Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
What Is Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)?
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy approach that can help people process distressing or traumatic experiences that continue to affect their thoughts, emotions, or daily lives.
EMDR is based on the idea that some difficult experiences may remain insufficiently processed, leaving people feeling emotionally or physically activated when they think about the experience or encounter reminders of it. EMDR helps clients work through these experiences in a safe, supportive, and structured way.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR typically involves several phases, beginning with understanding the client’s history, identifying treatment goals, and developing strategies for managing emotional distress.
During EMDR processing, a client focuses on aspects of a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or other forms of alternating stimulation. The therapist guides the process while helping the client remain grounded and within a manageable level of emotional activation.
Over time, the goal is to help the experience become less distressing and reduce the intensity of thoughts, emotions, or physical reactions associated with it.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR?
EMDR may be helpful for adults and adolescents who are experiencing ongoing distress related to traumatic or highly stressful experiences.
It may be considered for people who:
- Continue to experience distressing memories or reminders of an event
- Feel emotionally or physically activated by trauma-related triggers
- Experience avoidance related to difficult experiences
- Have negative beliefs about themselves following a traumatic experience
- Want to process difficult experiences as part of their therapy
A clinician will help determine whether EMDR is an appropriate fit based on the individual’s needs, history, and treatment goals.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is commonly used to address trauma and post-traumatic stress symptoms. It may also be incorporated into treatment when difficult experiences contribute to concerns such as:
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Anxiety and fear related to past experiences
- Distressing or intrusive memories
- Avoidance of trauma-related situations or reminders
- Negative beliefs or feelings connected to past experiences
- Emotional distress following difficult or overwhelming events
EMDR at Modern Me Psychology
At Modern Me Psychology, EMDR is incorporated into individualized treatment based on each client’s needs and goals. Treatment is provided in a supportive environment where clients can work with a clinician at a pace that feels manageable.
EMDR may be particularly relevant for clients seeking support with trauma, post-traumatic stress, and distressing experiences that continue to affect their present lives.
Our Clinician Who Uses EMDR
Dr. Mike provides EMDR as part of his clinical practice and works with clients experiencing trauma-related concerns and other emotional difficulties.
Related Approaches
Depending on your needs and treatment goals, EMDR may be used alongside or considered in relation to approaches such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Prolonged Exposure (PE)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)
Explore our Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress page to learn more about concerns that may be addressed through therapy.
Ready to Get Started?
You do not have to navigate difficult experiences alone. Our Client Care Coordinator can help answer your questions and connect you with a clinician who may be a good fit for your needs.
Services are available in person at our Roselle, Illinois office and through telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
We accept several insurance plans, and coverage varies by plan and clinician. Contact us to confirm your benefits and whether your preferred provider and service are covered.
