Serene Self offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy to those residing in Tigard, Oregon, and nearby communities. Led by Mamta Bhargava, the practice provides compassionate, professional care for those seeking to process past experiences, reduce emotional distress, and improve overall well-being.

Sessions are available online or in person, with the convenience of evening and Saturday appointments to fit different schedules. Whether a client prefers the privacy of their home or a traditional office setting, our team creates a safe and supportive environment for meaningful progress.

Understanding EMDR Therapy

EMDR Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach used to address distressing memories and their lasting impact. It was originally developed to help people recover from trauma, but it is now widely recognized as effective for a range of issues, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  
• Anxiety and panic disorders
  
• Depression
  
• Phobias
  
• Grief and loss
  
• Low self-esteem
  
• Performance anxiety
  

In EMDR, a client focuses on a specific memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or rhythmic tapping. This process helps the brain reprocess the memory so that it becomes less emotionally overwhelming. Over time, the memory remains, but its ability to trigger distress is reduced.

Why EMDR Can Be Effective

When a person experiences trauma or high stress, their brain may store the memory in a way that keeps it “stuck.” Even years later, reminders of the event can cause intense emotional reactions. EMDR works by helping the brain process these memories differently. Instead of being locked in a distressing loop, the memory is integrated into the person’s broader life story, allowing emotional healing to take place.

This therapy can work relatively quickly compared to some traditional talk therapies. Many people find it helpful because it focuses on both the emotional and physical responses to memories, not just the thoughts surrounding them.

Our Background

Mamta Bhargava, MSC, LPC, CCH, is the founder and owner of Serene Self. Her qualifications include:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certified by the State of Arizona
  
• Certified Classical Homeopath (CCH) by the Council of Homeopathic Certification
  
• Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Phoenix (2008)
  
• Intensive 1-year residency training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) from Phoenix Interfaith
  
• Certified provider of EMDR Therapy
  
• Member of EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

In addition to her private practice, Mamta volunteers with AzTRN – Arizona EMDR Trauma Response and Recovery Network, offering support to communities affected by trauma.

Founded in 2012, Serene Self was created to provide high-quality, sincere mental health care. Mamta’s experiences traveling around the world and moving to the United States shaped her perspective on modern life. She observed that, while technology and convenience have increased, many people feel lonelier, more anxious, and disconnected. The constant pursuit of achievement and consumption often leaves emotional well-being behind.

Our team aims to help people reconnect with inner calm, accept themselves fully, and approach fears with compassion. The practice blends evidence-based psychotherapy with a holistic awareness of the mind-body connection.

A Holistic Perspective

We believe emotional healing works best when the mind and body are addressed together. This is why our team offers more than one therapeutic approach.

Alongside EMDR Therapy, services include:

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Tools for emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
  
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Learning to accept thoughts and feelings while taking positive action.
  
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns.
  
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Strengthening emotional understanding and connection in relationships.
  
• Homeopathic Consultations: Supporting physical and emotional wellness through natural remedies.
  

This integrated approach allows treatment plans to be customized to each client’s needs and preferences.

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy

Every client’s journey is unique, but EMDR follows a general eight-phase structure designed to promote healing and emotional resilience:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers information about your past experiences, current symptoms, and goals. Together, you identify specific memories or themes that will be the focus of therapy.
2. Preparation: This phase builds trust and emotional safety. You’ll learn grounding techniques, relaxation strategies, and coping tools to help manage distress during and between sessions.
3. Assessment: You’ll work with your therapist to identify the mental image, emotions, physical sensations, and negative beliefs associated with the target memory. This sets the foundation for processing.
4. Desensitization: Bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) is used to help reduce the emotional charge of the memory. The goal is to lessen distress and shift your response.
   
5. Installation: Positive beliefs are introduced and reinforced to replace old, limiting ones. This helps reshape how you view yourself and the experience.
   
6. Body Scan: You’ll check for lingering physical tension or discomfort. If any remains, it’s addressed to ensure full resolution.
   
7. Closure: Each session ends with grounding and emotional stabilization, ensuring you leave feeling safe and supported.
   
8. Reevaluation: Progress is reviewed in future sessions, and new targets may be identified as healing continues.

This process moves at a pace that is safe and comfortable for the client, ensuring that emotional stability is maintained throughout therapy.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

Some of the reasons people choose EMDR include:

Evidence-based Effectiveness

EMDR is backed by extensive research and endorsed by leading organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its structured approach has shown consistent results in treating trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.

Reduced Emotional Triggers

Many clients report that after EMDR, memories of painful events no longer provoke intense emotional reactions. Triggers that once caused anxiety, fear, or sadness often lose their power, allowing for greater emotional freedom.

Efficiency

Compared to traditional talk therapy, EMDR can lead to noticeable progress in fewer sessions. Its targeted method helps clients process core memories more quickly, making it a time-effective option for many.

Flexibility

EMDR can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness practices. This adaptability allows therapists to customize treatment to each client’s needs and preferences.

Empowerment

As clients reprocess difficult experiences, they often gain a renewed sense of control over their thoughts and emotions. EMDR fosters resilience and helps clients feel more confident in managing life’s challenges.

Flexible Scheduling and Session Options

Our EMDR therapy is designed to fit into real life. Clients can choose between:

• Virtual Sessions: Private, secure, and accessible from anywhere.
• In-person Sessions: Offered for those who prefer face-to-face interaction in Tigard and the surrounding areas.

To make therapy more accessible, our team offers evening appointments and Saturday availability, helping clients fit sessions into their busy schedules without sacrificing consistency.

Is EMDR the Right Choice?

EMDR may be a good fit for those who:

• Have experienced trauma or distressing events
  
• Feel “stuck” in certain emotional patterns
  
• Experience anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem
  
• Prefer a structured, goal-oriented approach
  
• Want to address both emotional and physical reactions to memories
  

An initial consultation helps determine whether EMDR is the most appropriate therapy, or if another approach, or a combination of methods, would be more beneficial.

Privacy and Respect

We prioritize confidentiality. Our clients can expect a professional and respectful environment where they feel comfortable exploring personal experiences. The focus is on building a trusting therapeutic relationship that supports emotional growth and personal resilience.