EMDR Therapy in Fresno, California

Experience the power of EMDR therapy in Fresno to process trauma and reduce emotional distress. Our licensed clinicians offer compassionate, research-backed care.

At Ascend Behavioral Health in Fresno, California, we are proud to offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals process trauma, reduce emotional distress, and reclaim their lives. Our highly trained clinicians, including family therapists (LMFTs) and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), are committed to helping you or your loved one heal from painful past experiences in a compassionate, structured, and professional setting.

Our EMDR therapists are trained in accordance with EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) standards and utilize trauma-informed care to ensure clients feel safe, respected, and empowered. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event, panic attacks, or long-standing complex trauma, Ascend offers a supportive environment in which transformation is possible. We provide EMDR therapy as part of individualized treatment plans across a variety of programs, including Adolescent Intensive Outpatient and Individual Therapy tracks.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of trauma therapy that helps people recover from distressing memories, particularly those rooted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. EMDR works by stimulating the brain’s natural ability to heal through bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues—while recalling traumatic experiences in a safe, therapeutic setting.

Rather than focusing on changing negative thoughts directly (as in cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT), EMDR aims to help the brain reprocess memories so they are no longer emotionally overwhelming. Over time, this can lead to:

Reduction in emotional triggers and avoidance behaviors
Improved mood and increased self-esteem
Fewer intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
Enhanced ability to manage stress and build coping skills

EMDR is widely recognized by organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the World Health Organization as a first-line treatment for trauma.

How EMDR Differs from Other Modalities

While EMDR is often compared to CBT or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), its structure and objectives are different. CBT and DBT are highly effective for managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the present, but EMDR focuses more on reprocessing unresolved trauma at its root.

This therapeutic approach does not require clients to talk at length about their traumatic memories. Instead, the focus is on reducing the emotional charge tied to these memories so that they can be integrated without overwhelming emotional distress. Many clients appreciate the non-verbal, body-oriented nature of EMDR and find it particularly helpful when traditional talk therapy feels too intense or ineffective.

At Ascend, we often integrate EMDR with other modalities, such as CBT, DBT, and family therapy, to create a customized, holistic treatment plan.

The EMDR Process

1. History and Treatment Planning – A thorough assessment of symptoms and life's challenges.
2. Preparation – Learning grounding techniques and developing trust with your EMDR therapist.
3. Assessment – Identifying target memories and associated beliefs or physical sensations.
4. Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation while recalling the traumatic memory.
5. Installation – Strengthening positive beliefs and reframing past narratives.
6. Body Scan – Noticing residual tension or emotional discomfort.
7. Closure – Re-grounding and returning to the present.
8. Re-evaluation – Reviewing progress and planning next steps.

Each phase is guided by a trained LMFT, LCSW, or licensed counselor with years of experience and EMDR training approved by EMDRIA.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR therapy is appropriate for a wide range of individuals, including those experiencing:

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
Reactions to complex trauma or chronic abuse
Flashbacks, nightmares, or phobias
Emotional numbness or dissociation
Low self-esteem related to past events
Anxiety, depression, or panic attacks tied to unresolved trauma

Whether you’re an adult processing workplace trauma or an adolescent working through family conflict or a traumatic event, EMDR can help reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Behavioral Health and EMDR: A Broader Perspective

At its core, behavioral health refers to how daily habits, behaviors, and mental patterns affect overall healthcare outcomes and emotional wellness. This includes everything from how we cope with stress, navigate relationships, or manage mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and trauma.

In California and across the Central Valley, behavioral health is becoming increasingly prioritized as communities recognize the importance of treating the whole person—not just their symptoms. EMDR therapy fits into this larger movement by offering a way to process and release unresolved emotional wounds that impact functioning and mental health over time.

Behavioral health services like those offered at Ascend are essential for helping people break free from cycles of avoidance, pain, and fear that can interfere with career success, school performance, family stability, and long-term well-being.

Why Fresno Residents Choose Ascend for Trauma Therapy

Ascend Behavioral Health is proud to serve the Fresno and Clovis communities with high-quality, trauma-informed care. All our in-person therapy sessions take place in a welcoming, client-centered environment that promotes emotional safety and dignity. Whether you’re receiving services in our Outpatient Program, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), or through our Individual Therapy, EMDR may be included as part of your care.

What sets Ascend apart:

Trained, certified EMDR providers
Personalized care across all age groups
Integration with other evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and family therapy
Treatment for co-occurring disorders including anxiety, depression, and trauma
Culturally aware care with a deep understanding of Central Valley communities

Our mission is to offer more than just therapy—we aim to be a long-term partner in your journey toward mental, emotional, and relational health.

Begin EMDR Therapy in Fresno Today

If you or a loved one is living with unresolved trauma, emotional distress, or painful memories, EMDR therapy at Ascend Behavioral Health may offer the relief and healing you’ve been searching for. Our trauma-informed clinicians provide compassionate, personalized programs right here in Fresno, California—accessible, professional, and grounded in the latest research.

You don’t have to carry the weight of past experiences alone. Let us help you rediscover your strength and rebuild your life with confidence. To learn more about EMDR and our full range of mental health services, contact our team today.

Get Started Today

We know that asking for help takes courage. Getting in touch is the first step. We’re here for you, no matter what. Once submitted, our admissions team will be in touch within 24 hours.

Or call us directly to get started:
559-472-3371