If you've been asking what is EMDR and whether it could help you here in Yuba City, you're in the right place. EMDR is one of the most effective therapies available for trauma and painful memories — but the name and the science can sound intimidating at first. This guide explains what EMDR is in simple, everyday language, so you can understand it without a psychology degree. At Everyday Counts Therapy Services, we believe understanding your options is the first step toward healing.
What Is EMDR, Exactly?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. That's a mouthful, so let's break it down simply: EMDR is a type of therapy that helps your brain heal from upsetting memories, in much the same way your body heals from a physical wound.
Here's the simplest way to think about it. When something painful or frightening happens, your brain usually processes it over time until it becomes a normal memory — something you can recall without falling apart. But sometimes a memory gets "stuck" and never fully processes. It stays raw, and it can keep causing anxiety, fear, or distress long afterward. EMDR gently helps your brain finish processing those stuck memories.
How Does EMDR Actually Work?
During an EMDR session, your therapist asks you to briefly bring a difficult memory to mind. At the same time, you'll do something called bilateral stimulation — which usually means moving your eyes side to side, tapping alternately on your knees, or listening to tones that alternate between your ears.
This might sound unusual, but this back-and-forth stimulation seems to help the brain reprocess the memory — a bit like what happens naturally during dream sleep. Bit by bit, the memory loses its sting. You'll still remember what happened, but it stops hurting the way it used to.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR was first created to treat trauma and PTSD, and it remains one of the best treatments for those. But it can also help with anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, low self-esteem, and the lasting effects of difficult childhood experiences. If a memory or emotional pattern keeps getting in your way, EMDR may be able to help.
Want to go deeper? Our detailed guide explains how EMDR therapy works and how it can help you heal. You can also learn about related support for trauma and abuse and complex PTSD.
EMDR is available right here in Yuba City. Everyday Counts Therapy Services offers EMDR at two local offices and virtually — so you can get this care in whatever way works best for your life.
Ready to Learn More About EMDR in Yuba City?
Understanding what EMDR is marks the beginning. If you think it might help you, the next step is a simple, no-pressure conversation with a caring therapist. At Everyday Counts, our team brings 20 years of experience and a warm, judgment-free approach to every session.
Have questions about whether EMDR could help you?
Everyday Counts Therapy Services offers EMDR in Yuba City — in person and online. New clients welcome.
Serving Yuba City and the Greater Sutter County Area
Everyday Counts Therapy Services offers EMDR to clients throughout Yuba City, Marysville, Linda, Olivehurst, Live Oak, and the broader Sacramento Valley. Reach out today.
Everyday Counts Therapy Services · 1445 Butte House Road, Suite A & 1007 Live Oak Blvd, Suite B-1 · Yuba City, CA 95993 · (530) 770-1242 · Most insurance accepted · In-person & virtual sessions available.
If you or someone you know is in a life-threatening or urgent situation, please call 911 or the 24-hour Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health crisis line at 888-923-3800.
