EMDR Therapy in Arlington, Virginia
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s, this groundbreaking therapy uses guided eye movements to help individuals process and desensitize traumatic experiences.
We provide EMDR therapy in Arlington, Virginia and serve surrounding areas like Alexandria, Richmond, Falls Church, Fairfax, Great Falls, Vienna, McLean, Herndon and Leesburg. Virtual sessions are also available for residents across Virginia.
EMDR therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment approach for trauma recovery. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which may not be the best fit for addressing the full aftermath of trauma, EMDR therapy can deliver significant results by addressing trauma symptoms and fostering deep healing. Besides addressing trauma and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can also support those dealing with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
We provide EMDR therapy in Arlington, Virginia and serve surrounding areas like Alexandria, Richmond, Falls Church, Fairfax, Great Falls, Vienna, McLean, Herndon and Leesburg. Virtual sessions are also available for residents across Virginia.
EMDR therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment approach for trauma recovery. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which may not be the best fit for addressing the full aftermath of trauma, EMDR therapy can deliver significant results by addressing trauma symptoms and fostering deep healing. Besides addressing trauma and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can also support those dealing with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
EMDR therapy employs a three-pronged strategy, focusing on past experiences, present challenges, and future triggers. This comprehensive approach helps your brain process traumatic memories and form new neural connections, enabling you to break free from feeling stuck in trauma symptoms.
This therapy engages both sides of the brain, which can struggle to communicate effectively after trauma or during nervous system dysregulation. By activating the left and right hemispheres, EMDR therapy promotes integration and healing.
The therapy process is designed to move at a pace that suits your comfort level. As trauma-informed therapists, we respect your boundaries and won’t push you to explore anything you’re not ready to address.
You don’t have to remain trapped in the aftermath of trauma or stuck in survival mode. This exhausting state can be transformed, and EMDR therapy offers a pathway to recovery.
Our team provides EMDR therapy to individuals in Arlington, Virginia and virtually throughout Virginia, in addition to providing EMDR therapy in Maryland.
EMDR therapy can be life-changing for those struggling with trauma and/or DID or a dissociative disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a clinically proven therapy designed to reduce the emotional intensity of trauma, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
This therapy employs a three-pronged approach, targeting past experiences, current issues, and potential future triggers. By facilitating the processing of traumatic memories, EMDR helps the brain form new neural pathways, aiding in healing and forward movement.
EMDR is believed to work by activating both sides of the brain (Gainer et al., 2020; Landin-Romero et al., 2018). When trauma overwhelms the nervous system, communication between the brain’s hemispheres can become disrupted. EMDR works to restore this balance, allowing individuals to overcome trauma and stress responses.
This therapy employs a three-pronged approach, targeting past experiences, current issues, and potential future triggers. By facilitating the processing of traumatic memories, EMDR helps the brain form new neural pathways, aiding in healing and forward movement.
EMDR is believed to work by activating both sides of the brain (Gainer et al., 2020; Landin-Romero et al., 2018). When trauma overwhelms the nervous system, communication between the brain’s hemispheres can become disrupted. EMDR works to restore this balance, allowing individuals to overcome trauma and stress responses.
What Symptoms Can Arise After Trauma?
Post-trauma, individuals may experience symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, hypervigilance (feeling constantly on alert), flashbacks, trouble concentrating, mood changes, depression, sleep disturbances (sleeping excessively, insomnia, or restless sleep), eating disorders, and shifts in how they view themselves or the world.
Trauma survivors may also feel more isolated from others, leading to shifts in relationships with friends and family. You might struggle with everyday tasks like getting out of bed or going to work. Additionally, some people may experience feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or even suicidal thoughts.
It’s important to note that there’s no “right” way to react to trauma. Everyone copes differently, and seeking help is essential no matter how your mind and body respond.
Trauma survivors may also feel more isolated from others, leading to shifts in relationships with friends and family. You might struggle with everyday tasks like getting out of bed or going to work. Additionally, some people may experience feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or even suicidal thoughts.
It’s important to note that there’s no “right” way to react to trauma. Everyone copes differently, and seeking help is essential no matter how your mind and body respond.
Is EMDR Therapy Effective for Trauma?
Yes, numerous research studies support EMDR therapy's effectiveness in treating trauma and PTSD symptoms. EMDR is widely recognized as one of the leading evidence-based treatments for PTSD and is often well-tolerated by individuals.
EMDR is a "bottom-up" therapeutic approach, focusing first on body sensations and nervous system regulation before addressing cognitive and higher-level thinking about the traumatic event. Increasingly, studies suggest that bottom-up therapies like EMDR should be the first choice for individuals who have experienced trauma.
EMDR is a "bottom-up" therapeutic approach, focusing first on body sensations and nervous system regulation before addressing cognitive and higher-level thinking about the traumatic event. Increasingly, studies suggest that bottom-up therapies like EMDR should be the first choice for individuals who have experienced trauma.
How Can I Know If EMDR Therapy is Right for Me?
Many people benefit from EMDR therapy. Clients often share that it has helped them work through anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders. EMDR could be a pivotal part of your healing journey!
EMDR targets distressing thoughts, memories, emotions, or body sensations. You can book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how EMDR may fit your needs.
EMDR targets distressing thoughts, memories, emotions, or body sensations. You can book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how EMDR may fit your needs.
Can EMDR Therapy Be Done Virtually?
Yes, EMDR therapy is available virtually in Maryland and Virginia, or you can meet in person at our Rockville, Maryland office.
Our skilled EMDR therapist has extensive experience in using EMDR to help clients process trauma via Telehealth. Research shows that the effectiveness of EMDR remains the same whether conducted in-person or virtually. Our therapist will walk you through the differences between in-person and virtual sessions to help you choose the option best suited to your healing journey.
Our skilled EMDR therapist has extensive experience in using EMDR to help clients process trauma via Telehealth. Research shows that the effectiveness of EMDR remains the same whether conducted in-person or virtually. Our therapist will walk you through the differences between in-person and virtual sessions to help you choose the option best suited to your healing journey.
How Can I Get in Touch?
If you believe trauma therapy could benefit you, you can reach us by filling out the contact form on our website, calling us, or emailing. Our team will gather some initial details from you and connect you with the appropriate therapist.
What If I’m Concerned About a Loved One?
If you're worried about a loved one, please feel free to contact us to discuss treatment options. We also support friends and family members of individuals dealing with trauma, offering guidance on treatment options and helping you navigate discussions with your loved one about their healing process.
“Research has shown that about five hours of EMDR treatment eliminates PTSD in 84 to 100 percent of civilians with a single trauma experience.”
― Francine Shapiro, EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma
EMDR therapy in Arlington Virginia, serving Alexandria, Richmond, Falls Church, Fairfax, Great Falls, Vienna, McLean, Herndon and Leesburg. EMDR therapy virtually throughout Virginia.
References:
Gainer, D., Alam, S., Alam, H., & Redding, H. (2020). A FLASH OF HOPE: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 17(7-9), 12–20.
Landin-Romero, R., Moreno-Alcazar, A., Pagani, M., & Amann, B. L. (2018). How Does Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy Work? A Systematic Review on Suggested Mechanisms of Action. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 1395. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01395
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). New York, NY: The Guilford Press
https://www.emdria.org/blog/the-eight-phases-of-emdr-therapy/#:~:text=The%20eight%20phases%20are%201
Gainer, D., Alam, S., Alam, H., & Redding, H. (2020). A FLASH OF HOPE: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 17(7-9), 12–20.
Landin-Romero, R., Moreno-Alcazar, A., Pagani, M., & Amann, B. L. (2018). How Does Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy Work? A Systematic Review on Suggested Mechanisms of Action. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 1395. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01395
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). New York, NY: The Guilford Press
https://www.emdria.org/blog/the-eight-phases-of-emdr-therapy/#:~:text=The%20eight%20phases%20are%201