Feeling Stuck? EMDR Therapy in San Diego Might Be the Key to Healing
Helping you move from overwhelm to hope—one step at a time.
If you're here, you might be feeling stuck.
Maybe you’ve tried to move on from something painful in your past, but no matter how much time goes by, it still lingers. Or maybe it shows up in ways you don’t expect—panic attacks that come out of nowhere, nightmares that wake you up at 2 a.m., or a constant sense of dread you can’t shake. If this sounds familiar, I want you to know you’re not alone.
As a therapist who specializes in EMDR therapy in San Diego, I work with people just like you—folks who are tired of just “coping” and are ready to truly heal.
What It’s Like to Feel Stuck After Trauma
Trauma doesn’t always look like one big event. It can be a series of painful experiences over time, the result of being in an unsafe environment, going through a cancer diagnosis, experiencing a toxic relationship, or growing up in a household where emotional needs weren’t met.
And while your mind might tell you to “move on” or “just get over it,” your body often has a different story. You may feel:
Constantly on edge, like something bad is about to happen
Emotionally numb or disconnected from others
Plagued by nightmares or intrusive memories
Overwhelmed by shame, fear, or anxiety
Tired of putting on a “normal” face while suffering inside
Maybe you’ve tried talking it out. Maybe you’ve even tried therapy before. But something still feels unresolved.
That’s where EMDR therapy can be different.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a specialized, evidence-based trauma treatment that helps you safely process distressing memories, emotions, and beliefs that have gotten “stuck” in your nervous system.
Instead of just talking about what happened, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to help your brain reprocess the traumatic material. It’s kind of like your brain’s way of digesting what happened—so it no longer feels like it’s happening right now.
And here's the beautiful part: You don’t have to relive everything in detail. You remain in control the entire time.
EMDR Therapy in San Diego Can Help You:
✅ Reduce panic attacks and anxiety
✅ Lessen the intensity of traumatic memories
✅ Improve sleep and reduce nightmares
✅ Rebuild self-worth and confidence
✅ Heal from past abuse, neglect, or betrayal
✅ Feel emotionally safe again
In my work with clients, I’ve seen how EMDR therapy can be life-changing. Not just in theory—but in real, everyday ways. Clients who once felt paralyzed by fear now show up more fully in their lives. People who once believed they were “too broken” begin to reclaim hope and confidence.
Who I Work With
I specialize in working with adults and teens who have experienced trauma, whether it’s recent or years in the past. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, depression, or feelings of shame that seem rooted in something deeper.
I also have a heart for fellow Christians who may have heard messages like “you just need to pray more” or “you shouldn’t struggle if you have faith.” If this resonates, let me say: your struggle isn’t a spiritual failure. You’re not broken—and you’re definitely not alone. Healing is possible, and your pain deserves real care.
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
During our first few sessions, we’ll talk about what brought you in, your goals, and whether EMDR is the right fit. If it is, we’ll:
Build safety first – You’ll learn grounding and coping tools to help you feel steady and supported.
Identify target memories – Together, we’ll explore the key memories and beliefs that are contributing to your distress.
Process those memories – Using EMDR techniques, we’ll help your brain and body reprocess the material so it feels less distressing.
Install new beliefs – We’ll replace old, painful messages (“I’m not safe” or “I’m broken”) with what you truly want to believe about yourself.
What Makes My Approach Different
I believe that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your story is unique, and your healing process should be too. I meet each client with compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for who you are and where you’ve been.
Along with EMDR, I also incorporate:
Mindfulness and guided imagery
Cognitive tools to challenge distorted thoughts
Body awareness techniques to help you tune in to your nervous system
Gentle exploration of faith-based questions (if that’s something you want to bring into the room)
Let's Walk Through This Together
You don't have to keep carrying the weight of your past. Whether you’ve been dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or all of the above—I’d love to support you on your healing journey.
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can get a feel for who I am and ask any questions you might have. This is a low-pressure space for you to see if we’re a good fit.
👉 Click here to schedule your free consultation.
You deserve to feel free. Let’s help you get there.
Author Bio
Hi, I’m Christy Garcia, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#113176) specializing in the treatment of trauma in Chula Vista, CA. I work with adults and teens who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, fear, shame, or depression—often due to trauma or painful past experiences. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and rooted in the belief that healing is always possible. Whether you’re navigating complex trauma or simply feel overwhelmed by life, I’m here to walk with you.
📍 Learn more about EMDR therapy in San Diego
📍 Explore other specialties: In-Person Therapy and Online Counseling, Christian Counseling, Trauma Therapy
