Specialties
Areas of emphasis in my practice are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Postpartum depression and anxiety
- Relationship Issues
- Adjustment to parenthood
- Parenting Issues
- Family conflict/family dynamics
- Interpersonal Conflict
- Life Transitions
- Personal Growth
EMDR for mild-to-moderate and relational trauma
Many people hear the word trauma and think of a single, catastrophic event. But trauma isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it’s subtle, layered, and relational.
It can look like:
- Growing up feeling unseen, criticized, or emotionally unsafe
- Repeated experiences of rejection or abandonment
- Chronic conflict in important relationships
- Betrayals that changed how you trust
- Feeling “too much” or “not enough” for others
These experiences may not meet a clinical definition of “severe trauma,” but they can deeply shape how you see yourself, relate to others, and move through the world.
How EMDR Helps
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-backed therapy approach that helps the brain process and integrate distressing experiences that feel stuck.
When relational or mild-to-moderate trauma isn’t fully processed, it can show up as:
- Anxiety in relationships
- Emotional reactivity or shutdown
- Persistent shame or self-doubt
- People-pleasing or difficulty setting boundaries
- Patterns you intellectually understand but can’t seem to shift
EMDR works by helping your nervous system reprocess those earlier experiences so they no longer carry the same emotional charge. Rather than just talking about what happened, EMDR helps your brain do what it was naturally designed to do: heal.
Relational Trauma & Attachment Wounds
Relational trauma often develops slowly — through repeated moments of misattunement, inconsistency, or emotional hurt. Over time, these experiences can shape core beliefs such as:
- “I’m not worthy.”
- “I have to earn love.”
- “If I get close, I’ll be hurt.”
- “My needs are too much.”
EMDR allows us to gently target the memories and patterns connected to these beliefs. As those experiences are reprocessed, clients often notice:
- Increased emotional regulation
- Greater clarity and confidence
- More secure, balanced relationships
- A stronger sense of self
A Collaborative & Grounded Approach
For mild to moderate and relational trauma, EMDR is paced thoughtfully. We prioritize:
- Emotional safety
- Building internal resources
- Strengthening self-regulation
- Moving at a speed that feels manageable
You are never pushed to relive experiences in overwhelming ways. The process is structured, collaborative, and grounded in your readiness.
Healing Is Possible
You don’t have to minimize your experiences because “others had it worse.” If something shaped you, it matters.
EMDR can help you move from surviving old relational patterns to living with greater freedom, connection, and self-trust.
If you’re curious whether EMDR might be a good fit for you, I’d be happy to talk more during a consultation.
Contact Me
Please do not submit any Protected Health Information (PHI).
My Availability
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 am - 05:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 05:00 pm
Thursday
10:00 am - 05:00 pm
Friday
Closed
Weekend
Closed
My Availability
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 am - 05:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 05:00 pm
Thursday
10:00 am - 05:00 pm
Friday
Closed
Weekend
Closed
Robin Bates-Pualuan, LMFT, LPCC | South Bay Psychotherapy
Find help for Anxiety or Fears, Codependency, Depression, Parenting, Postpartum Depression, Relationship Issues, Self-esteem, Work & Career Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Service Areas: Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Los Altos, Mountain View, San Jose, Palo Alto, Milpitas, Willow Glen, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Morgan Hill, Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area.
Marriage and Family Therapist & counselor in Campbell, California, 95008
