EMDR and PTSD Therapy in Washington, DC
Traumatic experiences can continue to affect emotional well-being long after the event itself has ended. People who have experienced trauma may struggle with intrusive memories, nightmares, anxiety, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, avoidance, difficulty trusting others, or a persistent sense of danger. These symptoms can interfere with relationships, work, and daily life, leaving individuals feeling stuck and overwhelmed.
I provide evidence-based treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related difficulties using several established approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
Unlike longer-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, which focuses on understanding broader patterns of personality, relationships, and emotional development, trauma-focused treatments are often more structured and goal-oriented. These approaches are designed to help individuals process traumatic experiences, reduce symptoms, and regain a greater sense of safety and control in their lives.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR is a well-researched treatment for PTSD and trauma. It helps individuals process distressing memories that may remain emotionally charged long after the traumatic event has occurred. Through a structured process that incorporates bilateral stimulation, EMDR can help reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and support the brain's natural capacity to integrate difficult experiences.
Many people find that memories become less overwhelming, less emotionally reactive, and less disruptive to daily life following treatment.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Prolonged Exposure Therapy is one of the most extensively researched treatments for PTSD. Trauma often leads people to avoid thoughts, feelings, memories, situations, or activities associated with the traumatic event. While avoidance can provide temporary relief, it frequently maintains symptoms over time.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy helps individuals gradually approach trauma-related memories and situations in a safe and structured way. Through this process, fear and avoidance often decrease, allowing people to reclaim parts of their lives that have been restricted by trauma.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
I also have training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a highly effective treatment for PTSD that focuses on identifying and modifying beliefs that may develop following traumatic experiences. CPT can help individuals work through issues related to guilt, shame, trust, safety, power, and self-worth that often emerge after trauma.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Not everyone seeking therapy for trauma wants the same thing. Some individuals are looking for focused treatment aimed at reducing PTSD symptoms and processing a specific traumatic experience. Others are interested in understanding how trauma has influenced their personality, relationships, sense of self, and emotional life over many years.
Because I am trained in both trauma-focused treatments and psychodynamic psychotherapy, I can help determine which approach is most appropriate for your goals. For some individuals, short-term trauma treatment may be the best fit. For others, trauma work may eventually lead into deeper exploration of longstanding emotional and relational patterns.
Areas of Focus
I work with adults experiencing:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Childhood trauma
Attachment trauma
Sexual trauma
Medical trauma
Military and combat-related trauma
Anxiety following traumatic events
Intrusive memories and flashbacks
Hypervigilance and avoidance
Trauma-related shame and guilt
If you are struggling with the effects of trauma, I would be happy to discuss your concerns and help determine whether EMDR, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, or psychodynamic psychotherapy may be the best fit for your needs.