EMDR Therapy in Texas & California
Evidence-based trauma therapy using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) — available via telehealth in English and Spanish. Heal at the root, not just the surface.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It is now recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a first-line treatment for PTSD and trauma.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe your trauma in detail. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation — alternating eye movements, taps, or audio tones — to help your brain reprocess distressing memories that have become "stuck" in their original, unprocessed form.
When a traumatic memory is reprocessed through EMDR, it loses its emotional intensity. The memory doesn't disappear — but it no longer hijacks your nervous system. You can recall it without being overwhelmed by it.
Marilu Navarro, LMFT completed her EMDR training in 2025 and integrates this approach with her trauma-informed, culturally responsive framework — offering EMDR in both English and Spanish via telehealth throughout Texas and California.
Trauma Therapist
Conditions EMDR Therapy Addresses
EMDR is effective for a wide range of trauma-related conditions. Research supports its use for the following presentations, all of which Marilu treats in her telehealth practice.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR follows a structured, research-backed protocol. Here's exactly what to expect when you work with Marilu.
History & Treatment Planning
We explore your history, identify target memories, and map out a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific trauma and goals.
Preparation
You learn stabilization techniques and coping strategies to ensure you feel safe and grounded before processing begins.
Assessment
We identify the specific memory to target, the negative belief associated with it, and the positive belief you want to install.
Desensitization
Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or audio tones), we process the distressing memory until its emotional charge is reduced.
Installation
We strengthen the positive belief you identified, replacing the old negative belief with a healthier, more adaptive perspective.
Body Scan
You scan your body for any residual tension or discomfort related to the memory, ensuring complete resolution.
Closure
Each session ends with grounding and stabilization, so you leave feeling safe and settled — not destabilized.
Reevaluation
At the start of each new session, we check in on previous work and assess what needs continued attention.
EMDR Therapy That Honors Your Whole Story
"EMDR changed how I understand healing. Watching clients move through trauma that has held them back for years — sometimes decades — and come out the other side with a sense of peace and agency is why I do this work."
Currently accepting new clients in Texas & California
EMDR Is One of the Most Researched Trauma Treatments
Over 30 randomized controlled trials support EMDR's effectiveness. Here's what the research shows.
of single-trauma PTSD clients no longer meet diagnostic criteria after just 3 sessions
World Health Organization recommends EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD in adults and children
randomized controlled trials support EMDR's effectiveness for PTSD, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders
EMDR is endorsed by
EMDR vs. Traditional Talk Therapy
| Feature | EMDR Therapy | Traditional Talk Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Requires detailed trauma narrative | No — you don't have to describe everything | Often yes — extensive verbal processing |
| Speed of results | Often faster — weeks to months | Can take months to years |
| Works on neurological level | Yes — reprocesses stored memories | Primarily cognitive/behavioral |
| Effective for PTSD | First-line, WHO-endorsed | Effective but slower |
| Suitable for complex trauma | Yes, with proper pacing | Yes, with long-term commitment |
| Available in Spanish | Yes, with Marilu | Varies by therapist |
| Telehealth compatible | Yes — equally effective online | Yes |
EMDR Therapy FAQs
EMDR Therapy Available Throughout Texas & California
Marilu provides telehealth EMDR therapy to clients in the following cities and surrounding areas.
Start EMDR Therapy in Texas or California Today
You don't have to keep carrying what happened to you. EMDR therapy with Marilu Navarro, LMFT offers a structured, evidence-based path to healing — in English or Spanish, via telehealth, on your schedule.
Currently accepting new clients · Telehealth TX & CA · Insurance accepted · En Español