Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re dealing with the emotional weight of a recent traumatic event. If you’re considering EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to address PTSD symptoms, understanding what to expect in your first session can make the process feel more approachable. As a therapist specializing in online EMDR therapy for adults in NOVA and Virginia, my goal is to provide you with a safe, supportive space where healing becomes possible.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based approach for treating PTSD and trauma-related symptoms. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on helping your brain process and reframe distressing memories. This process reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, making them feel less overwhelming.

I specialize in using EMDR therapy to help adults who are experiencing PTSD symptoms, such as flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or heightened anxiety, after a recent traumatic event. My practice is entirely online, allowing you to access therapy from the comfort of your home, whether you’re located in Fairfax, VA, or anywhere in Northern Virginia.

What Happens During the First EMDR Session?

Your first EMDR session sets the foundation for your healing journey. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect during our initial session together.

1. Exploring the Traumatic Event Causing Your PTSD Symptoms

The first step in EMDR therapy is to identify the event that’s contributing to your PTSD symptoms. This could be a recent traumatic event such as a car accident, a medical emergency, or the sudden loss of a loved one.

We’ll work together to pinpoint the specific memory or experience that feels most distressing to you. By narrowing our focus, we can create a clear starting point for therapy.

2. Identifying Triggering Images, Thoughts, and Beliefs

Next, we’ll explore the thoughts, images, or feelings that feel most triggering when you think about the traumatic event. For example, you might have a vivid image that replays in your mind or hear a specific sound associated with the event.

During this step, we’ll also discuss what these triggers say about you. Traumatic events often lead to negative self-beliefs, such as “I am powerless,” “I am unsafe,” or “It’s my fault.” Recognizing these beliefs is a crucial part of the healing process, as EMDR therapy works to replace them with healthier, more empowering perspectives.

3. Taking a Brief Trauma History

While the focus of EMDR therapy is often on a recent traumatic event, past experiences can sometimes amplify current symptoms. In our first session, I’ll ask about your trauma history to get a better understanding of your experiences. This might include:

• Other significant traumatic events in your past.

• Patterns of stress or emotional difficulty that may be contributing to your PTSD symptoms.

This part of the session helps me create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs.

4. Learning Coping Skills for Trauma

Before diving into the reprocessing phase of EMDR therapy, it’s important to equip you with grounding and coping techniques. These skills will help you manage distress during therapy sessions and in your daily life. Common coping strategies we might explore include:

• Deep Breathing: Practicing slow, intentional breaths to calm your nervous system.

• Grounding Techniques: Using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique (focusing on your senses) to anchor yourself in the present moment.

• Visualization: Creating a mental “safe place” where you can retreat if emotions feel overwhelming.

These tools ensure you feel safe and in control as we move forward with EMDR therapy.

5. Planning for Reprocessing Sessions

At the end of our first session, we’ll discuss the next steps in your EMDR journey. This includes planning when we’ll begin the reprocessing phase, which involves using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements) to process traumatic memories.

In the reprocessing phase, we’ll revisit the traumatic memory in a safe, controlled way. This process helps your brain reframe the memory, reducing its emotional charge and allowing you to feel more at peace. However, the first session focuses on preparation and building a strong foundation for this work.

Why Choose Online EMDR Therapy in Virginia?

Online therapy offers a convenient and effective way to prioritize your mental health, especially in a fast-paced area like Fairfax, VA, or Northern Virginia. With virtual EMDR therapy, you can:

• Access therapy from the comfort of your home.

• Avoid the stress of commuting or navigating traffic.

• Schedule sessions at times that fit your busy life.

As an experienced EMDR therapist, I ensure that online sessions feel just as personal and impactful as in-person therapy. My goal is to provide a supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered.

How EMDR Therapy Can Help With PTSD Symptoms

EMDR therapy is especially effective for addressing PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or feelings of hypervigilance. Over the course of therapy, you’ll notice changes such as:

• A reduction in the intensity and frequency of flashbacks.

• Greater emotional stability and resilience.

• Improved self-esteem as negative beliefs are replaced with positive ones.

By working through your traumatic memories, EMDR therapy can help you reclaim a sense of safety and control in your life.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Starting therapy is a courageous decision, and you don’t have to face PTSD alone. If you’re an adult in Fairfax, VA, or Northern Virginia, and you’re ready to address the impact of a recent traumatic event, I’m here to help.

Through online EMDR therapy, we’ll work together to reduce the intensity of your PTSD symptoms and help you feel more grounded and at ease. Contact me today to schedule your first session and take the first step toward healing and recovery.

Services Offered with Kate Regnier, LCSW and EMDR Therapist

Are you a woman struggling with PTSD and anxiety after experiencing a recent trauma? Kate Regnier, LCSW and EMDR Therapist, can help you process through trauma that has upended your life, while helping you to feel lighter, less burdened with anxiety and dread, and to dull the sharpness of recent trauma in your body and mind. Kate also offer online EMDR Therapy for women experiencing unexpected grief who are struggling with intense images and flashbacks and feelings of hopelessness in Georgetown, Chevy Chase, and McLean. Kate see’s clients virtually in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., Indiana, and Michigan. To learn more about Kate, visit the page Meet Kate and check out more on the blog!

Disclaimer* The content provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. While I strive to ensure the accuracy of the information shared, I cannot guarantee that all information is current or correct. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions based on this post.