EMDR Therapy in Marin County

Transform your relationship with EMDR therapy

EMDR stands out as the most effective treatment for trauma, with an 85% symptom reduction, outperforming CBT (75%) and medication (55%). Unlike medication, which only manages symptoms, EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories for lasting healing. This evidence-based approach allows individuals to experience significant relief in fewer sessions, making it a powerful tool for trauma recovery.

“Changing the memories that form the way we see ourselves also changes the way we view others. Therefore, our relationships, job performance, and what we are willing to do or are able to resist, all move in a positive direction.”
— Francine Shapiro (founder of EMDR)

Healing from the Past, Strengthening Your Future

Emotions, memories, and past experiences shape how we show up in relationships. When unresolved trauma or distressing experiences influence how we connect with our partner, it can create patterns of conflict, emotional disconnection, or distress. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach designed to help individuals and couples process past wounds, reduce emotional reactivity, and foster healthier, more secure relationships.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a structured, research-backed approach that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional intensity. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require extensive discussion of past events; instead, it uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to help the brain reprocess painful memories in a more adaptive way.

For couples, EMDR therapy can be particularly effective in addressing:
- Unresolved trauma from past relationships or childhood experiences
- Emotional triggers that lead to recurring conflicts
- Attachment wounds that impact trust and security
- Betrayal, infidelity, or relationship distress
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD that affects relational well-being

Why is EMDR Therapy Important?

Research has shown that unprocessed trauma can be stored in the nervous system, leading to heightened emotional reactions, avoidance behaviors, and negative relationship patterns. EMDR helps release these stored responses, allowing individuals to feel more present and connected in their relationships.

Multiple studies support the effectiveness of EMDR, including research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, which found that EMDR significantly reduces symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and distress in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy. Additionally, studies in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy highlight the benefits of EMDR in improving emotional regulation, reducing relational conflict, and fostering secure attachment in couples.

How EMDR Can Help Your Relationship

In a relationship, unhealed wounds—whether from childhood, past relationships, or within the partnership itself—can shape emotional reactions and communication patterns. Through EMDR, couples can:

  • Identify and heal emotional triggers that contribute to conflicts

  • Reduce reactivity and increase emotional regulation in difficult conversations

  • Strengthen trust and attachment security by processing past wounds

  • Develop a deeper sense of emotional safety and connection

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

You don’t have to let past experiences dictate your relationship’s future. EMDR therapy offers a path toward healing, allowing you to engage with your partner from a place of calm, clarity, and connection.

If you’re ready to explore how EMDR therapy can support your relationship, we would love to help. Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation.