EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that helps people process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences. The underlying idea is that the brain does not always fully process difficult events, causing them to become “stuck.” When this happens, they may continue to trigger symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or emotional distress. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess these memories so they feel less intense and disruptive.

During an EMDR session, you will typically:

• Focus on a specific memory or concern 
• Notice the thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations connected to it 
• Engage in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds 

Over time, this process can help the memory feel less overwhelming and more like something that happened in the past, rather than something you are still experiencing. The goal is to replace unhelpful or distressing beliefs with healthier, more adaptive ones.

For individuals who have experienced highly sensitive or difficult trauma (such as childhood abuse), EMDR does not require you to describe the event in detail. The therapy can be effective while focusing on the memory without having to speak about it out loud.

Grief can feel overwhelming, especially when the loss was sudden, traumatic, or deeply life-changing. While grief is a natural response to loss, some individuals find themselves feeling emotionally stuck, flooded by painful memories, guilt, regret, anxiety, or ongoing distress that does not seem to ease with time.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can help the brain and nervous system process painful experiences connected to loss so healing can begin in a more adaptive and compassionate way.

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy originally developed for trauma treatment, but growing research supports its effectiveness in helping individuals experiencing complicated grief, traumatic grief, and prolonged grief symptoms. EMDR may help reduce:

• intrusive memories 
• emotional overwhelm 
• feelings of guilt or “unfinished business” 
• traumatic images surrounding the loss 
• avoidance and emotional numbness 
• anxiety connected to reminders of the loss 

Rather than forgetting a loved one, EMDR therapy often helps individuals feel more connected to positive memories while reducing the intensity of painful emotional reactions.

A randomized controlled study published in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research found that individuals receiving EMDR treatment showed significant improvements in grief symptoms, trauma symptoms, and emotional distress. Researchers concluded that EMDR was effective in helping people struggling with grief and traumatic loss. 

Additional recent research suggests EMDR may be especially helpful for prolonged grief because grief and trauma symptoms often overlap, particularly after sudden, unexpected, or distressing losses. 

• sudden or unexpected death 
• loss of a spouse or partner 
• traumatic grief 
• medical trauma connected to loss 
• childhood grief that still feels unresolved 
• complicated grief 
• grief after caregiving 
• pregnancy or infant loss 
• losses that trigger earlier trauma experiences 

Healing does not mean forgetting. EMDR therapy can help create space for both remembrance and restoration after loss.

This was the first published study introducing EMDR and demonstrating significant reduction in distress associated with traumatic memories.

• Shapiro, F. (1989).
  Efficacy of the Eye Movement Desensitization Procedure in the Treatment of Traumatic Memories.
  Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2(2), 199–223.

Additional Research:

• Sprang, G. (2001).
  The use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of traumatic grief.
  Stress, Trauma, and Crisis, 4(3), 209–225.
• Meysner, L., Cotter, P., & Lee, C. W. (2016).
  Evaluating the efficacy of EMDR with grieving individuals: A randomized control trial.
  Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 10(4), 208–223.

Do You Contract with Insurance?

I do not work directly with insurance companies. Payment is due at the time of service, and I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance provider for possible out-of-network reimbursement. I suggest you call your insurance company to discuss reimbursement.

Do You Offer Therapy online? 

Yes, I offer online therapy services. Research has shown that telehealth therapy is often just as effective as in-person therapy for concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD. Many clients also value the comfort, flexibility, and convenience of attending sessions from their own home.

Can you see me virtually if I am out of state?

I am licensed to provide in-person therapy in Virginia and Florida. Through PSYPACT authorization, I am also able to provide telehealth services to clients in participating PSYPACT states outside of Virginia. Click HERE for a map of eligible states that are part of PSYPACT.