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I’m Erin Henley

female trauma therapist in Rockville, MD. insomnia treatment, vagus nerve reset, therapy in the DMV, EMDR, CBT-I, talk therapy didn't work for me. therapist accepting new clients.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Trauma Therapist in Rockville, MD.

My own healing journey began like many others—with talk therapy. It was comforting and relieving, but I still felt stuck. I could understand what was “wrong” intellectually, but deep down, I couldn’t shift how I negatively saw myself or the world around me.

That’s what led me to seek out evidence-based treatment, and when I found EMDR therapy, it changed everything. EMDR helped me experience real, lasting healing—and that’s when I knew I wanted to help others do the same.

I have dedicated my career to learning therapy that research shows gives real results and lasting change. Today, I specialize in trauma therapy, with a focus on EMDR, nervous system regulation, insomnia treatment, and the mind-body connection. I’ve worked in in-patient, IOP, PHP, and outpatient settings, helping people navigate trauma, insomnia, eating disorders, and life stressors. Healing isn’t easy, but it is absolutely worth it. I bring over 10 years of experience to this work, and I’d be honored to support your journey.

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MY VALUES

    • Builds Trust: Clients feel safe to share openly when they know their therapist is honest, ethical, and consistent.

    • Protects Boundaries: Integrity ensures the therapist maintains clear professional boundaries, creating a secure therapeutic space.

    • Guides Ethical Care: Acting with integrity means making decisions in the client’s best interest, even when it’s challenging.

    • Genuine care, warmth, and patience

    • Nonjudgmental presence

    • Believing survivors and validating their experiences

    • Gentle encouragement without pushing too fast

    • Focus on strengths and resilience, not just wounds

    • Helping clients feel in control of their healing process and life

    • Feeling the fear and doing it anyway

My Approach

trauma and EMDR therapist with brown hair and gold jewelry sitting at a white desk, smiling while using a silver Apple laptop for a virtual therapy visit with a small notepad and gold pen. EMDR in MD and DC. I can't sleep help, emotion regulation,

I take our sessions seriously and make them a priority—so I ask you to do the same. An appointment is a commitment to your healing, and we’re in this together.

You can expect me to meet you with empathy and honesty. Our work will be collaborative, meeting you exactly where you are. We’ll move at your pace—though sometimes I may suggest slowing down if it’s in your best interest. Using a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach, I integrate EMDR therapy, nervous system regulation, and the mind-body connection to help you heal at the root.

Some sessions will feel deep and transformative; others may be lighter and even have moments of humor. I use evidence-based, research-backed methods, teaching coping skills while guiding you into the deeper work when you’re ready. I’m committed to your growth, but I also maintain healthy boundaries: I don’t work outside of session hours and I’m not a crisis or emergency provider.

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    • B.S. Social Work, Brigham Young University-Idaho

    • Master of Social Work, University of Utah

    • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) Washington, DC #LC50082523

    • Licensed Clinical Social Worker Certified (LCSWC) Maryland #24251

    • EMDR trained with the EMDRIA HAP program

    • Rhythm of Regulation Polyvagal Therapy

    • Certified Complex Trauma Specialist

    • CBT-I Certified from The University of Pennsylvania

    • EERT trained

A hanging plant in a trauma therapy office in a beige planter with trailing green leaves. EMDR, CBT-I, new therapist, not talk therapy, DC, MD, VA, trauma adult therapy

My Specialties

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming. By using guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR supports the nervous system in releasing stuck trauma and creating more calm, balanced responses in daily life.

  • Polyvagal-informed therapy focuses on how your nervous system responds to stress and safety. By learning to work with your body’s signals, we can gently shift out of constant fight-or-flight mode and into a state of calm connection. This helps you feel more grounded, present, and in control of your emotions.

  • CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) is a proven approach to help reset your sleep patterns. Instead of relying on quick fixes, CBT-I looks at the thoughts, habits, and stress that keep you up at night. With simple, practical tools, it helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more rested.

  • ERRT (Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy) is a specialized approach for chronic nightmares. It helps you safely face and change the themes of your dreams while learning relaxation tools to calm your body and mind. Over time, ERRT can reduce the frequency and intensity of nightmares and improve overall sleep quality.

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When I’m not working, I love spending time with my husband, our toddler, and our two fur babies. If we meet virtually, you’ll probably spot my little Pomeranian nearby—she rarely leaves my side. I also enjoy reading classic literature, doing crafts, going on leisurely bike rides, and  drinking Boba tea! 

A Little More About Me

A fluffy Pomeranian dog sitting next to a potted plant with large green leaves. therapist support dog. virtual therapy. virtual EMDR. therapy at home in DC, MD, and VA. Trauma therapy, EMDR, CBT-I, nightmare treatment, help me sleep in DC. good