EMDR Therapy for Women in the South Bay
When you understand what happened—but still feel its impact
You may know that a difficult experience is behind you, yet still feel anxious, on edge, or overwhelmed when something reminds you of it. You might notice yourself shutting down in relationships, questioning your worth, or reacting more strongly than you want to.
You do not have to work through these experiences alone.
I’m Dr. Yulia Koba, a licensed clinical psychologist trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I work with women navigating trauma, relationship difficulties, and significant life transitions, offering in-person therapy in the South Bay and telehealth throughout California.
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What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured psychotherapy with established evidence for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
During treatment, you briefly focus on aspects of a distressing memory while using guided eye movements or another form of alternating left-right stimulation. The goal is to help the memory feel less distressing and reduce its impact on your present life.
EMDR does not erase what happened. Treatment aims to help you remember the experience without feeling as though you are going through it again.
Is EMDR right for me?
EMDR may be worth exploring if past experiences continue to affect your emotions, relationships, or sense of safety.
In our work together, we may explore experiences such as:
Childhood trauma or painful early relationships
Distressing relationship experiences
Traumatic birth or difficult medical experiences
Reproductive loss or distress associated with fertility treatment
Experiences that contribute to persistent shame, fear, or self-blame
Experiencing distress does not automatically mean you need EMDR. We will consider your symptoms, history, goals, and current support to decide which approach fits your needs.
Is EMDR covered by insurance?
EMDR therapy may be covered by insurance when provided as part of medically necessary psychotherapy. Coverage depends on your specific plan, your therapist’s network participation, and any authorization requirements. Copays, deductibles, and coinsurance may apply.
Dr. Yulia Koba participates in several insurance networks, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Lyra, TRICARE, and TriWest. Not every plan within these networks is accepted.
Contact the practice to verify your specific plan and benefits and discuss potential out-of-pocket costs before starting treatment.
My approach to EMDR therapy for women
I bring a focus on women’s mental health, attachment, and life transitions to my work. I am interested in both what you have experienced and how it affects the way you see yourself today.
Treatment begins with getting to know you and developing a shared understanding of your needs. We make time for preparation, grounding, and skills that help you manage distress before beginning memory processing.
My approach integrates EMDR with somatic and attachment-informed perspectives when appropriate. Throughout treatment, we check in about your experience and adjust the pace together.
What happens during EMDR sessions?
Understanding your history and goals
We discuss what brings you to therapy, the experiences that may be contributing to your distress, and what you hope will change.
Preparing for treatment
You learn ways to manage difficult emotions and stay connected to the present. We also discuss how EMDR works and how to pause when you need to.
Processing selected memories
When appropriate, we work with a specific memory using guided bilateral stimulation. You may notice thoughts, feelings, images, or physical sensations, which we explore within the structure of treatment.
Reviewing progress
We check how you feel between sessions and whether the memories, beliefs, and situations we are addressing have become less distressing.
Preparation and processing take different amounts of time for different people. Your treatment plan is individualized.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to describe everything that happened?
EMDR generally does not require a detailed, moment-by-moment account of every experience. We need enough information to understand your needs and plan treatment, and we discuss what you feel comfortable sharing.
Can EMDR be done online?
EMDR can be delivered through telehealth when clinically appropriate. We will assess whether online treatment suits your needs, including your access to a private space, reliable internet, and support for managing distress.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number of sessions that works for everyone. The length of treatment depends on your history, symptoms, goals, and the preparation you need. We will review your progress and discuss the plan as we go.
Can EMDR help with anxiety?
EMDR may be considered when anxiety is connected to distressing experiences. Its strongest established evidence is for PTSD. We will assess what is contributing to your anxiety and whether EMDR or another treatment is the best fit.
Does insurance cover EMDR therapy?
EMDR may be covered as part of medically necessary psychotherapy, depending on your plan and benefits.
I participate in insurance networks including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Lyra, TRICARE, and TriWest. Participation and coverage vary by specific plan. Please contact the practice to verify your benefits, potential copay or deductible, and any authorization requirements.
Where do you offer therapy?
I offer in-person therapy in the South Bay of Los Angeles and telehealth for clients located in California. Women from Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, and surrounding communities are welcome to inquire.
Take the next step
If you are wondering whether EMDR could help, a free consultation is an opportunity to share what you are looking for, ask questions, and explore whether we would be a good fit.