EMDR Therapy Now Available in Virginia at The Eating Disorder Center

By: Olivia Kline, EDC Administrative Assistant

The Eating Disorder Center is excited to share that we are now offering virtual eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) in Virginia, in addition to in person EMDR therapy in Rockville, MD and virtually throughout the state of Maryland. EMDR therapy is a treatment often used for trauma and can be utilized for individuals who experienced trauma and have an eating disorder or can be a stand alone treatment for eating disorders. EMDR therapy can be used to treat a range of symptoms and there isn’t a specific qualifier or diagnosis to receive EMDR treatment.


Eating Disorders and Trauma

Unprocessed trauma can contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors or eating disorders. People who have gone through traumatic experiences are at a heightened risk of developing issues with eating. One study found that 43.8% of individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder reported experiencing more than one traumatic event in their lives (Convertino et al., 2022). Eating disorder behaviors can serve as a way to regulate the nervous system and may help individuals manage or escape emotions tied to trauma. These behaviors might also provide a sense of control that was disrupted by the traumatic experience.


Wanting more information about eating disorders and trauma? 

Here, at The Eating Disorder Center, we have created a free infographic about the relationship between trauma and eating disorders and how EMDR therapy can help. This infographic has details on what trauma is and how it can be related to eating disorders. It also displays details about EMDR therapy and why someone may want to choose EMDR to help with trauma and eating disorder related symptoms. To view this, click on the link below.

Link: Download the free PDF here!


EMDR Therapy in Virtual Format

Some people may be hesitant to do EMDR therapy virtually, however, studies have shown that EMDR therapy can be just as effective when done through telehealth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was opportunity and need to evaluate whether or not modalities were seen to be fit to do virtually. One study evaluated the effectiveness of EMDR therapy virtually and potential adaptations needed to do this (Fisher, 2021). The study concluded that EMDR therapy can be just as effective online especially with adaptations. There are now programs and softwares developed to help clinicians administer EMDR therapy online, which Megan Samuels, MSW, LCSW-C uses when seeing clients virtually. Some clients prefer the telehealth option, as you can do this from the comfort of your own home!
 

Who will I be seeing for EMDR therapy? 

Megan Samuels, MSW, LCSW-C is an eating disorder specialist on our team who provides EMDR therapy for individuals in Virginia. Megan has years of experience working with individuals who have endured trauma, body image issues, and who are dealing with eating disorders. She has completed several advanced trainings to provide EMDR therapy and has seen success in both virtual and in-person settings. If you are interested in working with Megan, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to talk more about her approach for therapy and ensure it will be a good fit!


Interested in EMDR therapy?

Reach out to our administrative team by giving us a call at 301-246-6856 or fill out our contact form. We will help you get connected to Megan to schedule a free 15-minute consultation! 

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Schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation to explore how eating disorder therapy or recovery coaching can help you to find freedom.

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🌟 Available in MD, VA, DC, PA, NY, FL, and CA for eating disorder therapy
🌍 Offering recovery coaching worldwide

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The Eating Disorder Center is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin. We specialize in helping children, teens, and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide eating disorder therapy in Rockville, MD, easily accessible to individuals in Potomac, North Potomac, Bethesda, Olney, Silver Spring, Germantown, and Washington D.C. We also provide eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia and virtually throughout Virginia. Additionally, we offer eating disorder therapy virtually in New York (NYC), Florida, Pennsylvania, and California. We provide eating disorder and EMDR trauma therapy in Rockville, Maryland and virtually throughout Maryland and Virginia. We provide eating disorder recovery coaching via Zoom to people worldwide. Connect with us through our website at www.theeatingdisordercenter.com

​References:
Convertino, A. D., Morland, L. A.; Blashill, A. J. (2022). Trauma exposure and eating disorders: Results from a United States nationally representative sample. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 55(8), 1079–1089. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23757

Fisher, N. (2021). Using EMDR therapy to treat clients remotely. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(1), 73–84. https://doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-D-20-00041​