What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps individuals process distressing experiences by working with how the brain stores and responds to difficult memories, rather than relying only on talk therapy.

Is EMDR appropriate for teens?

Yes, EMDR can be adapted to be developmentally appropriate for adolescents, helping them safely process difficult experiences while building emotional regulation and resilience.

How does EMDR help with emotional regulation?

EMDR works with the nervous system to reduce the intensity of distressing memories, helping individuals feel calmer, more regulated, and less reactive in daily life.

What makes EMDR different from traditional therapy?

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on how the brain processes and stores memories, allowing individuals to resolve distress at a neurological level rather than only discussing it.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Evidence-based therapy for young adults in Los Angeles navigating trauma, anxiety, distressing experiences, and emotional patterns that can be difficult to move past.

Sometimes you know something is in the past, but your mind and body still respond as though it isn’t. Certain situations may bring up anxiety, fear, shame, intrusive memories, or reactions that feel stronger than you want them to.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps the brain process distressing experiences so they feel less emotionally intense and have less influence over how you feel and respond in the present.

At Kincove, EMDR is paced around your needs and readiness and can be provided on its own or incorporated into ongoing therapy.

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When EMDR Can Help

EMDR may be helpful when past experiences continue to affect how you feel, think, or respond in the present.

EMDR can be used to address:

Trauma or distressing experiences
Anxiety, fears, and phobias
Intrusive memories or thoughts
Grief and loss
Bullying, rejection, or difficult relationship experiences
Medical experiences, accidents, or injuries
Negative beliefs about yourself connected to past experiences

You do not need to have experienced a single major trauma for EMDR to be helpful. Your therapist will work with you to understand what you’re experiencing and whether EMDR is the right fit.

What EMDR Looks Like

1. Building Safety & Understanding

Your therapist first gets to know you, understands what you’ve been experiencing, and helps you develop ways to manage difficult emotions and feel grounded before processing begins.

You’ll know what to expect and move forward at a pace that feels manageable.

2. Identifying What Feels Stuck

Together, you identify memories, situations, thoughts, or emotional responses that may still be affecting you in the present.

This may involve a specific experience or a pattern of experiences that has shaped how you see yourself, relate to others, or respond in certain situations.

3. Processing With EMDR

When you’re ready, your therapist uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating tapping, while helping you process the thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations connected to the experience.

You remain in control throughout the process and can pause at any time.

4. Checking Progress

Over time, your therapist looks for changes in distress, reactions, beliefs, and behaviors connected to the experience.

Treatment is adjusted based on how you respond rather than following a set pace.

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