EMDR Therapy in Riverside, CA
Process what's been holding you back with a licensed, trauma-informed therapist serving Riverside and all of California.
Finally, a Way to Move Forward
You've tried to push it down, talk yourself out of it, stay busy enough that you don't have to feel it. But the anxiety still spikes. The memories still surface. The old patterns still win.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps your brain finish processing what it couldn't handle at the time, so the past stops hijacking your present. You won't have to relive every detail. You will start to feel the difference.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to find out if EMDR is right for you.
What EMDR Therapy Is For and How It Works
People come to this work carrying a lot of different things. Some are navigating the aftermath of a specific trauma. Others just know something is off, they feel stuck, reactive, or exhausted in ways they can't fully explain. EMDR therapy is designed for both.
It can be especially helpful if you're dealing with:
Trauma or PTSD
Anxiety and overthinking
Emotional triggers
Burnout, stress, or depression
Relationship and attachment challenges
EMDR works by pairing brief, focused attention on a distressing memory with bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements, tapping, or audio tones). This helps the brain reprocess the memory so it no longer triggers the same intensity of fear, shame, or pain. The past event doesn't disappear, but it stops feeling like it's happening right now. A 2025 meta-analysis found that EMDR significantly reduces PTSD symptoms and also improves related issues such as anxiety and depression across clinical populations.
Over time, EMDR can help you reduce anxiety and rumination, process trauma in a supported way, regulate your nervous system, interrupt longstanding emotional patterns, and build greater emotional resilience.
In short: If your nervous system hasn't gotten the message that you're safe now, EMDR can help deliver it.
EMDR Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
Whether you're a Riverside local or prefer the flexibility of telehealth, sessions are tailored to where you are, not a one-size-fits-all protocol. Many clients have never done therapy before. Others have done years of talk therapy and feel like they've plateaued. EMDR often works well for both.
Some of the clients I work with have spent years being told they're "resistant" or "not ready" for deeper work. Often, what looks like resistance is actually a nervous system doing exactly what it learned to do to keep you safe. EMDR doesn't require you to dismantle your defenses through willpower or insight. It works with your system, not against it, which is why it can reach places that talk therapy sometimes can't.
If you've ever felt like you understand exactly why you feel the way you do but still can't seem to change it, that gap between knowing and feeling is precisely where EMDR works.
Why Work With Cindy Lee Collins
I came to EMDR through my own experience with trauma. As a self-proclaimed "avoidant" with a highly defended system, I personally experienced how EMDR could break through decades of carefully built walls and start the healing. That experience shapes how I show up with every client.
I've been providing EMDR therapy for four years, with EMDRIA-approved training and ongoing professional consultation. I'm currently working toward EMDRIA certification, reflecting my commitment to keeping my practice current and evidence-based. Much of my work focuses on complex and developmental trauma, the kind that accumulated over time through relationships, environments, or early experiences that shaped how you learned to feel safe, or didn't. This type of trauma often doesn't respond well to insight-based or purely verbal approaches, which is part of why EMDR can be so effective for it.
My style is collaborative and client-led. You set the pace, and we don't move into processing until you feel grounded and ready. I'm not here to push you through a protocol. I'm here to help your nervous system do something it hasn't been able to do on its own.
Sessions are available in person in Riverside or via secure telehealth throughout California, Monday through Thursday from 2 to 10pm.
EMDR Therapy FAQs
What is EMDR and how does it work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, trauma-focused therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they are stored in a less emotionally activating way. It uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) while you briefly focus on a target memory, belief, or sensation. Over time, this can reduce emotional intensity and shift how the memory is experienced.
Is EMDR evidence-based and is it safe?
Yes. EMDR is an evidence-based treatment recognized by major organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization, for the treatment of trauma and PTSD. When provided by a trained clinician, EMDR is considered safe. Treatment is paced carefully to support emotional regulation and stability throughout the process.
What should I expect in the first EMDR session?
The first session focuses on understanding your history, current concerns, and goals rather than beginning trauma processing right away. We’ll assess readiness, identify initial targets, and begin building stabilization skills to support your nervous system. This may include grounding strategies or resourcing. The pace is intentional and collaborative, with an emphasis on safety, clarity, and helping you feel prepared before moving into deeper EMDR work.
What does an EMDR reprocessing session look like, and will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Sessions typically involve identifying a target memory or theme, briefly bringing it to mind, and engaging in bilateral stimulation while tracking what comes up. You do not need to describe traumatic experiences in detail. The focus is on your internal experience rather than retelling the full story.
How many EMDR sessions will I need before I see results?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of trauma, current symptoms, and overall stability. Some people notice shifts within a few sessions for specific experiences, while deeper or developmental trauma may require longer-term work. We regularly assess progress and adjust pacing to support integration and safety.
Do you accept insurance, or is this private pay?
I am a private pay practice and do not accept insurance. This allows for greater flexibility, privacy, and a more personalized approach to your care. If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. I recommend contacting your provider directly to understand your specific coverage. For full details on session fees and what insurance we work with, visit my Fees page.
Have more questions? Read the full FAQ.