IN-PERSON & ONLINE THERAPIST IN BEL AIR, MD
EMDR Therapy To Rewire Your Mind And Heal From Trauma
I’m Dawn Gomez, an EMDR & ART-certified therapist helping you heal anxiety, depression, trauma, grief or relationship struggles by addressing the root causes — not just the symptoms. I offer in-person therapy in Bel Air and online therapy across all of Maryland.
What Exactly Is EMDR Therapy?
Many people don’t consider themselves to have “trauma,” but trauma exists on a spectrum. Some experiences, like combat or sexual assault, are widely recognized as trauma. But if you grew up feeling unloved or unimportant, that too can deeply shape your beliefs and emotional responses — whether you realize it or not. Even smaller experiences, like being slighted by a friend and struggling to move on, can be considered a small "t" traumatic experience.
Essentially, any time you experience an overreaction to something in the present, it may be tied to unprocessed trauma from the past. The good news? All of these experiences can be treated with EMDR.
EMDR works with your brain’s natural ability to heal. It’s not hypnosis, and your therapist cannot implant ideas into your mind. Instead, your brain does the work of reprocessing memories so they lose their emotional charge. You won’t forget what happened, but it will no longer hold the same emotional sting. This is what it means to truly process trauma.
WHO EMDR IS FOR
Is EMDR Therapy Right For Me?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful therapy designed to help your brain heal from any type of distressing experience. It doesn’t just teach you how to cope, it actually helps you process painful memories at the root so they stop controlling your thoughts, emotions, and reactions.
EMDR has been proven to be highly effective for trauma and PTSD but it can also help with:
✔ Anxiety & Panic Attacks
✔ Depression & Low Self-Esteem
✔ Grief & Loss
✔ Relationship & Attachment Issues
✔ Childhood Trauma & Negative Core Beliefs
✔ Perfectionism & People-Pleasing
✔ Work & Career Stress
✔ Physical & Medical Trauma
If you feel stuck in old patterns or weighed down by the past, there is a chance that EMDR can help you move forward.
ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Dawn - Your Certified EMDR Therapist in Bel Air.
I’m Dawn Gomez, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) certified in both EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I specialize in helping people get to the root of their struggles – not just manage symptoms – so you can experience real, lasting change.
Aside from EMDR, I also integrate other evidence-based methods when needed, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brainspotting, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
I know how overwhelming it can feel to start therapy, especially if past experiences have left you feeling unseen or misunderstood. My approach is warm, compassionate, and direct. Healing doesn’t have to be a lifelong process, and you don’t have to do it alone.
HOW TO WORK WITH ME
Flexible In-Person and Online Therapy Options To Suit Your Unique Needs
Local In-Person Therapy In Bel Air and Surrounding Areas
For those who prefer face-to-face sessions, I offer EMDR therapy in my practice in Bel Air in a safe, supportive environment. In-person sessions allow us to work together in real time, helping you process trauma, rewire distressing memories, and move toward healing with personalized guidance.
Online Therapy Across The State of Maryland
If you're located anywhere in Maryland, you can access EMDR therapy online from the comfort of your home. Virtual sessions provide the same transformative healing without the need for travel, making therapy more accessible for busy schedules or those who prefer to do therapy at home.
Therapy Intensives - In-Person In Bel Air
For those wanting to accelerate their healing, I offer EMDR intensives — a focused, immersive approach that allows you to make significant progress in a shorter time. This option is great for those traveling from out of state or looking for a deeper, more concentrated experience that offers the same results.
Cost & Payment Options
Insurance
I currently accept Cigna insurance. For other insurance providers, I’m considered out-of-network, but I can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement, as long as you have out-of-network benefits. If you'd like to check out your out-of-network benefits and reimbursement rates, you can do so here.
Private Pay
The cost for individual therapy is $150 per session for private pay clients. Many clients intentionally choose to pay out-of-pocket for a variety of reasons. If you're curious about the benefits of private pay over insurance-based therapy, be sure to check out the section below for more details.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your Path to Healing: What Lies On The Road Ahead
Healing is a journey, and EMDR provides a structured, step-by-step approach to help you process and move past what’s been holding you back. Here’s what the process looks like:
1
Free Consultation – Let’s See If EMDR Is Right for You
We’ll start with a free consultation where we discuss your goals, concerns, and what brings you to therapy. This is a chance for you to ask questions, get a sense of whether we're a good fit and decide if EMDR feels like the right choice for you.
2
Getting Started – Building a Strong Foundation First
Before diving into processing memories, we’ll spend time ensuring you feel safe and equipped with tools for emotional regulation. This phase includes learning coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and grounding exercises.
3
Exploration - Identifying Target Memories
We’ll explore past experiences, beliefs & emotions contributing to your current struggles. EMDR is designed to target specific memories or patterns that continue to affect you, whether consciously or subconsciously.
4
Processing – Rewiring the Brain’s Response
Using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), we’ll help your brain reprocess distressing memories. You don’t have to relive the details — instead, the goal is to reduce their emotional charge and create new, healthier associations.
5
Integration – Reinforcing Positive Change
As old patterns shift, we’ll reinforce new, more adaptive beliefs and emotional responses. This phase ensures that the work we’ve done leads to lasting relief and a greater sense of self-confidence, emotional stability, and empowerment.
6
Moving Forward – Continued Growth & Healing
By now, you’ll have gained a stronger sense of resilience and a clearer perspective on your experiences. Whether you choose to continue therapy for additional support or feel ready to move forward, we’ll make sure you have the tools you need.
YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will therapy actually work for me?Therapy can be highly effective, but its success depends on factors like your openness, commitment, environment and the therapeutic relationship. Healing isn’t always linear or guaranteeed, but with the right support and approach, I've seen incredible results with my clients. So meaningful change and lasting transformation is definitely possible.
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Can you help me if I’ve tried therapy before and didn’t find it helpful?Yes! Every therapist has a unique style, and sometimes it takes finding the right fit or approach. If past therapy didn’t resonate with you, we can explore what wasn’t helpful and tailor our work to meet your needs more effectively.
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How can I tell if you’re the right therapist for me?The best way to know is to schedule a consultation so we can meet and see if we’re a good fit. In our initial conversation, we’ll discuss your needs, my approach, and any questions you might have about the process. It’s important to feel safe, heard, and understood in therapy so I definitely want to make sure we both feel like it’s a good fit.
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When are you available for sessions?My hours are: Monday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 6pm Tuesday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm Wednesday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 6pm Thursday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm
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What are your qualifications?I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Maryland. I have worked in community mental health and in private practice. I am certified in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and ART (accelerated resolution therapy). My approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and sometimes even sprinkled with humor - because healing doesn’t have to be so heavy all the time.
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I want to work with you but what if I’m not ready to face and work on certain issues?I completely get that. Opening up can feel vulnerable, especially if you've felt unheard or dismissed in the past. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and accepted exactly as you are. Therapy isn't about judgment, it's about understanding what you're going through and working together to help you heal. My first priority is always for you to feel safe so you'll only ever need to talk about what you feel comfortable sharing.
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How long will therapy take, and how will I know if I’m making progress?This really depends on your goals, history, and how deep we need to go. Some people find relief in a handful of sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll check in regularly to make sure you’re feeling progress - whether it’s sleeping better, handling stress more easily, or simply feeling lighter. The goal is always to help you feel better, not keep you in therapy forever.
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Will I just talk in therapy, or will I get practical tools I can use?This isn’t just a space to vent (although sometimes that may be exactly what you want/need). I’ll also provide you with practical tools, strategies, and coping skills you can use in your daily life. Whether it’s reframing negative thoughts, grounding techniques, or working through processes like EMDR or ART, you’ll walk away with real ways to help yourself outside of our sessions.
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What if I have to cancel or reschedule — will I be charged?Life happens, and I get that. I do ask for 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or reschedules. Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged a fee since that time was reserved for you.
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What happens if I’m unhappy or feel like it isn’t working?Therapy should feel like a good fit, and if at any point you feel like it’s not working, let’s talk about it. Sometimes we need to adjust our approach, and other times it’s about finding the right therapist for you. I won’t take it personally if you need something different and I may be able to refer you to someone in my network who is better suited for your needs.
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What happens if I have to pause therapy temporarily due to finances, time, or other reasons?If you need to pause therapy, we’ll make a plan to ensure you still have tools to support yourself in the meantime. You’re always welcome to come back when you’re ready. Life has seasons, and therapy should work with where you are, not add stress to it.
IT’S TIME FOR A NEW DAWN!
Start Your Journey Toward Healing Today
It is my mission to help you achieve the transformation you desire and feel supported throughout the entire process. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals and navigate any challenges that may come your way. Contact me today to schedule your consultation or ask any questions you may have. Let's work together to achieve a new dawn in your life!