¿Qué es la EMDR y para qué se utiliza?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy typically used to help people deal with the effects of trauma and PTSD. However, thanks to its science-backed effectiveness, EMDR therapy has become increasingly popular in the mental health world as a way to treat a variety of issues, including anxiety or depression that has not been resolved through other treatments.

Unlike many traditional forms of talk therapy, EMDR focuses on reprocessing negative thoughts or memories (called “targets”) with bilateral stimulation. Although it sounds very technical, bilateral stimulation just means alternate stimulation of the left and right sides of the body. This can be done through eye movements, “tappers” that people hold in their hands, alternating sounds on headphones, or self-tapping. You can try different options for bilateral stimulation with your EMDR therapist to decide which type works best for you.

The function of the bilateral stimulation is to provide comforting physical sensations, distraction, stimulation of different brain pathways, and taxation of the working memory while a person processes their thoughts and feelings about a trauma that has occurred that normally they would find very difficult to talk or think about. Through this process, the disturbing memory begins to become desensitized or lose it’s power. Upon completion of EMDR therapy, people often report feeling distant from memories that once greatly disturbed them. It’s as if they were just watching a movie about something that happened, instead of feeling like they are re-experiencing the trauma everytime they remember the past. Other people find that once they get over the most upsetting part of their memory, more details come in that help them better understand what happened and feel less upset about it. EMDR therapy does not erase your memory, it just helps disturbing memories seem less overwhelming.

EMDR is especially helpful for unblocking recurrent negative thoughts or memories that may be intrusive at times. Often, these negative thoughts started after a person had a traumatic experience that caused them to start questioning themselves. Many of my clients over the years have heard me say that EMDR therapy is the mental and emotional equivalent of removing a splinter.Your body cannot really heal well after an injury involving a foreign object until the object is removed. Sometimes healing can be done around a splinter, but often it will cause infection if it is not removed. Sometimes removing the splinter is painful, but often the healing effect of the removal of the foreign object is well worth the temporary discomfort of getting it out.

Also during the process of identifying targets and reprocessing them, we are working on helping people let go of negative beliefs about themselves that they learned from their traumatic experiences. All of this may sound interesting, but a little overwhelming if you are considering starting EMDR therapy, and that is normal. Please understand that well trained EMDR therapists can help clients find effective targets, break overwhelming targets into smaller, more digestible pieces, and make sure that their clients feel safe throughout the process. Building trust with your therapist begins with the assessment process, and your therapist will ask questions about your needs and preferences. This can help a lot with creating the interpersonal safety that is necessary to do trauma work. You always have the right to say, “I want to stop”, or “I want to slow down.”

Whether you're searching for "EMDR therapy near me" in La Grange Park, Broadview, Chicago, Brookfield, Forest Park, or North Riverside, IL, understanding how this innovative trauma therapy works can help you determine if it's the right path toward healing.

¿En qué consiste el proceso EMDR?

Eye movements can unlock powerful healing from trauma

Traditional EMDR therapy can have a fairly structured protocol. If you come to therapy specifically seeking EMDR, we can get into taking history, identifying targets, and starting the processing pretty quickly. EMDR therapists are generally motivated to work efficiently, but we also keep client safety and comfort in mind.

With that in mind, EMDR is considered a therapy that comes to a natural end once the necessary target(s) have been processed. It’s not a type of treatment that you have to keep coming back to for the rest of your life. Rather, it gives you the tools and mindset necessary to overcome past and future challenges.

EMDR therapy for single-incident trauma can often be completed within 5-10 sessions. However, processing complex trauma often takes much longer, as there may be more need for stabiliziation, building trust, developing coping skills for dealing with intense emotions, and working through multiple traumas with layered experiences.

¿Cuál es el objetivo de la EMDR?

At the end of your EMDR sessions, what we are generally looking for is the ability to think about formerly disturbing issues without intense emotions, overwhelming physical sensations, or self-blame. Clients often report a sense of self-forgiveness, peace, and preparedness to face future challenges at the end of EMDR Therapy.

Understanding Different Types of Trauma

Trauma comes in many forms, and EMDR therapy has proven effective across a wide spectrum of traumatic experiences. Understanding the different types of trauma can help you recognize whether EMDR might be beneficial for your specific situation.

Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma can include experiences of abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or growing up in an unstable environment. These early experiences often shape how we see ourselves and the world around us well into adulthood. EMDR for anxiety that stems from childhood trauma can be particularly effective because it addresses the root memories that continue to influence present-day thoughts and behaviors.

Combat Trauma

Military service members and veterans often face unique traumatic experiences related to combat. Combat trauma can manifest as hypervigilance, nightmares, emotional numbness, or difficulty readjusting to civilian life. EMDR therapy has shown significant success in helping veterans process these experiences and reclaim a sense of safety and normalcy.

Intergenerational Trauma

Intergenerational trauma refers to trauma that is passed down from one generation to the next. This can occur in families or communities that have experienced significant collective trauma, such as war, genocide, displacement, patterns of child abuse, or systemic oppression. Even if you didn't directly experience the traumatic event, you might carry the emotional and psychological effects through family dynamics, beliefs, and coping patterns. EMDR treatment can help break these cycles by addressing how these inherited patterns show up in your life.

Workplace Trauma

Not all trauma happens outside of work. Workplace trauma can result from harassment, discrimination, toxic work environments, or witnessing accidents and traumatic events on the job. First responders, healthcare workers, and others in high-stress professions may be particularly vulnerable to workplace trauma. EMDR therapy offers a path toward processing these experiences without requiring you to leave your career.

Acoso escolar

The effects of bullying, whether experienced in childhood or adulthood, can be long-lasting and deeply impactful. Victims of bullying often struggle with self-esteem, trust issues, and anxiety. EMDR for anxiety related to bullying experiences can help reprocess the shame, fear, and negative self-beliefs that often accompany these experiences.

How can I get an appointment with an EMDR therapist?

Click on the button above this section and look for an appointment with Jazmin Morales or Noel Cordova, who are our two EMDR trained therapists. Our EMDR therapists are in network with BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, My Blue Plus, most commercial Aetna plans, First Health, and most Cigna/Evernorth plans. If you don’t see any appointments available now, check back in a couple of weeks. We update our availability frequently.

¿Cómo puede ayudar EMDR con múltiples problemas?

Even though EMDR was initially meant to help with PTSD, its benefits extend to a variety of mental health conditions and specialized populations. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for therapists and clients alike.

EMDR for Anxiety

Someone dealing with anxiety might struggle with negative thoughts and "what ifs" controlling the narrative of their life. EMDR for anxiety can help them identify where those anxious thoughts come from. When that individual better understands the root of the issue, they can reprocess how they think and recognize that they don't have to give in to uncertainty and worry.

EMDR for Depression

Depression often has roots in unprocessed negative experiences or beliefs about oneself. Through EMDR treatment, individuals can address the memories and experiences that contribute to their depressive symptoms. By reprocessing these experiences, many people find that their mood improves and they develop a more balanced perspective on their lives.

EMDR for Teens

Adolescence can be a particularly vulnerable time for developing mental health concerns. Teens may struggle with trauma from bullying, family conflict, academic pressure, social media challenges, or difficult life transitions. EMDR therapy for teens offers a powerful approach that doesn't rely solely on verbal processing, which can be especially helpful for young people who may find it difficult to articulate their feelings. Many teens respond well to EMDR treatment because it feels less invasive than traditional talk therapy and can produce results more quickly. Whether dealing with childhood trauma that's now affecting their teenage years, anxiety about the future, or recent traumatic experiences, EMDR can help teens improve their self-esteem and move forward with greater confidence and emotional resilience.

Terapia EMDR for Spanish-Speaking Clients

For Spanish-speaking individuals and families in the Chicago area, finding culturally sensitive mental health care is essential. Terapia EMDR offers the same powerful trauma processing benefits in a language and cultural context that feels comfortable and familiar. Our bilingual therapists near La Grange Park, Broadview, Forest Park, and surrounding communities offer EMDR therapy in Spanish, understanding that healing happens most effectively when you can express yourself in your primary language. This is particularly important when addressing intergenerational trauma or cultural experiences that may be difficult to fully convey in a second language. If you're searching for "EMDR terapia" or Spanish-language mental health services, know that trauma therapy can be accessed in a way that honors your language, culture, and unique experiences. Being able to process traumatic memories and emotions in Spanish can create a deeper sense of safety and understanding throughout the EMDR treatment process.

Can EMDR be done online?

Yes! One of the significant advantages of modern EMDR therapy is that it can be effectively delivered through online sessions. Virtual EMDR treatment has become increasingly popular and research-supported, offering the same benefits as in-person therapy while providing greater flexibility and accessibility. If you live in Illinois but have difficulty traveling to appointments due to scheduling constraints, transportation challenges, or simply prefer the comfort of your own home, online EMDR therapy may be an excellent option. This means you can access trauma therapy for childhood trauma, combat trauma, workplace trauma, anxiety, or any other concern without leaving your safe space. Online EMDR sessions maintain the same structure, effectiveness, and therapeutic relationship as in-person treatment, making healing more accessible than ever before.

¿Es EMDR adecuado para usted?

EMDR therapy might be right for you if you're experiencing symptoms related to trauma, struggling with anxiety or depression, finding it difficult to move past certain memories or experiences, or feeling stuck in negative thought patterns. It's particularly helpful for those who haven't found relief through traditional talk therapy alone.

The beauty of trauma therapy like EMDR is that it doesn't require you to talk extensively about your traumatic experiences. For many people, especially those dealing with childhood trauma, combat trauma, or other deeply painful experiences, this aspect of EMDR makes it more accessible and less intimidating than other therapeutic approaches.

Taking the Next Step

Understanding EMDR and its uses doesn't have to be complicated. Even if we didn't discuss a specific condition here and you feel like you're struggling with something, don't hesitate to reach out. The benefits of EMDR treatment are far-reaching, and if you're wondering whether it's right for you, a qualified therapist can help you on that journey.

Whether you're in Chicago, Berwyn, Westchester, Brookfield, Forest Park, North Riverside, or the surrounding IL areas, trauma therapy through EMDR is accessible and can provide the relief you've been seeking. Don't let past experiences continue to control your present and future. Reach out to an EMDR therapist today and take the first step toward healing and freedom.