EMDR Therapy in Virginia
Eye Movements, Desensitization, and Reprocessing Therapy
EMDR therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps process trauma differently than traditional talk therapy, reduce distress, and support nervous system regulation. Sessions are available throughout Virginia online via secure Telehealth for adults and teens.
Receive answers to your important questions regarding EMDR
What is EMDR Therapy?
Evidence Based Healing Modality
A Hands-On, Structured Approach
Reconnects Mind and Body
Dismantles Harmful Self-Concepts
Returns Power and Choice
Decreases Intensity of Triggers
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, trauma-focused therapy that helps the brain process and integrate distressing experiences. Rather than relying only on talking about the past, EMDR works with how memories are stored in the body and nervous system.
Through guided bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), EMDR helps reduce the emotional intensity of difficult memories so they feel less overwhelming over time. Many people find that experiences that once felt “stuck” begin to shift, allowing for greater ease, clarity, and regulation.
Who EMDR Therapy Can Help
EMDR therapy is a form of trauma therapy that can support you in healing across a range of experiences, including:
Trauma and PTSD
Childhood or complex trauma
Sexual trauma or assault
Anxiety and panic
Intrusive thoughts or memories
Negative self-beliefs (e.g., “I’m not safe,” “I’m not enough”, “I am bad”)
Emotional reactivity or feeling easily overwhelmed
Experiences that feel “stuck” despite insight or prior therapy
Support for meeting goals
Changing conditioned responses and behaviors
“It just doesn’t weigh me down as much anymore. I feel like I can be me, the version of me I always meant and wanted to be”
“I’ve been able to do things I’ve always been terrified to do since all of that stuff happened... and probably for the first time, I can actually be proud of my actions, decisions, and the person I’ve become. ”
EMDR therapy follows a structured process while still being tailored to your needs. Sessions are collaborative and focus on building both safety and the capacity to process and heal from difficult experiences.
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
EMDR is an 8-phase therapy model designed to strengthen your ability to reflect on experiences without overwhelm, intense flashbacks, or emotional dysregulation. The process is structured while still being flexible and responsive to your needs.
History & Goal Setting
Together, we can begin by understanding your experiences, what brings you to therapy, and what you would like support with. Next, we identify goals, answer questions, and determine whether EMDR is an appropriate fit.
Preparation & Resourcing
Before processing begins, we focus on building tools to support grounding, regulation, and a sense of safety. This may include mindfulness, body-based awareness, and a collection of coping strategies that can be used both proactively and during moments of overwhelm.
Processing
Using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), we begin to process specific memories or experiences. You are always in control of the pace and content. We move in a way that feels manageable and supported. EMDR does not require processing to take place out loud; it can be left as an internal thought, and my job as your therapist is to check in and ensure that we are on course with processing effectively and without significant overwhelm.
Integration & Reflection
As processing continues, we take time to notice shifts, reinforce insights, and support integration of safety. This helps changes carry into daily life, which eases the amount of unwanted thoughts, sensations, and behaviors that stem from experiencing trauma.
Online EMDR Therapy Across Virginia
EMDR therapy is available through secure online sessions for adults and teens located throughout Virginia, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Richmond, and Virginia Beach.
Online EMDR therapy is one of several therapy services available through secure HIPAA-compliant Telehealth sessions, offering flexibility and access to support from a space that feels private and comfortable to you while still allowing for meaningful trauma-focused work.
Stepping Toward Healing
If you have an interest in learning more about what this process may look like for you, I’d love to make time for a call to discuss more about how EMDR therapy can benefit your healing.