EMDR Therapy in Chicago & Northbrook IL
Unlike most therapies, EMDR does not rely primarily on talking through the content of what happened. It works with the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain and nervous system. When an experience is overwhelming, the brain sometimes cannot fully process it in the moment. The memory gets stuck, carrying the original emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs with it. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, most commonly guided eye movements, but sometimes alternating tapping or sounds, to help the brain complete that processing and integrate the memory in a way that is less distressing.
During active processing, you focus on a specific memory or distressing image while following bilateral stimulation with your eyes or body. This happens in short sets with pauses in between for your therapist to check in. Most people describe the experience as manageable, and many are surprised by how the emotional charge of a memory shifts during the session itself.
The goal is not to erase what happened. It is to change your relationship to it, so the memory becomes something you can access as part of your history rather than something that keeps pulling you back into the past.
– Rose Metivier, LCPC, NCC, Midwest Counseling & Diagnostics
- Single-incident trauma such as accidents, assaults, or medical events
- Developmental and childhood trauma
- Complex PTSD and prolonged abuse
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety, phobias, and panic
- Performance anxiety
- Negative core beliefs about self-worth or safety
- Depression rooted in past experiences
A thorough EMDR therapist will spend time getting to know your history and building your internal resources before any processing begins. At Midwest Counseling, our EMDR-trained clinicians take that preparation seriously.
What does EMDR stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, originally for the treatment of trauma and PTSD.
How does EMDR work in the brain?
How EMDR works neurologically is still an active area of research. One widely discussed hypothesis is that bilateral stimulation engages processes related to how the brain consolidates memory. What research consistently shows is that EMDR produces meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms, regardless of which mechanism ultimately explains it.
Is EMDR scientifically proven?
Yes. EMDR is recognized as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD by the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, among others. Multiple randomized controlled trials support its effectiveness for trauma and related conditions.
How many EMDR sessions does it take?
The number of sessions varies depending on the complexity of the trauma, individual history, and treatment goals. Some people with single-incident trauma see significant improvement in as few as 6 to 12 sessions. Complex or developmental trauma typically requires longer treatment. Your therapist will discuss a realistic timeline during the assessment phase.
Can EMDR be done via telehealth?
Yes. Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth EMDR using adapted bilateral stimulation methods. Midwest Counseling offers EMDR via telehealth across Illinois and many other states.
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