EMDR Therapy in Virginia

In-person in Fredericksburg and online across Virginia

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — EMDR — is an evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process and integrate distressing memories in a more adaptive way. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro and extensively researched over the past three decades, EMDR is recognized by the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe your experiences in detail or complete homework between sessions. Instead it works by activating the brain's natural healing processes through bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — while you hold a distressing memory in mind. Over time this allows painful experiences to be processed and stored in a way that no longer triggers the same emotional intensity.

How EMDR Works

During an EMDR session your therapist will guide you through a structured process that includes identifying a target memory or experience, noticing the thoughts, emotions, and body sensations connected to it, and then processing through sets of bilateral stimulation while you observe what arises — much like watching scenery pass outside a train window.

As processing continues the memory becomes less emotionally charged. Most clients find that they can recall the experience without the same level of distress — and that the negative beliefs connected to it begin to shift toward something more adaptive and self-compassionate.

EMDR is paced collaboratively and always begins with establishing emotional safety and stabilization before any trauma processing begins.

What EMDR Can Help With

EMDR has been found effective for a wide range of concerns including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Childhood trauma and adverse experiences

• Anxiety and panic

• Phobias

• Grief and loss

• Medical trauma

• First responder and veteran trauma

• Performance anxiety

• Negative self-beliefs rooted in past experiences

EMDR at Thrive Counseling

At Thrive Counseling for Healing and Connection, EMDR is offered within a trauma-informed, attachment-based framework. Our EMDR-trained therapists integrate this approach thoughtfully — always attending to safety, pacing, and readiness — so that healing unfolds in a grounded and supportive way.

All clients at Thrive begin with stage one trauma-informed care focused on emotional safety and stabilization before trauma processing begins. EMDR is offered when clinically appropriate and always collaboratively paced.

Learn more about our broader trauma-informed care approach.

Our EMDR-Trained Clinicians

EMDR at Thrive is provided by clinicians with specialized training in trauma-informed care:

• LaTroy Coleman, LPC — childhood trauma, women, teens

• Beverly Lemmons, LCSW — childhood trauma, women, teens

• Chris Biddix, LPC — EMDR, veteran and first responder trauma, men's issues

• Sarah McClelland, LCSW — trauma, attachment, maternal mental health

• Beth Collins, LCSW, CTT — trauma, attachment, childhood trauma, sexual assault

Clients are thoughtfully matched based on their history, goals, and preferences. You don't need to know who would be the best fit — we'll guide that process carefully.

Begin EMDR Therapy in Fredericksburg or Across Virginia

If you're carrying the weight of past experiences that continue to affect your daily life, relationships, or sense of self — EMDR may be an effective path toward healing.

We offer EMDR therapy in person in Fredericksburg, Virginia and through secure online sessions across Virginia.

Request an Appointment | Still have questions? Let us help.