Best EMDR Counsellor for Depression: Top-Rated Therapy in San Diego County | Action Growth Therapy

Takeaway: EMDR is a cutting-edge technique that can help you find real, lasting relief from issues like trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. As an EMDR therapist in San Diego County, I've seen its powerful impact firsthand. Contact me today to get started. 

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Understanding EMDR therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, better known as EMDR, is a state-of-the-art mental health treatment. It was originally created by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the 1980s as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to change how your brain reacts to traumatic memories or other triggers. While some EMDR therapists may use different bilateral stimulation methods, most use eye movements, tapping, or handheld buzzers. EMDR therapy engages the brain’s natural processing mechanisms to facilitate the healing process.

EMDR counseling follows a specific structure. Here’s a look into the eight phases of EMDR so you can get a sense of what to expect.

  • We'll start by talking about what brings you into therapy and what you hope to get out of the experience. Plus, you can ask any questions to have about the EMDR process and how it will help you.

  • Next, we'll keep building our therapeutic relationship so you feel comfortable diving in. You'll also learn coping skills, such as mindfulness techniques, to help you stay grounded throughout the process.

  • We'll pick which traumatic memories to focus on first and identify the negative thoughts or beliefs associated with them. Here, we'll also identify a positive belief you'd like to replace those thoughts with.

  • In this phase, we'll start using bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress.

  • We'll then work on replacing the negative beliefs with the positive ones.

  • Afterward, we'll reassess how the traumatic memories make you feel. If you're still experiencing distress, we'll repeat the process.

  • We'll check in at the end of each session to make sure you're feeling okay. If not, I'll help you get grounded before you leave the session.

  • We'll also check in at the beginning of every session to see how you're doing and make sure we're on the right track in our work together.

While the structure of EMDR therapy is the same for everyone, we'll go at a pace that makes sense for you.

Meet Sam Blumberg, LMFT | EMDR therapist in San Diego County

Hi, I’m Sam. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist. I’m also a certified EMDR therapist, emphasizing my specialized training and qualifications. I’m also the founder of Action Growth Therapy, a private practice located in Encinitas, California.

I’m passionate about helping teens and adults overcome life challenges like anxiety, depression, and loss. I believe that EMDR is a highly effective treatment for doing just that. I’ve seen firsthand how beneficial it can be with the individuals I’ve helped in my practice.

I also believe that finding the right fit is one of the most important factors in effective therapy. I focus on building strong, genuine therapeutic connections with each person that I work with. My goal is to make you feel comfortable confronting the uncomfortable. I do this by showing up as my authentic self in session (which sometimes involves the use of humor when appropriate).

Taking action toward therapy can feel scary, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll be in your corner every step of the way.

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Benefits of EMDR therapy

Each person has different goals for EMDR therapy. At the same time, there are many different ways it can help. Here are just a few.

Heal from painful past experiences. Like we discussed earlier, EMDR therapy was initially designed as a psychotherapy treatment for trauma. While it’s since been used to treat several mental health challenges, it’s still commonly used to help people heal from trauma. EMDR therapy addresses not only emotional and cognitive aspects but also physical sensations associated with distressing memories.

  • Feel more in control of your emotions. EMDR sessions retrain your brain to respond differently to emotional triggers. Since this approach aims to dial down the intensity of your reactions, you’ll feel more in control of your feelings.

  • Improve self-esteem. One component of EMDR therapy is breaking down negative thoughts or beliefs about yourself. Changing these beliefs can help you feel better about yourself and have more confidence.

  • Talk less about your trauma. EMDR therapy is a helpful alternative to traditional talk therapy. While your therapist will need to know a bit about your experiences, you don’t have to share as many details about a traumatic event as you would in a traditional counseling setting.

  • Get fast results. Many people notice improvement after just a few EMDR sessions, unlike traditional approaches that can take months or years.

You’ll likely experience your own benefits to EMDR. Contact me today to get a sense of how it can help you.

How EMDR Therapy Works

EMDR therapy works by using bilateral stimulation to activate both sides of the brain, allowing for the reprocessing of traumatic memories. This process helps to:

  • Reduce the Emotional Charge: Bilateral stimulation helps to diminish the intense emotional reactions associated with distressing memories, making them less overwhelming.

  • Integrate Traumatic Memories: By reprocessing these memories, EMDR therapy helps to integrate them into the brain’s narrative, reducing their negative impact on your daily life.

  • Enhance Cognitive Processing: The therapy promotes better cognitive processing and memory consolidation, helping you to think more clearly and rationally about past events.

  • Promote Emotional Regulation: EMDR therapy fosters emotional regulation and resilience, enabling you to handle stress and emotional triggers more effectively.

EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories are stored in a “frozen” state, making it difficult for the brain to process and integrate them. By using bilateral stimulation, EMDR therapy helps to “unfreeze” these memories, allowing the brain to reprocess and integrate them in a more adaptive way.

EMDR Therapy for Trauma and PTSD

EMDR therapy is a highly effective treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By targeting the root causes of trauma, EMDR therapy can help to:

  • Reduce PTSD Symptoms: EMDR therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

  • Enhance Emotional Regulation: The therapy helps improve your ability to regulate emotions, making it easier to cope with stress and emotional triggers.

  • Improve Sleep Quality: Many individuals experience better sleep quality and reduced anxiety as a result of EMDR therapy.

  • Increase Feelings of Safety and Control: EMDR therapy can help you feel more in control of your emotions and reactions, fostering a sense of safety and stability.

EMDR therapy is particularly effective for treating complex trauma, dissociative disorders, and attachment issues. By working with an EMDR certified therapist, you can develop the skills and strategies needed to manage distressing emotions and memories, promoting a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

What to Expect from EMDR Therapy Sessions

EMDR therapy sessions typically involve a combination of talk therapy and bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. During a session, you can expect to:

  • Discuss Your Goals and Expectations: Your EMDR therapist will start by understanding what you hope to achieve through therapy. This initial conversation helps set the stage for a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

  • Identify and Process Distressing Memories: Together, you’ll identify specific distressing memories or triggers that need to be addressed. This step is crucial for targeting the root causes of your emotional distress.

  • Receive Bilateral Stimulation: Using techniques like eye movements, tapping, or handheld buzzers, your therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation. This process helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge.

  • Take Breaks to Process and Integrate: Throughout the session, you’ll take breaks to process and integrate new information. These pauses are essential for allowing your brain to absorb and adapt to the changes.

  • Develop Coping Skills and Strategies: Your therapist will also help you develop coping skills and strategies to manage distressing emotions and memories. These tools are invaluable for maintaining emotional stability between sessions.

It’s essential to find an EMDR certified therapist who has the clinical expertise and experience to guide you through the therapy process. A good EMDR therapist will work with you to create a safe and supportive environment, helping you to feel comfortable and empowered throughout the process.

Why choose Action Growth Therapy for EMDR in San Diego County

Here are a few reasons to consider partnering with Action Growth Therapy for your EMDR treatment.

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  • I collaborate with my clients to create a customized experience. You're a unique individual, so I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. While EMDR is a structured form of therapy, we'll still customize your experience to fit your specific needs, values, and goals.

  • I focus on the therapeutic relationship. I see our connection as an opportunity for you to feel seen, heard, and supported. Therapy is a vulnerable process, and you deserve a healing space that's warm and nonjudgmental. I strive to cultivate that environment with each person I work with.

  • I specialize in working with athletes. Athletes aren't immune to mental health challenges. I have extensive experience working with athletes at all levels, including collegiate athletes, semi-pro athletes, and retired athletes. Together, we'll work through whatever is holding you back.

Sound like we might be a good fit? Reach out to get started.

 FAQs about EMDr therapy

  • According to the Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA), EMDR therapy can effectively treat many different issues, including:

    • Depression

    • Anxiety

    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

    • Substance use disorders

    • Chronic pain

    • Difficult live experiences

    ...and more. There's also evidence to suggest that it can be helpful in treating eating disorders.

  • Overall, EMDR is a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of mental health challenges. However, it's important to know that this approach requires you to relive disturbing memories, which can be highly triggering for some people.

    While I'll be here to support you through the whole process, it's important to carefully consider whether you're in a good place for this kind of work. If other situations in your life are making it difficult to be fully present for your personal growth, it might not be the right time to pursue EMDR therapy.

    If you're not sure whether EMDR counseling is the right fit for you, I encourage you to schedule a free consultation to discuss your concerns.

  • Research shows that EMDR therapy is a highly effective treatment for trauma symptoms, such as flashbacks and panic attacks. This approach has been studied for decades, and it's recommended by groups like the World Health Organization (WHO).

    At this same time, it's not the only way to heal from challenging life experiences. I also use techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused therapy to help people work through their challenges. Other therapists might use different approaches, like emotionally focused therapy or cognitive processing therapy.

    Therapy is a highly personal decision, so it's important to look into your options and decide which approach is right for you.

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Find a new path forward with EMDR therapy.

Ready to break free from whatever is holding you back? I'm here for you. I help people in and around the San Diego, CA area both online and in my office in Encinitas. I look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on your journey!