EMDR Therapy San Francisco

“Trauma is hell on earth.
Trauma resolved is a gift from the gods.”
-Peter A. Levine

Feeling Trapped by Past Traumas and Anxieties?

Struggling with the echoes of trauma, the constant shadow of anxiety, or the complexities of relationship issues can make every day feel like an uphill battle. These experiences can leave you feeling alone, misunderstood, and trapped in a cycle of pain. You’re seeking not just relief, but a profound and lasting change—a way to turn the page and start a new chapter in your life where you’re no longer defined by these challenges. EMDR therapy has been proven to help people, just like you, move beyond the pain, and transform how you experience your past, navigate your present, and look forward to your future.

Could EMDR Be Your Key to Freedom?

For sure. Feeling stuck because of tough past experiences or ongoing anxiety isn’t uncommon, but knowing that doesn’t always make things easier. Sometimes, the way forward isn’t clear—it’s like trying to find your way through fog. That’s where EMDR therapy comes in. Think of it as the light that cuts through the fog, showing you the way.

EMDR softens the impact of those tough memories, making hard days feel a bit more manageable and giving you space to catch your breath. It taps into what your brain is naturally good at: healing itself.

About EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) employs research-backed methods to aid in processing and healing traumatic experiences and memories. It guides you through reprocessing distressing memories, fostering psychological resilience.

blonde woman outside in the sunlight

Since its inception in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, EMDR therapy has become widely recognized as a successful approach for treating PTSD and anxiety. Esteemed groups, including the American Psychiatric Association, have vouched for its effectiveness.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy, renowned for its efficacy, extends its benefits across a diverse range of emotional and psychological issues such as trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, attachment disorders, and low self-esteem. It offers a structured yet compassionate framework for individuals to navigate through profoundly distressing life events, providing a path towards healing and resilience. This approach is particularly advantageous for navigating through profoundly distressing life events such as:

 

  • Childhood neglect or physical abuse
  • Instances of sexual assault, abuse, or rape
  • Loss of a loved one or a cherished pet
  • Experiences in military combat
  • Serious health crises or brushes with death
  • Involvement in vehicular accidents
  • Being witness to or experiencing domestic violence
  • Encounters with sudden, harmful incidents involving oneself or loved ones

EMDR therapy is not only effective for treating trauma but can also enhance emotional resilience, boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.

EMDR is also a valuable resource for preparing for future events. It allows you to envision positive outcomes and foster a sense of success before the event, which can result in positive outcomes.

silhouette of a man against the sunlight

To learn more about EMDR you can go to my YouTube channel, or watch the video below for an example of an EMDR practice.

The Effects of EMDR on Trauma and Brain Health

Numerous emotional hurdles arise from unresolved trauma memories deeply entrenched within the brain’s intricate pathways. EMDR therapy acts as a gentle guide, allowing the brain to access and reprocess these traumatic memories, kickstarting its natural healing mechanisms.

When trauma occurs, the brain instinctively seeks to shield itself by storing information and issuing cautionary signals upon encountering reminders. These signals aim to prevent the recurrence of distressing events, forming a protective mechanism for future encounters.

Navigating through this perpetual cycle can be exhausting!

You might find yourself in a constant state of tension, even in seemingly safe surroundings, with feelings of apprehension lingering. Irritability and forgetfulness might become regular occurrences, along with haunting memories resurfacing through nightmares or flashbacks.

Over time, these symptoms can become deeply ingrained as “normal” responses within your mind-body framework.

EMDR therapy gently guides the brain back to the original trauma event, fostering a deeper understanding, processing, and eventual healing of the underlying trauma.

Benefits of EMDR therapy with Angela Luna, LMFT

Once you’ve properly worked through your memories, your brain can switch off those “danger” alerts, allowing you to move on from being anchored in the past.

Freed from the constant warnings of your brain’s alarm system, you’ll find peace, no longer plagued by past events, and ready to steer your own life forward.

What an EMDR Session Looks Like

If you decide to engage in EMDR we will start with the eight phases t0 target your specific concerns. Before each session, I make sure you have access to supportive resources, preparing you for the session. During sessions lasting 50 to 90 minutes, we use EMDR techniques with my guidance to work through identified memories or issues. Throughout, I stay attentive to emerging thoughts, feelings, or beliefs, repeating bilateral stimulation until the distress diminishes. Your agency is key; you can pause or stop anytime. We conclude each session with a grounding activity for transition.

To learn more about my EMDR therapy services in San Francisco, book a free consult now.

BOOK MY FREE CONSULT NOW!

“Luna is one of those people who brings with her a sense of calm, understanding, confidence, and professionalism that is rare to see all in one person. It takes only moments to recognize these qualities and appreciate how that translates to her care for all aspects of the work that she does.”

– CL, Oakland, California