FAQ For EMDR For Trauma Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma treatment designed to help the brain process and heal unprocessed traumatic memories that can cause ongoing distress, PTSD symptoms, and emotional overwhelm.

It works by facilitating bilateral stimulation (through eye movements, tactile taps, or auditory tones) while the client focuses on the traumatic memory, allowing the brain to resolve the stuck emotional response surrounding the memory. 

Unlike traditional psychotherapy, EMDR does not require clients to talk in detail about their traumatic experiences or do homework between sessions.

Rather than changing thoughts or emotions directly, EMDR enables the brain’s natural healing processes to resume, often resulting in faster resolution of trauma symptoms and reduced emotional distress. 

Individuals experiencing trauma symptoms – including PTSD, anxiety, overwhelming stress responses, or lingering effects of distressing past events –  can benefit from EMDR. It is also helpful for those dealing with:

• Persistent triggers or intrusive memories,
• Emotional responses that feel “stuck” or repetitive,
• Trauma related to relationships, attachment, or abuse. 

Yes. Trauma doesn’t have to be a single dramatic incident – a series of emotional hurt, adverse childhood experiences, attachment wounds, or relationship related trauma can leave unprocessed memories in the brain.

EMDR is effective for both “big-T” trauma and the cumulative effects of difficult life experiences.

Todd begins by building a trusting, safe connection and discussing your goals. He assesses your coping resources to ensure you are prepared emotionally and can undergo EMDR safely.
During an EMDR session with Todd, you may be guided to recall a specific memory or feeling while attending to a bilateral stimulus (eye movement, sound, or tactile feedback). Over time, this supports your brain in reprocessing the memory – keeping the memory but removing the intense emotional reaction to it. Progress is monitored and adjusted as needed. 

No, one of the strengths of EMDR is that it does not require detailed verbal recounting of trauma. Instead, the process focuses on re-processing the traumatic memory neurologically rather than narratively. 

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

The number of EMDR sessions that someone needs really varies by individual, depending on factors like:

• The nature and complexity of the trauma(s),
• Personal readiness,
• Progress seen over time.
  Many clients experience significant relief in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy alone. 

Todd works with you to communicate expectations about the EMDR process and what your personal journey with the therapy might look like.

Yes. EMDR is recognized by major mental health organizations including the American Psychiatric Association and WHO, as an effective trauma treatment and has extensive research supporting its use for PTSD and trauma responses. 

As an experienced relationship therapist, Todd has seen trauma arise from a variety of situations, events and relationships.  Common signs that trauma might be impacting your life include:

• Persistent anxiety or hypervigilance,
• Recurring intrusive thoughts or images,
• Avoidance of triggers,
• Emotional overwhelm or panic,
• Relationship struggles linked to past experiences. 

EMDR does not erase memories. Instead, it helps the brain process and integrate them so that they no longer trigger overwhelming stress responses. You may remember the event, but its emotional intensity and its impact on daily life are greatly reduced. 

While EMDR is effective for many, a skilled therapist like Todd will first assess your internal coping resources before starting EMDR to ensure safety and preparedness. In some cases, preparatory work may be done to help clients manage emotions and build resilience before processing traumatic memories. 

Todd Creager is an EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, trained in EMDR and experienced in trauma, relationships, and healing interventions. He serves clients from his Huntington Beach, CA practice, including individuals from Long Beach, Irvine, Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, and beyond. 

Todd combines his extensive experience as a therapist with a strengths-based, empathetic method to help clients:

• Build inner resources,
• Process trauma safely and effectively,
• Reduce reactivity to triggers,
• Gain tools for future stressors,
• Achieve lasting emotional freedom. 

To begin, you can contact Todd by phone or email to schedule a first session. His practice is located at 16052 Beach Blvd., Suite 214, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.