Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, or EMDR, is a set of standardized protocols that incorporate elements from many different treatment approaches. It has been researched extensively and proven effective for the treatment of trauma.
We use EMDR is used to treat a variety of mental health issues including:
Panic attacks
Complicated grief
Disturbing memories
Phobias
Pain disorders
Performance anxiety
Stress reduction
Addictions
Sexual and/or Physical abuse
Body dysmorphic disorders
It appears that EMDR has a direct effect on the way the brain processes information. This is very beneficial to someone who has experienced a trauma, as their brain cannot process information as it normally does.
To individuals who have experienced trauma, a moment in time becomes “stuck” in their minds, and they experience the trauma, the sounds, smells, and images over and over again. This, in turn, affects how they see the world around them and relate to other people. After a successful EMDR session, the brain can once again process information normally, and the person no longer relives the trauma. While they still remember that the event happened, they are not physically, mentally, or emotionally overwhelmed by it.
What is perhaps most interesting about EMDR is that it appears to be very similar to what occurs naturally during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. For this reason, EMDR can be considered a physiologically based therapy that helps individuals deal with distressing events more compassionately and effectively.
EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach that incorporates eight phases of treatment. How long it takes an individual to experience the benefits of this therapy depends on their personal history. Treatment typically targets three different areas: past memories, present disturbance, and future actions.
The goal of this treatment is to process information and experiences differently. Each session aims to leave the patient with healthy emotions, understanding, and fresh perspectives that will ultimately lead to healthy and useful future behaviors and interactions.
It is often helpful to have one or two sessions with the individual to fully understand the nature of their problem to determine if EMDR therapy will be an appropriate treatment. During these sessions, the therapist will answer any questions the prospective patient may have about EMDR. Once the therapist and individual agree EMDR is the right way to go, actual therapy may begin.
Sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes. How many sessions will be required will be based on the type of problem, personal circumstances, and the degree of the trauma. EMDR may be used within a standard “talking” therapy, as an adjunctive therapy with a separate therapist, or as a treatment all by itself.
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Learn more about our EMDR Therapy and EMDR Intensive programs. If you or a loved one is interested in exploring EMDR treatment, please contact us today. Our EMDR-trained therapist would be happy to speak with you about how we may be able to 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.
