Who are the Best EMDR Therapists in California?

I'm Allison Barton, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I specialize in helping perfectionists and high-achieving women resolve trauma and reduce anxiety. In my experience, women who have experienced trauma often don't think what they experienced was "that bad" but the effects of the trauma continue to manifest in behaviors that are making life difficult, like striving for perfect, doing everything for everyone, and burning themselves out. Trauma also affects the way women think about themselves, including "I am not good enough" or "I have to be perfect in order to be worthy." If this resonates with you, schedule a consultation call to see if I'm the right therapist for you.

7 of the best EMDR therapists in California

You've probably heard a lot about EMDR and are anxious to begin your own EMDR journey. You want a therapist who has the clinical experience to guide you towards creating meaningful change in your life. There are circumstances where I may not be the right therapist for you- and that's okay!

You need to find someone you can form a strong therapeutic relationship with in order to heal from traumatic experiences. Maybe you're looking for a therapist of color who understands your lived experience more than I can. Maybe you're interested in a mix of EMDR and faith based counseling. Maybe you're more comfortable navigating healing while speaking in Spanish. There are certainly reasons why you may be seeking EMDR therapy in California and I'm not the right fit for you. However, I know that seeking therapy by searching the internet for "emdr therapist California" or "eye movement desensitization reprocessing" can feel overwhelming because you don't know much about the mental health professionals you find in those searches. Keep reading for 7 of the best California therapists in the mental health field who offer EMDR and can guide you on your transformative journey.

1. Allison Barton, EMDR Therapy for Perfectionists

Allison Barton is certified in EMDR and specializes in working with perfectionists and high-achieving women. She focuses on reducing PTSD symptoms, anxiety and perfectionism by identifying negative beliefs that are keeping them stuck and healing them through EMDR. Allison is skilled in helping clients work through mental health challenges in a non-judgmental space so clients can live a more balanced life.

Credentials:

1. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) – California

2. Certified EMDR Practitioner/Therapist

• Clientele: Individuals and Adults (primarily women)

• Location: 1455 Frazee Rd, Suite 500, San Diego, CA 92108

• Virtual Therapy: Yes

2. Yuki Shida, EMDR for AAPI Clients

Yuki Shida offers EMDR therapy to support clients in healing from trauma, with a special focus on Asian American individuals. She helps clients work through shame related to their past, regain control over overwhelming emotional reactions, and heal trauma that affects their present lives. Yuki creates a safe, culturally sensitive space where clients can move toward greater peace and empowerment.

• Credentials: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT #126500) in California

• Clientele: Individuals (primarily adults)

• Location: Irvine, California

• Virtual Therapy: Yes

3. Lauren Spinelli, EMDR and Walk-and-Talk Therapy

Lauren Spinelli is passionate about supporting women as they overcome anxiety, navigate life transitions, and heal from trauma. She specializes in EMDR therapy, guiding clients through healing their trauma so they can move forward and build more fulfilling, empowered lives. Lauren utilizes walk and talk therapy to infuse the benefits of being outside, light exercise, and psychotherapy.

• Credentials:

1. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – California, License #82862

2. Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health (Boston College)

• Clientele: Adults, teens, children

• Location: San Diego, CA 92109

• Virtual Therapy: Yes

4. Nicole Braswell, EMDR for Breakups, English/Spanish Speaking

Nicole Braswell is a Latina therapist who specializes in utilizing EMDR and IFS therapy to help her clients heal from break ups. Nicole helps clients release the emotional weight of past experiences so they can feel grounded and confident in themselves and in new relationships. Nicole is bilingual in English and Spanish, so if you prefer to process your trauma in Spanish, you won't experience language barriers.

• Credentials:

1. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #111271) in California

2. Trained in EMDR, Attachment-based therapy, IFS, Trauma-informed approaches

• Clientele: Individuals (adults only)

• Location:

1. 2436 E 4th St #3521, Long Beach, CA 90814

2. 3701 Long Beach Blvd, Suite 3003, Long Beach, CA 90807

• Virtual Therapy: Yes

5. Mia Turner, EMDR for Neurodivergent and BIPOC Individuals

Mia Turner specializes in neurodivergence and culturally specific, trauma-informed therapy. Her work is rooted in client's strengths, collaborative, and she integrates EMDR in her work tailored to each individual client. She offers culturally specific treatment to offer emotional support to her clients who aim to unify their mind, body, and spirit.

• Credentials:

1. Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT #124914) in California

2. Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a MFT concentration from the Wright Institute, Berkeley

3. Autism Clinical Specialist & Neurodiversity-affirming EMDR specialist

4. Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT‑200), trained in psychedelic-assisted and ketamine-assisted therapies

• Clientele:

1. Individuals (teens & adults)

2. BIPOC, neurodivergent, disabled, LGBTQIA2S+, and neurodiverse communities

• Location: Oakland, CA 94609

• Virtual Therapy: Yes

6. Taylor Rodriguez, EMDR and Faith Based Counseling

Taylor Rodriguez specializes in Christian Therapy and EMDR, integrating faith-based perspectives into healing trauma. She uses a strengths-based approach to help clients recognize and build on the inner resources and resilience they may not readily see in themselves. Taylor creates a compassionate space where spirituality and therapy come together to support lasting change for her clients.

• Credentials:

1. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, CA #119336; also licensed in Missouri)

2. Master of Social Work from Union University (2018); Bachelor’s in Family Psychology from Williams Baptist University (2016)

3. Trained in EMDR (pursuing certification); specializing in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, women’s issues

• Clientele: Individuals (teens & adults)

• Location: San Bernardino, CA 92404

• Virtual Therapy: Yes

7. Alisa Young, EMDR for College Students and Queer Individuals

Alisa Young excels in working with college students and young professionals using EMDR. She is able to identify creative solutions that help her clients manage stress, work through identity issues, and navigate life transitions. She understands the unique stress young adults experience with all things "adulting" and competently walks alongside her clients to help them become their best, authentic self.

• Credentials:

1. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California (CA #115163) and Florida (TPSW3934)

2. Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Southern California (2019); in practice for ~6 years

• Clientele: Individuals (teens, college-aged, young adults under 35)

• Location: Los Angeles, CA

• Virtual Therapy: Yes

FAQs about EMDR therapy

• What is EMDR therapy, and how does it work?

  EMDR works by utilizing bilateral stimulation, stimulating both sides of your brain through eye movements or other techniques, to reduce emotional distress and heal past wounds. EMDR has 8 phases that guide clients through creating sustainable coping resources, processing childhood trauma, and installing positive beliefs. EMDR reduces negative body sensations that can be associated with intense feelings, including pain, tightness, tension, or anxiety.

  EMDR treatment is different from other treatment modalities including traditional talk therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or trauma focused CBT. EMDR allows the client to process through distressing memories without endlessly talking about them. While each of these modalities are evidenced based techniques that can lead to emotional healing, EMDR therapy is different. EMDR starts with focusing on the body and the nervous system, helping clients process through physical sensations and emotional responses, rather than focusing only on cognitive aspects of issues.

• What disorder is EMDR most commonly used to treat?

  EMDR was initially developed to reduce post traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Many individuals who experience a traumatic events or unresolved trauma from childhood also experience low self-esteem, self-doubt, and other life challenges, which EMDR is highly effective at treating.

  While EMDR absolutely reduces post traumatic symptoms and heals traumatic memories, it has also been found to be highly effective in reducing anxiety, reducig depression, and leading to self discovery that can change the way clients view themselves. EMDR can also reduce postpartum depression by working through difficulties associated with this new period in life. This modality can also be used to aid in managing life transitions, personal growth, and creating a more fulfilling life. EMDR can even aid in resolving relationship issues by helping one or both people in the relationship work through negative beliefs they hold about themselves that are preventing the relationship from feeling healthy. EMDR is one of the main evidence-based approaches that provides significant improvements to individuals' lives without taking years to talk through past trauma.

• Who is EMDR not appropriate for?

  While I have seen EMDR offer amazing healing results to my clients , the modality is not appropriate for everyone. With any therapist who is trauma-informed, you will not be asked to immediately begin processing your trauma without creating internal resources, strong coping skills, and identifying a support system outside of the therapy room. This is because trauma treatment is difficult and a therapist's first job is to create a safe space for you to experience the EMDR process. Some conditions are not appropriate for EMDR therapy or would require more extensive preparation before beginning EMDR, including:

  Active Substance Abuse

  You cannot safely and effectively process trauma if you are not sober so working on alternative healthy coping skills is often a recommended first step. However, studies have shown that you do not have to be completely clean or sober for EMDR to be effective. Each therapist will have boundaries around active substance use disorders and my personal boundary is that clients need to be sober during the therapy session.

  Severe Dissociation or Poor Grounding Skills

  Individuals who experience severe dissociation would need to first work on creating and maintaining grounding skills prior to engaging in the process of EMDR. This is because EMDR requires a person to maintain dual awareness of their trauma and the present moment, which is difficult to do with severe dissociation symptoms.

  Severe or Uncontrolled Mental Health Conditions

  Individuals who experience severe mental health conditions like hallucinations, delusions, severe suicidal ideation, or severe issues with emotional regulation will likely not benefit from EMDR due to the lack of stability they possess. It is important to stabilize clients first before embarking on an intensive form of therapy.

  Domestic Violence

  EMDR is not recommended for a person currently in an abusive relationship due to the lack of safety in the person's life. EMDR is an intensive form of therapy so it is recommended to first work on helping a client seek a safe and stable environment before beginning EMDR.

  Complex Trauma Without Adequate Preparation

  For clients with a complex trauma history, extended preparation may be necessary before beginning EMDR processing in order to maintain stability for the individual. Learning to create resources and a support system are part of trauma healing and are necessary before beginning the processing phase of EMDR.

  It is important to note that EMDR is not dangerous but it is intense and a good therapist will not guide you through an intense process without adequate preparation. After reading through this list, if you are unsure if you are a good candidate for EMDR therapy, reach out for an initial consultation and I can advise you based on your individual circumstances.

Start working with a California EMDR therapist today

EMDR is a transformative, evidenced based practice that guides clients towards healing from various mental health disorders. At Allison Barton Therapy, I specialize in working with perfectionists and high-achieving women to heal past trauma, create new positive beliefs, and help my clients achieve their goals. If you're interested in working directly with me, reach out to schedule an initial consultation. If I'm not the right fit for you, reach out to one of the other amazing California therapists listed in this article to start your healing journey.