MBBS, MD (Pediatrics) | EMDR Trauma Therapist
EMDRIA-Approved Training with Suzi Rutti, LISW-S (USA)
Transparent, accessible care with flexible payment options
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a proven therapy recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and many international health authorities. EMDR helps you process difficult memories and experiences, allowing your natural healing to happen. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works directly with how your brain stores memories, reducing their emotional impact.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation through guided eye movements to help your brain reprocess difficult memories. This allows distressing experiences to lose their emotional intensity while the factual memory remains. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe traumatic events in detail, making it more comfortable and less overwhelming for many people.
Some people notice confusing patterns: blocking of memories, sudden impulsive reactions you can't explain, feeling like you're watching yourself do things, or sabotaging your own progress in therapy.
These protective patterns developed to keep you safe during trauma. My approach works with these patterns instead of fighting them. This is especially helpful for complex trauma, childhood abuse, or when standard therapy hasn't worked.
Wondering if EMDR could help with what you're experiencing? A brief consultation can help clarify whether this approach is right for you.
Schedule ConsultationWe offer 15, 30, 60, and 90-minute sessions—each designed for different needs and stages of healing. Different session lengths serve different purposes in your recovery.
I was skeptical about online therapy, but Dr. D'Costa made me feel safe from the first session. After years of nightmares from a childhood accident, I finally feel like I can breathe again. The EMDR process was intense but gentle, and he checked in constantly to make sure I was okay. I'm sleeping through the night now.
As a parent, watching my teenage son struggle with anxiety was heartbreaking. Dr. D'Costa's approach was so different from traditional therapy—he never pushed, never judged. My son actually looks forward to sessions now. His school performance has improved, and he's smiling again. Worth every rupee.
I tried talk therapy for years with no progress. EMDR with Dr. D'Costa changed everything in just 8 sessions. He explained the science clearly, which helped me trust the process. The panic attacks that controlled my life for a decade are gone. I can travel alone now, something I never thought possible.
Finding LGBTQ-affirming mental healthcare in India is hard. Dr. D'Costa created a space where I could be myself without explanation or shame. He understood the layers of trauma that come with identity struggles. EMDR helped me process years of family rejection, and I finally feel at peace with who I am.
Living in the UK made it difficult to find culturally appropriate trauma care. Dr. D'Costa understood my Indian background without me having to explain cultural nuances. The teletherapy worked brilliantly despite the time difference. After 10 sessions, I've processed childhood abuse I'd buried for 30 years. I'm finally free.
As an Indian living in California, I struggled to find a therapist who understood both my cultural background and trauma. Dr. D'Costa's combination of medical knowledge and EMDR expertise was exactly what I needed. After 12 sessions, I've processed workplace trauma that was affecting my sleep and relationships. The time zone difference was manageable, and video sessions felt just as effective as in-person therapy.
Client names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. All testimonials represent real therapeutic outcomes.
Healing from trauma takes courage. If these stories resonated with you, know that the same transformation is possible for you. EMDR therapy provides a safe, structured path forward.
Start Your Healing JourneyReduced rate sessions available • No pressure • Work at your pace
Talk therapy helps you understand your problems. EMDR helps you resolve them. Whether you've tried therapy before or you're searching for help for the first time, EMDR offers a faster, more effective path—especially if you experience anxiety, depression, or distressing memories that won't fade.
If you've spent months or years in therapy but still feel stuck—or if you're hesitant to start therapy because talking about painful experiences feels overwhelming—EMDR may be the answer.
✓ Works with memory storage, not just insight: EMDR changes how traumatic memories are stored in your brain, reducing their emotional intensity permanently
✓ No need to describe details: You don't have to verbally recount traumatic events, making it less distressing than traditional talk therapy
✓ Faster results: Research shows 84-90% of single-trauma clients no longer meet PTSD criteria after just 3 EMDR sessions, compared to 12-20+ talk therapy sessions
✓ Addresses body and brain: EMDR processes both the cognitive and somatic (body-based) aspects of trauma simultaneously
✓ Lower total cost: While EMDR sessions cost more per session, you need fewer sessions overall—often saving money and months of your life
The Bottom Line:
Talk therapy teaches you about your trauma. EMDR helps your brain process your trauma so it no longer controls you. If you've been in therapy for months without significant relief, EMDR might be the missing piece. Most people notice meaningful changes within 6-8 sessions—not 6-8 months.
Ready to move beyond talking and start healing?
Book Your First SessionMost clients see meaningful progress within 3-6 sessions
EMDR therapy effectively treats trauma and its related conditions:
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he/him
MBBS, MD (Pediatrics)
EMDR Therapist
Dr. Antonio D'Costa completed his medical education at Goa Medical College and specialized in pediatrics at King Edward Memorial Hospital and GS Medical College in Mumbai. He worked extensively at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, treating children with respiratory illnesses, malnutrition, developmental disorders, and complex medical needs. He later served as Senior Resident at AIIMS Nagpur in Medical Hematology.
Dr. D'Costa works in a rural medical practice, where he saw that mental health concerns often went unrecognized. He met children with recurring nightmares, sleep problems, and unexplained stomach aches or headaches, children who showed social withdrawal, sudden fear of normal situations, and trouble concentrating at school. These issues hurt their daily lives and were sometimes mistakenly blamed on other causes. He also noticed parents carrying the weight of painful childhood experiences—physical punishment, verbal abuse, family conflict, or loss of a loved one—while trying to support their children despite their own unhealed wounds. Other therapists were available, but specialized trauma therapy using EMDR was either unavailable or too expensive.
Dr. D'Costa's commitment to EMDR is both professional and personal. After experiencing EMDR's effectiveness firsthand, he understood the profound shift it creates—not just intellectually, but in the body and daily life. This personal experience deepened his dedication to bringing culturally sensitive EMDR to his community.
Knowing his community finds traditional Western talk therapy uncomfortable because it feels unfamiliar, he chose EMDRIA-approved training with Suzi Rutti, LISW-S, an internationally recognized specialist whose approach uses creative, mindfulness-based methods that are more culturally appropriate for the people he serves.
Dr. D'Costa received a ₹1.5 lakh ($1,500 USD) scholarship from the Institute for Creative Mindfulness (ICM) for EMDR training. This scholarship supports doctors and mental health professionals who bring proven trauma care to people with limited access to mental healthcare.
Dr. D'Costa now provides EMDR therapy alongside his pediatric practice, offering both medical care and trauma-focused therapy to address the connected physical and emotional health needs of children and families. He is committed to making proven mental healthcare accessible, especially to those who would otherwise have no access.
Scope of Practice: EMDR is a specialized trauma therapy that complements comprehensive mental healthcare.
Ages Served: 12 years and above, including adolescents and adults.
Service Delivery: Teletherapy only through online video sessions.
This practice welcomes neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences. Sessions are adapted to your sensory needs, communication preferences, and processing style. You won't be expected to mask or conform to neurotypical expectations here.
This practice welcomes everyone—all gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship structures, and cultural backgrounds. LGBTQ+ clients receive judgment-free, culturally competent care that honors your identity and lived experiences.
Teletherapy sessions are available worldwide. All services are provided from Goa, India, where I am registered and licensed to practice medicine.
Important Legal Notice: I am registered with the Goa Medical Council (India) but not licensed to practice in other countries. By booking a session, international clients agree that therapy follows Indian medical regulations.
Client Responsibility: International clients must check their local laws and verify that receiving teletherapy from India is legal in your country or state. Some places require therapists to hold a local license, even for online services. By booking, you confirm you have checked the rules and that receiving cross-border teletherapy is permitted. I cannot give legal advice on your local rules, and you are responsible for following the laws where you live.
For emergencies, contact local emergency services in your country, as I cannot directly help with emergencies outside India. Sessions are in English, and we offer flexible scheduling for international time zones.
Professional teletherapy sessions via secure video platform.
All fees are non-refundable. See Terms & Conditions for full cancellation policy.
We accept UPI (GPay/Paytm), Credit/Debit cards (via Razorpay), Bank transfer, and PayPal (NRI/International clients)*.
*See our Privacy Policy for details.
We believe access to mental health care should be straightforward and judgment-free. When booking any session (free, subsidized, or standard rate), you are not required to provide explanations, justify your need for support, or submit detailed intake forms upfront.
Simply book your preferred slot. You'll share only what feels comfortable during your session, at your own pace.
Note: All session types follow the same automated 15-day rolling booking window. Free and reduced-rate sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis—just like regular sessions. There's no approval process or verification required.
Want to see all session options and sliding scale rates?
Your first session is a comfortable conversation where we get to know each other, talk about what brings you here, discuss the concerns you're facing, and create a plan together. We'll explain the EMDR process in detail and answer any questions you have.
You will not process traumatic memories in the first session. We focus on building trust and making sure you feel safe and comfortable before preparing you for the healing work ahead.
About Processing Sessions: When we begin processing, you may feel intense emotions, which is normal and part of healing. You're always in control and can pause or stop at any time. We work at your pace.
Booking your first session is simple. Choose a time that works for you, and we'll begin with a comfortable conversation about your needs and goals.
Most clients begin to feel relief within 3-6 sessions
Mental healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Many people could benefit from trauma therapy but face financial barriers. I recognize this reality and dedicate time each week for people facing financial hardship.
A complete 60-minute EMDR therapy session provided at no charge for people who cannot afford treatment.
Based on availability
60-minute sessions at 50% reduced fee for people facing significant financial constraints.
Based on availability
These time slots reflect my commitment that healing from trauma should be accessible regardless of your economic situation. All slots open automatically through the same 15-day booking window. You're free to book any session that's available—no approval needed, no questions asked. If you need special accommodations (such as extended session times, specific scheduling needs, or technical support), feel free to reach out and we'll work something out.
Yes, EMDR is a safe, evidence-based therapy recognized by the World Health Organization and many international health authorities. EMDR has been extensively researched for over 30 years and is considered one of the safest trauma therapies available. The technique itself is gentle and non-invasive—it uses guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation rather than physical intervention.
During processing, you may experience temporary emotional intensity as memories are reprocessed, but this is a normal part of healing and typically subsides quickly. You are always in control and can pause or stop at any time. I work at your pace, and we establish safety protocols before beginning any trauma processing. Because EMDR can bring up strong emotions, we establish safety protocols before beginning trauma processing and work at your pace.
The 15-minute session serves two purposes: new clients can use it as a pre-booking consult to discuss whether EMDR is right for them, while existing clients can use it as a quick follow-up to check in, address specific concerns, and reinforce progress between full therapy sessions.
EMDR therapy sessions typically range from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per session depending on session length and your situation. We offer subsidized sessions and no-cost sessions for people facing financial constraints.
Yes, all EMDR sessions are conducted via secure teletherapy video sessions, making treatment accessible in India and internationally regardless of your location.
EMDR works for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and many other conditions. Your first session will help us determine if EMDR is right for your situation.
Research shows the number of sessions varies depending on trauma complexity. Studies show that 84-90% of single-trauma people no longer meet PTSD criteria after just 3 sessions (90 minutes each), while after 6 sessions (50 minutes each), 100% of single-trauma and 77% of multiple-trauma people achieved remission. Complex trauma or childhood abuse typically needs 12-20+ sessions.
On average, EMDR therapy takes 6-12 sessions delivered weekly or biweekly. The more isolated the traumatic memory, the shorter treatment tends to be. During your first session, we'll assess your situation and create a personalized treatment plan. Research consistently shows EMDR produces results faster than traditional talk therapy.
Each session length serves a specific purpose in your healing journey:
Not sure which fits your situation? Read our detailed session selection guide to understand which option honors your pace and supports your healing best.
All sessions—regular, reduced-rate, and pro bono—work on the same automated system. They open exactly 15 days in advance because I run two practices: pediatrics and EMDR therapy. This rolling window lets me balance both and still offer you consistent availability.
If you see "unavailable": For dates more than 15 days out, that session hasn't opened yet. Just check back tomorrow—new slots open automatically every day. If other sessions on the same date show availability but yours doesn't, it means that time slot is already booked. You can wait for the next one to open.
There's zero gatekeeping here. Everything is automated and first-come, first-served—no approval needed, no waiting for me to enable anything. When a slot opens, it's yours to book.
No, I am a pediatrician (MD Pediatrics), not a psychiatrist. Besides my pediatric practice, I specialize exclusively in EMDR therapy for trauma treatment. I do not diagnose psychiatric conditions, prescribe psychiatric medications, or provide general mental healthcare.
I chose EMDR because I saw many patients struggling with trauma—especially children and parents—who could not access specialized care in Goa. EMDR was either unavailable or unaffordable, and I wanted to fill that gap and bring proven trauma treatment to my community.
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Goa, India
Teletherapy services only