EMDR THERAPY IN SANTA ROSA, CA & ONLINE ACROSS CALIFORNIA
The support you need to heal trauma, one step at a time
Trauma can leave lasting effects on both your mind and body, whether it stems from a single event or ongoing stress.
Lingering symptoms like anxiety, panic, intrusive memories, or emotional numbness often signal an overwhelmed nervous system in need of healing.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps your brain process and heal from traumatic experiences.
It’s especially effective in treating PTSD, anxiety, and other forms of emotional distress.
Meet your EMDR therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Hi, I’m Jennifer Scott, MA, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist based in Sonoma County. I provide EMDR therapy in my Santa Rosa office and also work with clients online throughout California. My goal is to offer a safe, grounded space where healing can unfold at your own pace.
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Many people come to EMDR after feeling stuck in other forms of therapy—knowing there’s more beneath the surface but unsure how to reach it. EMDR offers a way to gently access and resolve the roots of distress without having to relive every detail.
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My approach is warm, collaborative, and attuned to your unique needs. I’m here to help you reconnect with yourself, feel more present in your life, and move forward with greater ease and resilience.
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If you’re curious about EMDR or wondering whether it’s the right fit for you, I’d be happy to talk more and help you get started.
My Approach to EMDR Therapy
My approach to EMDR is grounded in compassion, clarity, and safety. I know that choosing to do trauma work takes courage, and I don’t take that lightly. From our very first session, my goal is to create a space where you feel respected, supported, and never rushed.
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I integrate EMDR with a trauma-informed lens, which means I always prioritize your sense of control and emotional safety. I will never push you to go faster than your nervous system is ready for. My work is also somatically aware. Because trauma often lives in the body, I help you notice physical cues, such as tightness, breath patterns, or temperature shifts, and gently bring those into the healing process. You don’t need to analyze every sensation, but by noticing them with curiosity, we help your body release what it’s been holding onto.
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I bring warmth, transparency, and real engagement to every session. I am present with you, tracking your responses closely and adjusting as needed. Whether we are meeting in my Santa Rosa office or doing EMDR therapy online, my goal is the same: to help you process what has been stuck, reclaim your sense of agency, and move forward with greater ease and confidence.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is most well-known for treating PTSD, but its uses extend far beyond that. I use EMDR therapy with clients facing a wide range of struggles, including:
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Childhood trauma and abuse
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Anxiety and panic attacks
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Depression and low self-worth
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Medical trauma and health anxiety
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Chronic illness and pain
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Grief and complicated loss
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Relationship trauma and attachment wounds
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Sexual assault or harassment
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Phobias and fears
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Performance anxiety or creative blocks
Many clients come to me after years of traditional talk therapy, feeling like they understand their issues intellectually but are still carrying pain in their bodies. EMDR offers a path to healing that involves not just your mind, but your nervous system.
Ready to get started?
Get in touch with me directly by filling out my contact form. I'd love to hear from you.
EMDR is a structured, research-backed psychotherapy method that uses bilateral stimulation - typically eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones - to help the brain process traumatic or distressing memories. These techniques stimulate both sides of the brain and mimic the natural processing that occurs during REM sleep.
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Trauma memories can get “stuck” in the nervous system, causing you to relive emotions and sensations long after the event is over. EMDR helps unstick these memories so that they can be integrated in a healthy way. This process can reduce emotional intensity and physical symptoms, allowing you to respond to present-day life rather than remaining in survival mode.
How EMDR Works
EMDR therapy consists of eight phases, each designed to support healing at a safe and steady pace:
01
History-taking and treatment planning
We explore your background and identify the issues you want to focus on.
02
Preparation
I’ll teach you tools to stay grounded and emotionally regulated. We’ll establish safety and trust before diving into trauma work.
03
Assessment
We identify specific memories, beliefs, and physical sensations related to your distress.
04
Desensitization
Using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements), we work through distressing memories one layer at a time.
05
Installation
Positive beliefs (such as “I am safe now” or “I am worthy”) are reinforced to replace negative ones.
06
Body Scan
We check for lingering tension or sensations and address them directly.
07
Closure
We ensure each session ends with you feeling grounded and stable.
08
Re-evaluation
We assess your progress and decide what to focus on next.
What to Expect in a Session
A typical EMDR session with me includes:
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Checking in on your current state and any updates since the last session
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Reviewing your coping tools and grounding techniques
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Identifying a target memory or issue to focus on
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Using bilateral stimulation while observing what arises
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Processing thoughts, images, body sensations, and emotions
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Reinforcing positive beliefs and ensuring closure
You don’t need to talk in detail about your trauma unless you want to. EMDR is a powerful tool because it allows your brain to do the work without re-traumatization. You remain in control throughout the session.
After a session, some people feel lighter or more relaxed. Others may feel tired or emotional. These are normal responses as your nervous system begins to release what it has been holding.
Is EMDR Right for You?
You might benefit from EMDR if:
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You feel stuck in old emotional patterns
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You’ve experienced trauma that still affects your daily life
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You have intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks
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You want more than insight—you want transformation
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You’re curious about healing that includes both the mind and the body
EMDR is gentle but powerful. You don’t have to revisit every detail of your trauma to get relief. And you don’t have to do it alone. I will be with you every step of the way, helping you move through the pain with safety, care, and support.
Frequently Asked Questions about
EMDR Therapy
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What Types of Therapy Services Do You Offer?I offer a range of therapy services in Santa Rosa and throughout Sonoma County, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic psychotherapy, and Brainspotting. My integrative approach blends the best of evidence-based techniques and holistic practices to support your healing. Whether you are looking to address trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or life transitions, I tailor therapy to meet your unique needs.
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Who Are Your Ideal Clients?I specialize in working with high-functioning, thoughtful adults over 35 who are seeking depth and transformation. Many of my clients are creative professionals, spiritually curious individuals, or people managing the emotional effects of trauma, chronic pain, and complex or chronic illness. If you are looking for a therapist who is warm, honest, and truly engaged, you may feel right at home here.
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Do You Work With Trauma and Complex PTSD?Yes, trauma work is at the heart of my practice. I specialize in helping clients heal from complex PTSD, developmental trauma, and single-event trauma. Whether you experienced childhood abuse, emotional neglect, medical trauma, or other overwhelming experiences, therapy with me can help you process those wounds safely and compassionately.
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What Should I Expect in the First Therapy Session?The first session is about getting to know you, your story, your struggles, and your hopes for therapy. We will discuss your background, what brought you to therapy, and what you would like to change or explore. I will answer any questions you have about my process, and we will begin building a foundation of trust. Therapy is collaborative; you are in control of the pace, and I am here to walk alongside you.
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Do You Offer Online Therapy in California?Yes, I provide online therapy for residents of California using a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. If you are looking for a Sonoma County therapist but prefer the convenience of remote sessions, online counseling is a flexible, effective option. Online therapy can be especially helpful for those managing chronic illness, busy schedules, or mobility challenges.
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How Long Does Therapy Usually Last?The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and needs. Some clients seek short-term support for specific issues, while others benefit from longer-term, in-depth work. On average, clients start noticing meaningful changes within 8 to 12 sessions. Therapy is a personal journey, and we will collaborate to decide what timeline feels right for you.
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How Can I Get Started With Therapy?Starting therapy is simple. You can Contact Me through the website or call 707-266-6471 to schedule a free consultation. This gives us a chance to briefly connect, discuss your needs, and determine if we are a good fit. If you feel ready to move forward, we can schedule your first full session. Whether you are seeking therapy in Santa Rosa or anywhere in Sonoma County, I am here to support your healing journey.
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What Are Your Fees and Do You Accept Insurance?Please visit my Rates and Insurance page for in-depth information about my fees and policies.
