EMDR & Trauma-Focused Therapy for Montrose
You can't change what happened. But you can change how it affects you today.
When the past keeps showing up in the present.
Maybe you've moved on from a difficult experience, at least on the outside. But certain moments still bring back feelings you thought you'd left behind.
You might recognize some of these experiences:
A familiar sound, place, or conversation brings up unexpected distress.
You feel tense or alert even when nothing seems wrong.
You avoid certain situations because they remind you of the past.
Difficult memories interrupt your sleep or concentration.
You blame yourself for things you couldn't control.
You've talked about what happened, but the emotions still feel overwhelming.
You don't have to understand every reaction before seeking help.
You deserve more than just getting through difficult memories.
Trauma doesn't always come from one dramatic event. Sometimes repeated experiences, difficult relationships, or childhood circumstances shape how you respond to the world.
EMDR and trauma-focused therapy may help you:
Process distressing memories that continue to affect daily life.
Understand why certain situations trigger strong emotional reactions.
Explore negative beliefs that developed after difficult experiences.
Recognize protective responses that no longer serve you.
We don't have to rush toward the most painful parts of your story. We can begin with what you're experiencing today.
How I Can Help
We'll start by understanding what your experiences have left behind.
When we begin, I'll want to understand how past experiences affect your emotions, relationships, and sense of safety.
I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) alongside somatic awareness, mindfulness, and nervous-system work.
Before we begin memory processing, we'll explore your concerns, assess your readiness, and develop ways to manage distress.
During EMDR processing, we use bilateral stimulation, often guided eye movements, while you briefly focus on aspects of a distressing memory.
You don't need to describe every painful detail. We'll check in regularly and adjust the pace based on your responses.
Hi, I'm John
I'm John Sloan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #133552) based in Pasadena, California.
My own therapeutic journey over the past 15 years has shown me how meaningful it can feel when someone offers genuine understanding and support.
I bring that same curiosity, honesty, and compassion into our sessions. I want to understand your experiences, not just the symptoms they leave behind.
As an EMDR therapist serving Montrose, I help you explore difficult experiences, understand trauma responses, and work toward a greater sense of emotional safety.
Healing isn't about forcing yourself to forget.
You might understand that a difficult event happened years ago, yet still notice your body react when something reminds you of it.
EMDR uses a structured process that may help reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories.
Together, we'll explore how past experiences influence your reactions today. We'll also notice your body's responses and the ways you've learned to protect yourself.
The goal isn't to erase your memories. It's to help you relate to them differently, so they have less power over your present life.
You don't have to face every difficult memory at once.
Starting trauma therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you've spent years avoiding certain thoughts or feelings.
We'll begin by understanding your needs and building a foundation for the work ahead.
You can ask questions, discuss concerns, and tell me when something feels too difficult.
Therapy doesn't change your past. It can change how you relate to it.
Instead of: "Why does this still affect me?"
We can explore: "What brings up this reaction, and what do I need when it happens?"
Instead of: "I should be over this by now."
We can explore: "How have these experiences shaped the way I respond today?"
Instead of: "I don't want to talk about everything that happened."
We can explore: "How can we approach these memories without going into unnecessary detail?"
Instead of: "My body reacts before I can think."
We can explore: "How can I recognize these responses and find ways to manage them?"
You don't have to arrive feeling ready for every part of the process. We can start by talking about what feels possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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EMDR may help reduce distress related to difficult childhood experiences and longstanding traumatic memories. We'll explore how those experiences affect your life today and assess whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment option for your needs.
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No. EMDR doesn't require you to describe every detail of a traumatic experience aloud. We'll identify what we need for treatment and discuss how to approach distressing memories while monitoring your emotional responses.
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We'll discuss your history, current concerns, treatment goals, and readiness. I'll also help you develop grounding and emotional regulation strategies before we begin processing distressing memories.
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EMDR uses a structured treatment process that includes bilateral stimulation while you focus on aspects of a distressing memory. Talk therapy often relies more heavily on conversation and reflection. Both approaches can be valuable, depending on your needs.
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EMDR can bring up uncomfortable emotions. We'll discuss ways to manage distress before processing begins, and I'll monitor your responses throughout each session. We can pause or adjust the work when necessary.