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Why Am I So Tired After EMDR Therapy?
EMDR Laurel van der Toorn EMDR Laurel van der Toorn

Why Am I So Tired After EMDR Therapy?

You walked out of your EMDR session feeling like you'd run a marathon. And now you're wondering: is this normal?

The answer, almost certainly, is that nothing went wrong. EMDR fatigue is one of the most common experiences people report after processing sessions, and it has a clear explanation.

Your brain just did something genuinely demanding. Here's why.

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Anxiety vs. OCD: Why It Feels Different in Your Body and Brain
Anxiety, Depression, OCD Laurel van der Toorn Anxiety, Depression, OCD Laurel van der Toorn

Anxiety vs. OCD: Why It Feels Different in Your Body and Brain

Where anxiety tends to be more diffuse, ongoing, and general, OCD shows up in sudden spikes followed by compulsive behaviors or mental rituals meant to bring relief.

Let’s unpack how each condition tends to show up in the body and brain, and how understanding these patterns can lead to more effective therapy and support.

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The Difference Between Feeling Calm, Numb, and Dissociated in EMDR Therapy
EMDR, Trauma, Anxiety Laurel van der Toorn EMDR, Trauma, Anxiety Laurel van der Toorn

The Difference Between Feeling Calm, Numb, and Dissociated in EMDR Therapy

Clients often tell their EMDR therapist, “I felt calm during that set,” only to realize later that they were actually numb or starting to dissociate. These states can feel similar in the moment, but they affect trauma therapy very differently. Understanding the distinction helps you communicate with your EMDR therapist, stay grounded in session, and get the most benefit from EMDR therapy.

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What Makes An "EMDR Super-Processor"? The Variables Behind Rapid EMDR Therapy Success
EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn

What Makes An "EMDR Super-Processor"? The Variables Behind Rapid EMDR Therapy Success

EMDR therapy is quickly gaining traction as a primary trauma therapy treatment, and for good reason. Studies have shown that EMDR has an 85% success rate for reducing trauma symptoms. As a team, we've collectively been providing EMDR therapy for over a decade, and with great results. We've seen our fair share of "super processors," or people who respond very quickly to EMDR therapy. Here are the variables we've noted.

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7 Hacks For Productivity Junkies From A Therapist Who Got Off The Hamster Wheel Without Losing Her Edge

7 Hacks For Productivity Junkies From A Therapist Who Got Off The Hamster Wheel Without Losing Her Edge

If you're like me, you love a good productivity hack. Double-tasking? Try triple-tasking. Systems and processes to keep things flowing from your inbox back out? You've got em.

Many of the high-achieving professionals I work with in therapy (lawyers, founders, physicians, and executives) operate this way too.

And yet... we never feel totally fulfilled, do we?

Here are seven things that transformed my relationship with productivity to help me focus on what matters and what's on my list without burning out.

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Is This Self-Care or Medical Fatphobia? Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a New Health Routine
Self Care, Holistic Therapy, Healthy Coping Laurel van der Toorn Self Care, Holistic Therapy, Healthy Coping Laurel van der Toorn

Is This Self-Care or Medical Fatphobia? Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a New Health Routine

There's nothing wrong with wanting to feel better in your body.

Whether it's starting a new medication, joining a fitness program, or changing the way you eat, many people seek out health routines hoping for more energy, less pain, or a greater sense of control.

But in a culture that equates thinness with health, and with moral virtue, it can be hard to tell when a choice is truly for your well-being. These choices are often rooted in shame or outside pressure instead.

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Our Holistic Therapy Services In California & Florida

We offer individualized teletherapy for a wide range of mental health and relational issues. Our San Francisco & Los Angeles therapists can help with anxiety, trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, LGBT gay and lesbian therapy issues, holistic therapy, enneagram therapy, therapy for lawyers, couples therapy, therapy for burnout, and therapy for teenagers. We serve many people in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles, as well as throughout California and Florida. Our team is anti-racist, body positive, LGBT and trans affirming and sex positive. You deserve to feel good!