• First, I want to say this clearly:
    If therapy hurt you, confused you, or left you feeling unseen, that matters.

    A previous negative experience does not mean you are resistant, difficult, or “not ready.” It often means something in that relationship did not feel safe, collaborative, or attuned.

    And trauma processing should never feel forced.

    Here’s what we do differently when someone has therapy-related wounds:

    1. We move at your nervous system’s pace

    EMDR is structured, but it is not rushed. Stabilization comes first. If your system needs more resourcing before processing, that’s what we do.

    2. We name what went wrong

    If a prior therapist felt invalidating, pushy, dismissive, overly passive, or inconsistent, we talk about it. That helps prevent reenactment.

    Therapy rupture often mirrors attachment wounds. Naming it restores agency.

    3. You keep control

    You can stop a session.
    You can slow down.
    You can say, “This doesn’t feel right.”

    EMDR works best when you feel choice and collaboration.

    4. We build predictability

    Before we begin trauma targets, you will know:

    • What we are working on

    • What the structure looks like

    • What to expect if emotions spike

    • How we will close sessions safely

    Predictability reduces threat response. When the brain knows what is happening, it doesn’t have to brace.

    Bad therapy experiences can actually make you more informed and self-aware about what you need now. That is not damage. That is discernment.

    Before scheduling, ask yourself:
    What specifically felt unsafe or unhelpful in my past therapy experience?

    Write it down. Bring it to the consultation. That becomes part of your treatment plan.

    You deserve therapy that feels steady, respectful, and attuned.

  • You do not need to feel “perfect” or completely symptom-free to begin EMDR.

    What matters most is stability and support.

    You may be ready if:

    • You have basic coping skills that help you manage distress

    • You are not in active crisis

    • You have some level of emotional support in your life

    • You can tolerate talking about difficult experiences without becoming completely overwhelmed

    • You feel motivated to process trauma rather than just manage symptoms

    EMDR is structured trauma processing. It works best when your nervous system has enough stability to approach the memory without becoming destabilized.

    If you are unsure, that is completely normal. Readiness is not about toughness. It is about capacity.

    During your intake session, we assess:

    • Current stress levels

    • Safety and stability

    • Emotional regulation skills

    • Support systems

    • Treatment history

    If EMDR is not appropriate yet, we focus on stabilization first. There is no rush. Trauma work should feel intentional, not forced.

    You might ask yourself:

    Am I ready to move from coping with my past to actually processing it?

    If the answer feels like a steady yes, even with some nerves, that is often a good sign.

  • Your first session focuses on safety, clarity, and assessment — not immediate trauma processing. We review your history, current symptoms, nervous system patterns, and goals. Together, we determine whether traditional EMDR therapy or an intensive format is most appropriate. Processing only begins when your system is prepared.

  • Yes. What you share in therapy is confidential.

    As a licensed therapist, I am legally and ethically required to protect your privacy. Your information is not shared with anyone without your written permission.

    There are a few specific exceptions required by law. Confidentiality may be broken only if:

    • You are at imminent risk of harming yourself

    • You are at imminent risk of harming someone else

    • There is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, dependent adult, or elder

    • A court orders the release of records

    If any of these situations arise, I will always aim to discuss it with you first whenever possible. Therapy works best when you understand the boundaries clearly.

    If you are using insurance, your insurance company may require certain information for billing purposes, such as diagnosis codes and dates of service. They do not receive session details.

    Confidentiality is foundational to trauma work. You deserve a space where you can speak honestly without fear of exposure or judgment.

    If you have specific concerns about privacy, bring them to your intake session so we can clarify them directly.

  • Empower Mental Wellness specializes in trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR therapy, nervous system-informed care, complex trauma treatment, dissociation support, and EMDR intensives. Services are provided via secure telehealth across California and Texas.

  • Yes. Many licensed therapists in California offer secure telehealth therapy. At Empower Mental Wellness, we provide virtual EMDR and trauma-focused therapy across California and Texas. Telehealth sessions are HIPAA-compliant and allow clients to access specialized trauma care from home.

  • EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess traumatic experiences that remain “stuck” in the nervous system. For anxiety and PTSD, EMDR can reduce intrusive thoughts, lessen reactivity to triggers, improve emotional regulation, and decrease hypervigilance. It addresses the root of symptoms rather than only managing them.

  • In most cases, I recommend pausing therapy with your current provider while we complete EMDR work, and then returning to them once we finish.

    Here’s why.

    EMDR is not a side technique. It is structured trauma processing. When two therapists are actively doing psychotherapy at the same time, it can:

    • Blur treatment goals

    • Disrupt momentum

    • Split emotional processing

    • Create confusion about therapeutic roles

    Trauma work requires containment, pacing, and a clear clinical direction. Having one therapist guiding that phase helps protect your nervous system and your progress.

    Once we complete the targeted EMDR work, you can return to your original therapist to continue with integration, relational work, or ongoing support.

    If you plan to use insurance, also confirm whether your policy allows more than one psychotherapy session per week. Many plans will not reimburse for two active providers at the same time.

    Before moving forward, ask yourself:
    Am I ready to intentionally shift into focused trauma processing for a defined period of time?

    If the answer is yes, we can create a clear plan and timeline so you feel steady and supported throughout the process.

  • When choosing a trauma therapist, consider:

    • Specialized trauma training (such as EMDR certification)

    • Experience with nervous system regulation

    • Understanding of complex trauma and dissociation

    • Clear pacing and safety practices

    • State licensure in your location

    At Empower Mental Wellness, trauma-focused EMDR therapy is the core specialization — not a secondary service.

  • All new clients begin by scheduling a structured Trauma & EMDR intake session. You can book directly through our secure online scheduling system. This first session allows us to assess readiness and determine whether weekly therapy or an EMDR intensive is the best fit.

    Schedule Intake →

  • If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice.

    Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, as well as no-shows, will be charged the full session fee. Insurance does not cover missed or late-canceled appointments.

    Each session time is reserved specifically for you. When an appointment is missed without adequate notice, that time cannot be offered to another client who may be waiting for care.

    If you reschedule within the same calendar week, you will only be charged for one session total. We will do our best to accommodate a new time, though availability is not guaranteed.

  • Yes. We are in-network with:

    • Anthem

    • Blue Cross Blue Shield

    • Optum

    • UnitedHealthcare

    • Aetna

    • Cigna

    If you plan to use insurance, we will verify your benefits before your first appointment so you understand your deductible, co-pay, and coverage details.

    We also work with clients who use out-of-network benefits. If your plan includes out-of-network coverage, we can guide you through the reimbursement process and provide the necessary documentation (superbills) for you to submit to your insurance company.

    If you are unsure whether we are in-network with your specific plan, contact us before scheduling and we will clarify it for you.

  • If you are using in-network benefits, we submit claims directly to your insurance company and receive payment on your behalf. You will not need to submit anything or seek reimbursement yourself.

    If you are using out-of-network benefits, you are responsible for submitting claims to your insurance company for reimbursement.

    Start by calling the number on the back of your insurance card. It helps to ask:

    1. Do I have out-of-network coverage for behavioral or mental health services?

    2. What is my annual deductible and my co-insurance percentage?

    3. How much of my deductible has already been met this year?

    4. Where and how do I submit superbills for reimbursement?

    If they ask for CPT codes, you can provide:

    • 90791 for the initial evaluation

    • 90837 for 60-minute follow-up sessions

    We provide a superbill either monthly or sooner upon request. A superbill includes all required details such as diagnosis codes, provider information, dates of service, and CPT codes so you can submit it directly to your insurance company.

    If you have Anthem Blue Cross (CA) or Aetna, we can also check your out-of-network benefits for you to help clarify your coverage before you begin.

    If you are unsure whether you are in-network or out-of-network, contact us before your first appointment so we can clarify that together.

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