
EMDR Therapy
in Chicago, IL & Phoenix, AZ
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Throughout our lives, all of us have experiences that are too powerful or overwhelming for our minds and bodies to properly digest. When this happens, we are left in a vulnerable state and are more susceptible to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. We’re also more likely to struggle with trust issues, lack of intimacy, people-pleasing tendencies, and other relationship problems.
EMDR (short for Eye Movement Desentization and Reprocessing), is a revolutionary approach to therapy that can help the nervous system reprocess painful memories so that they can be properly digested. The brain has a natural ability to heal itself, and EMDR activates this ability, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed in an adaptive way.
EMDR can lead to significant reductions in emotional distress, intrusive thoughts, and physical discomfort related to trauma. It’s a structured and effective therapy that can help individuals move toward healing and resolution of past wounds.
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How Effective Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR has been proven to work and there are decades of research demonstrating its remarkable effectiveness. Most clinical trials show that 77 to 90 percent of clients have no more PTSD symptoms after just three to six sessions. EMDR is so widely accepted and celebrated that the Department of Defense, American Psychological Association, and World Health Organization all champion it as an effective form of trauma treatment (1).
Although EMDR is best known for its ability to treat trauma and PTSD, it can also help with a wide range of other mental health challenges, some of which are listed below:
Anxiety
Depression
Addiction
Panic attacks
Phobias
Performance anxiety
Grief and loss
What makes EMDR therapy able to treat such a diverse array of problems? Consider that most of the emotional challenges we face are—to one extent or another—rooted in our past experiences (e.g., we develop performance anxiety after messing up a recital; we develop an addiction to deal with a significant loss). And since EMDR helps reduce the pain of past experiences, it stands to reason that it can alleviate most mental health issues.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
During Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with Compassionate Healing Psychotherapy, you can expect a structured approach to addressing past traumas or distressing memories. We will help you process these memories while focusing on external stimuli, such as hand movements or auditory tones, to stimulate activity on both sides of your brain. This way, your memories can move from the “emotional” side of the brain to the “logical” one, reducing their emotional charge.
You may experience intense emotions or sensations during EMDR sessions. We will help you navigate these experiences by teaching you grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and other somatic practices for staying centered in the body. You’ll learn to regulate your stress responses, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of safety throughout treatment. That way, you’ll be able to work through the pain of the past without feeling triggered or overwhelmed.
As you progress through EMDR, however, you should generally notice a reduction in the emotional distress associated with your traumatic memories as well as a shift in your beliefs about yourself. Treatment concludes when you’ve successfully reprocessed your memories and eliminated or reduced your symptoms. After that, you and your therapist can focus on integrating what you’ve gained in EMDR sessions into everyday life.
How Can EMDR Therapy Practically Benefit Your Life?
The benefits of EMDR go far beyond mere symptom reduction. Many clients who’ve completed EMDR treatment tell us that they’re able to move through life freely and without the pain of the past looming over their heads. They’re more confident in who they are, more balanced in their emotions, and more in tune with their values and goals. Instead of people-pleasing or sacrificing their needs for others, they’re not afraid to assert themselves, speak their minds, and set healthy boundaries.
Most importantly, EMDR offers deeper healing from the pain of trauma, something that standard talk therapy can’t deliver. Talking only engages the conscious part of the mind; yet since trauma is stored in the subconscious and the sensory body, any comprehensive treatment must include them. That’s why many of our clients come to us after fruitless years of trying to treat their trauma. It’s not that other forms of therapy are ineffective, but that they generally don’t focus on healing the whole person.
How Effective Is Virtual EMDR Therapy?
At Compassionate Healing Psychotherapy, we offer virtual EMDR (also known as online EMDR therapy) for those who can’t do in-person sessions. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that virtual EMDR sessions can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being (2). While traditional EMDR therapy involves bilateral stimulation through eye movements, tapping, or sounds, virtual EMDR uses tools like audio tones or visual cues on a screen to simulate the same effects.
Clients often report feeling the same level of relief during virtual sessions as they do in face-to-face sessions. Additionally, the convenience and accessibility of virtual EMDR make it a valuable option for individuals who may have limitations accessing in-person therapy. Clients are welcome to engage in therapy from their house, their car, or anywhere else that’s comfortable and private.
Heal Your Deepest Emotional Wounds Through The Power Of EMDR
At Compassionate Healing Psychotherapy, our counselors specialize in trauma treatment and are extensively trained in EMDR therapy. We would be honored to help you put the pain of the past behind you and experience healing and liberation through this revolutionary approach. To get started, you cancall 602-715-0501, or use the contact form.
Our office has locations in Chicago, Illinois, and Phoenix, Arizona.
https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/
https://www.2minutemedicine.com/online-eye-movement-desensitization-and-reprocessing-therapy-may-improve-mental-health/

EMDR Therapy Phoenix
13421 S 37th Pl,
Phoenix, AZ 85044
EMDR Therapy Chicago
25 E Washington St Ste 1206,
Chicago, IL 60602