Trauma Therapy for Women’s Grief and Loss

Grief doesn’t have to take over your life

For many of my clients, the pain of sudden traumatic loss feels all-consuming. The grief is relentless, the sadness feels endless, and the moments of peace are rare. In the midst of this, many people reshape their lives around their grief, avoiding anything that reminds them of their loss or triggers painful memories.

For high-achieving women, though, grief can look a bit different. Instead of feeling immobilized, these women often become the champions of distraction—always in motion, always achieving, always keeping busy. On the outside, it seems like they’re handling things “just fine.” But in reality, they’re desperately trying to outrun the pain. Many of my clients have shared that even if they could, they sometimes feel they need to hold onto the grief. It’s as if by staying sad, they can stay connected to what they’ve lost.

You may not recognize your grief

Sometimes, grief becomes so ingrained that you don’t even recognize it for what it is. Especially for women who have always thrived on being strong and resilient, the symptoms of grief might show up as headaches, increased irritability, or just feeling “off.” You might notice that your energy is low, that you’re struggling to enjoy things you once loved, or that you’re feeling disconnected from those around you.

Whether it’s constantly replaying moments in your head, struggling to accept what happened, or feeling like you have to stay busy to avoid the sadness—grief shouldn’t be in the driver’s seat of your life. EMDR Therapy, especially with someone who understands how grief uniquely affects women like you, can help you regain control.

Signs grief may be overwhelming you

If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is “normal” grief or something more, here are some signs to watch out for:

Persistent Sadness

That unshakeable heaviness that lingers no matter what you do. The tears that come out of nowhere. The feeling that a piece of you is missing.

Perfectionism

An increased need to control your environment, doubling down on responsibilities, or holding yourself to impossible standards as a way to feel some sense of order amidst the chaos.

Difficulty Relaxing

Even when you have a moment to breathe, you can’t. The restlessness doesn’t stop, and you’re always on edge.

Overcommitment

Throwing yourself into projects, responsibilities, or other people’s problems—anything to avoid facing your own pain.

Difficulty Delegating

Feeling like you can’t trust anyone else to handle things, like it’s all on you to keep everything together.

Physical Symptoms

Grief doesn’t just affect your mind—it lives in your body. Headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and insomnia can all be signs that grief is taking its toll.

Imposter Syndrome

Even if you’re managing to keep up appearances, you feel like you’re failing at life, like you’re not truly coping or like you’re fooling everyone around you.

Avoidance Behaviors

Are you “too busy” to face your feelings? Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of your loss?

Indecisiveness

Even simple decisions feel overwhelming, like nothing you do will be right or make a difference.

Social Withdrawal

Feeling disconnected, avoiding friends and family, or simply feeling like no one understands what you’re going through.

What to expect in EMDR Therapy for grief and loss

If you’re considering virtual EMDR for grief in the DMV, here’s what our sessions will look like:

Step 1: Understanding Your Loss

In our first session, we’ll explore the impact of your loss—what it meant to you, how it’s affecting your daily life, and what emotions feel the most overwhelming.

Step 2: Identifying Triggers and Distressing Thoughts

Together, we’ll pinpoint the images, thoughts, and emotions that feel most painful. This could be a last conversation, an unexpected goodbye, or the deep ache of absence.

Step 3: Developing Coping Strategies

Before we begin reprocessing, I’ll teach you grounding techniques to help you manage distress between sessions.

Step 4: EMDR Reprocessing

Using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping), we’ll work through the memories and emotions tied to your grief. Over time, this process helps your brain shift the way it stores these painful experiences—so they become less overwhelming.

Step 5: Moving Forward with Peace

As EMDR therapy progresses, you’ll begin to feel lighter, more in control, and more at peace.

Why choose virtual EMDR Therapy for grief and loss in the DMV?

Convenient & Flexible – No commute, no waiting rooms. Get support from home.
Specialized Care – I focus on grief, PTSD, and trauma recovery.
Private & Secure – Your therapy sessions are completely confidential.
Effective & Evidence-Based – EMDR is a proven approach for processing grief and trauma.

Ready to Begin Trauma Therapy For PTSD in Georgetown, Chevy Chase, McLean and Beyond?

Imagine how far you can go when you’re in control—not your grief.

If you’re a woman experiencing grief in the DMV or struggling with PTSD symptoms after a recent loss, EMDR therapy can help you feel a sense of peace again.

You don’t have to keep pushing through the pain alone. Healing is possible, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. EMDR Therapy for women experiencing grief at Regnier Restorative Counseling offers a guided process to manage flashbacks and high anxiety, regain a sense of self, and diminish feelings of hopelessness to help you find peace.

Let’s get started:

1. Contact Kate Regnier to schedule an appointment.

2. Begin meeting an a regular basis with EMDR Therapist Kate Regnier.

3. Begin reprocessing grief to feel grounded again!

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Therapy can help you honor your loss while also reclaiming your life. You’re capable of healing and finding a way forward without losing your connection to what you loved.

Other Services Offered with Kate Regnier, LCSW and EMDR Trauma Therapist

Are you a high achieving woman struggling with PTSD after experiencing a recent incident? Kate Regnier, LCSW and EMDR Therapist, can help you process through trauma that has upended your life, while helping you to feel lighter, less burdened with anxiety and dread, and to dull the sharpness in your body and mind. Kate also offer’s online EMDR Therapy for women experiencing unexpected grief who are struggling with intense images and flashbacks and feelings of hopelessness in the DMV. Kate see’s clients virtually in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., Indiana, and Michigan. To learn more about Kate, visit the page Meet Kate and check out more on the blog!