Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) in Fairfax, Virginia
Unblock the Past. Reclaim Your Present.
Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) is a brief, highly structured, evidence-based approach designed to safely resolve the emotional impact of specific traumatic events—without re-traumatization.
Are You Feeling Stuck?
You survived the event—a car accident, a medical emergency, a sudden loss, or a physical assault. But your nervous system is still acting like it's happening today.
The Signs:
Flashbacks or intrusive memories of one specific event.
Sudden panic attacks, hypervigilance, or driving anxiety.
Feeling "stuck" in your progress despite months of traditional talk therapy.
The Shift:
Traditional therapy often requires months of talking about the trauma. TIR takes a different, targeted path to help you rapidly discharge the painful emotional charge.
What is TIR?
TIR is a focused, person-centered memory intervention. It allows you to safely review a specific traumatic incident in a highly structured environment until it no longer triggers a stress response.
How it Works:
In TIR, you are the Viewer, and I am the Facilitator. You are entirely in control. We look at the memory together, much like watching a movie, from a safe, objective distance until the emotional charge completely clears.
Why it's Different:
It is brief.
It is designed as a short-term, standalone service [TIR Web].
It is complete.
Sessions do not end mid-memory based on a strict 50-minute clock; we work until a natural resolution is reached.
No homework.
The therapeutic processing happens entirely within the safety of our sessions.
What to Expect: The Standalone TIR Process
Step 1: The Initial Assessment.
We meet briefly online or in my Fairfax office to identify the specific incident(s) you want to unblock, ensuring TIR is a safe and appropriate fit for you.
Step 2: The Extended Sessions.
TIR sessions are open-ended and typically last between 1.5 to 3 hours. We focus entirely on processing the target event until your nervous system signals total relief.
Step 3: Resolution & Integration.
Once the specific memory no longer carries emotional pain, our standalone work is complete. You can seamlessly return to your routine or your primary talk therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to talk about all my childhood details?
No. TIR is highly targeted. We only focus on the specific incident you choose to address.
2. How many sessions does it take?
Because it is a short-term standalone service, many single-incident traumas can be successfully resolved in just 1 to 3 extended sessions.
3. Can I do this if I already have a regular therapist?
Yes. I offer TIR as an objective, adjunct service. I will work with you exclusively on processing the trauma and then safely return you to your ongoing therapist's care.
4. Do you accept insurance or legal liens?
To maintain strict clinical objectivity and independence, I operate on a direct-pay basis and do not accept legal contingencies or medical liens. Superbills can be provided upon request.
Ready to leave the weight of that moment behind?
Let’s schedule a brief, confidential consultation to see if standalone TIR is the right next step for your healing journey.
Contact Info:
Open Bridges Counseling, LLC
9990 Fairfax Blvd, Ste 420, Fairfax, VA 22030
571-989-4494