If you’re looking for EMDR therapists in Richmond, VA, our licensed professionals are here to help.
At Aspect Counseling and Psychiatry, our therapists work closely with our board-certified nurse practitioners to provide a continuity of care. This can include both therapeutic interventions alongside medication.
- Our EMDR therapists are available for in-person sessions in Richmond, VA, as well as telehealth throughout Virginia
- We never take a one-size-fits-all approach; every client is unique
- Our PMHNPs work alongside our EMDR therapists to help diagnose conditions, run tests, and prescribe medication, if needed
If you’re still curious how an EMDR therapist might be able to help, let’s talk about what EMDR is, how it works, and the main forms of trauma we treat with it.
- What is EMDR Therapy?
- How EMDR Works
- EMDR Therapy vs. Talk Therapy
- What Conditions Does EMDR Treat?
- How Our EMDR Therapists Can Help
- What to Expect During an EMDR Therapy Session
- EMDR Therapy FAQs
- Our Therapy Office
- Get Started with EMDR Therapy in Virginia
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured approach to trauma treatment that helps individuals process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic experiences so they no longer feel overwhelming.
Many people searching for EMDR therapy want a proven method to address trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. EMDR has been researched extensively and is recommended by organizations like the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization for its effectiveness in trauma recovery.
How EMDR Works
EMDR therapy helps the brain “unstick” traumatic memories so they can be processed in a healthier way. Instead of staying locked with the same painful emotions and sensations, those memories become less distressing over time.
Here’s what the process looks like:
1. Preparation
Your therapist builds trust, teaches calming techniques, and identifies the memory or experience to focus on.
2. Bilateral Stimulation
While thinking about the memory, you’ll follow specific cues such as:
– Listening to sounds that switch from ear to ear
– Moving your eyes back and forth
– Feeling alternating taps on your hands or knees
3. Reprocessing
This back-and-forth stimulation activates both sides of the brain, helping the memory shift from “stuck” to “processed.”
4. Positive Reframing
Over time, negative beliefs (“I’m not safe”) can be replaced with healthier ones (“I survived and I’m strong”).
What Clients Often Experience in EMDR
- The memory feels less emotionally overwhelming.
- Physical reactions (like tension or panic) become less intense.
- A growing sense of relief, calm, and self-confidence.
Most importantly, EMDR is gentle and client-paced. You’re always in control, and your therapist ensures the process feels safe.
EMDR Therapy vs. Talk Therapy
To help you understand how EMDR differs from traditional approaches, here’s a quick comparison between talk therapy and EMDR therapy:
| Traditional Talk Therapy | EMDR Therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Talking through past and present experiences | Targeting specific traumatic memories |
| Process | Conversation, reflection, coping strategies | Bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, sounds) while recalling memories |
| Goal | Develop insight, coping skills, and healthier thought patterns | Reprocess “stuck” memories so they feel less distressing |
| Client Role | Sharing thoughts and feelings in an open discussion | Briefly recalling distressing memories while focusing on therapist-led cues |
| Outcome | Gradual relief and understanding | Faster reduction of emotional intensity tied to trauma |
What Conditions Does EMDR Treat?
While EMDR therapy was originally developed for trauma, research has shown it can help with a variety of mental health challenges.
Conditions EMDR may help treat include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Phobias and fears
- Grief and loss
- Childhood trauma or abuse
- Performance anxiety
If you’ve been struggling with recurring painful memories, negative thought patterns, or intense emotional responses, EMDR therapists can provide tools to help you heal and move forward.
EMDR Therapy for PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common reasons people seek EMDR therapy. PTSD symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
EMDR therapy works by targeting traumatic memories that “get stuck” in the brain. Through eye movement or other forms of stimulation, your therapist guides you to reprocess the memory in a safe, controlled way.
Over time, this reduces the intensity of the memory and the distress it causes.
Many clients notice significant improvements after just a few sessions of EMDR therapy for PTSD, making it one of the most effective treatment options available.
EMDR Trauma Treatment
Trauma doesn’t always come from a single event. Many people experience ongoing or complex trauma from repeated experiences such as abuse, neglect, or violence. EMDR trauma treatment is designed to address both single-event trauma (like an accident or natural disaster) and long-term trauma.
Benefits of EMDR trauma therapy include:
- Reducing the emotional charge of painful memories
- Improving emotional regulation
- Building resilience and coping skills
- Allowing healthier thought patterns to replace negative ones
This approach empowers individuals to move beyond the trauma and reclaim their sense of safety and self-confidence.
How Our EMDR Therapists Can Help
Our team of compassionate and trained EMDR therapists in Richmond, VA specialize in helping clients navigate trauma and anxiety with evidence-based care. When evaluating EMDR therapists, you want someone who not only understands the science but also provides a safe and supportive environment.
Here’s how our EMDR therapists support your healing journey:
- Conducting a thorough assessment to understand your unique needs
- Creating a personalized treatment plan for trauma recovery
- Guiding you through each phase of the EMDR process at your pace
- Offering a judgment-free, supportive space where healing can take place
EMDR Therapists in Richmond, VA
Carla Crews
LCSW
Shenika Whitaker-Carlos
LCSW, CSOTP
What to Expect During an EMDR Therapy Session
Walking into therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. EMDR therapy follows a structured approach, which helps clients feel safe and guided throughout the process.
A typical EMDR session may include:
- Reviewing your history and setting goals for therapy
- Learning grounding and relaxation techniques to manage emotions
- Identifying distressing memories or experiences to process
- Using guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation while focusing on the memory
- Allowing your brain to reprocess the memory in a healthier, less distressing way
- Discussing your progress and planning next steps with your therapist
Many clients report feeling lighter and less triggered by painful experiences after several sessions.
EMDR Therapy FAQs
Here are a few questions & answers to help you figure out if EMDR is right for you.
Yes. EMDR is a safe and evidence-based therapy widely used for trauma treatment.
The number of sessions varies depending on your history and needs. Some clients see results in as few as 6-12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term care.
No. While EMDR therapy is most known for PTSD treatment, it’s also effective for anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, and other mental health conditions.
EMDR helps you process memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity. You won’t have to relive them in detail, and your therapist will guide you through the process.
Yes. Our office accepts many forms of insurance, including medicare. Check our insurance page for a complete list of insurance providers.
Our Therapy Office
Our therapy office is located in the heart of West End Richmond, in the Innsbrook business complex—at the crossroads of I-64, I-295, Hwy 288, and West Broad St. We share the Liberty Plaza I building with several law offices, financial services companies, and other Richmond-area businesses, at the corner of Cox Rd. & North Park Dr.
4801 Cox Road, Suite 205
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Directions →
Get Started with EMDR Therapy in Virginia
If you’re looking for safe & effective EMDR therapy in Virginia and want relief from trauma, PTSD, or anxiety, our therapists are here to help.
With a supportive, evidence-based approach, we’ll guide you through the process so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Contact us today to schedule your first session.