What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals reprocess distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact. By using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements), EMDR facilitates communication between the two hemispheres of the brain, helping to process unresolved trauma and integrate it in a healthier way.
How EMDR Can Help You
EMDR is particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma, including childhood abuse, loss, or neglect. It helps:
-
Reduce Emotional Distress: EMDR alleviates symptoms like anxiety, depression, and PTSD by processing and neutralizing traumatic memories.
-
Transform Negative Beliefs: It helps shift negative self-beliefs (e.g., "I'm not worthy" or "I am unsafe") into healthier, more empowering ones.
-
Restore Emotional Balance: EMDR can improve emotional regulation, reducing the intensity of flashbacks, nightmares, and overwhelming emotions.
-
Enhance Relationships: By healing past wounds, EMDR fosters healthier relationships and improved communication.
Why Choose EMDR?
EMDR is an effective and compassionate therapy. It doesn’t require individuals to revisit painful memories in a traditional “talk therapy” format. Instead, it gently guides clients through the process of reprocessing memories in a way that leads to long-lasting healing. Whether you're dealing with trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, or other emotional challenges, EMDR can help you move forward and create a brighter, healthier future.
If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, contact me today to learn more about how EMDR can help you.
About Me
Sarah B. Goldman, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
My Approach
I use EMDR and mind-body approaches to help people heal from distress that often stems from past experiences, even when we're not fully aware of their influence. I'm passionate about supporting clients as they uncover and work through old wounds that continue to shape their present thoughts, feelings, and relationships.
EMDR goes beyond talk therapy by engaging the body’s natural healing processes to resolve distress at a somatic and emotional level. As they progress through EMDR, people often find themselves thinking, feeling, and responding in new ways—sometimes to their own surprise—as unprocessed experiences lose their grip on the present.
I also believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship, and how the unfolding dynamic between therapist and client can support trauma recovery in real time.
My Background
Prior to beginning my full-time private practice in 2019, I served as a Staff Psychologist and Director of Psychology Training at Georgetown University’s Counseling and Psychiatric Service (CAPS). I have trained at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, NYU/Bellevue Hospital, Princeton House Behavioral Health - Penn Medicine, Manhattan Psychiatric Center, The Renfrew Center, and Potomac Behavioral Solutions in Arlington, VA, where I headed a comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program and completed intensive training in DBT through Behavioral Tech LLC.
I completed my basic and intermediate training in EMDR with Deany Laliotis, LICSW (The Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy). I then went on to complete advanced training in EMDR for perinatal mental health with Dr. Mara Tesler Stein at The Touchstone Institute, where I am also an EMDR Consultant-in-Training™ (CIT). I am passionate about offering support to other therapists who want to deepen their understanding of EMDR.
I earned my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Columbia University, and my M.A. and B.A. in psychology from Wesleyan University.
I am licensed in Washington, DC and in all PSYPACT states.
My Services
I am dedicated to helping, teaching, and learning in my work with EMDR, providing support to both clients and fellow therapists.
Comprehensive EMDR Therapy
I offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a powerful tool for healing from trauma and emotional distress. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and resolve past traumatic experiences by reducing their charge, allowing for profound emotional healing and growth.
Initial Consultation (60 min) - $380
Follow-up Sessions (45 min) - $245
For Georgetown University students who carry GU Student Health Insurance (GUSHI):
-
I work with GUSHI as an out of network provider. Students are responsible for paying me 30% of my standard fee, and the insurance company pays me the remaining 70%, after meeting a $250 deductible.
For all other clients:
-
I am not in any insurance networks, but I provide a monthly statement that you can use to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Many people are able to be reimbursed for a significant portion of their out-of-pocket costs after meeting a deductible.
EMDR Therapy Consultation
As an EMDR Consultant-in-Training (CIT) under Dr. Mara Tesler Stein (The Touchstone Institute), my consultation services are designed to support new EMDR therapists as they navigate their professional journey. With a foundation in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, I bring a relational lens to our sessions, fostering a spirit of understanding and growth. Together, we'll explore complex scenarios, deepen your expertise, and enhance your skills to provide effective therapy. My passion lies in empowering you to build confidence and competence in your practice.
Individual Consultation (45 min) - $75*
(*CIT reduced rate)
-
Work one-on-one with me for individualized support with case conceptualization, treatment planning, and professional growth.
EMDR Consultation Groups
As a CIT, I am approved to provide 15 of the 20 hours needed for EMDR certification.
What to expect:
-
A warm, supportive environment to help you deepen your application of the 8-phase, 3-prong EMDR protocol
-
Tips to ease your anxiety about guiding your client through their trauma
-
Hours to use toward certification (as a CIT, I am approved to provide 15 of your 20 hours)
Things we'll work on:
-
Learning when to step in, and when to stay out of the way
-
Understanding protective parts, defenses, and adaptations
-
Sharpening your case conceptualization skills
-
Applying AIP and EMDR to complex PTSD, attachment trauma, and perinatal cases
Cost per group - $50*
(*CIT reduced rate)
Consultation Process (for therapists only)
To get started, please submit the inquiry form below. Once I review your inquiry, I will reach out to you for a brief conversation to ensure the group is a good fit. For any questions, please send me an email at sarah@drsarahgoldman.com. I look forward to working with you!
Contact Me
