FAQs

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a breakthrough therapy that helps your brain naturally heal from trauma. Unlike traditional "talk therapy," EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements) while you briefly recall difficult memories. This rewires how your brain stores these memories, reducing their emotional impact. Most importantly, you don't need to discuss traumatic events in detail, and there's no homework required.

EMDR often works much faster than traditional therapy. Research shows:

• 84% of people experienced PTSD remission in just 3 sessions

• 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD after 12 sessions

• Many clients notice significant improvement after their first few sessions. Your healing timeline depends on your situation, but EMDR is designed to create lasting change efficiently.

Absolutely. EMDR is backed by over 30 randomized controlled trials and is endorsed by:

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• American Psychological Association

• Department of Veterans Affairs

• International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Recent 2024 research continues to validate EMDR's effectiveness for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even chronic pain conditions.

While we specialize in EMDR for trauma, we provide comprehensive mental health services for:

Our Specialties Include:

• ADHD, Addiction, and Anger Management

• Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality

• Chronic Illness, Codependency, and Depression

• Divorce, Domestic Violence, and Gambling Issues

• Grief, LGBTQ+ concerns, and Mood Disorders

• ODD, Parenting support, and Personality Disorders

• Prenatal/Pregnancy/Postpartum concerns

• Psychosis, Racial Identity, and School Issues

• Self-Harming Behaviors, Spirituality, and Trauma/PTSD

EMDR is particularly effective for:

• Combat trauma, accidents, and abuse

• PTSD, anxiety, and depression

• Chronic pain conditions

• Addiction and childhood trauma

No. EMDR is designed to be gentler than exposure therapy. You'll briefly think about difficult memories while your brain processes them differently through bilateral stimulation. Most clients find this surprisingly manageable and much less overwhelming than they expected.

EMDR is very safe when conducted by trained therapists. Some people experience:

• Temporary emotional processing between sessions

• Vivid dreams as your brain continues healing

• Feeling “lighter” or different as traumatic memories lose their grip

These are normal signs that your brain is healing. Any temporary discomfort typically resolves quickly.

Our EMDR-trained therapists receive their training through EMDRIA (EMDR International Association), the gold standard for EMDR education. EMDRIA is a professional membership organization of over 17,000 mental health professionals dedicated to the highest standards of excellence and integrity in EMDR therapy.

EMDRIA-approved training includes:

• Rigorous 50+ hour basic training curriculum

• Supervised practicum sessions

• 10 hours of consultation with approved consultants

• Ongoing continuing education requirements

• Adherence to strict professional standards

This ensures our EMDR specialists meet the most stringent training requirements in the field. While not all of our clinicians are EMDR-trained, most of our team has this specialized expertise, and we can match you with an EMDR therapist if that's the approach you're seeking.

We offer evidence-based treatments tailored to your specific needs:

Specialized Trauma Therapies:

• EMDR Therapy (our specialty)

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

• Prolonged Exposure Therapy

• Trauma-Focused Therapy

Individual Therapy Approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT)

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Psychodynamic Therapy

Family and Relationship Services:

• Gottman Method for couples

• Family Systems Therapy

• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

• Premarital and Marital Counseling

• Structural Family Therapy

Specialized Approaches:

• Art Therapy and Music Therapy

• Play Therapy for children

• Christian Counseling

• Multicultural Counseling

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

• Sex Therapy

We'll determine which approach best fits your goals and preferences.

Consider therapy if you're experiencing:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

• Relationship problems or isolation

• Feeling "stuck" or unable to move forward

• Trauma symptoms like flashbacks or nightmares

• Using substances to cope with difficult emotions

• Feeling overwhelmed by daily life

Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC): Master's-level therapist trained in counseling and psychotherapy

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Master's-level social worker licensed to provide psychotherapy and mental health services

Psychologist: Doctoral-level professional who can also conduct psychological testing

Psychiatrist: A Medical doctor who can prescribe medication

Associate-level professionals (ACSW, AMFT, APCC) are graduate-level clinicians working toward full licensure under supervision.

At Smart Counseling, our team includes licensed professionals and supervised associates, most of whom are trained in EMDR and all of whom are trained in evidence-based therapies to provide expert care.

Look for:

• Proper licensing and credentials

• Specialized training in your area of concern (like EMDR for trauma)

• A therapeutic style that feels comfortable

• Experience with your specific issues

• Good communication and trust-building skills

We offer brief consultations to ensure we fit your needs correctly.

Yes! We work with many insurance plans to make therapy accessible.

In-Network Providers: We are in-network with:

• Triwest and Tricare

• United Healthcare and Optum

• Magellan Health

• Medi-Cal

• VA partnership for veterans

PPO Out-of-Network Benefits: We also accept PPO insurance as an out-of-network provider. You pay our session fee upfront, and we provide detailed superbills for you to submit to your insurance for partial reimbursement.

Session Fees:

• Individual or Couples Therapy: $150-$200 for 50-minute sessions (based on specialized therapist training)

• EMDR Therapy: $200 for 60-minute sessions

Important to Know:

• Always verify your benefits, as deductibles and copays vary

• Payment is due at the time of service

• We provide superbills through secure access for easy insurance submission

This varies depending on:

• Your goals and concerns

• The type of therapy (EMDR often works faster)

• Your healing process

• Whether you're dealing with recent or longstanding issues

Some clients significantly improve in weeks, while others benefit from longer-term support. We'll regularly check in about your progress and adjust as needed.

Healing isn't always linear. Some people feel immediate relief, while others need time for changes to build. It's normal to have:

• Good days and difficult days

• Initial discomfort as you process emotions

• Gradual rather than sudden improvement

We'll monitor your progress closely and adjust our approach if needed. Remember, seeking help is already a big step forward.

Telehealth is therapy conducted via secure video conferencing from the comfort of your home. It's just as effective as in-person therapy and offers greater convenience and privacy for many clients.

Yes! Research shows telehealth therapy is equally effective for most conditions, including EMDR therapy. Many clients prefer it because:

• No travel time or transportation barriers

• Greater scheduling flexibility

• Comfort of your own space

• Reduced stigma concerns

• Continuity of care during illness or travel

Absolutely. EMDR adapts very well to telehealth platforms. We use specialized techniques that work effectively through video conferencing, and many clients find telehealth EMDR just as powerful as in-person sessions.

• Reliable internet connection

• Computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone

• Private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted

• Comfortable seating

We'll provide technical support and test your setup before your first session.

Yes. We use HIPAA-compliant platforms that encrypt all communications. Your privacy and confidentiality are protected with the same standards as in-person therapy.

Currently, we can only provide telehealth services to clients physically located in California during sessions, as this is where our therapists are licensed.

• Call us: (951) 816-1778

• Email us: info@smartcounselingca.com

Leave your contact information, and we'll call or email you back to schedule your appointment or answer any questions. We typically respond within 24 hours and can often schedule initial consultations within a week.

Your first session focuses on:

• Getting to know you and your concerns

• Understanding your goals for therapy

• Explaining how EMDR or other approaches might help

• Answering your questions

• Creating a comfortable, safe environment. You're in control of what you share and at what pace.

We understand that life happens. Please give us 24 hours' notice when possible. We have a flexible cancellation policy and will work with you to reschedule as needed.

Yes! We offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend slots to accommodate work and family schedules.

If you're experiencing a mental health emergency:

• Call 911 for immediate danger

• Call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Go to your nearest emergency room

Absolutely. As a veteran-owned practice, we have specialized experience with:

• Combat trauma and PTSD

• Military sexual trauma

• Deployment-related stress

• Family reintegration challenges

• VA benefits and referrals

Yes. EMDR is particularly effective for processing childhood trauma, including:

• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

• Neglect or abandonment

• Witnessing domestic violence

• Growing up with addiction or mental illness in the family

• Attachment trauma

Yes! We offer comprehensive relationship and family services, including:

• Gottman Method for couples therapy

• Family Systems Therapy for family dynamics

• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

• Premarital and Marital Counseling

• Structural Family Therapy

• Support for families dealing with trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges

Our therapists can work with individuals, couples, or families depending on your needs.

• EMDR Trauma Specialists: Advanced training in breakthrough trauma therapy

• Comprehensive Services: Full range of mental health specialties and interventions

• Veteran-Owned: Deep understanding of service-related trauma and resilience

• Evidence-Based Care: Using scientifically-proven approaches tailored to you

• Proven Results: Track record helping over 2,000 clients across diverse conditions

• Flexible Service: Both in-person (Murrieta) and telehealth options statewide

• Whole-Person Care: Treating symptoms while addressing root causes

• Diverse Expertise: Specialists in trauma, addiction, family therapy, and more

Our main office is in Murrieta, California, serving the Riverside County area, including Temecula, Menifee, and Lake Elsinore. We also provide secure telehealth services throughout California.

Our diverse team includes highly qualified mental health professionals:

• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC)

• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

• Registered Associate Clinical Social Workers (ACSW)

• Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFT)

• Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselors (APCC)

Our clinicians have expertise across our comprehensive range of services, with most having specialized EMDR training through EMDRIA. We maintain ongoing education, supervision, and professional development to ensure you receive the highest quality, evidence-based care regardless of which team member you work with.