WHAT IS EMDR THERAPY?

EMDR Therapy for Trauma in Frederick, MD

At The Center for Empowerment and Resilience, we provide EMDR therapy—an evidence-based treatment for trauma and distressing life experiences. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps you process past experiences that are affecting your present thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is highly effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

How EMDR Works

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or audio tones) to engage both sides of the brain, helping you process and update disturbing memories. This process mimics the natural way the brain processes information during REM sleep, allowing you to assign healthier thoughts and feelings to past experiences. You do not need to share every detail of your trauma to benefit—your therapist guides you safely through the process.

Benefits of EMDR

Reduces emotional distress related to traumatic memories.

Improves self-esteem, sense of control, and emotional regulation.

Can address both single-trauma and complex trauma experiences.

Evidence-based and recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, WHO, and Department of Defense.

Research shows that EMDR can be highly effective: up to 90% of single-trauma clients no longer meet criteria for PTSD after just a few sessions. Millions of people worldwide have benefited from EMDR, and it is now used by over 100,000 clinicians globally.

Why Choose EMDR in Frederick, MD?

If you are struggling with the effects of trauma, EMDR therapy at The Center for Empowerment and Resilience can help you process painful experiences and regain emotional balance. Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed care and EMDR techniques, providing a safe, supportive environment for healing.

What is EMDR NOT?

EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain fully present and in control. Emotions or bodily sensations may surface during sessions, but your therapist will help you manage them safely. EMDR is often a brief, targeted therapy but may be combined with other approaches depending on your treatment goals.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN A SESSION?

Whether the session is virtual or in person, I ensure the environment is safe and confidential.

In EMDR therapy Frederick MD, there is no homework required between sessions and removes the need to talk in detail about the trauma or distressing experience. Rather than focusing on changing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors which are causing distress, our certified EMDR therapists provides a natural healing process through the use of BLS.

EMDR’s main focus is to help the brain and body to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories and can do so in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM EMDR?

EMDR is a transformative therapy that helps facilitate healing from deep-seated emotional wounds with remarkable effectiveness. EMDR helps children and adults of all ages. Therapists use EMDR therapy to address a wide range of challenges:

  • Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
  • Chronic Illness and medical issues
  • Depression and bipolar disorders
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Eating disorders Grief and loss
  • Pain
  • Performance anxiety
  • Personality disorders
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress-related issues
  • Sexual assault
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Substance abuse and addiction
  • Violence and abuse

If you or a loved one are experiencing nightmares, panic attacks, flashbacks, and/or intrusive thoughts because of a past event, then EMDR may be the right therapy for you.