Why I’m Offering Free EMDR to LA Fire Survivors

By: Dr. Denise Renye

 
 

 

The LA wildfires are the worst natural disaster to hit the area ever. Thousands have been displaced and the deaths are still being counted. It’s tragic, overwhelming, and traumatic. That’s precisely what trauma is – anytime a person’s nervous system is overwhelmed and it impacts their ability to cope on a physical as well as emotional/spiritual level.

 

As a trauma-informed psychologist, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals and communities during times of profound distress. In light of what’s happening in SoCal, I am offering pro bono Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy sessions to wildfire survivors through the Mind & Matter Initiative. Pro bono is a Latin word that translates to “for the public good,” in other words, it means free.

 

Mind & Matter is a nonprofit organization that creates holistic mental health initiatives for youth and young adults. It’s entirely run by volunteers and creates programs intended to mend the mind-body connection to combat dissociation, anxiety, and depression. Due to the enormity of what’s happening, Mind & Matter is expanding its offerings to include any individual or family member impacted by the LA wildfires. (In other words, not only youth and young adults.)

 

These are free sessions regardless of a person’s insurance or financial situation. These sessions are a safe space for individuals to process their experiences, reduce distress, and begin the journey of healing from trauma. Different therapists are offering different things. As a trauma-informed psychologist, what I’m offering is EMDR.

 

EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based approach designed to help people reprocess traumatic memories and move toward a place of emotional resilience and recovery. Unlike conventional therapy, EMDR does not require extensive discussion, which makes it especially effective for LA wildfire survivors who are still processing the ongoing disaster. They won’t need to deeply explore their feelings or what happened during each session.

 

You can read about the EMDR process but in brief, using bilateral stimulation – often through guided eye movements, taps, or sounds – the patient will process the traumatic memory. I will guide them through this process and help them notice any thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations that arise without needing to discuss the details extensively. We’ll not only release the negative memory but also install a positive belief or memory. In the case of wildfire survivors, that could be something like the heroism they displayed rescuing a pet, or the kindness they received from friends.

 

Together, we’ll focus on safety and stabilization in an embodied way. When successful, patients have had experiences of embodiment or presence in their bodies. They feel they are safe in the present moment and their nervous systems don’t need to retain the traumatic experience of the wildfire. That’s very different than mentally trying to convince yourself that you’re safe! 

 

Partnering with Mind and Matter, I hope to bring specialized trauma care to those who have lost homes, belongings, and, in many cases, a sense of safety. As a clinician with extensive experience in trauma work, I understand the profound impact disasters like wildfires can have on emotional well-being. This pro bono effort is my way of standing in solidarity with the Palisades community, helping individuals regain their footing and reclaim a sense of stability.

 

If you or someone you know has been affected by the wildfires, I encourage you to reach out through the Mind and Matter website for support. Together, we can navigate this challenging time and work toward healing. If you’re interested in working directly with me for EMDR therapy, please don’t hesitate to reach out. EMDR can be a powerful tool to address trauma and promote healing during difficult times.

 

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