Bare feet standing at the edge of the shoreline as ocean waves gently wash over the sand, symbolizing grounding, transition, and gentle support, featured on the Adjunct EMDR Therapy page.

supplemental emdr

Adjunct EMDR Therapy in Redondo Beach

Adjunct EMDR is a specialized form of therapy that works in partnership with your current therapist to help you move through stuck points, deepen insight, and find relief more effectively.

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BASED IN REDONDO BEACH, CA

What is Adjunct EMDR?

Adjunct EMDR is a focused, collaborative form of EMDR therapy designed to work alongside your existing therapy. It offers space to process specific memories, emotions, or patterns that haven’t fully shifted through talk therapy alone.

This approach allows clients to experience the benefits of EMDR while continuing to work with their primary therapist, supporting healing without disrupting the trust and continuity already established in ongoing care

How It Works

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For Clients: Adjunct EMDR provides flexibility in scheduling — sessions can be arranged as needed, depending on goals, readiness, and pacing. Many clients find that processing targeted experiences through EMDR creates more openness, relief, and momentum in their regular therapy.

For Therapists: We maintain communication and collaboration throughout the process to ensure care remains consistent and aligned with your ongoing work. Sessions are structured around clearly defined goals, with a focus on safety, integration, and lasting progress.

NO NEED TO CHOOSE

Adjunct EMDR allows you to stay with the therapist you trust while adding the focused support that helps you heal more deeply.

common concerns

Adjunct EMDR May Be Helpful For

White seashell resting against a soft neutral background, symbolizing simplicity, grounding, and the supportive nature of Adjunct EMDR therapy.

  • Disturbing images or memories

  • Distressing sensations or emotions

  • Specific situations that feel triggering

  • Lingering negative beliefs about yourself or the world

  • Anxiety and fear tied to past, present, or anticipated future experiences

  • Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts

  • Nightmares or sleep disturbances

  • Shame, guilt, or self-blame connected to past events

  • Avoidance of places, people, or activities

  • Loss, grief, or unresolved sadness

  • Performance anxiety or fear of failure

  • Phobias and specific fears

  • Feeling “stuck” in old patterns or cycles

  • Emotional numbness or disconnection

  • Panic attacks or sudden waves of fear

  • 8 Phases

    EMDR therapy follows eight structured phases that provide a clear roadmap for healing. At the same time, the process isn’t always linear—you may move back and forth between phases depending on your readiness and what comes up in session.

  • BLS Options

    EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) to help the brain process experiences more effectively. BLS can be done in different ways—such as eye movements, tapping, or sound—and your therapist will work with you to find the option that feels most comfortable and supportive.

  • Schedule As Needed

    Adjunct EMDR Therapy can be scheduled as often as you’d like. The exact number of sessions needed for complete relief varies. Integration with your EMDR or primary therapist is highly encouraged to connect this work with your ongoing care.

Minimalist therapy space with a beige sofa and round wooden coffee table holding a book and black vases, symbolizing calm, focus, and supportive care during Adjunct EMDR sessions.

Catherine alvarado, lmft & associates

Adjunct EMDR in the South Bay

At Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates, we provide adjunct EMDR therapy for clients who want the benefits of EMDR without changing their current therapist, or for those seeking EMDR as a focused stand-alone option. This approach allows EMDR to enhance the progress you’re already making in therapy while offering specialized support in a structured way.

Our team is trained in EMDR and other evidence-based methods, including mindfulness practices, cognitive strategies, and somatic awareness. By weaving these tools into EMDR sessions, we help clients safely process trauma, reduce distress, and build resilience in a supportive setting.

Adjunct EMDR is available in our Redondo Beach office and virtually across California, making it accessible to clients throughout the South Bay and beyond. Whether you’re scheduling a short series of sessions or seeking additional trauma-focused support, our therapists offer a collaborative approach that fits into your broader healing journey.

  • Portrait of Catherine Alvarado, LMFT, founder and clinical supervisor at Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates, specializing in EMDR therapy in Redondo Beach.

    Catherine Alvarado, LMFT 134744

    OWNER & CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

    Catherine is a Licensed Therapist in Redondo Beach and an EMDR Certified Therapist & Consultant in Training who specializes in anxiety, trauma, and EMDR therapy for teens and adults. Learn More

  • Portrait of Emily Feldt Shabel, AMFT, associate therapist at Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates, providing therapy with EMDR and trauma-informed approaches.

    Emily Feldt Shabel, AMFT 151325

    SUPERVISED BY CATHERINE ALVARADO, LMFT 134744

    Emily is a registered associate therapist in Redondo Beach, specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy for relationships, self-esteem, and creative professionals. Learn More

  • Portrait of Monika Arana, AMFT, associate therapist at Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates, supporting clients with EMDR and holistic, integrative therapy.

    Monika Arana, AMFT 140548

    SUPERVISED BY CATHERINE ALVARADO, LMFT 134744

    Monika is a registered associate therapist in Redondo Beach, specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy for trauma, inner child work, and nervous system regulation. Learn More

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California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) membership logo.
EMDR International Association logo, Creating Global Healing, Health & Hope.

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