EMDR Therapy San Diego | Trauma-Informed EMDR Therapists
A structured, evidence‑based approach to healing trauma, anxiety, and negative core beliefs.
Therapy That Goes Beyond Coping
If you’ve tried therapy before but still feel stuck—emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in old patterns—EMDR therapy may help you access deeper healing.
At Cove Counseling Group, we provide EMDR therapy for adults seeking more than symptom management. Our work is grounded in trauma-informed care, nervous system safety, and a belief that healing happens when the whole person is understood—not rushed.
We offer EMDR therapy in San Diego and online throughout California.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is an alternative to traditional talk therapy that has been scientifically proven to help individuals heal from trauma, reduce anxiety and depression, facilitate grief and regain a sense of emotional balance and safety.
EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess memories that were stored during times of distress or threat. These experiences can continue to shape emotions, beliefs, and reactions long after the event has passed.
EMDR is effective because it works with and targets the nervous system to reduce emotional intensity and shift patterns that keep you feeling stuck.
What EMDR Can Help With
Trauma and complex trauma
Anxiety and chronic emotional overwhelm
Attachment and relationship wounds
Distressing memories or life events
Negative self-beliefs rooted in past experiences
Many clients report feeling more grounded, emotionally resilient, and internally aligned as therapy progresses.
How does EMDR therapy work?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps to reprocess and clear distressing memories by stimulating both sides of the brain including rapid eye movement (bilateral stimulation). Bilateral stimulation reduces the emotional charge of these memories, allowing for healthier emotional responses and beliefs.
Many clients find EMDR to be transformative, helping them overcome long-standing issues and move forward with greater peace and resilience.
Key benefits: short-term treatment, non-invasive, research backed approach
Interested in learning more? Visit EMDR International Association’s website here!
Backed by Research and Trusted Internationally
EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective, evidence‑based treatment for trauma and related conditions. It has been extensively researched and is recommended by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of trauma and PTSD.
Research shows that EMDR can help reduce distress related to traumatic memories, support emotional regulation, and create lasting change without requiring prolonged retelling of traumatic events. Ongoing research continues to support its use for anxiety, negative self‑beliefs, and relational trauma.
Our Approach to EMDR
At Cove Counseling Group, EMDR is integrated into a broader, trauma‑informed approach to care.
Your therapist will:
Take time to build safety and trust
Ensure you have grounding and regulation tools
Move at a pace that feels manageable
Use EMDR as part of an individualized treatment plan
Not every client needs EMDR, and not every stage of therapy involves processing work. We prioritize readiness, consent, and collaboration.
What to expect in an EMDR therapy session with us
With EMDR, we move at a pace that makes sense for you. The number of sessions and overall process depend on your history, goals, and readiness—we never rush trauma work.
EMDR follows an evidence-based eight-phase protocol. In the first phases, your therapist will get to know you, gather relevant history, clarify goals, and help you build tools to feel grounded and supported before reprocessing begins.
In later phases, you and your therapist will work with specific memories identified earlier using bilateral stimulation to support healing and integration. Bilateral stimulation may include eye movements, tactile stimulation, or auditory tones.
Throughout the process, you remain present, in control, and able to pause or adjust at any time. Our focus is creating safety, supporting your nervous system, and helping distressing memories lose their emotional intensity.
FAQs About EMDR Therapy
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No. One of the benefits of EMDR is that you don’t have to go into the full story of what happened. Your therapist will guide you in a way that feels safe and manageable, often focusing more on the feelings and body responses than on retelling the event.
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It varies for from client to client. Some clients notice a shift in a few sessions, while others with complex trauma may need longer-term support. Your therapist will tailor the pace to your nervous system, needs, and goals.
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EMDR is safe when done by a trained, trauma-informed therapist. At Cove Counseling Group, we take time to build a foundation of trust, emotional safety, and resourcing before beginning any reprocessing work. If EMDR isn’t a good fit for you right away, we’ll use other tools until you feel ready.
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Schedule a free consultation with one of our trauma-informed EMDR therapists. We’ll help you explore whether EMDR is the right fit and answer any questions you may have.
Begin EMDR Therapy in San Diego
At Cove Counseling Group, we offer in-person therapy in San Diego for individuals who value genuine, face-to-face connection in a calming and supportive environment.
Our office is conveniently located in Mission Valley, San Diego — just minutes from North Park, University Heights, Hillcrest, and surrounding neighborhoods. You can easily find us on Google Maps and discover a peaceful space designed for healing and reflection.
Offering EMDR across California
In addition to in-person sessions, we provide EMDR therapy throughout California via secure telehealth.
Our clinicians are experienced in delivering effective, trauma-informed EMDR online and use reliable, HIPAA-compliant technology to support deep, focused work—allowing clients across California to access specialized care from the comfort and privacy of their own space.
Meet Our California Based Trauma-Informed Therapists
At Cove Counseling Group, all of our therapists are trauma-informed. Each brings a unique approach, but all share a commitment to helping you feel safe, seen, and supported.
Leah Aguirre, Barnes LCSW
Diana Rabban, LCSW
Laura McLean, LMFT
Rachel Bennett, LCSW
Tara D’Mello, LMFT
