Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

EMDR Therapy in Washington, DC

Many people who seek EMDR therapy in Washington, DC have already done significant work — in prior therapy, in reflection, in trying to understand their histories. What they are looking for is something that reaches what understanding alone has not been able to move. That is exactly what EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) is designed to do.

At Janna Sandmeyer Psychotherapy, our EMDR therapists work with adults and teens ready to move beyond managing symptoms toward lasting integration of painful experiences.

We offer a free initial phone consultation. Reach out today to find out if EMDR is right for you.

Schedule a Free Phone Consultation

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy, recognized by the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, originally developed for PTSD, now applied across anxiety, phobias, depression, childhood trauma, panic attacks, and more.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, rhythmic, alternating sensory input through guided eye movements, gentle tapping, or auditory tones. This engages the brain’s natural processing capacity, allowing traumatic memories to be revisited, reprocessed, and integrated without being retraumatizing.

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy: The Eight Phases

EMDR is a structured form of therapy, but one in which you are always in control of the pace. Nothing moves forward until you feel ready. A full course of EMDR treatment may range from a small number of sessions for a single-incident trauma to several months for more complex or layered histories. The process unfolds across eight phases:

History-taking and Treatment Planning

Your therapist develops a full picture of your history, identifies the specific memories to target, and builds a clear treatment map.

Preparation

You are taught stabilization and grounding techniques to ensure you can manage distress within and between sessions. No traumatic material is processed until this foundation is in place.

Assessment

Together, you identify the specific memory or experience to be targeted, along with the beliefs, emotions, and body sensations associated with it.

Desensitization

Bilateral stimulation begins while you hold the memory in mind. Sets of eye movements or taps are repeated; after each set you are asked what you notice. The memory shifts, emotions change, and the level of disturbance drops.

Installation

A positive, accurate belief is paired with the memory and strengthened.

Body Scan

Any remaining physical tension is identified and cleared.

Closure

Each session ends with grounding and stabilization, regardless of whether processing is complete. You leave feeling settled.

Reevaluation

At the start of the next session, your therapist checks that progress has held and determines next steps.

What EMDR Can Help With

At Janna Sandmeyer Psychotherapy, our EMDR therapists in Washington, DC work with adults navigating a wide range of concerns, including:

  • PTSD & single-incident trauma
  • Childhood & developmental trauma
  • Relationship trauma
  • Anxiety & panic attacks
  • Depression linked to grief or loss
  • Phobias & unexplained fears
  • Complicated grief
  • Performance & sports mental blocks

EMDR is particularly effective for what are called single-incident shock traumas — discrete events with a clear beginning and end. It can also be used to address more complex, chronic trauma histories, though this work typically unfolds over a longer period and with more extensive preparation.

Why Work With Us?

Janna Sandmeyer Psychotherapy is a small, client-focused private practice in downtown Washington, DC. We believe that the relationship you have with your therapist is not simply the setting for the work — it is the heart of it. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship is the most significant factor in treatment outcomes, and we treat it as such.

Dr. Janna Sandmeyer holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern California and brings over 25 years of clinical experience. EMDR at our practice is delivered within a depth-oriented framework, contextualized within a thorough understanding of your history — not applied as a standalone technique.

What you can expect when you work with us:

  • Trained EMDR therapists within a depth-oriented framework
  • A pace always determined by your readiness
  • In-person DC + telehealth (MD, VA, TX)
  • Free initial phone consultation

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Choosing to begin therapy is a meaningful decision, and finding the right fit matters. If you are searching for an EMDR therapist in Washington, DC who brings both clinical expertise and genuine care for the person in the room, we welcome you to reach out.

Schedule a Free Phone Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy in Washington, DC

EMDR is most appropriate when specific memories are at the root of current symptoms. A free consultation is the best way to explore this together.

Single-incident trauma typically resolves in a small number of sessions. Complex trauma requires a longer, mapped course, always paced by your progress.

Single-incident No. EMDR can proceed with limited verbal disclosure; many clients find this a relief.trauma typically resolves in a small number of sessions. Complex trauma requires a longer, mapped course, always paced by your progress.

Yes, particularly when anxiety or panic is rooted in past experiences. EMDR reprocesses the earlier memories driving the body’s alarm response — once those lose their charge, panic triggers often diminish significantly, rather than just being managed.

Yes, for clients in Maryland, Virginia, and Texas. EMDR adapts effectively to remote delivery.