Eye Movement Desensitization and Reintegration (EMDR)
EMDR Therapy for Birth Trauma, Medical PTSD, and Pregnancy Loss
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based trauma therapy that helps you process overwhelming memories without reliving them. At The Mother Hood, we offer EMDR therapy for birth trauma, NICU stays, pregnancy loss, and postpartum PTSD, helping you heal safely and effectively—in person in Los Angeles or virtually throughout California.
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What Is EMDR?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements or tapping) to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. It’s grounded in the idea that trauma “gets stuck” in the nervous system and continues to trigger emotional and physical responses, even long after the event.
EMDR helps:
• Reduce emotional charge and physical distress linked to traumatic memories
• Rewire negative beliefs like “I failed” or “I’m not safe”
• Restore a sense of empowerment, safety, and calm
• Process trauma without needing to retell every detail
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EMDR for Perinatal and Reproductive Trauma
The perinatal period is full of profound vulnerability—and for many parents, that includes traumatic experiences like:
• A traumatic or emergency birth
• NICU trauma or separation from baby
• Stillbirth, miscarriage, or pregnancy termination
• Obstetric violence or feeling ignored during labor
• Postpartum panic or medical trauma (e.g., hemorrhage, surgery)
• Sexual trauma reactivated during birth or breastfeeding
These events can leave you feeling hypervigilant, emotionally numb, ashamed, or trapped in your story. EMDR offers a gentle, non-retraumatizing path forward.
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What EMDR Looks Like at The Mother Hood
Our EMDR therapists are trained in both perinatal mental health and trauma-focused care, so your sessions are paced with safety, consent, and emotional attunement.
You’ll be guided through:
✅ A thorough intake and stabilization phase (you’re never thrown into trauma work too soon)
✅ Identifying the “stuck” memories or beliefs
✅ Bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess the trauma
✅ Replacing trauma-based beliefs (like “I’m broken”) with grounded truths (like “I survived and I’m healing”)
Many clients say they feel lighter, calmer, and more like themselves again after EMDR.