three emdr therapists walking on the beach in los angeles smiling and laughing representing the best holistic therapy and emdr therapy in san francisco or los angeles. our trauma therapists are ready to help
alexis bibler waving at her laptop offering therapy for millennials and therapy for lawyers in california

The
BLOG

A Journey Through Trauma Therapy with Taylor Swift
Trauma, For Fun! Alexis Harney Trauma, For Fun! Alexis Harney

A Journey Through Trauma Therapy with Taylor Swift

There's a reason so many people love Taylor Swift. Despite her fame and wealth, her lyrics are notoriously relatable. Whether you've experienced the sting of betrayal, the ache of a breakup, or the loss of a loved one, there's a Taylor song about it. Here are some examples of different types of traumas alluded to in Taylor Swift’s lyrics.

Read More
What To Do When One of the β€œ4 Horsemen” Appears In Your Relationship
Couples and Relationships, Communication Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships, Communication Laurel van der Toorn

What To Do When One of the β€œ4 Horsemen” Appears In Your Relationship

Few things feel as stressful as conflict and tension in our closest relationships. It can feel especially threatening when you encounter one of the infamous "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse." These four toxic behaviors can unleash chaos in your relationship if left unchecked. But don't worry! We've got actionable strategies to combat them and repair your connection.

Read More
What to Do If Your Partner Won't Go to Couples Therapy
Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn

What to Do If Your Partner Won't Go to Couples Therapy

Couples therapy is a great tool for strengthening relationships. It can help you navigate the hardest parts of a partnership and come out stronger on the other side. But what do you do when you know it's time for therapy, but your partner won't budge? The journey to convince them can be tricky, but with a blend of patience and empathy, it's possible to get them on board.

Read More
Red Flags to Watch For In Your First EMDR Session
EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn

Red Flags to Watch For In Your First EMDR Session

To ensure a successful and safe EMDR experience, it's crucial to be aware of signs it might not work. Your therapist's training and approach can significantly impact the effectiveness of the therapy. Let's explore red flags to look for to help you make informed decisions about your care.

Read More
6 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Teletherapy Appointments
Teletherapy, Healthy Tech Use, Therapy Talk Laurel van der Toorn Teletherapy, Healthy Tech Use, Therapy Talk Laurel van der Toorn

6 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Teletherapy Appointments

Few of us have distinct memories of an incredible Zoom meeting. After years of video meetings being the norm, they all blur together. Therapy shouldn’t be like that. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy, especially when you follow some of our tips to make it feel distinct from the rest of your day.

Read More
Debunking 9 Common Myths About EMDR Therapy
EMDR Laurel van der Toorn EMDR Laurel van der Toorn

Debunking 9 Common Myths About EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy is an effective approach for treating trauma and other emotional challenges. But like any therapeutic method, there are plenty of misunderstandings. The following are some common myths surrounding EMDR therapy. We'll help set the record straight and provide clarity to help you make informed decisions about your mental health.

Read More
8 Reasons Couples Therapy Doesn't Work
Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn

8 Reasons Couples Therapy Doesn't Work

Couples therapy is a powerful tool that can help couples strengthen their relationships. But it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's certainly not fool-proof. In some cases, couples may find that therapy doesn't yield the expected results. Understanding the reasons behind this can help you make the most out of your therapy experience.

Read More
Demystifying EMDR Therapy: It Doesn't Erase Memories, It Heals Them
EMDR Laurel van der Toorn EMDR Laurel van der Toorn

Demystifying EMDR Therapy: It Doesn't Erase Memories, It Heals Them

When it comes to dealing with trauma and emotional pain, EMDR therapy is a powerful way to find healing. But there are some misunderstandings about how it works. One common misconception is that EMDR erases bad memories. We want to clear that up and explain how EMDR therapy actually works.

Read More
10 Signs You Should Start Couples Therapy Before a Crisis
Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn

10 Signs You Should Start Couples Therapy Before a Crisis

Once upon a time you'd found the love of your life, and everything seemed great. Those new-relationship hormones were raging. It was hard to imagine anything would feel hard. But over time, the hormones settle and patterns start to emerge. You might still feel great love for your partner, but wish some things were different.

Read More
What To Expect After EMDR
EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn

What To Expect After EMDR

If you’re considering Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), it makes sense to wonder what to expect. You've probably heard great things. And the research backs this up: EMDR is effective for treating PTSD and is a potent trauma therapy. But it's also a weird modality. Side-to-side stimulation helps process trauma? What the heck should you expect? Here’s what to expect after an EMDR session.

Read More
Balancing Commitment, Friendship, and Passion: A Guide for Couples
Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn

Balancing Commitment, Friendship, and Passion: A Guide for Couples

A long term relationship should have three elements: commitment, friendship, and passion. When these elements are in equilibrium, relationships thrive. But when they're not, people feel unsatisfied and anxious. Let's explore what each part means, the challenges that arise when they go missing, and how couples therapy can help restore balance.

Read More
Therapeutic Book Review: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky
Book Review Laurel van der Toorn Book Review Laurel van der Toorn

Therapeutic Book Review: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky

Eve Rodsky's "Fair Play" is a guide for changing the way we handle domestic and emotional labor. While it excels in providing structure and clarity, there is room for improvement in handling conflicts and disagreements. The language of the book also fails to be inclusive of LGBT and same-sex couples.

Read More
Navigating Virtual Codependency: Balancing Online and Offline Love

Navigating Virtual Codependency: Balancing Online and Offline Love

The way we connect with our partners has changed drastically with technology. While technology has enriched our lives in many ways, it has also given rise to virtual codependency. Virtual codependency happens when a couple becomes too intertwined with their phones and social media.

Read More
10 Reasons Why EMDR Trauma Therapy Doesn't Work
EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn

10 Reasons Why EMDR Trauma Therapy Doesn't Work

EMDR is a hot treatment right now. Many people have cited it as a game-changer for their mental health. But like any therapeutic method, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. If you've tried EMDR therapy without experiencing the expected results, you're not alone. Here are some of the most common reasons people don’t get results from EMDR and what to do about them.

Read More
Choosing the Right Approach: Gottman Method Couples Therapy, EFT, and Imago Therapy
Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn

Choosing the Right Approach: Gottman Method Couples Therapy, EFT, and Imago Therapy

When couples seek therapy, they have various approaches to choose from. But how do you know which one to choose? Without special training in therapy, it can feel overwhelming. It's okay if you don't know where to start. Three popular approaches are Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Imago Couples Therapy. Let's explore the differences between these approaches and how they can help couples.

Read More

Tune in to the latest

Listen to what our therapists are talking about on the latest podcasts, videos, and more!

AS FEATURED IN:

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!