For information about upcoming talks on EMDR with Valerie Igl, click here

Do you want relief from ...

• Negative thinking patterns?
• Phobias or fears?
• Panic attacks?
• Disturbing memories of trauma or abuse?

EMDR can help with these problems, and more . . .

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a quick and powerful therapeutic method, proven by many research studies to be highly effective and long-lasting. Unlike many other forms of therapy, EMDR can be done with a separate therapist as an adjunct to psychotherapy you may already be doing. I have successfully used this versatile technique for years to help people recover from such diverse problems as low self-esteem, dental fears, procrastination, sexual and physical abuse, performance anxiety, and catastrophes like 9/11.

How was EMDR developed?

EMDR was originated by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, who happened to observe in 1987 that moving her fingers back and forth in front of her eyes while thinking of something disturbing decreased her level of distress. Since then, she used scientific methods to study this effect, and numerous professionals contributed to developing the technique into a set of protocols.

How does EMDR work?

How EMDR works physiologically is not well understood, but it is thought to be similar to the process that occurs during dreams and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. When something traumatic happens to an individual, the experience is "frozen" on the side of the brain that doesn't have language, but the memory remains vivid and intense. Stimulating both brain hemispheres through visual or auditory methods allows processing of the troubling incident to take place. The end result is that the memory fades into proper perspective, and is less disturbing. EMDR can also have a positive generalizing effect on other related memories.

How long does EMDR take?

Typically, I do EMDR in 75 minute periods, to allow for greater resolution of the identified issue. However, 50 minute appointments can also be effective. The number of EMDR sessions required depends largely on whether the trauma was an isolated incident, or a chronic pattern. Sometimes just one EMDR session can resolve the problem.

What is an EMDR session like?

First, we meet for at least one appointment to see if we both agree you would benefit from EMDR. We prepare by answering any questions you may have, selecting a specific memory to be the target incident, and discussing your thoughts and feelings about it.

EMDR is not hypnosis. You are conscious at all times. During the EMDR session, you watch a series of lights, or listen with headphones to a beeping sound, or do both. At the same time, you think about the target memory. Over a series of rounds, your experience of the memory will shift in some way, without any effort on your part. Between rounds, you'll have a chance to share whatever comes up for you. You are free throughout the session to tell me how you're feeling or to stop anytime.

How I can help you

What I enjoy about my work is helping my clients get out of pain, solve problems, and create a life they love.  I work with all sexual orientations and genders, as well as the kink and poly communities, and I'm a passionate ally for transgender folks. I help people cope with disabilities, and recover from abuse, addictions, and sexual difficulties.

Clients tell me they love my tranquil garden setting, and appreciate my interactive, results-oriented style. I can help you heal issues from the past, and resolve present-day problems, using highly effective holistic techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique).  I have over 30 years experience, and I won Impact Bay Area's 2007 Healing Advocate Award.

I have successfully used EMDR to help my clients for over 10 years.  I completed both levels of EMDR training with Laurel Parnell, PhD, author of several books about EMDR.  She was trained by its originator, Dr. Francine Shapiro.  

My scent-free ground floor office is near El Cerrito Plaza BART.  I accept Medi-Cal for Alameda county, and have a sliding scale, with even lower fees possible for afternoon appointments.  When I work as your primary therapist,  I also offer the option to meet weekly for a month, and then decide together whether every other week sessions are right for you.  Unlike most other therapeutic techniques, EMDR can easily be done as an adjunct to therapy you may already be doing elsewhere.  When EMDR is done as an adjunct in this way, I typically do it every 2-4 weeks.