EMDR Therapy in Chicago
Heal Trauma Without Reliving It
Finally process what's been stuck. EMDR therapy helps your brain heal from trauma, whether it's birth trauma, childhood wounds, or recent experiences. No extensive retelling required.
Is Trauma Controlling Your Life?
Chicago, It's Time to Heal
You've tried everything but still experience:
- •Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- •Panic attacks from triggers
- •Avoiding certain places or situations
- •Feeling stuck despite talk therapy
- •Physical reactions to memories
- •Nightmares or sleep issues
What Is EMDR?
The Therapy That Changes Everything
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) uses bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories.
Think of it like this:
When you cut your hand, your body knows how to heal. But if debris gets stuck in the wound, it can't heal properly. EMDR removes what's stuck so natural healing can occur.
No detailed retelling required.
Chicago Traumas We Treat
Specialized EMDR for Your Experience
Birth & Pregnancy Trauma
- • Emergency C-sections at Prentice or Northwestern
- • Pregnancy loss and D&C procedures
- • NICU trauma
- • Traumatic deliveries
Chicago-Specific Trauma
- • Violence and crime
- • Car accidents on LSD or highways
- • Medical trauma at Chicago hospitals
- • Workplace trauma
All Trauma Types
- • Childhood abuse or neglect
- • Sexual assault
- • Relationship trauma
- • Complex PTSD
Why In-Person EMDR
Bucktown Office Advantages
EMDR works best in-person for:
- • Full bilateral stimulation options
- • Safe, controlled environment
- • Deeper processing
- • Better therapist attunement
- • No technical interruptions
Our Bucktown location offers:
- • Private, comfortable space
- • Easy parking
- • Central to all Chicago neighborhoods
- • Calm environment for processing
The EMDR Difference
What Makes It So Effective
Traditional Therapy:
- • Extensive talking about trauma
- • Can take years
- • May re-traumatize
- • Cognitive understanding only
EMDR Therapy:
- • Minimal verbal processing
- • Often see results in 3-12 sessions
- • Gentle, controlled approach
- • Heals mind AND body
Your EMDR Journey
What to Expect - Clear Timeline
Sessions 1-2: Foundation
Assessment, history taking, and stabilization techniques. You'll learn coping skills and we'll identify target memories.
Sessions 3-4: Preparation
Resource building and EMDR preparation. You'll practice the process and build internal resources for processing.
Sessions 5-10: Processing
Active trauma reprocessing using bilateral stimulation. This is where the healing happens - memories lose their emotional charge.
Sessions 11-12: Integration
Future templating and integration. We'll prepare you for future challenges and ensure lasting change.
77% of clients no longer meet PTSD criteria after EMDR treatment
Is EMDR Right for You?
Good Candidates Include
✓ Stuck despite traditional therapy
✓ Specific traumas to process
✓ Ready to heal, not just cope
✓ Stable enough for processing
✓ Committed to the process
Free consultation to assess fit
Common EMDR Questions
What Chicago Clients Ask
"Does EMDR really work?"
Yes. EMDR is recognized by the American Psychological Association, World Health Organization, and Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective trauma treatment. Research shows 77-90% of single-trauma clients no longer meet PTSD criteria after treatment.
"Will I have to relive my trauma?"
No. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require detailed storytelling. You'll think about the memory while doing bilateral stimulation, but you won't need to describe it extensively.
"How long does EMDR take?"
Most clients see significant improvement in 8-12 sessions for single-incident trauma. Complex trauma may take longer. We'll discuss your specific timeline during consultation.
"Is EMDR covered by insurance?"
Yes, EMDR is covered the same as regular therapy sessions. We accept BCBS PPO, Aetna, and Cigna, and can help verify your benefits.
Book Your EMDR Session
Chicago, Your Healing Starts Now
Stop letting trauma control your life. Expert EMDR therapy is available in Bucktown, convenient to all Chicago neighborhoods.