Trauma & EMDR Therapy in Denver
Sometimes you understand exactly why you feel the way you do and still can't get your nervous system to believe you're safe. EMDR helps your brain process experiences that got stuck, while DBT gives you practical skills to manage what comes up along the way. I use both because sometimes insight alone just isn't enough.
I'm Mariana Vivas, LCSW, with formal training in EMDR and DBT. I completed DBT Foundational Training through Behavioral Tech Institute and use DBT skills as a core part of my work. Sessions are available through telehealth anywhere in Colorado, in English o en español.
Trauma therapy at a glance
- Who it's for
- Adult women carrying experiences that still feel present: childhood trauma, difficult relationships, birth trauma, medical trauma, or other experiences that changed how you see yourself or the world
- What it helps with
- Trauma and PTSD, birth trauma, triggers, shame, difficult memories, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and patterns that make sense once you understand where they came from
- Languages
- English and Spanish. EMDR is available en español too
- Format
- Telehealth anywhere in Colorado; EMDR works over video (see FAQ)
- Cost & insurance
- Insurance billing through Headway; estimated cost available before booking
- How to start
- A free consultation call; schedule through Headway
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which is a very long name for a therapy that helps your brain process experiences that still feel unfinished.
During EMDR, we use bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, while working with a difficult memory, belief, or experience. The goal isn't to erase what happened. You'll still remember it. We're helping your brain process it so remembering it doesn't feel like reliving it.
And no, you don't have to tell me every single detail for EMDR to work. For a lot of people, that's one of the best parts.
What is DBT?
DBT stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. At its core, it gives you practical skills for managing big emotions, getting through overwhelming moments without making things worse, communicating what you need, setting boundaries, and staying present when your nervous system would rather do literally anything else.
I completed DBT Foundational Training through Behavioral Tech Institute, and DBT skills are a core part of how I work. This isn't a comprehensive DBT program with a weekly skills group and phone coaching. Instead, I integrate DBT skills into individual therapy based on what you actually need.
Why use them together?
Trauma work can be hard when we move into painful memories before you have enough tools to manage what comes up. The opposite can happen too. You can get really good at coping without ever getting to the experiences underneath it.
That's why I like using DBT and EMDR together. We build skills and safety first, process what's ready to be processed, and keep strengthening the tools that help you navigate your actual life outside of therapy.
You set the pace. We don't open something up until we have a plan for helping you feel grounded again.
Birth trauma
A birth can be medically “fine” and still feel traumatic to the person who lived through it. If you're left with flashbacks, panic, guilt, anger, dread about another pregnancy, or a birth story you can barely talk about without feeling like you're right back there, that matters.
EMDR can be especially helpful for birth trauma because we can work with the memories, body sensations, beliefs, and fear that may still feel stuck long after the birth itself is over. More on this side of the practice is on the perinatal and postpartum therapy page.
Can you do EMDR while pregnant?
In some situations, yes. Pregnancy doesn't automatically mean EMDR is off the table, but I'm thoughtful about timing, stability, support, and what we're working on. We'll talk about what feels appropriate for you rather than assuming we need to process everything just because it's there.
If a previous birth is affecting how you're experiencing your current pregnancy, we can also work on helping you feel safer and more prepared going into this birth.
Is this the right fit?
I work individually with adult women who want therapy that goes deeper than just talking about what happened, while still giving you practical tools for your life right now.
If you're looking for comprehensive DBT with a weekly skills group, individual therapy, phone coaching, and a full DBT treatment team, I'm not a comprehensive DBT program. I'm happy to help you find one if that level of support is what you need.
If you're in crisis now, call or text 988.
Common questions
Does EMDR work over telehealth? expand_more
Yes. We use on-screen bilateral stimulation or self-tapping, and the protocol is otherwise the same. Some clients actually settle faster doing this work from their own couch.
Do I have to talk about the details of what happened? expand_more
No. EMDR needs you to hold the memory, not perform it. Plenty of clients process events they've never described out loud to anyone.
How long does it take? expand_more
It depends on what we're processing, and I'll be honest about it rather than quote a number. A single recent event often moves in a handful of processing sessions once you're prepared. A long history takes longer, because the preparation is the treatment too.
Do you take insurance? expand_more
Yes, through Headway. You see your estimated cost before booking. For out-of-network plans, there's a benefits checker on the insurance FAQ.
Other areas of focus
Wondering whether this fits what you're carrying?
That's what the free consultation call is for. Ask me anything, including whether I'd refer you to someone else.
Mariana Vivas, LCSW · Licensed in Colorado · Trained in EMDR · DBT Foundational Training, Behavioral Tech Institute · Page reviewed August 2026