EMDR and Trauma Therapy in Virginia
Heal, Adapt, Thrive
EMDR helps you break through emotional barriers and embrace your fullest life.
EMDR Therapy for Trauma in Reston, Virginia
What is different about EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) harnesses the brain’s natural ability to learn, adapt, and heal—a process known as Adaptive Information Processing (AIP). Our minds are constantly updating memory networks, keeping what’s valuable from past experiences while letting go of what no longer serves us.
However, distressing or traumatic events can become “stuck,” preventing this adaptive learning. Instead of integrating with more positive experiences, these unresolved memories remain emotionally charged, influencing our perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. For example, even if we logically know we are worthy, past negative experiences may cause us to feel unworthy when faced with criticism.
EMDR helps reprocess these experiences by identifying negative and positive memory networks and using bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements or tapping—to activate the brain’s natural healing system. This helps us develop a healthier, more adaptive memory network that holds onto what serves us and releases outdated emotions, sensations, and beliefs. With EMDR, we don’t just know our worth—we genuinely feel it
EMDR for Birth Trauma
Giving birth can leave emotional imprints that are hard to name. Those moments that felt frightening, violating, or out of your control. Even when others say, “At least you’re both okay,” you might carry memories that feel anything but resolved. Perhaps your thoughts loop back to a single moment. Or your body tenses at reminders you didn’t expect. Maybe you left the birth feeling shaken, disconnected, or like you failed.
Whether your trauma came from a long labor, a medical emergency, a C-section, a loss of control, a NICU stay, difficulty with breastfeeding, a stillbirth, or even feeling unheard or unsupported during birth; those experiences matter. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, or tapping), to help your brain process or desensitize the traumatic memory and begin to heal.
I use EMDR as one of the ways we can gently approach these experiences together. EMDR doesn’t ask you to explain everything in words. It doesn’t require you to relive it all. Instead, it supports your brain and nervous system in releasing what’s stuck—so you can feel more at home in your body and more connected to your life now.
Serving Reston, Herndon, Fairfax, Arlington, and all of Virginia through virtual EMDR sessions.
EMDR Therapy in Northern Virginia for Trauma
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Art Therapist (ATR), and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C), I bring clinical expertise and lived experience to our work. My Reston-based practice offers:
In-person and virtual EMDR therapy across Virginia
A compassionate approach tailored to your pace
Integration of art therapy, somatic work, and narrative practices if desired
Specialization in perinatal trauma, birth trauma, and postpartum mental health\
What do EMDR sessions look like?
Session Length and Structure
EMDR therapy sessions typically last between 60 to 90 minutes. These longer sessions allow space for both resourcing (building stability) and reprocessing (working through trauma memories) within the same visit. Sessions are paced to match your nervous system’s capacity and are always trauma-informed and collaborative.
Identifying the Focus of Therapy
We begin EMDR by identifying the specific concerns, symptoms, or patterns that are causing distress. Whether you’re seeking EMDR for birth trauma, anxiety, PTSD, or attachment wounds, we’ll clarify the goals of therapy and how EMDR can support your healing process.
Learning Regulation Skills
Before we begin trauma processing in EMDR therapy, you’ll learn simple, effective nervous system regulation strategies. These tools help you stay grounded and build the inner stability needed for deeper trauma work. This phase may include somatic techniques, mindfulness, or creative coping strategies that support your emotional safety.
Exploring History and Building a Treatment Plan
We’ll explore your history, not to relive everything, but to understand where certain beliefs, patterns, or pain points may have originated. From there, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that outlines specific memories, experiences, or beliefs we’ll target through EMDR therapy.
Activating and Accessing Distress
When you’re ready, we begin the reprocessing phase. This involves briefly activating a distressing memory or belief and pairing it with bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sound). You’re encouraged to let your thoughts and feelings arise freely—there’s no “right” way to do this. Your brain leads the way.
Reprocessing Through Bilateral Stimulation
As we engage in bilateral stimulation and free association, your brain begins to do the work of healing. The memory becomes less emotionally charged, the associated beliefs begin to shift, and what once felt threatening starts to lose its grip. You may notice new insights, emotional releases, or shifts in perspective as we go.
Updating the Past with Adaptive Insight
Through EMDR, unresolved trauma is no longer stuck in the nervous system. As we continue reprocessing, your system begins to see the event from a new lens—one that’s grounded in safety, strength, and self-compassion. The memory doesn’t disappear, but it no longer overwhelms you.
Integrating Healing into Daily Life
Once key memories or concerns have been processed, we’ll focus on integrating your healing. This might include reinforcing adaptive beliefs (“I did the best I could,” “I am safe now”) and exploring how to carry these shifts into your relationships, parenting, work, or creative expression. EMDR doesn’t just help you feel better; it helps you live more fully.
EMDR
FAQs
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If you’re considering EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), here are a few helpful questions to ask during a consultation:
Are you trained or certified in EMDR, and how long have you been practicing it?
How do you decide if EMDR is appropriate for me and my goals?
What does a typical EMDR session look like?
How do you help clients feel safe and supported during trauma processing?
Can EMDR help with the specific challenges I’m facing, like birth trauma, anxiety, or eating disorders?
What other approaches do you integrate alongside EMDR?
How long does EMDR treatment usually take?
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Birth trauma can leave you feeling anxious, on edge, or disconnected. EMDR helps you safely revisit and process what happened, reducing symptoms like flashbacks or panic so you can feel more grounded, present, and connected to yourself and your baby.
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EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based approach for trauma. We’ll move at your pace, and you’ll always have tools to stay grounded during and after session.
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Every person’s healing journey is different. Some people notice changes in a few sessions, while others need more time depending on the complexity of their experiences and goals.
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No. EMDR doesn’t require you to share every detail of your trauma out loud. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with while still processing the experience internally.
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Yes. EMDR can be effectively offered through secure video sessions using special tools for bilateral stimulation, making it accessible wherever you are in Virginia.
How I Can Help You
Are you ready to start your healing journey?
I’d love to schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation call to discuss your needs, answer any questions, and determine if we’re the right fit to work together on your journey.