--- title: "Trauma & PTSD Therapy in Maryland: EMDR, CPT & Somatic Care" description: "Trauma and PTSD therapy in Maryland: how EMDR, CPT and prolonged exposure work, where somatic care fits, and how to start in person or by telehealth." language: "en-US" canonical_url: "https://bluesailscounseling.com/services/outpatient-therapy/trauma-ptsd-emdr/" source_url: "https://bluesailscounseling.com/services/outpatient-therapy/trauma-ptsd-emdr/" content_type: "text/markdown" --- Outpatient therapy · Trauma and PTSD # Trauma and PTSD therapy in Maryland: EMDR, CPT and somatic care Blue Sails Counseling and Consulting offers trauma-focused outpatient therapy for adults, teens and veterans, in person in Bethesda and Lusby or by telehealth anywhere in Maryland. This page explains how trauma can affect the mind and body, what EMDR, cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) involve, where body-based practices fit, and how to start care. [Request an appointment](https://bluesailscounseling.com/client-intake/)[Check your insurance](https://bluesailscounseling.com/insurance-billing/) Prefer to talk? Call [(410) 231-0488](tel:+14102310488) ![A counselor listens as a client speaks during a calm session in a bright Maryland therapy office.](https://bluesailscounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/therapy-office-conversation-scaled.webp) ## Key takeaways - ### Trauma-focused care Blue Sails offers trauma-focused outpatient therapy. Ask intake which providers offer CPT, EMDR or PE, since not every provider offers each approach. - ### Guideline-backed options The 2023 VA/DoD guideline gives its strongest recommendation to CPT, PE and EMDR as individual trauma-focused therapies for PTSD. - ### Body-based practices Mindfulness and somatic practices may be supportive additions, but they are not stand-alone PTSD treatments in current guidelines. - ### In person or telehealth Meet in Bethesda or Lusby, or by secure video anywhere in Maryland. Blue Sails accepts many plans, including TRICARE. ## How trauma can keep the mind and body on alert After a frightening or overwhelming experience, it is common for the body to stay braced for danger. Reminders of what happened can bring a racing heart, sweating, tension or a strong urge to avoid people, places or thoughts. Many people recover from these reactions with time and support. When they last for more than a month and get in the way of daily life, they may be signs of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The [National Center for PTSD](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp) describes the main symptom groups: reliving the event, avoidance, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and feeling on edge. Trauma-focused therapy helps you work with memories, beliefs and reactions in a planned, paced way, so they can feel less overwhelming. Our [guide to trauma and PTSD](https://bluesailscounseling.com/trauma-ptsd/) covers symptoms, complex PTSD and how an evaluation works. For people affected by a shared event, see our guide to [collective trauma](https://bluesailscounseling.com/insights/collective-trauma-recovery/). For DSM-5-TR clusters and acute vs. complex framing, see also [understanding PTSD and trauma criteria](https://bluesailscounseling.com/trauma-ptsd/). Related reading: [phase-based PTSD recovery with EMDR, CPT, and PE](https://bluesailscounseling.com/insights/trauma-ptsd-recovery/). Trauma can follow many kinds of experiences, including combat and military service, childhood abuse or neglect, assault, accidents, disasters, medical events and the repeated exposure that first responders face. You do not need to compare your experience with anyone else’s to ask for help. For trauma linked to pregnancy or childbirth, see our page on [perinatal mental health care for birth trauma and PMADs](https://bluesailscounseling.com/clients/adults/women-maternal-perinatal/). ## What the 2023 VA/DoD guideline recommends The [2023 VA/DoD PTSD clinical practice guideline](https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/MH/ptsd/) gives its strongest recommendation to individual, manualized trauma-focused psychotherapies: cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure and EMDR. It favors these therapies over medication when both are available. The [American Psychological Association PTSD guideline](https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline) also recommends trauma-focused psychotherapies, including CPT and PE. Your preferences are part of the choice. The [National Center for PTSD treatment decision aid](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/choose_tx.asp) compares options side by side, and you can bring it to your first visit. If a first choice is not available or not a good fit, your provider can talk with you about other options with research behind them. No therapy works the same way for everyone, and no provider can promise a specific result. Your provider will track symptoms and progress with you and adjust the plan as needed. ## EMDR in Maryland: how it works ![A man sits in an armchair with eyes closed and hands resting during a quiet reflective pause.](https://bluesailscounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/armchair-reflective-pause-825x1024.webp) Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy. You briefly bring a distressing memory to mind while paying attention to a back-and-forth stimulus, such as guided eye movements, gentle taps or alternating tones. The [National Center for PTSD](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/emdr.asp) lists EMDR among effective treatments for PTSD. Researchers are still studying exactly how it works. ### What EMDR sessions involve - **History and planning.** Your provider learns about your history and goals and decides with you which memories to work on. - **Preparation.** You practice ways to calm and steady yourself before any memory work begins. - **Processing.** In short sets, you hold a memory in mind while following the back-and-forth stimulus, then notice what comes up. - **Review.** Sessions end with steps to help you settle, and later sessions revisit progress with your provider. ### EMDR for complex trauma For people with repeated or long-term trauma, some providers spend more time on safety and coping skills before memory work. Whether and how to phase care is a decision you make with your provider. EMDR is one option among several, and not every Blue Sails provider offers it, so ask intake about providers trained in EMDR. A neutral overview of [phase-based recovery from complex trauma](https://bluesailscounseling.com/insights/healing-from-complex-trauma-childhood-ace-recovery/) explains how safety, EMDR/CPT processing, and reconnection can be sequenced without a one-size checklist. ## Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) ### Cognitive processing therapy CPT focuses on how trauma has changed the way you think about yourself, others and the world. You and your provider look closely at “stuck points,” such as self-blame or a belief that nowhere is safe, and work toward a more balanced view. CPT often includes writing and practice between sessions. The [National Center for PTSD](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/cognitive_processing.asp) explains how CPT works. ### Prolonged exposure PE helps you gradually approach trauma memories and the situations you have been avoiding, at a pace you agree on. Over time, this can make memories and reminders feel less distressing. The [National Center for PTSD](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/prolonged_exposure.asp) describes what to expect. ### Choosing between EMDR, CPT and PE All three have strong research support for PTSD. The right fit depends on your goals, what feels manageable, whether you want to talk through details of the event, and how much practice between sessions suits your life. Ask intake which providers offer CPT, EMDR or PE, since not every provider offers each approach. For a wider look at therapy approaches, see our guide to [evidence-based therapy modalities](https://bluesailscounseling.com/insights/therapy-modalities/). Veterans can also read our guide to [combat-specific PTSD and moral injury treatment for Maryland veterans](https://bluesailscounseling.com/clients/veterans-military/combat-trauma-moral-injury/). For a broader patient how-to on [CBT vs EMDR vs ACT](https://bluesailscounseling.com/insights/cbt-vs-emdr-therapy-comparison-guide/) beyond PTSD protocols alone, see our Insights comparison. ## Somatic care and mindfulness: supportive, not stand-alone ![A woman walks at an easy pace along a Solomons waterfront boardwalk, shoulders relaxed.](https://bluesailscounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/waterfront-boardwalk-walk-825x1024.webp) Trauma is felt in the body as well as the mind, so many people are interested in body-based approaches such as grounding, breathing practices, yoga, mindfulness or Somatic Experiencing. The [National Center for PTSD](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/cih_ptsd.asp) notes that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is the only complementary practice the VA/DoD guideline suggests for PTSD, and that the strongest recommendation is for trauma-focused talk therapies. For yoga, tai chi, Somatic Experiencing and several other practices, the guideline found too little evidence to recommend for or against them. At Blue Sails, body-based practices are not offered as a replacement for trauma-focused therapy. Some providers may use grounding or breathing skills within therapy to help you manage distress, and you can talk with your provider about whether practices like mindfulness or gentle movement might support your care outside sessions. ## Who we see for trauma and PTSD care Blue Sails offers trauma-focused outpatient therapy for adults, teens and children. People often come to us after: - Military service, deployment or combat; see [care for veterans and military families](https://bluesailscounseling.com/clients/veterans-military/) and our [veteran and military mental health guide](https://bluesailscounseling.com/veterans-military-mental-health/) - Repeated exposure to critical incidents in public safety or health care work; see [care for first responders](https://bluesailscounseling.com/clients/first-responders-cleared-professionals/) - Childhood trauma, abuse or neglect - A single event, such as an accident, assault or sudden loss - Trauma alongside anxiety, depression or substance use; see [anxiety and depression care](https://bluesailscounseling.com/anxiety-depression/) Blue Sails offers substance use care, including care when substance use and a mental health concern happen together. If you are not sure trauma care is the right starting point, [individual outpatient psychotherapy](https://bluesailscounseling.com/services/outpatient-therapy/individual-psychotherapy/) is another place to begin, and intake can help you decide. For a broader look at adult care, see [therapy and psychiatry for adults](https://bluesailscounseling.com/clients/adults/). If medication may be part of your care, a psychiatric provider can evaluate you and discuss options. Psychiatry is also available at Blue Sails. Learn more about [medication management](https://bluesailscounseling.com/services/medication-management/). ## Telehealth PTSD therapy in Maryland ![A man nods during a video therapy call at his kitchen table, laptop facing away.](https://bluesailscounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/video-call-kitchen-table-825x1024.webp) Telehealth can make trauma care easier to fit into your week, especially if travel, shift work or avoidance makes getting to an office hard. Blue Sails offers secure video sessions anywhere in Maryland, and in-person care at our [Bethesda and Lusby offices](https://bluesailscounseling.com/locations/). Telehealth is effective for many people, and the [2023 VA/DoD PTSD clinical practice guideline](https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/MH/ptsd/) reviewed research on video-delivered trauma-focused therapy. It is not the right choice for everyone. In-person care is available, and your provider will talk with you about which format fits your needs and safety. Before a video session, it helps to have a private space where you will not be overheard, a reliable connection, and a plan with your provider for what to do if a session becomes very distressing or the call drops. ## How to choose a trauma provider in Maryland You are about to share painful experiences, so it is reasonable to ask questions first. Useful questions include: - Which trauma-focused approaches do you offer, such as CPT, PE or EMDR, and what training do you have in them? - How do you help clients prepare and stay steady before memory work? - How will we track progress, and how will we decide if the plan needs to change? - Do you offer in-person sessions, telehealth or both? You can confirm a Maryland counselor’s license through the [Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists license lookup](https://mdbnc.health.maryland.gov/PCTPortal/verify). You can also ask any provider for their license type and number. ## How to start trauma therapy at Blue Sails - **Reach out.** Call [(410) 231-0488](tel:+14102310488) or [request an appointment](https://bluesailscounseling.com/client-intake/) online. Hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm. - **Share what you are comfortable sharing.** You do not need to describe the trauma in detail at intake. Tell the team what you want help with and whether you prefer in person or telehealth. - **Get matched.** Intake matches you with a provider based on what you share, including any interest in CPT, PE or EMDR. Most clients are matched within a few days. - **Confirm costs.** Blue Sails works with many commercial plans and accepts TRICARE. The team confirms your benefits so you know what to expect before your first visit. See [insurance and billing](https://bluesailscounseling.com/insurance-billing/). - **Start and review.** Your provider assesses your needs, agrees on goals with you and reviews progress together over time. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, contact 911, the nearest ER, or call or text 988. Blue Sails is not an emergency service. ## Frequently asked questions Ask intake about approaches, costs and current availability. Do I need a PTSD diagnosis to start trauma therapy? You do not need to know your diagnosis before you reach out. Your provider will assess what you are experiencing and talk with you about which care fits, whether or not it meets criteria for PTSD. How long does trauma-focused therapy take? It depends on the approach, your goals and how things go. Many trauma-focused therapies follow a structured plan, and your provider will explain what to expect and review progress with you along the way. Can I take medication while in trauma therapy? Many people use therapy and medication together. Whether that fits you is a decision to make with a qualified prescriber, who can review benefits, side effects and other medicines. The [National Center for PTSD](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/meds_for_ptsd.asp) explains medication options for PTSD. Psychiatry is also available at Blue Sails. Can I do trauma therapy if I also use alcohol or drugs? Often, yes. PTSD and substance use commonly happen together, as the [National Center for PTSD](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/substance_abuse_vet.asp) explains, and Blue Sails offers care for co-occurring concerns. Your provider will assess safety and plan care that addresses both. Does insurance cover trauma therapy? Many health plans cover outpatient psychotherapy, but coverage varies. Blue Sails works with many commercial plans and accepts TRICARE, and the team confirms your benefits before you start. What should I do if I am in crisis? Contact 911, the nearest ER, or call or text 988. Blue Sails is not an emergency service. For non-urgent questions, call the office during business hours. ## Ask about trauma-focused therapy Tell intake what you are comfortable sharing and how you would like to meet. Blue Sails has offices in Bethesda and Lusby, with telehealth across Maryland. [Request an appointment](https://bluesailscounseling.com/client-intake/)[Call (410) 231-0488](tel:+14102310488) If you are in crisis, contact 911, the nearest ER, or call or text 988.