If you have been searching for a professional, compassionate, and effective way to address past emotional wounds, anxiety, or distressing memories, EMDR therapy may be an ideal option for you. At Serene Self, people living in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and nearby areas have access to trusted EMDR therapy services designed to support emotional healing, build resilience, and improve mental well-being.

Led by Mamta Bhargava, our team provides both virtual therapy sessions and in-person appointments by request, with the added convenience of evening and Saturday availability to accommodate busy schedules. If you are undergoing trauma recovery, working through chronic stress, or seeking personal growth, we offer evidence-based therapeutic approaches customized to your needs.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a clinically proven psychotherapy method used to help individuals process and resolve traumatic memories, negative beliefs, and overwhelming emotional experiences. Developed in the late 1980s, EMDR is particularly well-known for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it has also shown positive results for a wide range of other mental health concerns.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often focuses on discussing and analyzing problems, EMDR emphasizes processing difficult memories through bilateral stimulation. This could involve guided eye movements, tapping, or audio tones, all while the client focuses on distressing material in a structured and supportive environment. The aim is to help the brain reprocess these memories so they lose their emotional intensity and no longer disrupt daily life.

How EMDR Therapy Works

EMDR therapy follows a structured, eight-phase protocol. This framework ensures the client’s safety, establishes trust between therapist and client, and guides the therapeutic process in a clear, organized manner. Our EMDR sessions are conducted with care, maintaining a supportive space for clients throughout each phase.

The eight phases of EMDR include:

1. History Taking & Treatment Planning
   The therapist gathers a complete personal history, identifying specific memories, issues, or patterns to target during therapy.
2. Preparation
   Clients are introduced to EMDR, including how it works, what to expect, and coping techniques to manage any emotional responses that may arise during or between sessions.
3. Assessment
   The therapist and client identify distressing memories and associated negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations. A baseline is established for the intensity of distress linked to each memory.
4. Desensitization
   Bilateral stimulation is applied while the client focuses on the targeted memory. This process continues until the memory becomes less disturbing and emotional intensity decreases.
5. Installation
   Positive, adaptive beliefs are introduced and reinforced to replace old, negative thoughts connected to the memory.
6. Body Scan
   Clients observe any lingering physical sensations tied to the memory, helping ensure that emotional and physical distress is fully processed.
7. Closure
   Each session concludes with grounding and relaxation techniques, helping clients feel stable and secure.
8. Reevaluation
   In subsequent sessions, the therapist and client review progress and determine whether additional work is needed on the same or new memories.

This step-by-step structure ensures that each client’s experience is individualized and handled with professional care and attention.

Conditions EMDR Therapy Can Address

While EMDR therapy is most commonly associated with the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is also beneficial for a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. EMDR therapy is available to help with:

• Anxiety Disorders – Helps process fears, worries, and intrusive thoughts, leading to reduced anxiety.
• Depression – Addresses negative thought patterns and unresolved emotional wounds contributing to depression.
• Grief and Complicated Bereavement – Supports emotional healing for those struggling with loss, allowing them to process and move forward.
• Panic Attacks and Phobias – Reduces the intensity of panic responses and desensitizes distressing triggers.
• Childhood Trauma and Neglect – Helps reprocess painful childhood memories, reducing their impact on present emotional well-being.
• Chronic Stress – Provides tools to manage overwhelming emotions and desensitize stress-related triggers.
• Emotional Regulation Difficulties – Improves the ability to manage emotions and reactions in various life situations.
• Relationship Challenges Linked to Past Experiences – Addresses attachment issues, trust concerns, and emotional wounds that affect relationships.
• Performance-Related Anxiety – Helps reprocess fears tied to public speaking, exams, or work pressure, improving confidence.
• Low Self-Esteem and Persistent Negative Beliefs – Shifts self-perception by eliminating deep-rooted negative thought patterns.

EMDR’s flexibility makes it a valuable option for people dealing with emotional pain caused by single incidents or more complex, long-standing experiences.

Meet Mamta Bhargava

Mamta Bhargava, MSC, LPC, CCH, is the founder of Serene Self. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Phoenix, earned in 2008, and has over a decade of professional experience providing therapy to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Mamta is certified by the State of Arizona as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and holds a Certified Classical Homeopath (CCH) designation from the Council of Homeopathic Certification. She has completed extensive, specialized training in various therapeutic modalities, including:

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  

In addition to clinical work, Mamta is a dedicated member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and actively volunteers for AzTRN (Arizona EMDR Trauma Response and Recovery Network). Her professional philosophy integrates psychotherapy and mind-body wellness, offering clients a holistic and compassionate approach to mental health care.

Why Choose Serene Self for EMDR Therapy?

Choosing the right therapist and practice for EMDR therapy is an important decision. We focus on providing individualized, evidence-based, and holistic care in a supportive, professional environment.

Some reasons clients choose our team for EMDR therapy include:

• Flexible Appointment Options
  Offering evening and Saturday sessions to accommodate demanding schedules, with both virtual and in-person availability.
• Virtual Therapy Services
  Convenient online sessions for clients, allowing individuals to access professional therapy from the comfort of their home or private space.
• Holistic Care Approach
  Recognizing the connection between mind and body, we also offer homeopathic therapy as an optional service for those interested in a complementary path to emotional and physical wellness.
• Experienced and Certified Provider
  Mamta Bhargava’s extensive clinical training, EMDRIA membership, and years of experience ensure the clients receive care grounded in current best practices.
• Established Practice with a Personal Mission
  Founded in 2012, our team was created to address the emotional challenges faced by individuals in modern life, helping clients reconnect with their inner calm and resilience.