Anxiety EMDR Therapy Intensives in Santa Monica & Across California
For high-achieving adults who feel stuck in survival mode
You’re in the Right Place If…
You’re in the right place if your anxiety feels like it runs your life even when everything looks “fine”.
You might be successful, capable, and highly functioning, but inside, your body rarely settles.
Maybe you:
Overthink conversations long after they’re over
Feel constantly “on edge” for no clear reason
Struggle to relax, even during downtime
Wake up already bracing for the day
Feel responsible for managing everything — and everyone
This isn’t weakness.
It’s a nervous system that learned to stay alert to stay safe.You can’t relax
What’s Actually Going On in Your Body
Anxiety isn’t just in your thoughts… it lives in your nervous system.
When your body learned early on that things were unpredictable, unsafe, or emotionally overwhelming, it adapted by staying alert. Over time, that survival mode can show up as:
Racing thoughts
Tightness in your chest or stomach
Difficulty resting or sleeping
A constant sense of urgency
Feeling calm only when you’re “doing”
Your body is trying to protect you — even when you don’t need protection anymore
What If It Could Feel Different?
Imagine
Waking up without that immediate knot in your chest.
Responding instead of reacting.
Your body settling without effort.
Anxiety no longer running the day.
Your thoughts slowing down.
Your nervous system trusting that it’s okay to rest.
This is what happens when anxiety is processed and not just managed.
Why Anxiety Feels So Hard to “Think Your Way Out Of”
Anxiety isn’t just worry, it’s your body staying alert long after the threat has passed.
For many high-achieving, hyper-independent people, anxiety shows up as constant scanning, overthinking, tightness in the chest or stomach, and feeling on edge even when things are “fine.”
Your nervous system learned early that it had to stay ready. That’s why reassurance, logic, or coping skills alone often don’t last.
This isn’t a mindset problem. It’s a body memory problem.
How EMDR Therapy Intensives Help Anxiety at the Root
EMDR Intensives work by helping your nervous system process the experiences that taught it to stay on high alert in the first place.
Instead of managing anxiety week after week, intensive work allows your body to:
release stored fear and emotional charge
stop reacting to old triggers as if they’re happening now
settle into a steadier, calmer baseline
Because the work is focused and uninterrupted, your system doesn’t have to “reopen” and shut down between sessions.
The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety overnight —it’s to help your body finally learn that it’s safe to stand down.
Why People Choose Me
I’m Olivia Lavelle, LCSW and Certified EMDR therapist who specializes in working with high-functioning adults whose anxiety doesn’t match how capable they appear.
My approach blends EMDR, nervous system awareness, and emotional intelligence to help clients move out of survival mode and back into their lives with more ease, clarity, and self-trust.
You don’t have to keep performing calm while falling apart inside.
Healing is possible even for you.
Want to learn more about anxiety, emotional healing, and nervous system regulation? Visit my Treasure Talks Blog for gentle, grounded insights and tools.
FAQs about Anxiety Therapy across California
If you have more questions have a look at the FAQ page or reach out.
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EMDR helps your brain reprocess memories that have kept your nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Instead of just managing symptoms, you’ll start to feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control of your emotional responses.
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Yes, absolutely. I specialize in online EMDR and trauma-informed therapy for clients across California. Many of my clients say they feel even safer processing from their own homes, where they can regulate freely and rest after sessions.
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Stress is a natural, short-term response to life’s demands. Anxiety is when your body stays in that alert state long after the stressor is gone. Together, we’ll help your system recognize that you’re not in danger anymore.
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Each journey is unique. Some clients begin feeling lighter within a few sessions, while others notice deeper change after several months. The goal isn’t to rush healing, it’s to help your body build sustainable safety and calm.
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While I don’t bill insurance directly, many clients use out-of-network benefits. Your insurance may reimburse a percentage (usually 50–80%) for therapy sessions. I provide monthly superbills you can submit for potential reimbursement.