EMDR Therapy in Washington, D.C., Virginia & Maryland
It's been awhile since you felt like yourself. The cycle repeats of overwhelming anxiety, depression, or flashbacks. You're either on the hamster wheel of racing intrusive thoughts, or you feel numb and disconnected from the world around you. Sleep is disrupted by nightmares, and daily tasks feel like an uphill battle.
You snap at the people you love the most, and keep ignoring calls from your best friend. It's impossible to shake the emotional weight of past experiences, leaving you exhausted, irritable, or isolated.
You know something has to change, but therapy before this didn't feel like it made a big enough difference. There was a lot of talking about your feelings but nothing really changed. You continued to feel a disconnect between what you logically know to be true and how you're feeling.
Find faster healing with EMDR.
What Is EMDR?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe your trauma in detail or spend years analyzing the past. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation to help your brain complete a natural healing process that trauma interrupted. The result is that memories which once felt overwhelming gradually lose their emotional charge, allowing you to move through life without being hijacked by your past.
At Full Self Psychotherapy, our EMDR therapists work with adults throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, both in person at our Dupont Circle office and virtually, helping clients move from stuck to free.
You can read more about EMDR on the international association's homepage at emdria.org.
What you can expect from EMDR at Full Self
- Treats PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief
- No detailed trauma disclosure required, the bilateral stimulation does the work
- An 8-phase protocol with built-in stabilization at every step
- In-person sessions at our Dupont Circle office and telehealth across Virginia and Maryland
- Standard weekly sessions and EMDR Intensive formats available
- Sessions are typically 90 minutes or longer to allow for deeper processing
Schedule a Free Consultation
With EMDR, you can find faster relief.
If you've tried talk therapy before and felt like you weren't getting anywhere, you're not alone. Sometimes, talking about what happened just isn't enough. That's where EMDR comes in, a completely different approach that helps you process and heal from the root of the problem, not just talk about it.
EMDR doesn't require you to rehash every detail of your past. Instead, it's designed to help your brain naturally work through stuck memories or patterns. Think of it as hitting "reset" on the emotional weight you've been carrying. While traditional therapy can feel slow or overwhelming, EMDR often provides relief more quickly by targeting the core of the issue in a way that feels manageable.
Imagine this...
You come into your session, carrying the weight of a memory or feeling that has haunted you for years. Your therapist begins by helping you settle in, using somatic techniques to create a sense of safety and presence. Then, as you move through the EMDR process, you feel surprising moments of clarity and release.
Instead of just talking about the problem, you notice your mind connecting the dots in ways you hadn't expected. Memories and emotions shifting, like puzzle pieces falling into place. By the end of the session, that once-overwhelming event doesn't feel so heavy anymore.
You leave feeling lighter, clearer, like the noise in your mind has finally quieted. Over the next few days, you catch yourself reacting differently, less triggered, more at ease.
How EMDR works
EMDR is delivered through a structured eight-phase protocol that ensures both safety and lasting results. Each session builds on the last, and the protocol's emphasis on stabilization means you are never left more distressed than when you arrived.
Your therapist gathers a full picture of your experiences, symptoms, and goals. Together, you identify the specific memories and beliefs to target.
Before any trauma processing begins, you learn stabilization tools: grounding techniques, safe-place visualization, and breathing strategies. You will never be pushed into processing before you feel ready.
You identify the specific memory to process, the negative belief connected to it, and the positive belief you want to hold instead. You also rate your current level of distress.
The core phase. While holding the memory in mind, you follow your therapist's bilateral stimulation. Sets are repeated until the memory's distress level drops significantly.
Your therapist helps you strengthen the positive belief you identified, "I am safe now," "I have value," until it feels genuinely true.
You check whether any residual physical tension remains when you bring up the memory. Any remaining body-based distress is processed before the session closes.
Each session ends with stabilization, regardless of where you are in the process. You leave feeling grounded, not raw.
At the start of each subsequent session, your therapist checks in on what was processed previously to ensure healing has consolidated.
The EMDR Difference
If you've ever thought, "I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I can't stop it," EMDR can bridge that frustrating gap between what you logically know and how you actually feel. It rewires the way your brain responds to painful memories or beliefs, helping you break free from the patterns that have kept you stuck.
With EMDR, you don't just talk. You heal. Whether it's anxiety, past trauma, or feeling trapped in old habits, EMDR offers a way forward that's dynamic, effective, and transformative. You'll notice shifts that feel real and lasting, like the ability to think about something that once triggered you without the emotional sting, or naturally responding in ways that reflect the person you want to be.
You don't have to stay on the hamster wheel of feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. EMDR gives you the space to heal faster and more deeply than you might have thought possible.
Ready to experience the difference?
Schedule a Free Consultation
EMDR vs. traditional talk therapy: what's different?
Many clients come to Full Self Psychotherapy after years of talk therapy that provided insight but not relief. They can explain their trauma clearly. They just can't stop reacting to it. This is a well-documented phenomenon: understanding why you feel the way you feel does not automatically change how you feel. EMDR addresses this gap directly.
| Traditional Talk Therapy | EMDR Therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary mechanism | Verbal processing, insight-building | Bilateral stimulation and memory reprocessing |
| Trauma disclosure required? | Typically yes | Not required in full detail |
| Session focus | Discussing the past and present patterns | Processing the memory network directly |
| Body involvement | Minimal | Significant, body scan is a core protocol phase |
| Best for | Relationship patterns, life transitions, identity work | Trauma, PTSD, anxiety rooted in specific memories |
| Can be combined? | Yes | Yes, works alongside existing therapy |
These are not competing approaches. They are complementary. If you already have a therapist you trust for ongoing support, EMDR can be added as a focused trauma-processing modality without disrupting your existing therapeutic relationship. Many of our clients work with us for EMDR while maintaining their regular therapist for broader support.
Working with EMDR in an intensive session format allows us to go even faster and deeper.
If traditional weekly therapy is keeping you stuck in your healing...
GET YOURSELF A FAST PASS NOW!
One of the distinctive features of care at Full Self Psychotherapy is our EMDR Intensive format. Rather than limiting EMDR work to 50-minute weekly sessions, which often means spending the first 15 minutes settling in and the last 10 minutes stabilizing, our intensive sessions allow for extended processing blocks of 90 minutes to a full day.
We don't typically conduct EMDR sessions under 90 minutes to start, because we find it more ethical to allow enough time for the brain and body to engage fully in processing. Shorter sessions risk opening up deep material without having enough time to reach a natural stopping point, which can leave clients feeling dysregulated between sessions.
Fewer transitions
Extended session blocks eliminate the weekly stop-start cycle that can disrupt memory processing momentum.
Deeper processing
With more time per session, your brain can move through multiple memory nodes in a single block rather than pausing mid-process every 50 minutes.
Faster overall timeline
Work that might take many months in weekly sessions can often be accomplished in a fraction of the time with an intensive format.
Practical for busy schedules
For clients with demanding professional schedules, a concentrated intensive block may be more manageable than dozens of weekly appointments spread across months.
Whether you're looking for a 90-minute, 3-hour session, a full 6-hour day, or a multi-day format, EMDR intensives can provide powerful breakthroughs without the drawn-out timeline of traditional therapy. If you're curious about whether an EMDR intensive is right for you, visit our therapy intensives page to learn more and see if this approach is right for you.
Click here to learn more about therapy intensives!
What to expect in your first EMDR session
Your first session is an assessment and preparation session, not a processing session. You will not be diving into traumatic memories on day one. Instead, your therapist will review your history, symptoms, and goals, explain the EMDR protocol and what to expect, introduce stabilization resources you can use between sessions, and answer every question you have before moving forward.
When you do begin processing (typically in session two or three, depending on your readiness), sessions follow a clear structure. You will always know what you are working on, and you will always close each session with stabilization regardless of where you are in the processing sequence.
Virtual EMDR is fully available. Bilateral stimulation can be delivered effectively via screen, through visual cues, audio tones, or tactile buzzers you use at home. Many of our Virginia and Maryland clients complete their entire EMDR course virtually with equivalent outcomes to in-person sessions.
Schedule a Free ConsultationIs EMDR safe? Addressing common questions
Is EMDR evidence-based?
Yes. EMDR is endorsed by the American Psychological Association as an effective treatment for PTSD. It's carefully structured to ensure client safety throughout the process, with a strong focus on stabilization and resourcing before addressing traumatic memories.
Are there side effects or risks?
It's possible that EMDR may bring up memories or associations that have been buried, but this is a normal part of the healing process. You won't be re-living those memories. You'll be able to observe them from a safe distance. As we process these memories, they lose their emotional charge, making them no longer as distressing. You'll always be supported and grounded throughout, and the process is paced to ensure it feels manageable for you.
When is EMDR not the right fit?
EMDR is generally not the best starting point for individuals who haven't yet developed sufficient emotional stabilization skills or who are in active crisis. A thorough intake assessment will identify whether standard EMDR, an adapted protocol, or a different approach is the right fit for you. If you're not sure, your free consultation is the place to find out.
For lasting change, let's try something new.
You don't have to stay on the hamster wheel of feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. EMDR gives you the space to heal faster and more deeply than you might have thought possible.
Schedule a Free ConsultationEMDR therapy in Washington, D.C., Virginia & Maryland
In-person therapy in Washington, D.C.
Our office is located in Dupont Circle at 1350 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 1030, Washington, DC 20036. We offer in-person EMDR sessions, somatic therapy, and EMDR Intensives.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:30am to 6pm
Contact: margot@margotlamsontherapy.com | (202) 875-5861
Schedule a Free ConsultationVirtual therapy: healing from the comfort of home
Life is busy, and carving out time for therapy can feel like just another stressor. That's why we offer virtual therapy, a flexible, accessible option designed to fit seamlessly into your routine.
Imagine settling into your favorite chair, a warm drink in hand, your pet by your side, and starting your session from the privacy of your own space. Many clients find it easier to open up when they're in a familiar environment, free from the pressures of commuting or worrying about being seen at a therapy office.
Virtual therapy offers all the same benefits of in-person sessions, with added convenience and confidentiality. Your sessions will be held over a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, ensuring your privacy and safety every step of the way.
Learn More About Virtual TherapyAlso at Full Self Psychotherapy: Learn about our related services including trauma therapy, anxiety therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Therapy Intensives.
FAQs about EMDR in Washington, D.C.
What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach that helps you process and heal from trauma by using bilateral stimulation, like guided eye movements. This taps into your brain and body's natural ability to heal, helping distressing memories shift from emotional overload to a more balanced, calm state. As the brain reprocesses these memories, you can experience lasting relief from anxiety, trauma, depression, and other unresolved issues. It's a gentle yet effective way to allow your mind and body to work together, helping you heal and feel more at peace.
You can read more about EMDR on the international associations' homepage here.
Is EMDR effective for PTSD?
Yes, EMDR is highly effective for treating PTSD. It helps by reprocessing traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge, and allowing the brain to store them in a healthier way. EMDR also promotes quicker symptom relief compared to traditional talk therapy, as it directly targets the root cause of trauma. Additionally, it enhances emotional regulation and reduces negative beliefs, leading to long-lasting healing. Many clients experience significant relief from PTSD symptoms after just a few sessions.
Is EMDR therapy safe?
Yes, EMDR is a safe and evidence-based treatment for trauma. It's carefully structured to ensure client safety throughout the process, with a strong focus on stabilization and resourcing before addressing traumatic memories.
At Full Self Psychotherapy, we have certified EMDR therapists with extensive training who will guide you through each step, ensuring you feel supported and in control.
Can EMDR be used for anxiety or depression?
Yes, EMDR is not just for acute trauma; it can also help with anxiety and depression. Acute trauma refers to a single, intense event, like an accident or assault, that causes immediate emotional distress.
While EMDR is effective for treating such events, it also addresses deeper emotional patterns or past experiences that contribute to anxiety and depression, leading to lasting healing and relief.
How does EMDR differ from traditional talk therapy?
EMDR therapy differs from traditional talk therapy in that it doesn't just focus on discussing issues. It helps your brain reprocess and heal traumatic memories. While talk therapy can help you understand and cope with emotions, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements or tapping) to directly target and shift the emotional charge of distressing memories.
This often leads to MUCH faster relief and healing and change that LASTS, especially for trauma, anxiety, and depression. This is why we love using EMDR in our practice.
I already have a therapist. Can EMDR be done in conjunction?
Absolutely! EMDR works really well alongside other types of therapy, especially for processing trauma, an area not all therapists specialize in. It can help you address those deeper experiences while you continue working on day-to-day challenges in regular therapy. And if you're looking for faster progress, we offer EMDR intensives (extended sessions) to help you make big shifts in less time. Whether as a standalone focus or part of your broader therapy journey, we'll tailor it to your needs.
Can EMDR be done in an intensive session?
Yes, EMDR is highly effective in an intensive session format, and in many cases, it's the best way to work. EMDR is a deep, structured process that takes time to unfold, and longer sessions allow us to move through it more effectively without the constant stop-and-start of traditional weekly therapy.
In fact, we don't typically conduct EMDR sessions under 90 minutes to start, because we find it more ethical to allow enough time for the brain and body to engage fully in processing. Shorter sessions risk opening up deep material and not having enough time to reach a natural stopping point, which can leave clients feeling a bit dysregulated between sessions.
With an intensive format, we have the time and space to fully engage with the process, allowing for deeper healing in a shorter period. Whether you're looking for a 90-minute, 3-hour session, a full 6-hour day, or a multi-day format, EMDR intensives can provide powerful breakthroughs without the drawn-out timeline of traditional therapy.
If you're curious about whether an EMDR intensive is right for you, please visit our therapy intensives page, and feel free to reach out. We'd love to help you determine the best fit for your needs.
What should I do to prepare for an EMDR session?
To prepare for an EMDR session, just come with an open mind and a willingness to dive into the process. You don't need to have everything figured out, but it's helpful to have a specific issue or memory in mind. Try to get a good night's rest and stay hydrated.
We'll be with you every step of the way, making sure you feel safe and supported throughout.
What can I expect during an EMDR session?
In an EMDR session, you can expect a safe, supportive space where we process traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation (i.e. eye movements, light buzzing stimulation, or tapping). Sessions are typically 90 minutes or longer to allow for deeper processing. Our clinicians will meet you where you are, whether that's addressing specific challenges or providing additional resourcing or grounding techniques to ensure you feel safe and supported throughout the process.
After the session, it's common for processing to continue for a day or two, with occasional insights or sensitivities. It's recommended to take it easy the day following the session, though these effects are generally mild.
Can EMDR cause negative emotions or memories to resurface?
It's possible that EMDR may bring up memories or associations that have been buried, but this is a normal part of the healing process. You won't be re-living those memories. You'll be able to observe them from a safe distance. As we process these memories, they lose their emotional charge, making them no longer as distressing.
You'll always be supported and grounded throughout, and the process is paced to ensure it feels manageable for you.
Can EMDR be done virtually?
Yes, EMDR can absolutely be done virtually, and many clients find it just as effective as in-person sessions. In fact, virtual EMDR offers the convenience and comfort of being in your own space while still receiving the full benefits of the therapy. Using secure video platforms, we can guide you through the process with the same level of support and safety, including bilateral stimulation techniques like visual cues or tapping.
This makes it a flexible, accessible option for those who prefer to work from home or need the convenience of remote sessions.
How long does it take to see results from EMDR?
Results from EMDR can vary, but many clients begin to notice significant improvements after just a few sessions, and sometimes as little as one or two. For some clients, relief from trauma-related symptoms can occur quickly, while for others, it may take longer depending on the complexity of the issues being addressed. Progress is typically steady and measurable.
What are your fees?
Margot's rate is $265 for a 45-minute session. She also offers intensives for faster deep progress. Check out her intensives page for details and pricing.
Molly's rate is $200 for a 45-minute session. She also offers extended sessions.
Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Billing
You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the No Surprises Act, healthcare providers are required to give clients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for services.
- You can ask for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service or at any time during your care.
- If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above the Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute it.
For more information about your rights, visit CMS.gov/NoSurprises.
Does insurance cover EMDR therapy?
We do not accept insurance directly at Full Self Psychotherapy, but we provide superbills for clients seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Many PPO plans reimburse a significant portion of out-of-network therapy costs. We recommend calling your insurer directly and asking about your out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits before your first session.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
This depends on the nature and complexity of what you're processing. Your therapist will give you a realistic sense of what to expect after your first session.
For clients who want to move faster, our EMDR Intensive format can accomplish in a few concentrated sessions what might otherwise take many months of weekly appointments. Visit our intensives page to learn more.
Is EMDR therapy right for me?
EMDR is a strong fit if you're struggling with PTSD, trauma, anxiety rooted in past experiences, depression, or grief. It's also a good option if you've had talk therapy before and felt like you gained insight but not relief.
Your free consultation is the right place to explore this. Our therapists will give you an honest assessment about whether EMDR, intensives, or a different approach is the best fit for where you are right now.
Are there any side effects or risks with EMDR?
EMDR is a safe, structured treatment. It's possible that EMDR may bring up memories or associations that have been buried, but this is a normal part of the healing process. The preparation phase specifically equips you with stabilization tools to manage these between-session experiences. Our therapists monitor your window of tolerance carefully and will not push processing faster than your nervous system is ready to handle.
How do we get started?
Getting started is simple. Reach out to us by email or call through our contact page to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. This is a chance for you and your therapist to connect, talk about what you're looking for, and see if we're a good fit. If you decide to move forward, your first session can be either in person at our Dupont Circle office or virtual through a secure platform. We'll get started on your goals from there!
Full Self Psychotherapy
Full Self Psychotherapy is a trauma-focused group practice serving adults and teens in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, offering both in-person sessions at their Dupont Circle office and virtual therapy via secure telehealth.
Led by Margot Lamson, LICSW, alongside therapists Molly Michael and Brendan O'Connell, the practice specializes in trauma, anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem, and life transitions using evidence-based, body-centered modalities including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
Their approach prioritizes nervous system regulation, safety, and sustainable healing for motivated individuals who are ready to move beyond patterns that have felt stuck or overwhelming.
Full Self Psychotherapy does not provide crisis services. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. The content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a therapeutic relationship.