Romina Schnelle, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Anaheim, California
VerifiedTelehealth Available
My Approach to Therapy
Hello, my name is Romina Schnelle, and I’m an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapist and Licensed Marriage and (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)) in California. If you’re here, you might be feeling overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, trauma, or the daily challenges of navigating life. I want you to know that you’re not alone, and I’m here to support you.
You may be seeking therapy because you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or not yourself. Perhaps you’ve been struggling with past trauma, grief, anxiety, or low self-esteem, and it feels like no matter what you do, you can’t seem to break free from these patterns. You might also be grappling with issues related to your cultural identity, or feeling the weight of societal expectations as a first-generation individual. Or maybe you’re looking for a safe space where you can fully be yourself as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Whatever your reason, it’s valid, and asking for help is okay.
My approach to therapy is rooted in my personal experiences and professional training. I’m passionate about using EMDR therapy to help you process and heal from trauma and emotional pain. EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain reprocess distressing memories, so you can heal from the inside out.
Here’s how we can work together:
From the very first session, I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where you feel safe sharing your story. Your comfort and trust are essential to the healing process.
I will take the time to understand your unique experiences, challenges, and goals. Whether you’re dealing with the effects of trauma, working through limiting self-beliefs, or seeking a deeper understanding of your identity, we’ll work at your pace and focus on what matters most to you.
EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I will tailor our work to suit your needs, using techniques and strategies that resonate with you. We’ll work together to identify and target the memories and beliefs holding you back.
My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights you need to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. We will work on developing coping strategies, enhancing your self-awareness, and building resilience, so you can confidently move forward.
Healing is a journey, and I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking to overcome trauma, manage anxiety, or simply find more peace and balance in your life, I’m committed to supporting you with compassion, understanding, and professional expertise.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I invite you to reach out for an intake. We can discuss your goals in depth and how we might work together to create the positive changes you desire. You don’t have to face this journey alone; I’m here to support you.
My Practice & Services
Existnow Therapy is a fully virtual private practice serving adults throughout California in English and Spanish. I provide evidence-based, trauma-informed therapy with a personalized approach, recognizing that healing is not one-size-fits-all.
While I specialize in EMDR therapy, I believe successful trauma treatment begins with ensuring each client is ready for trauma processing. For some, this means beginning with skills to strengthen emotional regulation, nervous system stability, and coping before moving into reprocessing. My goal is to help clients understand where they are in their healing journey and create a treatment plan that meets their individual needs.
In addition to weekly therapy, I offer EMDR intensives for clients seeking a more focused treatment experience. I also provide EMDR consultation for clinicians and educational resources designed to help individuals better understand trauma, the nervous system, and EMDR.
My practice emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and creating a space where clients feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the therapy process.
How can EMDR therapy help?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process and heal from distressing experiences that may continue to affect how you think, feel, and respond today. Many people find themselves feeling "stuck," even though they understand their experiences logically. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess difficult memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming.
EMDR can be effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, negative self-beliefs, and distress related to life transitions or other challenging experiences. As painful memories become more fully processed, many clients notice reduced emotional intensity, fewer triggers, increased self-confidence, and an improved ability to respond to life's challenges with greater flexibility.
Not everyone is ready to begin trauma processing immediately, and that's okay. Before starting EMDR, I carefully assess each client's readiness and tailor treatment to their unique needs. When appropriate, we'll first build skills to strengthen emotional regulation, nervous system stability, and coping so you can feel more prepared for trauma processing. My goal is to help you engage in EMDR at a pace that feels safe, supportive, and effective for lasting healing.
Had a negative EMDR experience?
Having a difficult experience with EMDR does not necessarily mean EMDR isn't right for you. There are many reasons someone may find EMDR overwhelming, including beginning trauma processing before feeling adequately prepared, working on memories that were too activating too quickly, or not having enough time devoted to building coping skills and nervous system regulation beforehand.
EMDR should never feel like you're being pushed beyond what you can safely tolerate. Effective EMDR is paced according to your individual needs and includes ongoing assessment, preparation, and collaboration throughout the process.
If you've had a negative experience with EMDR, we'll spend time understanding what happened before deciding whether to continue with EMDR or use another approach first. In some cases, additional preparation, slower pacing, or modifications to the standard protocol can make a significant difference. In other cases, it may be more beneficial to begin with therapies that strengthen emotional regulation and stability before returning to trauma processing.
My goal is to help you feel safe, informed, and supported throughout treatment. Whether we determine EMDR is the right fit now or later, we'll work together to create a plan that respects your nervous system and promotes lasting healing.
What does it mean to be EMDR Certified?
EMDR Certified means a therapist has completed advanced training and consultation beyond the basic EMDR training requirements. Certification is awarded by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and recognizes therapists who have demonstrated additional experience, consultation, and commitment to providing EMDR therapy according to established standards.
To become EMDR Certified, therapists must complete an EMDRIA-approved basic training, gain experience providing EMDR therapy with clients, receive consultation from an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, complete continuing education specific to EMDR, and adhere to EMDRIA's professional and ethical standards.
While many therapists provide excellent EMDR treatment after completing basic training, certification reflects an additional level of education, supervised experience, and ongoing professional development. It demonstrates a commitment to maintaining competency and staying current with best practices in EMDR therapy.
As an EMDR Certified Therapist, I am committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care. I carefully assess each client's readiness for trauma processing and tailor treatment to their unique needs, helping ensure EMDR is delivered in a way that is both safe and effective.
Is my practice the right fit for you?
Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and finding the right fit can make a meaningful difference in your therapy experience. My practice is best suited for adults seeking trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy for concerns such as trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, life transitions, and low self-esteem.
I specialize in EMDR therapy, but I also recognize that healing is not one-size-fits-all. During our initial sessions, we'll explore your goals, current challenges, and readiness for trauma processing to determine the approach that best supports your needs. In some cases, this may mean beginning with emotional regulation, nervous system stabilization, or another evidence-based therapy before moving into EMDR.
My practice may not be the best fit if you're seeking couples therapy, therapy for children or adolescents, treatment for active eating disorders or substance use disorders, psychological or court-ordered evaluations, disability or custody evaluations, or a higher level of care than can safely be provided through outpatient telehealth.
If I believe another therapist, specialty, or level of care would better support your needs, I'll discuss my recommendations with you and provide referrals whenever possible. My priority is helping you receive the care that's most appropriate for your goals, whether that's with me or another qualified provider.
How does bilateral stimulation work?
Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is a key component of EMDR therapy that involves gentle, rhythmic stimulation that alternates from the left side of the body to the right. This may include guided eye movements, alternating taps, or alternating tones. During EMDR, bilateral stimulation is used while you briefly focus on a distressing memory, thought, feeling, or body sensation.
Although researchers are still studying exactly how bilateral stimulation works, evidence suggests it helps the brain process distressing experiences more adaptively. Rather than erasing memories, EMDR helps the brain "file away" experiences that have remained emotionally stuck. As a result, memories often become less vivid, less emotionally overwhelming, and more integrated into your overall life story.
Many clients describe the experience as allowing their brain to make new connections on its own. They may begin remembering additional details, gain new perspectives, or notice that negative beliefs such as "I'm not safe" or "I'm not good enough" gradually shift toward healthier, more balanced beliefs.
It's important to know that bilateral stimulation is only one part of EMDR therapy. Effective treatment also includes careful preparation, ensuring you have the skills and support needed before beginning trauma processing. Throughout therapy, the speed, type, and duration of bilateral stimulation can be adjusted based on your comfort and individual needs, helping create a process that feels both safe and effective.
Expertise & Specialties
Age Groups I Work With
Adults
Groups I Work With
I primarily work with adults (18+) experiencing trauma, PTSD, complex trauma (C-PTSD), anxiety, depression, panic attacks, grief and loss (including pet loss), life transitions, and low self-esteem. I also support adults with ADHD and autistic traits, particularly when these intersect with trauma. My practice is especially suited for individuals seeking EMDR therapy for childhood trauma, relationship trauma, attachment wounds, or distressing life experiences. I provide services in both English and Spanish.
Therapy Services & Specialties
Concerns & Challenges Addressed
Adjusting to Change / Life TransitionsAnxietyAttachment IssuesAutism SpectrumBreakupDepressionGrief, Loss, and BereavementImmigration issues
Therapeutic Approaches & Evidence-Based Methods
Industries & Communities
BIPOCEducationFirst Responder/Medical ProfessionalsLGBTQ+Self-Employed and Freelance Professionals