EMDR

Chicago and Westmont

Gain Mastery Over Your Memories

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an extensively researched therapy that enables individuals to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing life experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma by organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization. This method of therapy helps trauma survivors and those suffering from fears, complex worries, and phobias to reclaim their lives.

More Than Just Trauma Therapy

Though primarily known for treating trauma, EMDR’s reach extends much farther. Whether you’re grappling with anxiety, depression, phobias, or OCD, EMDR techniques can offer substantial relief and restore your sense of self-control.

EMDR Delivers Results

Our team of empathetic and highly trained EMDR therapists specializes in the latest techniques. Empowerment and collaboration are core to our approach, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way on your healing journey. EMDR Therapy provides:

Reduced Triggers: EMDR alleviates the intensity of traumatic memories.
Effective Symptom Relief: Minimizes the impact of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Holistic Healing: Fosters mental well-being and emotional stability.
Scientifically Proven: EMDR for PTSD is rooted in evidence-based practices.
Tailored To You: Customized EMDR trauma therapy sessions address your specific needs.
Comprehensive Support: Gain coping skills for life’s unpredictable moments.

Meet Our Therapists

Healing Trauma Through Researched Practices

EMDR and brainspotting are both innovative therapies aimed at healing trauma and emotional distress. They share similarities in their goal of reducing the impact of negative experiences by targeting the brain’s processing mechanisms. However, they differ in their approaches. EMDR involves guided eye movements to help reprocess traumatic memories, while brainspotting therapy focuses on identifying “brainspots” — eye positions that correlate with traumatic memories — to process and release emotional pain

Each therapy has its strengths: EMDR is extensively researched and proven effective for a wide range of issues, while brainspotting offers a more somatic and flexible approach, potentially beneficial for individuals who may not respond as well to EMDR counseling. EMDR is not to be confused with rapid eye movement therapy, which is incorrectly referenced in some contexts. As each person reacts differently to EMDR treatment, it’s helpful to consult with the Elevate Counseling team to determine the right solution for you.

If you’d like to learn more about these treatments or our EMDR therapy in Chicago, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

EMDR 8 Step Process

History Taking
Your therapist will take your personal history and uncover specific areas to target with EMDR.
Preparation
Make a step-by-step plan for integrating EMDR into therapy while also ensuring you have coping strategies in place.
Assessment
Assess your level of tolerance and distress for targeting specific areas of interest for EMDR.
Desensitization
Begin the process of bilateral stimulation to reduce trauma, distress, and discomfort.
Installation
Replace distress with more positive beliefs and reinforce areas of strength and coping skills.
Body Scan
Identify and relieve any areas of discomfort in your body.
Closure
Pinpoint and reinforce areas of calm and contentment.
Reevaluation
Evaluate areas of success and determine next steps.

Everyone Has a Story. We Want to Understand Yours.