EMDR Therapy

Are you feeling stuck, haunted by past events, or struggling with persistent anxiety that won't seem to fade? It can feel isolating when painful memories intrude on your present, making it difficult to move forward and live the life you deserve. You may have tried t talk therapy but found that some experiences are too difficult to put into words.

As an experienced therapist in Arlington, VA, I understand the complexities of healing and the frustration of continuing to suffer in silence. I am excited to now offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a powerful and evidence-based therapy treatment. I have completed my foundational EMDR training and am receiving consultation from EMDR expert, Michelle Market, LPC, to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing life experiences. By using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, EMDR helps your brain resume its natural healing process. It allows you to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their intensity and impact on your daily life.

EMDR can help you:

• Lessen the emotional charge of traumatic memories.
• Reduce symptoms of anxiety, panic, and PTSD.
• Challenge and change negative beliefs you hold about yourself.
• Develop healthier coping habits for stress.
• Feel more present, calm, and in control of your life.

This approach is different from traditional talk therapy. It doesn't require you to talk in extensive detail about the distressing event, making it a valuable option for those who find it difficult to verbalize their trauma.

Getting Started

I offer a compassionate, safe, and confidential space for your healing journey. My goal is to combine my years of experience as a therapist with this innovative technique to help you find freedom from your past. Whether you are dealing with a single traumatic incident or complex, long-term stress, we can work together to help you move forward. I provide specialized therapy for women in Arlington, VA, and Washington, DC addressing the unique challenges you may face.

We can connect in the way that feels most comfortable for you:

• In-Person Therapy: Meet at my welcoming and private office in Arlington, VA
• Virtual Therapy for residents of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC: Access high-quality counseling from anywhere in the state.

EMDR Therapy FAQ

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a therapeutic approach that helps you process difficult memories and experiences in a way that reduces their emotional impact. During EMDR, you'll focus on specific memories while following guided eye movements, which helps your brain naturally heal from trauma and distressing life events.

Who can benefit from EMDR?

EMDR can help anyone who has experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, or distressing life events. You might find EMDR particularly helpful if you're dealing with relationship patterns that feel stuck, overwhelming emotional reactions, or memories that still feel "raw" even after time has passed. Many people discover that EMDR helps them move forward in ways they hadn't been able to in talk therapy.

How does EMDR work?

Think of EMDR as helping your brain's natural healing process. When you experience trauma or distressing events, sometimes your brain gets "stuck" processing those memories. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like following my finger with your eyes or holding tappers that alternate pulsing sensations) while you focus on specific memories. This helps your brain reprocess those experiences so they feel less overwhelming and more manageable. We also work on implementing what your more calm, healed response will look like in future situations.

What are the benefits of EMDR?

EMDR can lead to reduced heightened emotional experiences and healing relationship patterns. Many people find that memories that once felt overwhelming become more manageable, anxiety decreases, and they develop healthier ways of relating to others. You might notice that situations that used to trigger intense reactions feel more neutral, allowing you to respond rather than react.

Will I be re-traumatized during EMDR?

Your safety and comfort are my top priorities. EMDR is designed to help you process memories without re-traumatizing you. We'll work at your pace, and you'll always have control over the session. If anything feels too overwhelming, we can pause or adjust our approach. Many people find EMDR gentler than they expected because you're not reliving the trauma—you're helping your brain process it in a new way. The most dangerous part of the trauma is already in the past.

How long does an EMDR session last?

EMDR sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. This gives us enough time to prepare, work through the EMDR process, and ensure you feel grounded before leaving. Though a regular 60-minute therapy session can be effective, I recommend 90-minute sessions in order to allow the process to work from start to end, without time between sessions. However, we can explore what timing works best for you.

Can I do EMDR in virtual sessions?

Yes, EMDR can be effectively administered through virtual sessions. I offer both in-person and online EMDR therapy, so you can choose what feels most comfortable and convenient for you. Virtual sessions use adapted techniques that are just as effective as in-person EMDR.

How many sessions of EMDR will it take to notice a difference?

Everyone's healing journey is unique, so the number of sessions varies from person to person. Some people notice shifts after just a few sessions, while others may need more time to work through complex experiences.

How much experience do you have administering EMDR?

I have just completed Basic Training in EMDR, through an organization that is EMDRIA certified. Basic Training for EMDR includes more than 50 hours of instruction, supervised clinical practice, and 10 hours of group consultation with a certified EMDR consultant.

I have been using EMDR in therapy sessions since my training began in April 2025 and have seen clients experience astounding results and relief from long-standing symptoms. I am currently working in consultation with Michelle Market, LPC, an EMDR therapist who has been using the approach for more than 14 years. This ensures that, though new to the technique, I follow best practices, adhere to safety protocols, and receive guidance from an experienced colleague. I'll work with you to track your progress and adjust our approach as needed and reach out for help from my consultant to be sure you receive the best experience possible.

Ready to learn more about how EMDR can support your healing journey? I'm here to answer any additional questions and help you determine if EMDR therapy is right for you. Feel free to reach out to schedule a consultation.

Find lasting relief from trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. Start your journey toward healing today.