EMDR Therapy is one of Waves’ newest modalities. We are proud and excited to offer it to the community in a queer and trans-affirming way.

Exploring EMDR Therapy

Abi began studying EMDR in 2020 to help clients for whom talk therapy wasn’t moving them forward in their goals. It was early in the pandemic and Abi noticed that many clients in talk therapy dissecting a topic from each angle in the hopes that if they spoke about it enough and addressed each part of it, they could move forward and let go of whatever was troubling them.

Unfortunately, talking was helpful for a time but then, stopped moving the person forward in their goals. Instead, people began to repeat themselves in session. Together, we noticed that no matter how we talked out the different perspectives, people did not change their behavior. They learned a lot about why they did something but people still felt stuck. It wasn’t from lack of trying.

Abi thought that Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy would help move people toward their goals. Turning to one's body was starting to help people. Unfortunately, in 2020, access to learning about Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy stopped as the teachers tried to figure out how they could make the training switch to an online format. People kept looking for support and wanting to change their lives so, Abi continued to look for more ways to help their clients to heal. In comes EMDR as a possible way to support clients.

Discovering EMDR Therapy

EMDR was being taught online and over the weekends. After the training, clinicians could use what they learned with real live (or virtual) people, and they could continue to work towards expertise. Abi was hopeful and began her training. They attended weekends full of online training, read the books, took the quizzes, and completed the practicum hours.

Practicum hours consist of practice with colleagues and volunteer clients). Abi found that they adored the work and could see its benefit to their client populations. Soon, clients were moving along in their journeys towards health and well-being. Yay! This was what Abi was hoping for.

Looking to the Future: Trauma-Informed EMDR at Waves

Abi decided to go towards the next part of training and reach towards EMDR certification and become an EMDR therapist. They are still in the process, of working towards completing and documenting their 50 sessions of EMDR with 25 different clients. They have completed their hours of consultation, both individual and group. Their group consultation utilized EMDR Therapy with people with postpartum and perinatal mental health concerns.

They continue to attend peer consultations whenever possible as well. They also have one training to take and are planning on taking one on working with ADHDers and autistic clients so they can learn how to best support their neurodivergent clients. As Abi finishes her remaining classes and hours, they will submit their paperwork and wait to find out if they earned their certification. We look forward to being able to provide trauma-informed, queer, and trans-centered EMDR therapy at Waves now and in the future.

Ready to Start EMDR Therapy in San Diego, CA?

Embark on a transformative journey towards healing and empowerment with Waves, a queer and trans-affirming practice committed to your well-being. Discover the profound benefits of EMDR therapy, tailored to navigate the complexities of trauma with sensitivity and inclusivity. Take the courageous step towards reclaiming your narrative – let Waves EMDR Therapists be your guiding light to a resilient, authentic self. Follow these three simple steps to get started:

1. Contact us to schedule an EMDR Therapy appointment

2. Meet with a skilled EMDR therapist during your session

3. Learn to heal from your past trauma in healthy ways!

Other Services Offered at Waves

At Waves Psych, we want to help you however we can. So, in addition to helping you manage your past trauma with EMDR Therapy, our team of therapists offers Grief Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Couples and Chosen Family Therapy, Therapy for ADHD, Therapy for Students, Transgender Support, Kink and BDSM Affirming Therapy, and more! Be sure to check out our FAQs and Blog for more about us and our services!