Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR & How does it work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy is an integrative approach to psychotherapy that has been extensively researched and proven effective for treating trauma. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR therapy is based on the idea that past emotionally charged experiences can impact present emotional and mental well-being.
EMDR therapy involves a structured eight-phase treatment approach:
- History Taking and Treatment Planning: Understanding your background to tailor the therapy to your needs.
- Preparation: Establishing trust and explaining the EMDR process.
- Assessment: Identifying the traumatic memory and the negative beliefs associated with it.
- Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation such as eye movement or audio cues to process the trauma.
- Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs.
- Body Scan: Identifying and resolving somatic responses.
- Closure: Returning to equilibrium after each session.
- Reevaluation: Ensuring all traumatic memories are adequately processed.
EMDR therapy has been proven effective in treating a wide range of psychological issues, particularly those related to trauma. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, grief and loss, and various other types of trauma-related symptoms. Additionally, EMDR therapy has shown promise in addressing issues such as low self-esteem, performance anxiety, and interpersonal difficulties.
Can you do EMDR Therapy online?
Yes, EMDR therapy can be effectively conducted online. As technology continues to improve, more therapists have adapted to online formats, adjusting techniques like eye movements, audio cues, or tapping for virtual sessions. We use a specific software that helps us create the bilateral stimulation that aids in eye movement. It’s user-friendly on computers, phones, or tablets. Your therapist will share more details about the process to easily begin eye movement when the time is right within your treatment sessions.
How are the EMDR Intensives different from traditional EMDR therapy?
EMDR Intensives take a different approach compared to traditional talk therapy. With an intensive, you spend extended time with your therapist, giving you the chance to dive deeper into your healing journey. This concentrated time allows for a more focused effort towards your healing and allows you to make faster progress. Many people find this immersive experience helps them more deeply explore and heal in a safe environment leading to faster and more significant improvements.
How does online therapy work?
Online therapy replicates the experience of an office environment but from the comfort of your own home or office. You’ll receive a session reminder within 24 hours of our scheduled appointment, along with a secure unique link for our video session.
We use a reliable system ensuring privacy protection and a secure and HIPAA-compliant platform. All service consents are electronically signed and stored in our HIPAA-compliant electronic health record.
Do you take insurance?
At this time we do not take insurance. We can, however, provide you with a super bill if your insurance offers out-of-network benefits. Please contact your insurance plan to obtain more details regarding this coverage as well as reimbursement details for super bills provided.
Do you offer sliding scale?
We are committed to decreasing the barriers to access for mental health services. We do reserve a limited amount of slots for clients who need a sliding scale fee. Please discuss this with us during our initial phone consultation to explore further options.
How long is each therapy session?
Individual and Couples therapy sessions are typically 45-50 minutes in length.
Does every therapist offer EMDR therapy?
Yes, all of our therapists offer online EMDR therapy services. EMDR is a fantastic form of therapy with many benefits. If you have questions about how EMDR works, please send us a message.
Do you have bilingual therapists?
Most of our therapists are Spanish speakers. This is important for the work that we do as it allows us to be able to validate experiences from a multicultural standpoint.
How much does therapy cost?
Individual Online EMDR Therapy: Licensed Rate: $185-$250 with sliding scale*
Associate Rate: $160-$170 with sliding scale*
Couples Online Therapy: Licensed Rate: $235-$300 with sliding scale*
Associate Rate: $185-$215 with sliding scale*
Therapy for Victims of Crime: ** If you have victim of crime (CALVCB) benefits, please contact us here.
Immigration Psychological Evaluations: $900-$2,000 depending on type of evaluation
If there is a financial difficulty, please click here to ask about our sliding scale pricing.
Where do you offer in-home sessions?
In-home sessions, within the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, are on an as-needed basis. Please inquire with your preferred therapist. For those in other parts of California or New York, tele-therapy services are available.
Have more questions? Send us a message!
