EMDR Therapy in Bakersfield, CA

Dr. Judith Brannon, PhD, LMFT, is a trained EMDR therapist in Bakersfield, CA, specializing in trauma recovery using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR therapy helps you process traumatic memories, PTSD, grief, and emotional wounds without having to talk through every painful detail. Sessions are available in-person in Bakersfield and via telehealth throughout California.

Trauma doesn’t always look like what you’d expect. You don’t need to have experienced a dramatic event to carry emotional wounds that shape how you feel, react, and relate to others. Sometimes it’s the accumulation of smaller hurts — criticism that became your inner voice, a loss you never fully grieved, a time you felt unsafe and had no one to turn to.

If you find yourself reacting strongly to situations that seem minor, feeling stuck in patterns you can’t explain, or carrying emotional weight that talk therapy alone hasn’t fully resolved, EMDR may be the approach that helps you finally move forward.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy developed specifically for processing traumatic and distressing memories. It’s recommended by the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association as a leading treatment for PTSD and trauma.

During EMDR sessions, you’ll focus on a specific memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements, though tapping or auditory tones can also be used. This process helps your brain reprocess the memory so it no longer triggers the same intense emotional or physical reaction.

The key difference between EMDR and traditional talk therapy is that EMDR doesn’t require you to describe the traumatic event in extensive detail. Many clients find this makes it easier to address experiences they’ve avoided talking about for years.

Signs EMDR Therapy May Help You

EMDR may be a good fit if you’re experiencing:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories of a traumatic event
• Nightmares or disturbed sleep related to past experiences
• Emotional triggers that seem disproportionate to the current situation
• Hypervigilance — always feeling on guard or scanning for danger
• Avoidance of places, people, or situations that remind you of past trauma
• Grief that hasn’t softened over time
• Negative beliefs about yourself that you can trace back to specific experiences
• Anxiety or depression that hasn’t fully responded to talk therapy alone

How EMDR Therapy Works

EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase protocol designed to help you safely process distressing memories and replace negative self-beliefs with healthier ones.

Preparation: We start by building trust and ensuring you have coping tools in place before processing begins. You’ll never be pushed into anything before you’re ready.

Assessment: Together, we identify the specific memories and beliefs to target, as well as the positive beliefs you’d like to hold instead.

Desensitization and reprocessing: Using bilateral stimulation (guided eye movements), you’ll process the targeted memory while your brain naturally moves toward resolution. Many people describe the experience as “watching a movie” of the memory rather than reliving it.

Integration: We strengthen the positive beliefs and ensure the processing feels complete. Most clients notice a significant reduction in the emotional charge of the memory after just a few sessions.

What EMDR Sessions Are Like

We begin with a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your experiences and determine whether EMDR is the right approach for you.

The first one to two full sessions focus on your history, building your coping toolkit, and identifying the memories we’ll work on. Active EMDR processing typically begins in session two or three.

Each processing session is 50 minutes. You’ll be guided through the bilateral stimulation while focusing on the target memory. Between sets of eye movements, we’ll check in on what’s coming up for you. The pace is always collaborative — you’re in control of the process.

In-Person in Bakersfield or Online Across California

EMDR therapy is available in-person at the Bakersfield office (2020 Eye Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301) and through HIPAA-compliant telehealth across California. Virtual EMDR sessions use adapted techniques that are just as effective as in-person processing for most clients.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — while you focus on a distressing memory. This helps your brain reprocess the memory so it no longer triggers intense emotional or physical reactions. It’s backed by extensive research for treating PTSD and trauma.

What does EMDR feel like?

Most people describe EMDR as emotionally intense but not overwhelming. You may notice the memory becoming less vivid or emotionally charged during the session. Some people feel tired afterward, while others feel a sense of relief. Dr. Brannon ensures you have coping tools in place before any processing begins.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the complexity of the trauma. A single traumatic event may resolve in 3 to 6 sessions of active processing. More complex or long-standing trauma may require a longer course of treatment. We’ll discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.

Is EMDR effective for PTSD?

Yes. EMDR is one of the most extensively researched treatments for PTSD. The World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs all recommend EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.

Can EMDR be done through telehealth?

Yes. Adapted EMDR techniques using visual, auditory, or tactile bilateral stimulation are effective through secure video sessions. Learn more about online therapy in California.

Related Services

Trauma often co-occurs with anxiety and depression. You may also be interested in anxiety therapy, depression therapy, or therapy for grief and life transitions. All services are available online throughout California.