EMDR Therapy in Chicago and Westmont

Reclaim Control with EMDR Therapy

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.

At Elevate Counseling, we offer EMDR therapy in Chicago as well as EMDR therapy in Westmont for those seeking relief from trauma, anxiety and depression, and lingering stress reactions. EMDR is recognized as an effective PTSD treatment and can be a powerful complement to our other services including trauma therapy services, anxiety treatment, and depression therapy in Chicago.

If you’re ready to explore care close to home, view our counseling locations in Chicago and Westmont today.

EMDR Helps Beyond Trauma

While EMDR is often associated with trauma recovery, its applications extend across a wide spectrum of emotional and psychological challenges. Many individuals seek this approach for relief from persistent anxiety, depressive symptoms, phobias, or obsessive thought patterns.

By addressing the underlying processing of distressing memories, EMDR provides a pathway to reclaiming stability and confidence.

Our clients frequently share that EMDR lessens the weight of intrusive thoughts, calms heightened stress responses, and supports healthier perspectives. In addition to trauma-focused work, the therapy blends seamlessly with traditional talk therapy, offering an integrative method of care. Reported eye movement therapy benefits often include improved rest, reduced emotional reactivity, and a stronger sense of inner calm.

Our team includes EMDR therapists in Chicago who tailor sessions to your goals and pace. We also provide EMDR counseling in Westmont for clients who prefer the suburbs. By targeting the root of stuck memories rather than only managing symptoms, EMDR often creates changes that last.

If you’ve felt stuck after talk-based methods, EMDR may unlock a new path forward. We offer flexible scheduling and multiple modalities so you can receive evidence-based care that fits your life.

What to Expect from EMDR Therapy

With Elevate, you’ll work with Licensed Chicago EMDR therapists trained to guide you safely through the process. Empowerment and collaboration are core to our approach, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way on your healing journey.

Before any reprocessing begins, we focus on stabilization – building coping tools, identifying supports, and setting clear targets for therapy. Many clients report steady progress within weeks, though timelines vary by history and goals. With a compassionate, collaborative approach, EMDR can reduce the intensity of triggers and help you feel more present day to day.

Clients often describe EMDR as different from other approaches they’ve tried because of its structured yet adaptable style. Instead of only talking through painful memories, you actively engage the brain’s natural healing process, which can feel empowering and relieving at the same time.

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

The 8-Step EMDR Therapy Process

A clear roadmap helps therapy feel predictable and safe. Our EMDR therapy process in Chicago follows an evidence-based sequence that balances preparation with focused reprocessing. This structure keeps EMDR treatment organized while still adapting to your pace and goals.

If you’re new to EMDR, this overview shows how we move from assessment to lasting change through an intentional EMDR training process. By providing clarity at each stage, clients feel more confident, supported, and engaged. This steady framework also helps reduce uncertainty, allowing space for meaningful breakthroughs while maintaining a sense of security throughout your journey.

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.