EMDR Therapy in Washington, DC
Why EMDR Therapy Matters
Living in Washington, DC can be demanding. Many of the people I meet carry heavy burdens, stress from demanding careers, the weight of family responsibilities, or the invisible injuries of past experiences that never seem to fade. Trauma doesn’t always come from a single event. Sometimes it’s the accumulation of painful moments that stay stuck, replaying in the mind and body long after the danger has passed.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of therapy that helps the brain process painful memories so they no longer feel as raw or overwhelming. Instead of staying locked in fight-or-flight, you can begin to feel more grounded, more present, and less controlled by past experiences. Many of my clients turn to EMDR therapy when they want something beyond traditional talk therapy; an approach that directly addresses how trauma lives in both the mind and body.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a structured form of trauma therapy that uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, sounds, or tapping, while recalling distressing experiences. The goal of this action is to help the brain unlock (or unstick) the memory and reprocess it in a more useful and positive way. When we do this, the memory loses its hold on you which helps to release the emotional charge (or pain) you feel when you recall what happened. The result is that you begin to relate to what happened in a healthier way.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
In order to understand how EMDR therapy works, it helps to know how the brain processes threats. On an ordinary day, non-threatening experiences get organized by the “thinking” part of our brain (the prefrontal cortex). Our brain makes intellectual sense of the experiences so when we recall the memory later, it feels emotionally safe and part of our past.
Trauma is different. When we face overwhelming threat, the brain bypasses the prefrontal cortex and routes the experience directly to the amygdala, which is your fight-or-flight center. The benefit of this bypass is that it helps our brain kick into action faster, increasing the odds of surviving the threat we’re facing. But, it also comes at a cost; traumatic experiences remain fragmented, stored without a clear beginning or end in our brain. That means that later recall, or even small reminders can trigger the same surge of fear, anxiety, or freeze that you felt in the moment.
The goal of EMDR therapy is to process those memories in a new way so they can be integrated as part of your past – not part of your current life. Using specific protocols, EMDR helps you revisit trauma safely, reprocess it, and then store it in a way that no longer activates your nervous system. When this happens, the memories lose their sharp edge, they become something you know happened, instead of something you keep reliving each time you think about it.
Clients often describe EMDR as surprisingly effective. Instead of being pulled back into the past, they remain firmly rooted in the present, knowing that what happened is over and they are safe in this moment. It can be a true game changer for clients who find themselves reliving hurtful, anxious memories over and over again. Which makes it a great tool for many clients.
In my work as an EMDR therapist in Washington, DC, I emphasize safety and support. While the process involves revisiting painful experiences, you are never alone. We move at a pace that feels tolerable, and we always make sure you remain grounded in the present moment.
How EMDR Differs From Traditional Talk Therapy
In traditional talk therapy, we explore your history, gain insight, and make connections. That work can be important and healing. But for many clients, insight alone doesn’t change how the body responds to trauma. The fight-or-flight response keeps firing, even when you “know” you’re safe. EMDR therapy addresses this by helping your nervous system actually reprocess the traumatic memories.
What EMDR Can Help You With
I use EMDR therapy to support people working through a wide range of challenges, including:
- PTSD therapy: PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder and is a specific trauma response that some trauma survivors experience. EMDR is particularly helpful for those living with flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, or intrusive memories.
- Anxiety: If you’re stuck with racing thoughts, fear of judgment, or panic responses, EMDR can help.
- Grief: EMDR can help when the loss of a loved one feels overwhelming or unresolved, easing the intensity of painful memories so you can begin to heal.
- Anger: For clients who find themselves reactive or explosive, EMDR provides a way to process the past experiences that fuel those strong emotions.
- Trauma: EMDR is often effective for survivors of medical trauma, accidents, assault, or health crises, helping the body and mind recognize that the danger is over.
- Depression: EMDR can help clients burdened by shame, hopelessness, or grief that won’t lift.
Some clients come to EMDR after trying other therapies without success. Others are new to therapy but sense that what they’re carrying requires more than talking. In both cases, EMDR can offer profound change.
Why Work With Me As Your EMDR Therapist In DC
For me, it’s a privilege to sit with clients as they confront and reprocess the hardest parts of their past. I’ve completed training in EMDR and trauma-focused care, and I bring both structure and compassion to every session. My goal is to support symptom relief while also helping you reconnect with parts of yourself that feel distant or hidden.
As a psychologist practicing in Washington, DC, I understand the high-pressure environment my clients live in. I work with professionals, students, parents, and individuals from all walks of life who are ready to stop being controlled by the past. I see EMDR as a collaborative process. We go step by step, together.
Begin Your EMDR Therapy Journey Today
If you’re tired of carrying the weight of trauma or stress and ready to find relief, EMDR may be right for you. Many clients find that even after a few sessions, the memories that once consumed them start to loosen their grip. Healing is possible.
Take the step to explore EMDR therapy in Washington, DC. Reach out today to learn more about openings and whether this approach fits your needs.
Contact: 571-882-1648 | dralexafram@gmail.com
Office: 1701 K Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006
(Above Farragut North at K & 17th ST NW)
EMDR Therapy In Washington, DC FAQs:
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured trauma therapy that helps reprocess painful memories so they lose their power.
Is EMDR effective for PTSD?
Yes. EMDR is one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for PTSD, recommended by organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the VA.
How many sessions does EMDR take?
It depends. Some clients feel significant relief in under 10 sessions, while others with complex trauma may need longer treatment.
Does EMDR only work for trauma?
No. EMDR also helps with anxiety, depression, grief, and anger connected to past experiences.
What happens in an EMDR session?
You’ll recall a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds). This helps your brain process the memory in a healthier way.
Is EMDR safe?
Yes. With a trained psychologist, EMDR is considered very safe. You stay aware and grounded during the process, and we pace it carefully.
Does insurance cover EMDR therapy in DC?
Some plans reimburse for EMDR under psychotherapy benefits. I provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
How do I know if EMDR is right for me?
If you find yourself stuck in the past, triggered by reminders, or carrying experiences that feel impossible to shake, EMDR may be a good option. In my practice, many people seek out EMDR therapy in Washington, DC when they’re ready for an approach that goes beyond talk therapy and directly helps the brain and body process trauma.