- Healing from trauma is not a linear process, and many people describe feeling as though painful memories are “stuck.” These experiences can affect everything from your sense of safety to your ability to connect in relationships or feel present in daily life.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-supported approach that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer carry the same emotional weight. For many, EMDR opens the door to feeling calmer, more resilient, and less controlled by the past.
- As a trauma-focused therapist in San Diego, I integrate EMDR with other evidence-based methods to provide a comprehensive and compassionate approach to recovery. My goal is to meet you where you are and help you move forward in a way that feels safe and sustainable.
- On this page, I’ll share more about my practice and also highlight other trusted clinicians who provide EMDR therapy in San Diego, so you can find the support that’s the best fit for your needs.
Meet the therapists
- Best for betrayal trauma and emotional abuse recovery: Ross Kellogg, LMFT
- Best for eating disorders and body-image trauma: Jennifer Rickard, LMFT
- Best for highly sensitive people facing burnout and overwhelm: Carrie Hill, LMFT
- Best for adoption-related trauma: Dr. Neda Khodaparast, PsyD, QME
- Best for children, teens, and parents navigating grief and trauma: Dr. Lori Rappaport, PhD
Why trust my recommendations?
I’m Ross Kellogg, a licensed marriage and family therapist with more than a decade of experience helping people heal from complex trauma. My work weaves together EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems informed approaches to create a holistic approach that honors both the mind and the body. This integration allows us to not only process painful memories but also to reconnect with the parts of yourself that carry resilience and strength.
How I selected these therapists
The therapists included here were chosen for their advanced EMDR training and their experience supporting people through trauma and PTSD. Each brings unique strengths and areas of expertise, reflecting the diverse needs of those seeking healing in San Diego. My hope is that this list helps you find the right fit for the kind of support you’re looking for.
Therapist profiles
Ross Kellogg, LMFT
Best for complex trauma and narcissistic abuse recovery
Key logistics:
- Offers EMDR: ✓
- Clientele: Adults
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Virtual therapy: Yes
In my practice, EMDR is not a stand-alone technique but part of a larger, integrated approach. I combine it with Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems, which means we address both the physical imprint of trauma and the inner parts of you that may hold difficult experiences. This allows for a deeper and more comprehensive healing process—one that goes beyond simply reducing symptoms and helps you build lasting connection and resilience.
| Good fit for: | Not a fit for: |
|---|---|
| Adults seeking EMDR integrated with somatic and parts-work approaches. | Clients seeking traditional talk therapy without body-based or parts-work approaches. |
| Virtual sessions with evening availability. | Individuals wanting a brief or “quick-fix” model of trauma treatment. |
| Those healing from complex trauma, narcissistic abuse, or attachment injuries. | Clients needing structured group or inpatient programs rather than individualized therapy. |
Jennifer Rickard, LMFT
Best for eating disorders and body-image trauma
Key logistics:
- Offers EMDR: ✓
- Clientele: Adults, families, children, and adolescents
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Virtual therapy: Yes
Jennifer brings advanced training in interpersonal violence and eating disorders, blending EMDR with trauma-informed care to help clients restore safety and self-worth. Her compassionate and skilled approach is particularly effective for those navigating body image struggles and relational trauma.
| Good fit for: | Not a fit for: |
|---|---|
| Adults healing from intimate partner violence or complex relational trauma. | Clients looking for short-term stress management without addressing deeper trauma roots. |
| Individuals struggling with eating disorders or body image issues. | Individuals seeking a purely cognitive or insight-based approach without somatic work. |
| LGBTQIA+ communities. | Those requiring a medical treatment team for severe eating disorder stabilization. |
Carrie Hill, LMFT
Best for highly sensitive people facing burnout and overwhelm
Key logistics:
- Offers EMDR: ✓
- Clientele: Adults
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Virtual therapy: Yes
Carrie specializes in working with high achievers and highly sensitive people, helping clients use EMDR to process trauma while fostering resilience, balance, and greater self-compassion. Her approach is especially supportive for those who excel outwardly but feel overwhelmed inwardly.
| Good fit for: | Not a fit for: |
|---|---|
| Professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs dealing with stress, burnout, or perfectionism. | Clients preferring a rigid, by-the-book EMDR protocol rather than individualized work. |
| Highly sensitive people (HSPs) seeking EMDR to manage overwhelm. | Individuals in need of crisis stabilization or acute care support. |
| Adults who want to balance achievement with emotional well-being. | Those resistant to exploring how perfectionism and sensitivity shape their experiences. |
Dr. Neda Khodaparast, PsyD, QME
Best for adoption-related trauma and childhood abuse
Key logistics:
- Offers EMDR: ✓
- Clientele: Adults
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Virtual therapy: Yes
Neda brings expertise in war trauma, adoption issues, and childhood abuse, combining EMDR with culturally sensitive care. Her fluency in Farsi allows her to serve Persian-speaking clients with both skill and cultural attunement, making her uniquely positioned for global and multicultural trauma healing.
| Good fit for: | Not a fit for: |
|---|---|
| Survivors of war, displacement, or political violence. | Families seeking immediate crisis stabilization or emergency intervention services. |
| Adults and adoptees navigating adoption-related trauma. | Clients looking solely for psychiatric medication management. |
| Clients healing from childhood sexual or physical abuse. | Individuals wanting a quick one-time consultation instead of ongoing therapeutic support. |
Dr. Lori Rappaport, Ph.D.
Best for children, teens, and parents navigating grief and trauma
Key logistics:
- Offers EMDR: ✓
- Clientele: Children and adolescents, adults, families
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Virtual therapy: Yes
Lori integrates EMDR into a broader pediatric and adult psychology practice that includes cognitive-behavioral strategies, grief support, ADHD evaluation, and family dynamics. Her work is especially helpful for families and individuals seeking a supportive, long-term therapeutic approach.
| Good fit for: | Not a fit for: |
|---|---|
| Kids and teens coping with anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, or trauma. | Clients seeking a quick or one-time evaluation only. |
| Families needing pediatric psychology and parent guidance. | Individuals unwilling to explore trauma processing as part of treatment. |
| Adults seeking EMDR for unresolved childhood trauma or grief. | Clients needing emergency crisis stabilization or inpatient-level services. |
FAQs about EMDR therapy
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a research-supported therapy for healing trauma and PTSD. It uses bilateral stimulation—often through eye movements or tapping—to help the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer carry the same emotional charge. Over time, those memories feel less vivid and distressing, allowing you to live with more ease, resilience, and a healthier sense of self.
How do I know if I need EMDR therapy?
People often consider EMDR when they feel stuck in the aftermath of difficult experiences. This may look like flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed when remembering the past. EMDR is particularly effective for trauma survivors, people with PTSD, and anyone whose early or recent experiences still affect their daily life. If you’ve tried traditional talk therapy but your trauma symptoms remain, EMDR may provide a path forward.
What kinds of trauma issues do you help with?
In my practice, I specialize in EMDR for complex trauma (CPTSD), childhood emotional neglect and abuse, narcissistic abuse, and attachment injuries. I also integrate EMDR into couples work when unresolved trauma shows up in relationships. My approach is especially supportive for healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and creative individuals navigating developmental trauma, imposter syndrome, and challenges in intimacy and connection.
What is your approach to EMDR therapy?
I don’t use EMDR as a stand-alone tool. Instead, I integrate it with Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS). This means we’ll address both the way trauma lives in the body and the different “parts” of you that may still carry painful experiences. The process is comprehensive, and it honors not just the symptoms of trauma but also your resilience and inner capacity to heal.
What can I expect from the therapy process?
We’ll begin by building a foundation of safety and stabilization so you feel prepared for the work ahead. When we move into EMDR processing, you’ll focus on specific memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. Many people notice shifts between sessions—whether it’s feeling lighter about the past or seeing relationships in a new way. Because I integrate somatic and parts work, we’ll also attend to your body’s signals and the inner dynamics that shape your experience.
How do I know if your practice is the right fit?
My practice may be a good match if you’re looking for an in-depth, mind-body approach to trauma treatment rather than a protocol-only model. Clients often come to me because they want to go beyond symptom relief and work toward deeper healing and integration. I particularly enjoy supporting professionals and creatives who are carrying complex trauma while still maintaining demanding lives.
How do I get started?
The first step is scheduling a free consultation. This gives us a chance to talk through your needs, answer your questions, and see if my approach feels like a good fit for you. If we decide to work together, we’ll schedule your first session and begin the process of moving toward greater stability, connection, and healing.