Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a therapeutic protocol used in the treatment of mental and emotional trauma. It has been widely praised in the United States and is currently used by agencies such as the American Psychiatric Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Those suffering from PTSD caused by major traumas such as sexual or physical assault, combat experiences, accidents, or the sudden death of a loved one can benefit from EMDR therapy. Sessions work to alleviate PTSD symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares, angry outbursts, difficulties sleeping and concentrating, and feelings of depression and isolation.
Recent research has pointed to the fact that PTSD can also result from less dramatic life events, such as hurtful experiences during childhood. In some cases, these can cause even more symptoms of PTSD than major traumas like combat or terrorist attacks.
In either case, once trauma has been experienced, there is a disruption in how the brain processes information. In a “non-traumatized” brain that has not experienced a shocking event, processing systems digest information about what has been experienced and make appropriate connections. Those reactions to the event that are no longer useful, any emotions or physical sensations, are released.
However, when an individual experiences a traumatic event, this processing system is disrupted and the negative memories and emotions, as well as physical sensations and beliefs, are stored in the brain. These stored traumatic interpretations mingle with current events to color them negatively. In short, the past becomes the present.
EMDR is an effective protocol to treat these unprocessed past memories that are poisoning the present. EMDR is able to remove the anxiety, fear, and sadness that cause individuals to avoid or overreact to situations.
EMDR techniques allow individuals to identify early memories that are the root of their problems and change their emotions, thoughts, and even physical sensations surrounding them. These same techniques can also help people achieve desired goals by understanding why they do what they do and how they can manage life and their own behaviors better.
EMDR Therapy is often high-effective in addressing present-day symptoms. These symptoms are often the result of past traumas. EMDR is used to treat a variety of issues including:
Panic attacks
Complicated grief
Dissociative disorders
Disturbing memories
Phobias
Pain disorders
Performance anxiety
Stress reduction
Addictions
Sexual and/or Physical abuse
Body dysmorphic disorders
Personality Disorders
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Learn more about our EMDR Therapy and EMDR Intensive programs. If you or a loved one suffer from any of the above and believe you may benefit from EMDR, please contact us. Our trained EMDR therapists would be happy to discuss how this particular therapy approach might help.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Huggins is the founder and Clinical Director of Creating Space Therapy and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience in grief and trauma care. She is EMDR-Certified through EMDRIA, a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Kelly works with adults navigating traumatic loss, prolonged grief, complex trauma, childhood emotional neglect, and intergenerational trauma. Her approach integrates EMDR, Internal Family Systems, somatic therapy, and expressive arts to support healing that goes deeper than talk therapy alone. Creating Space Therapy is located in Geneva and Naperville with online telehealth available across Illinois. To connect with Kelly, schedule a free 15-minute consultation call or learn more about us at creatingspacetherapy.com.
ABOUT CREATING SPACE THERAPY
Creating Space Therapy is a niche psychotherapy practice specializing in trauma therapy and grief counseling for adults, teens, and children in Geneva and Naperville, with online telehealth available to Illinois residents statewide. Recognized as the Best Mental Health Practice in Batavia in 2025, we have spent five years earning the trust of the Fox Valley community as a go-to resource for complex trauma care. Our certified trauma therapists go beyond traditional talk therapy to address the way trauma lives in the body, the nervous system, and the patterns that keep people feeling stuck. Using EMDR, somatic therapy, parts work, and polyvagal-informed approaches, we help clients move from surviving to genuinely healing, at a pace that honors their readiness and their resilience. If you’re ready to experience real-time change, we invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call or learn more about us at creatingspacetherapy.com.
