not do EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. Individuals who are actively suicidal, in the midst of a crisis, have untreated dissociative disorders, or lack sufficient coping skills may need to stabilize before beginning EMDR. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions (like seizure disorders or severe cardiac issues) should consult with their healthcare provider and get clearance before starting EMDR. A trained EMDR therapist will assess whether it’s the right fit and may recommend other treatments first if determined.
Is EMDR better in person or online?
Studies have shown that online EMDR sessions can be just as effective as doing EMDR therapy in person (source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38250261/). Many of my clients actually prefer to be able to do EMDR therapy online from their comfort of their own home, as EMDR can bring up big emotions and many find it comforting to be in an environment that they are very familiar with.
How many sessions of EMDR is typical?
The speed of progress with EMDR varies depending on the person. Some individuals experience significant relief after just a few sessions, especially when working with a single, less complex trauma. Others with a history of chronic trauma or multiple distressing events may need more time to build safety and process memories through EMDR. Research has shown that EMDR can lead to meaningful results in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy, with some studies reporting improvements in PTSD symptoms after 6–12 sessions (apa.org).
Can you do EMDR by yourself?
It is not recommended to do EMDR therapy by yourself for a few reasons. First, EMDR Therapy can involve intense emotional processing, and a trained therapist is there to provide support and guidance. An EMDR therapist online can help the client to stay grounded if the process starts to feel overwhelming, and gently help to guide the client if they are feeling stuck. Second, EMDR Therapy follows a very structured protocol, which one must be trained in to do it effectively and correctly.
Is EMDR online as effective?
Studies have shown that online EMDR is effective and does not need to be in-person in order to offer results. We can still have the same conversations prior to starting the online EMDR session that we would in an office, and I will teach you to utilize the same coping skills as well. Some people even find EMDR online to be more effective, as they do not have the added stress of a commute, traffic, or current heightened social distancing rules.
Is EMDR covered by insurance?
EMDR therapy is typically covered by insurance—often fully in-network and partially out-of-network. Coverage depends on session length, session limits, and the individual plan. I am an out-of-network provider in California and Florida, and I accept select insurance plans in Utah. It is best to contact your insurance company directly to ask if you have out-of-network or in-network benefits that would cover EMDR therapy.
How much is EMDR therapy in California?
My standard rate is $200 per 50-minute EMDR Therapy session for out-of-network clients that live in California and Florida. Longer EMDR sessions are available at request. If you live in Utah and are using insurance, you may only need to pay a co-pay (please check with your insurance company first).
Are there any dangers of EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy is generally considered to be safe, and not harmful or dangerous. If you experience any EMDR side effects at all, they may include light-headedness or heightened emotions/physical sensations after the session. If you experience this, it should subside over time as the memories become less intense. EMDR may be contraindicated in those with certain health conditions, and this is something I discuss with clients to ensure that it is a good fit before we begin.
Will online EMDR treatment work for me?
Though you will never truly know if EMDR treatment will work for you without trying it, research has shown EMDR to be highly effective. Especially if you have tried traditional talk therapy and you feel that you are not seeing the results you would like, EMDR treatment online could be a great alternative and/or adjunct to talk therapy. I refer to online EMDR treatment as a great option for those that are feeling “stuck” in their daily lives and are looking to keep moving forward, but having difficulty doing so.
Where can you serve clients as an online EMDR therapist?
I can serve clients through virtual EMDR in California, Utah and Florida. If you are looking virtual EMDR therapy in New Hampshire or Maine then check out Christina Enable, LCMHC.
What is Online EMDR Used to Treat
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - A condition in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Some symptoms may include feelings of distress, physical reminders of trauma (nausea, sweating, pounding heart), intrusive thoughts and memories, flashbacks, nightmares, feeling emotionally detached, loss of interest in life and daily activities, and avoidance of specific events/feelings that serve as a reminder of the traumatic event.
- Trauma - Even if you do not meet the full criteria for PTSD (above), EMDR can also be incredibly helpful for individuals that have experienced any type of trauma throughout their lives.
- Childhood Trauma - EMDR can also be very helpful for individuals that may have experienced trauma during their childhood. EMDR Therapy has the ability to help you process difficult past events, no matter how long ago they occurred. Processing traumatic events from your childhood can be incredibly helpful, as they may be having a negative impact on your current life and worldview without you even consciously realizing it!
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - A condition in which an individual experiences excessive worry about a number of different things (personal health, work, relationships, finances, etc) most days, for at least 6 months. The fear and anxiety can cause significant problems in areas of their life including work, social relationships, and more.
- Other Specified Anxiety Disorder - Symptoms of an anxiety disorder cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning but do not meet the full criteria for another anxiety disorder diagnosis.
- Panic Attack - Heart palpitations, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, feelings of impending doom.
- Specific Phobia - Marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation (i.e. flying, heights, spiders, receiving an injection).
- Eating Disorders - Eating disorders are characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating-related behaviors that results in the altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impairs physical health or psychosocial functioning. Eating disorders can negatively impact an individual’s physical health, relationships, work/school functioning, and overall self-esteem.
Areas I Specialize in Using EMDR
PTSD / TraumaEMDR Therapy for PTSD / trauma helps the brain reprocess painful experiences so they no longer feel overwhelming or stuck in the present. It’s a powerful tool for healing both single-incident traumatic situations as well as complex trauma. | Anxiety
EMDR Therapy for anxiety targets the root memories and beliefs fueling anxious thoughts and physical symptoms. This can help clients feel calmer, safer, and more in control. | Eating Disorders
EMDR Therapy for eating disorders addresses the underlying emotional and relational wounds that contribute to disordered eating, body image issues, and food-related anxiety. Processing through these allows you to develop a healthier and more peaceful relationship with food and your body. | Depression
EMDR Therapy for depression works to shift negative self-beliefs and unresolved life experiences that contribute to hopelessness and low mood. It can help individuals to feel more empowered and connected to a sense of meaning and resilience. |
Online EMDR Therapist California
If you’re ready to overcome your trauma and learn more about my services for online EMDR sessions, please use the button above or call (619) 800-5393 for a free 15 minute phone consultation.
Self emBody Therapy
EMDR, Eating Disorders, Anxiety
5330 Carroll Canyon Rd Suite 120,
San Diego, CA 92121
(619) 800-5393
Virtual EMDR for California Residents
License – LMFT 115162 California