About EMDR

About the process of EMDR Intensives

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that engages the brain to facilitate the natural healing process.  It is a structured, 8-phase therapy that incorporates assessment, treatment planning, resourcing (skills to enhance relaxation, emotional tolerance, and being grounded), as well as processing difficult experiences. Click here for more detailed information from EMDRIA and a short video.

8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

1. History Taking & Treatment Planning

2. Preparation

4. Desensitization

6. Body Scan

3. Assessment

5. Installation

7. Closure

8. Reevaluation

"I didn’t know what to expect, but you were so kind and really put me at ease…I feel more hopeful for the future"

What to expect during and after your intensive

In EMDR therapy, after appropriate preparation and resourcing, a client identifies the aspects of a trauma that got "stuck."

  1. Eye movement (or other bilateral or dual-attention stimuli) is added to help the brain naturally "digest" or process the experiences.

  2. This results in desensitizing (or letting go of) the disturbance and reprocessing the experiences, to provide relief.

  3. Further, we are then able to access an adaptive, positive belief about ourselves and experience new feelings and perspectives about the experience.

After EMDR therapy many clients report a sense of relief, peace, and freedom.

My approach is to:

  1. Understand a client's experience

  2. Help identify options for change

  3. Engage a client in healing, processing, and transforming their life experiences

By assisting a client through the process of healing, one can embrace their potential and move forward in one's chosen direction. As a result, clients feel empowered and experience freedom in their lives.

Resources for EMDR

  • EMDR International Association for information and resources regarding EMDR

    Learn more

  • Introduction to EMDR video from EMDRIA, describing trauma and EMDR therapy

    learn more

  • Video explaining the Working Memory Theory of EMDR ​

    Learn More

“Working with Melanie was so impactful - it changed my life.
I am so grateful!”

Hi, I’m Melanie

I am passionate about empowering clients to experience freedom from past wounds and live presently to their full potential. I completed EMDR Basic Training in 2009, obtained Certification in 2011, and continued on to become a Consultant. I am committed to supporting other EMDR therapists in their practice by providing advanced trainings and specialized consultation. 

In my free time I enjoy being outdoors, whether running, gardening, hiking, or enjoying the river, ocean, or nature with my family and dog. 

PROFESSIONAL LICENSES AND ASSOCIATIONS

Education
B.A. in Psychology, University of Richmond 1994
M.A. in Counseling Psychology, Boston College 1996

License
Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia #0701003601

Training, Consulting, & Associations
Certified EMDR Therapist
EMDRIA Approved Consultant
EMDRIA Full Member