EMDR Therapy for Perinatal Trauma in Washington, DC

Pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period can be filled with intense emotions—joy, fear, hope, and sometimes deep distress. Unfortunately, experiences of trauma are all too common during the perinatal period. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers a powerful, evidence-based approach to healing from perinatal trauma, birth trauma, and other emotional challenges related to the reproductive journey.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an effective and well validated therapy designed to help people heal from distressing life experiences including experiences of trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or tapping—to help the brain reprocess and release trauma that has become “stuck.”

Originally developed to treat PTSD, EMDR is now widely used for many conditions, including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, postpartum anxiety and depression, and medical trauma related to fertility or childbirth.

How Does EMDR Help in the Perinatal Period?

From conception through postpartum, EMDR therapy can help you process experiences such as:

  • A traumatic or unexpected birth

  • A NICU stay or complicated medical interventions

  • Fertility challenges or IVF-related trauma

  • Pregnancy loss, miscarriage, or stillbirth

  • Postpartum PTSD or panic attacks

  • Anxiety during pregnancy

  • Feeling triggered by medical procedures, exams, or past experiences of sexual trauma

EMDR allows your brain to process these events more adaptively, reducing distress and helping you feel more grounded and empowered.

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy is a structured and collaborative process. Your therapist will work with you to:

  • Identify the specific memories or experiences that are causing current emotional distress

  • Build tools for emotional regulation and nervous system support

  • Use bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or sound) to help your brain reprocess those difficult experiences

You remain in control during each session. Consistent with the principles of trauma informed care, your therapist will create a safe and supportive environment that supports your autonomy and honors your strengths.

Why Choose EMDR Therapy for Perinatal Trauma?

If left untreated, trauma during the perinatal period can persist long after the traumatic experience has resolved. EMDR supports healing on a deeper level, facilitating growth and change in the mind and body.

EMDR is especially effective for individuals who:

  • Feel “stuck” or emotionally triggered by aspects of their birth or reproductive story

  • Struggle with ongoing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or panic attacks in the postpartum period

  • Have tried talk therapy but still feel unresolved distress

  • Want to feel more connected to their baby, partner, or themselves

  • Need support processing complicated fertility journeys or perinatal grief

Is EMDR Safe During Pregnancy or Postpartum?

Yes! EMDR is safe during all of the perinatal period, whether you are trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, or have experienced any type of reproductive trauma.

Start your healing journey today.

Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, trying to conceive, or healing from loss, EMDR can be a compassionate and effective tool to support your mental health.

Reach out to learn more about You don’t have to carry the weight of your experiences alone.