Terapia EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment That Changes Lives

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful and efficient therapy approach that can help you manage and overcome trauma. As a specialized form of trauma treatment, EMDR is a short-term, neurological intervention that focuses directly on traumatic memories and makes it possible to reduce physiological reactions to typical triggers. Unlike traditional talk therapy alone, EMDR allows your brain to process and heal from traumatic experiences in a way that brings lasting relief.

Working with a qualified trauma therapist who specializes in EMDR can help you identify and address core issues related to trauma that create the most distress in your life, usually quite quickly. The process also helps develop body awareness and self-regulation skills, improving resiliency long after treatment ends. Whether you're dealing with a single traumatic incident or complex trauma that has impacted you for years, EMDR therapy offers a path toward healing and reclaiming your life.

You Don't Have To Quit Your Talk Therapy To Start EMDR Therapy

EMDR is often considered a first-line treatment for trauma symptoms because of its targeted approach and evidence-based benefits. Clients typically seek EMDR treatment because of its efficiency and powerful, life-changing results. Many people wonder whether they need to choose between their current therapy and starting trauma counseling with an EMDR specialist—the good news is that you don't have to choose.

If you are already working with a talk therapist that you trust, you don't have to quit to start EMDR therapy. Both services can be covered by insurance as long as there is a clear need for EMDR, and there is coordination of treatment between the two therapists. This collaborative approach to trauma treatment ensures you receive comprehensive care that addresses both the immediate symptoms and the underlying traumatic memories.

If you are doing well in therapy but feeling stuck on one particular issue, adding EMDR can help you overcome specific roadblocks to get your therapy progress back on track. Your trauma counselor can work alongside your existing therapist to target the memories or beliefs that continue to hold you back, while your talk therapist continues to provide ongoing support and reinforcement.

EMDR is frequently added to talk therapy treatment plans because it is very effective in reducing the effects of trauma, and the results are often long-term. Talk therapy is great for those beginning the counseling process as well as long-term clients to provide consistent positive reinforcement during the course of EMDR therapy. This integrated approach gives you the best of both worlds: the processing power of EMDR and the supportive relationship of ongoing counseling.

Successful EMDR therapy often results in improved self-confidence, healthier relationships, and improved functional performance in work, school, and daily life. Even though trauma symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming, working with an experienced trauma specialist can resolve symptoms and help you discover that relief is not just possible—it's within reach.

How The Approach Works And How Long EMDR Treatment Will Take

EMDR is a cognitive intervention that targets negative beliefs that were learned during traumatic events and works to reframe them during therapy. Your trauma counselor will guide you through a structured process that allows your brain to reprocess disturbing memories in a safe, controlled environment. You will have the chance to develop effective coping skills and build distress tolerance which can resonate in many facets of your life.

The length of EMDR treatment varies and depends on many factors, including the type of trauma you've experienced (a single incident vs. complex trauma), how many traumatic memories need to be addressed, your current support system, and how motivated you are to participate in sessions. Every person's healing journey is unique, and your trauma therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Results from EMDR can come quite quickly if you are looking to address a fairly simple trauma and you have already done talk therapy in the past. Realistically, with this kind of case, you can experience a reduction of symptoms from EMDR therapy within the first few sessions. On average, with this kind of presentation, you could finish treatment in about eight sessions or less. Many clients report feeling noticeably lighter and less triggered by memories that once caused them significant distress.

Complex trauma, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or ongoing traumatic experiences, requires more preparation to establish wellness and safety before EMDR processing even begins, often prolonging the healing process. Your trauma specialist will take the time needed to ensure you have adequate coping skills and emotional stability before beginning the memory reprocessing work. Treatment plans will be individualized to fit your needs, so no matter how long it takes, you have the chance to find everlasting healing by utilizing the benefits of this amazing approach.

Cómo funciona EMDR a nivel neurológico

EMDR therapy allows you to focus on traumatic events that have potentially shaped your beliefs about yourself, your emotions, and your physical sensations. Your trauma therapist can help you become aware of how trauma has impacted you the most in your life, and then we isolate one or more memories that seem most related to your current symptoms. This targeted approach is what makes EMDR such an efficient form of trauma treatment.

During EMDR sessions, we focus on these memories and notice how they make you feel about yourself, as well as what you are feeling physically and emotionally. Your trauma counselor will help you identify the negative beliefs associated with the memory—beliefs like "I'm not safe," "I'm powerless," or "I'm not good enough." Then we add something called bilateral stimulation to essentially desensitize your memories and help your brain reprocess them in a healthier way.

Bilateral stimulation is administered in EMDR therapy with a variety of options for triggering both sides of the brain. Options include watching a light bar that moves back and forth to track your eye movement, holding "tappers" in your hands that alternate gentle vibrations, or listening to alternating tones through headphones. You could also provide your own bilateral stimulation by tapping on yourself, often on your shoulders or knees.

We let you choose the type of stimulation you prefer based on what feels most comfortable for you. Once you pair the bilateral stimulation method of your choice with the distressing memories—with the guidance of your EMDR counselor—the traumatic memories are desensitized. Your brain begins to process the memory the way it was meant to, filing it away as something that happened in the past rather than something that continues to threaten you in the present.

Upon checking for effectiveness at the end of treatment, we often find that trauma memories no longer generate the same physical and mental reactions they once did. You can be freed from this cycle of negative thinking and emotion that has held you back since the traumatic event occurred. Many clients describe feeling like they can finally remember what happened without being pulled back into the terror, shame, or helplessness they once felt.

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.

Terapia EMDR, tratamiento del trauma y vergüenza

Unfortunately, shame is a common issue for people who have experienced trauma. Many people are embarrassed and overwhelmed by what happened, or their response to what happened, so they try to bury the trauma and move forward with their lives as if it did not occur. Others do not become aware that they have experienced trauma until years after it happened, only recognizing the connection between past experiences and current struggles when they begin working with a trauma therapist.

All of these responses are normal and understandable. You might also have an intense fear of being judged if you open up to someone about what happened. We want our clients to know that as trauma-informed therapists, we have heard and seen a lot. You are not likely to shock us, and you do not need to feel ashamed about your past. Our role as your trauma counselor is not to judge but to provide a safe, compassionate space where healing can happen.

Shame often keeps people from seeking the trauma treatment they need, but it doesn't have to keep you trapped. EMDR therapy is particularly effective at addressing shame because it works directly with the memories and beliefs that fuel those feelings. Many clients find that as they process traumatic memories through EMDR, the shame begins to lift naturally, replaced by self-compassion and understanding.

Our unique EMDR offerings include EMDR in Spanish and EMDR for teens

Nuestros terapeutas EMDR informados por el trauma tienen especializaciones que no todas las prácticas pueden presumir de ofrecer, incluyendo experiencia en el trabajo con adicciones y abuso de sustancias, violencia doméstica, abuso sexual y trauma intergeneracional. Trabajamos con temas como el trauma infantil, el abuso físico, el abuso sexual, el trauma de combate, el trauma del lugar de trabajo, los accidentes y la intimidación.

We have both male and female EMDR therapists who offer EMDR in English and Spanish. We welcome clients of all ages, from teens to older adults, for EMDR therapy. We work with all genders, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, we offer both in-person and online options and both are equally effective.

La terapia del trauma puede ser un camino lleno de baches, y no es un trabajo fácil, pero la recompensa puede ser increíble. Acudir a un terapeuta con experiencia en traumas puede aliviar los síntomas y ayudarte a recuperar la relación contigo mismo.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma treatment that helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories. During EMDR sessions, your trauma therapist guides you to recall distressing memories while using bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds—that activate both sides of your brain. This process helps your brain file away traumatic memories as past events rather than present threats, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing you to heal.

How is EMDR different from regular talk therapy?

While talk therapy focuses on discussing your feelings and experiences, EMDR therapy works directly with the traumatic memories stored in your brain. EMDR doesn't require you to talk extensively about the details of your trauma, which many clients find less overwhelming. Your trauma counselor will guide you through a structured process that allows your brain to heal itself naturally. Many people experience faster relief from PTSD symptoms with EMDR compared to talk therapy alone, though both approaches can be valuable and complementary.

What conditions can EMDR treat besides PTSD?

While EMDR is best known as a PTSD therapy, it's effective for treating a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, grief, chronic pain, disturbing memories, performance anxiety, and addiction. EMDR can help with any issue rooted in difficult life experiences. Our trauma specialists have successfully used EMDR to treat childhood trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, accidents, workplace trauma, bullying, and complex trauma. If you're struggling with symptoms that seem connected to past experiences, EMDR might be helpful for you.

Is EMDR therapy safe? What are the side effects?

EMDR is considered a safe and well-researched trauma treatment when conducted by a trained trauma counselor. The most common side effects are temporary and include feeling emotionally tired after sessions, vivid dreams, or heightened awareness of emotions for a day or two following treatment. These effects are normal signs that your brain is processing and typically subside quickly. Your trauma specialist will teach you grounding techniques and coping strategies to manage any discomfort between sessions. EMDR is generally gentler than prolonged exposure therapy and allows you to maintain more control during the process.

Can EMDR be done online or does it have to be in person?

Yes, EMDR therapy is highly effective online! Research shows that virtual EMDR produces results comparable to in-person sessions. During online EMDR, your trauma therapist can guide you through self-administered bilateral stimulation (like tapping on your shoulders) or use visual or auditory bilateral stimulation through your screen. Many clients actually prefer online EMDR because they feel more comfortable processing trauma in their own safe space. We offer both in-person and virtual options at Shift Counseling, so you can choose what works best for your schedule and comfort level.

Is EMDR therapy covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover EMDR therapy when provided by a licensed mental health professional for diagnosed conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. EMDR is considered a standard, evidence-based trauma treatment and is billed the same way as other psychotherapy sessions. At Shift Counseling, we can verify your insurance benefits and let you know your expected out-of-pocket costs before you begin treatment. We'll also help coordinate with your insurance company if you're receiving both EMDR and talk therapy simultaneously.

Do I have to relive my trauma during EMDR?

No, you don't have to relive or describe your trauma in detail during EMDR therapy. While you will think about the traumatic memory, your trauma counselor will help you maintain enough distance so you're not re-traumatized. You'll stay grounded in the present moment while your brain processes the past memory. Many clients appreciate that EMDR allows them to heal without having to verbally recount every painful detail. You maintain control throughout the process and can stop at any time if you feel overwhelmed.

Can teenagers benefit from EMDR therapy?

Absolutely! EMDR for teens is highly effective and often works faster than it does with adults because adolescent brains are still developing and more adaptable. Teen trauma can come from many sources including bullying, family conflict, accidents, loss, abuse, or witnessing violence. Our trauma therapists who specialize in EMDR for teens adapt the approach to be developmentally appropriate and engaging for younger clients. Many teens prefer EMDR because it doesn't require as much talking as traditional therapy, and they often see improvements in their mood, behavior, and relationships relatively quickly.

Do you offer EMDR therapy in Spanish?

Yes, we offer EMDR in Spanish at Shift Counseling! We understand that processing trauma is most effective when you can express yourself in your native language. Our bilingual trauma therapists provide culturally sensitive trauma counseling that honors your cultural background and language preferences. Whether you prefer to conduct your entire EMDR therapy in Spanish or switch between English and Spanish as needed, we can accommodate your needs to ensure you receive the most effective trauma treatment possible.

What areas do your EMDR therapists serve?

Nuestro centro de asesoramiento está a 15 minutos o menos en coche de las siguientes comunidades: Broadview, Brookfield, Westchester, Forest Park, La Grange Park, Berwyn, y algunas partes de Chicago. Los servicios en línea están disponibles en todo el estado de Illinois.