Emotional Regulation Therapy in California: EMDR Vs. DBT

Struggling with emotional regulation can impact every part of your life, from your relationships to your job and even how you feel about yourself. From sudden outbursts of anger to feeling easily triggered, or from lingering irritation to unpredictable mood swings, emotional dysregulation can be overwhelming. So, when emotions feel out of control, the natural response is to go looking for answers. If you’ve already done this search, you know that Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in Los Angeles is the first result you’ll see, but does that mean it’s the right approach for you?

DBT is a skills-based treatment method, and at first glance, it seems like the perfect fix, with concrete techniques to manage dysregulation and daily skills to bring back stability. Who wouldn’t want to try it? While building emotional regulation skills are important, have you ever noticed that emotional dysregulation feels impossible to manage? With uncontrollable reactions ranging from anger to shutting down and crying to feeling trapped or even wanting to run. They almost seem automatic, like they take over before you even have a chance to think.

This is because emotional dysregulation isn’t just about how you think, it’s also a nervous system response. Polyvagal theory suggests that when stress dysregulates the nervous system, it can lead to anger, anxiety, sadness, mood swings, and even rage. In those states, traditional cognitive strategies like reframing thoughts or using opposite action may not be enough to break the cycle. If your body is already reacting before your mind can catch up, it takes more than changing thoughts to re-regulate.

That does not mean that DBT skills aren’t helpful. They absolutely have their place, but emotional regulation therapy in California often requires more than one approach. For many, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is effective in addressing emotional dysregulation and reactivity, while anxiety, shame, and self-blame may benefit from Polyvagal, somatic therapy, and other therapeutic techniques. DBT skills can then support long-term change by helping you implement regulation strategies in daily life.

The reality is that emotional regulation is complex, and a quick Google search won’t tell you that. So, when DBT is the first result, it’s easy to assume that it’s the best option. But the ideal approach to lasting emotional regulation is often a combination of interventions that are tailored to your unique needs.

If emotional dysregulation is a struggle and you’re looking for a personalized approach, you can schedule a free 15 minute phone or video consult or feel free to reach out with any questions: (213) 320-1009 / lisa@thriveandfeelpsychology.com.

FAQs

What are emotional dysregulation symptoms?

Many people struggle with emotional dysregulation, feeling anger or rage, reacting impulsively, or being easily triggered. Emotional regulation struggles can also impact relationships, leading to frequent conflicts that sometimes seem to come out of nowhere. Signs of emotional dysregulation can include intense and excessive reactions to triggers, difficulty calming down after emotional outbursts, and frequent mood swings.

Can EMDR help with emotional dysregulation?

Yes! EMDR can be very helpful with emotional dysregulation because it works to reduce the triggers that contribute to being reactive, overwhelmed, angry, and experiencing fight or flight responses. Instead of just trying to manage emotions as they arise, EMDR can help decrease how often and how intensely those emotions occur. For many, this leads to a sense of calm, control, and resilience in daily life.

Is DBT good for emotional regulation?

Actually, DBT and EMDR work beautifully together because they each focus on different aspects of emotional regulation. DBT can provide tools to manage distress, which can make it easier to engage in EMDR. Meanwhile, EMDR helps to process the underlying triggers of emotional dysregulation, making it easier to apply DBT skills in daily life. When used together, DBT can help with emotional regulation during EMDR, and EMDR can help clear the emotional roadblocks that make it hard to use DBT skills consistently. Lots of people find this combinations supports deeper, longer-lasting changes.

Where can I find an emotional dysregulation therapist near me?

You can find emotional regulation therapy in California through virtual sessions that incorporate EMDR, DBT, and the other approaches discussed in this post. Virtual therapy offers flexibility and accessibility, making it easier to attend therapy while in the comfort of your own space. Schedule a free 15 minute phone or video consultation here or below to explore your options with a DBT trained provider that is also EMDR certified and an EMDR consultant!

Meet the Author

Lisa Saviñon, M.Ed

Lisa is both EMDR certified and an EMDRIA approved EMDR consultant that is trained in CBT, DBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and attachment work. Lisa is certified in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy and completing training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and sex therapy (AAASECT Approved).

Lisa offers virtual counseling in California to couples, teens, and adults, and enjoys working with Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), trauma, emotional regulation, teens, and couples. Lisa is a neurodivergent clinician that provides neurodiversity- affirming psychotherapy. She is a Registered Psychological Associate #94028845 here at Thrive and Feel Psychology, supervised by Dr. Mary Kate Roohan, Licensed Clinical Psychologist #34538.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you are interested meeting Lisa, you can schedule a free 15 minute phone or video consult or feel free to reach out with any questions:
(213) 320-1009 / lisa@thriveandfeelpsychology.com.