EMDR Therapy in Carlsbad
EMDR is one of the main trauma therapies at Wings. It helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they lose their hold, without having to retell every detail.
How EMDR helps the brain finish processing trauma
After trauma, a memory can stay stuck, as vivid and alarming as the day it happened. In EMDR, you hold the memory in mind briefly while following eye movements or taps. Over sessions, the memory becomes something that happened, not something still happening.
- No need to describe the trauma in detail
- No homework between sessions
- Grounding skills come first
The eight phases of EMDR
The processing itself is only one part. Preparation and closure keep it safe.
- 1
History and planning
Your therapist learns your story and picks the memories to work on.
- 2
Preparation
Grounding skills first, so you can stay steady during processing.
- 3
Assessment
The memory, the belief it left you with, and how disturbing it feels now.
- 4
Desensitization
Short sets of eye movements or taps while the memory is held in mind.
- 5
Installation
A healthier belief is strengthened in its place.
- 6
Body scan
Checking for tension the memory still holds in the body.
- 7
Closure
Ending each session steady, whatever was processed.
- 8
Reevaluation
The next session starts by checking what has shifted.
EMDR at a more intensive pace than weekly therapy
In residential, you see a trauma therapist twice a week, with your primary therapist and groups in between. That gives EMDR room to work steadily, with support between sessions. EMDR is used when your therapist and your plan include it, and other trauma therapies such as IFS or Brainspotting may be used instead or alongside.
Our clinical approach →Trauma, and what grows out of it
EMDR was developed for trauma, and it also helps when anxiety or depression grows out of past experiences. Your therapist decides with you whether it fits.
PTSD
After a specific event: an assault, an accident, combat or a call on duty.
Complex trauma
Trauma that went on for months or years, often in childhood or a relationship.
Anxiety and panic
When fear is tied to past experiences rather than present danger.
Depression rooted in trauma
Low mood that keeps returning because what is underneath was never treated.
Wings works with many PPO insurance plans
Admissions verifies your benefits before admission, free and confidential. For Medi-Cal or Medicare, admissions can point you to programs that accept them.
Questions about EMDR
What it is, what you share, intensives, anxiety and fit.
Don't see your question?
Admissions answers calls 9 a.m.–5 p.m., seven days a week. Calls are confidential.
Call(760) 388-6369Visits, phones, what to bring and more in the admissions FAQ →All the ways to reach Wings →How many EMDR sessions will I have?
It depends on what you are working on and how you respond. In residential you see a trauma therapist twice a week, so EMDR can move at a steadier pace than weekly outpatient sessions.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
EMDR does not require describing what happened in detail, and there is no homework between sessions.
Does Wings offer EMDR in Carlsbad?
Yes. Wings therapists are trained in EMDR, and it is used in residential, PHP and IOP when it fits your plan.
Does Wings offer EMDR intensives?
Residential treatment at Wings includes two trauma therapy sessions a week, plus daily groups, which gives EMDR a more intensive pace than weekly outpatient sessions. Admissions can explain what fits you.
Can EMDR help with anxiety?
Yes, especially when anxiety is tied to past experiences. Your therapist decides with you whether EMDR fits.
Is EMDR right for everyone?
Not always, or not right away. Some people need more stability first, and your therapist may start with grounding skills or another trauma therapy.