Several years ago, I scoffed when colleagues at my peer consultation group decided to seek training in EMDR therapy. I felt so much better than them that I didn’t do EMDR. I thought EMDR was some new-fangled thing that people were paying thousands of dollars to train in but that it didn’t have the depth to it and didn't work.

As with most things in my life, whenever I say that I won’t train in something, I usually go and train in that very thing a few years later. (It happened with Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy and here with EMDR). I ended up getting the training when Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy was only offered as in-person training. So it was put on pause as the pandemic started and everything went virtual.

Curiosity and Training in EMDR

I was a little more intrigued learning that EMDR asks people about their feelings and asks about their bodily experiences. So I decided to go for the training myself and see if it could be of help to my clinical work. I was very annoyed when I learned that it really did help. It helps people feel better than when they came in and often in less time than talk therapy. An added bonus is that the method works without having to talk through details of the painful event or experience. I never thought I’d say this, but I LOVE EMDR. What I love about EMDR are its structure and its flexibility and that it works.

Since I first learned about EMDR and how to provide this therapy modality way back in the early pandemic, I’ve been reading all sorts of articles about it. Trying to increase my knowledge. I recently listened to an excellent podcast episode on EMDR and found it incredibly helpful to share a bit more about the Waves’ style of EMDR.

Unique Approaches in EMDR Therapy

One of the podcast hosts, Curt Widhalm, LMFT, said that everyone who provides EMDR therapy as well as a therapist is both a great therapist and has their own spin on EMDR. He spoke about how the training to be an EMDR therapist is similar in some ways. In that, everyone learns the 8 phases or stages of EMDR but is different in how they present the ideas.

Integrating Personal Perspectives in EMDR

As I come into my own as an EMDR therapist, I’ve noticed more of my perspective of providing EMDR that I want to share here. When I work with a client, I am at once, unequivocally on the side of “do no harm,” while being the most feminist, neurodiversity, queer, trans, poly, and kink-affirming therapist that I can be, and while being warm and welcoming and integrating Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist which includes body awareness, knowledge, and connection into my / our work. I continue these perspectives even while providing EMDR.

Ready to Start EMDR Therapy in San Diego, CA?

If you're ready to embark on a transformative journey towards healing from anxiety, trauma, depression, stress, and more, Waves Psych invites you to experience EMDR therapy in a safe, affirming space. Our dedicated team, committed to the values of inclusivity and understanding, is here to guide you through the therapeutic process with a queer and trans-affirming approach. Take the first step towards reclaiming your well-being and let us be your partners on the path to resilience and empowerment. Follow these three simple steps to get started:

1. Contact us to schedule an appointment and to see if EMDR Therapy is right for you

2. Meet with a skilled EMDR therapist during your session

3. Begin healing in a safe affirming space at Waves!

Other Services Offered at Waves

At Waves Psych, we want to help you however we can. So, in addition to helping you manage your mental health in a safe affirming space 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!