Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories and other challenging life experiences.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy designed to help the brain reprocess distressing memories so they stop triggering intense emotional reactions. It was developed in the late 1980s and has since become one of the most studied trauma treatments in the world. According to the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), EMDR is endorsed by the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the U.S. Department of Defense as an effective treatment for PTSD.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to narrate your trauma in detail. Processing happens through bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements, tapping, or audio tones, while you briefly hold the distressing memory in mind. Many clients find it less re-traumatizing than exposure-based approaches.
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol. Your therapist begins by taking a thorough history and helping you build internal resources before approaching any difficult material. When processing begins, you hold a distressing memory in mind while following a bilateral stimulus, and then report whatever comes up. The memory's emotional intensity typically decreases across sets, often significantly within a single session.
Sessions at Riverside move at a pace that feels safe for you. Your therapist monitors your window of tolerance throughout, and no phase is rushed. Many clients with single-incident trauma see major improvement in just a few sessions.
EMDR is best known as a PTSD treatment, but our therapists use it to address anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, grief, depression, and anger dysregulation. It is also used within couples counseling when relational trauma underlies communication and trust struggles. If a distressing memory or painful experience is at the root of your symptoms, EMDR may be an effective path forward. Our guide on PTSD recovery explains where EMDR fits into the bigger picture of trauma healing. Talk to one of our EMDR-trained therapists to find out if it is right for you.
Tammy is a certified EMDR practitioner with deep experience helping clients process trauma, anxiety, and complex emotional pain. She leads our clinical team in Ashburn.
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Cara uses EMDR alongside other evidence-based methods to help adults work through trauma, PTSD, and anxiety at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
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Dan brings a trauma-informed perspective to EMDR work, particularly with veterans, first responders, and men who prefer a direct, structured therapeutic approach.
View Full Profile →EMDR is often part of a broader treatment plan. Explore what else we offer.
During EMDR, your therapist guides you through recalling a distressing memory while providing bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements, tapping, or audio tones. Many clients describe the experience as less emotionally overwhelming than traditional talk therapy about the same memory.
Research shows that 84–90% of single-trauma victims no longer meet PTSD criteria after just three 90-minute EMDR sessions. Complex or multiple traumas may require more sessions. Your therapist will work with you to establish a realistic treatment plan.
EMDR is best known as a PTSD treatment, but it is also effective for anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, grief, depression, and the lasting effects of childhood adversity. If a distressing memory or experience is at the root of your symptoms, EMDR may help.
Yes, EMDR is recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Department of Veterans Affairs as an evidence-based treatment for trauma. It has been validated in dozens of controlled clinical trials.
One advantage of EMDR is that you don't have to narrate your trauma in detail. The processing happens through the bilateral stimulation protocol. Many clients find this less re-traumatizing than traditional exposure-based approaches.
Our compassionate team in Ashburn & Leesburg is ready to help. New patients welcome.
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