EMDR Therapy in DC, Virginia & Maryland

How can EMDR therapy help you?

Overcome the challenges holding you back and thrive

EMDR therapy is a powerful non-talk-based approach that has revolutionized getting faster results through the restorative practices of eye movement. Effective at treating a wide range of challenges, EMDR therapy was originally developed to treat PTSD and general trauma symptoms. It is now also used to treat anxiety, panic, addiction, phobias, grief, depression, sexual dysfunction, dissociative disorders, somatic symptoms, and many forms of cognitive and emotional pain.

Ready to:

Regularly feel calm and relaxed rather than overwhelmed with anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias?
Eliminate symptoms and pain from inflammatory stress-related chronic illness?
Experience the peace of overcoming depression, trauma, and past experiences?
Fall asleep easily and sleep through the night?
Maintain and enjoy healthy relationships?

EMDR goes beyond treating symptoms. It empowers you to:

Break free from the past and heal from trauma or negative experiences.
Unlock your full potential to thrive in all areas of life.
Live a calmer and more fulfilling life by managing stress and anxiety.
Improve performance and achieve your goals.

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Overcome the challenges holding you back and thrive with EMDR therapy

Here’s what our clients are saying

I began working with Faith Ferber when my previous counselor identified that I needed a trauma-informed approach, and the work has been incredible. Faith has helped me get more grounded in my body, to make connections between physical ailments and emotional patterns that I'd never understood, and perhaps most importantly, to understand myself in deeper and core ways. Faith brings a special combination of practices -- including brainspotting and internal family systems IFS) -- and deep commitments to justice -- which have been critical for sorting through the always-complicated mix of personal and collective matters. I highly recommend working with Faith!

Beth - Individual Psychotherapy

Sonja Favaloro was wonderful. Our work together allowed me to experience deep, impactful healing. I would recommend her and the Viva Center to anyone.

E.W. - Individual Therapy

After two decades in and out of therapy, and on and off of drugs, I didn't believe in solutions. I believed in management. Aurena and Viva revealed to me that actual healing is still possible. For the right person, this these treatment modalities (EMDR and IFS) can feel miraculous in its their outcome, even as it they seem somewhat mystical in its their mechanisms. I feel unburdened. For now, I feel happy on a consistent basis -- unmediated by drugs, flow or hypomania -- for the first time in memory. It's improved my parenting, my thinking, my work, and my ability to be a partner to my wife. It may not, in the end, solve all my problems. Time will tell. But it solved one big one and made the others feel more manageable. Thanks to Viva and Aurena!

Anonymous - Individual Therapy

The process I went through with Viva Partnership was really something. I came here in a serious crisis. Through the individual and group support I received, I gradually shifted my outlook. This in turn changed how I experienced my life and relationships. Viva created a safe space where I got to heal and grow.

J - Individual and Group Psychotherapy

My experience at the Viva Center was extraordinary. I saw a therapist there for almost 2 years, who walked me through EMDR twice. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and thought that it was well run. I never encountered any issues, but if I had, I know that the staff would have addressed them immediately. I would not hesitate to reach out to their wonderful team of therapists for treatment.

A - Individual and Group Psychotherapy

My life was going at a fairly even pace but something was always missing. I felt like I had been groomed to do all the "right" things, but they weren't my things. I went through a significant transformation where I learned how to tolerate bigger risks. As a result, I am living the life that is right for me. I am so grateful that I found Viva!

L - Individual and Group Psychotherapy

An absolutely wonderful...center staffed with amazingly caring and involved people. Viva Center offers classes in wellness related to business, finances, relationships, and of course personal growth and mental health. The staff are committed to maintaining an unhurried, refuge-like atmosphere and every aspect of the Viva Center reflects this intention...the Viva Center is an amazing space to explore every aspect of your soul and being. I love the work they are doing here!

You know the saying...be the person your dog thinks you are? This place helps you do just that. AWESOME.

S - Individual Psychotherapy

More Testimonials

What is EMDR?

Transformative therapy for healing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a brain-based therapy that reduces feelings of emotional distress related to past experiences. By making your system less sensitive to certain memories, you can create opportunities for relief, freedom, and joy in everyday life.

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Want to know more?

Here are some frequently asked questions about EMDR Therapy

How does EMDR work?

Using an eight-phase treatment that uses bilateral sensation (noises, feelings, or sights on both your left and right side) to desensitize disturbing emotions.

The more repeated the trauma and the younger the person was at the time it occurred, the more complex the symptoms and their treatment. For more information about EMDR processing and overall treatment, read Experiencing EMDR therapy.

Is there any research around EMDR?

Yes—EMDR is one of the most well-studied therapies for trauma and PTSD. It’s recommended by trusted organizations like the World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the American Psychological Association.

Here’s what the research shows:

It’s effective. Studies show EMDR works just as well as other proven trauma therapies, like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) with exposure.
No homework between sessions. You won’t have to do exercises at home—EMDR focuses on helping your brain process and heal during your sessions.
Tailored to your pace. You and your therapist will decide together how fast or slow to go, based on what feels right for you.
More than just talk therapy. EMDR uses gentle eye movements or tapping, making it possible to work through things without retelling every detail. This makes it a helpful option if you’re looking for something beyond traditional talk therapy.

How powerful is EMDR?

Multiple research investigations have examined the efficacy of EMDR for both PTSD and C-PTSD, with one study indicating that as many as 90% of individuals with single-trauma no longer meet criteria for PTSD following just three 90-minute sessions.

How is EMDR therapy different from other therapies?

In EMDR therapy, discussing distress isn’t necessary, nor is homework. Instead of altering emotions, thoughts, or behaviors, it facilitates the brain’s natural healing process by resolving unprocessed traumatic memories, often requiring fewer sessions than alternative therapies.

Reference: EMDRIA

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