EMDR/Trauma
When we hear the term trauma, we often think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, or other well-known terms related to severe emotional and physical distress. However, trauma is not limited to these diagnoses. It can stem from a variety of life experiences, ranging from a single traumatic event to ongoing situations that cause emotional or physical harm. The emotional and physical aftermath of trauma can impact many areas of life, including relationships, work, and self-esteem.
At Mind and Body Solutions, we recognize that trauma is complex and manifests differently for each individual. Our approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, which emphasizes understanding, compassion, and empowerment. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, we help clients explore and heal from their traumatic experiences, whether they stem from a past event or are related to ongoing challenges.
TRAUMA CAN BE SHAPED BY CULTURE, IDENTITY, AND LIFE EXPERIENCECOPY
Trauma and chronic stress don’t exist in a vacuum — they’re often shaped by cultural expectations, identity, family systems, and the environments we’ve had to adapt to. If you’ve lived abroad, moved between cultures, or carry acculturation stress, you may feel pressure to “perform” strength while your nervous system is exhausted underneath. Our trauma-informed approach (including EMDR where appropriate) is paced, collaborative, and respectful of the cultural context you bring into the room.
What We Address:
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A condition that can arise after a person experiences a life-threatening or deeply disturbing event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
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Complex Trauma: Ongoing exposure to traumatic events, often in childhood or over an extended period of time, which can lead to a range of psychological and emotional difficulties.
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Physical Trauma: Trauma that occurs as a result of an injury or physical harm, whether it’s from an accident, violence, or a medical condition that leads to chronic pain or disability.
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Emotional Trauma: Experiences that may not involve physical harm but still result in lasting emotional pain, such as emotional abuse, neglect, or significant loss.
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Relational Trauma: Trauma that stems from harmful interactions in relationships, such as betrayal, abuse, or abandonment, which can create lasting emotional wounds.
Our Approach:
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Trauma-Informed Care: We integrate trauma-informed care principles, which prioritize safety, trust, and collaboration, ensuring that clients feel supported and empowered throughout the healing process.
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Somatic Therapy: Trauma can be stored in the body. We use somatic techniques to help individuals become aware of physical sensations and tension that may be related to trauma, facilitating deeper emotional release and healing.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Through CBT, we help clients reframe negative thought patterns that have emerged as a result of trauma, enabling them to heal their emotional and mental wounds.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A well-established therapeutic approach for processing and healing trauma, EMDR helps clients reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and impact. https://youtu.be/Pkfln-ZtWeY
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Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness techniques allow individuals to stay grounded in the present moment, reducing feelings of overwhelm and anxiety related to traumatic memories.
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Art Therapy: Using creative expression through art can be a powerful tool for trauma healing. Art therapy helps individuals express emotions that may be difficult to verbalize, providing a safe and therapeutic outlet for healing. It fosters self-awareness, emotional release, and insight into complex emotions related to trauma.
Benefits of Working with Us:
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Healing from Trauma: Learn how to process and release the emotional and physical effects of trauma, helping you regain a sense of control and inner peace.
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Increased Emotional Resilience: Through trauma-focused therapies, you will develop the emotional strength and coping strategies to face life’s challenges with greater resilience.
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Improved Relationships: Heal relational trauma and improve your ability to form healthy, supportive connections with others.
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Restored Sense of Safety: Rebuild trust in yourself and others by learning how to create and maintain emotional and physical safety.
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Reduced Symptoms of PTSD and Anxiety: Experience relief from symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression through trauma-focused care and evidence-based therapeutic methods.
At Mind and Body Solutions, we recognize that trauma is a deeply personal experience that can affect all aspects of life. Our compassionate and trauma-informed approach is designed to help you work through the pain and confusion caused by traumatic events, empowering you to reclaim your emotional well-being and live a fulfilling life.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is EMDR therapy, and how does it work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain “reprocess” distressing memories so they feel less intense and disruptive. With a therapist’s guidance, you briefly focus on a memory while using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or tones). Over time, the memory often becomes less triggering, and new, more helpful beliefs can take its place.
What concerns can EMDR help with (trauma, anxiety, panic, intrusive memories)?
EMDR can help with trauma and PTSD (including complex trauma), anxiety, panic symptoms, intrusive memories/thoughts, nightmares, and body-based trauma reactions (like feeling on edge or easily startled). Many people also use EMDR for phobias, grief-related distress, or specific upsetting experiences that still feel “stuck.”
Do I have to share every detail of my trauma for EMDR to be effective?
No. You don’t have to describe every detail for EMDR to work. We can use a “light-touch” approach—focusing on what feels most relevant (images, emotions, body sensations, and beliefs) without going into graphic specifics. You stay in control of the pace, and we prioritize safety and stabilization.
How many sessions does EMDR typically take?
It depends on your goals and the complexity of what you’re working through. Some people notice meaningful relief in a shorter course (often several sessions), while others—especially with longstanding or layered trauma—benefit from a longer process. Typically, we start with an intake and preparation phase (skills, coping tools, treatment plan), then move into reprocessing when you’re ready.
Can EMDR be done via telehealth?
Yes—EMDR can be done online for many clients. We’ll make sure you have a private space, a stable connection, and the right tools for bilateral stimulation. In some situations, in-person sessions may be recommended, and we’ll talk through what feels safest and most effective for you.
Do you accept insurance for trauma therapy/EMDR (BCBS and Cigna)?
Yes—Mind & Body Solutions DC accepts BCBS and Cigna. Coverage varies by plan (deductibles, copays, prior authorization, and session limits), so we’ll encourage you to verify your benefits. We can also help you understand how to check coverage and what to expect financially.