Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

A Willow client said to me the other day…

  “It’s like I have a new brain.  I love it!”

I responded…

“You have the same brain; it’s just working in a better way.”

EMDR helped do that.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.  It is designed to help alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories or experiences.

Often, trauma causes the brain to become “stuck” on a loop of disturbing images, negative thoughts, or difficult emotions. This happens because the brain has not processed memories of the traumatic experience appropriately. Memories get stored in a maladaptive way and make it difficult for you to live freely and adapt to the present moment. 

For example, you may have “bombed” a speech in Jr. High.  Now, as an adult, each time you try to speak in a meeting you break out in hives, have trouble breathing, and feel like your heart will beat out of your chest.  The Jr. High memory is stored in a maladaptive way and is still impacting you today.  EMDR helps change the way the memory is stored.  When the brain changes the way it’s stored, you feel differently about it.

What is an EMDR Session Like?

EMDR uses the natural healing ability of your body.  After completing an assessment and developing a treatment plan, you will be asked specific questions about a disturbing memory.  Eye movements like those in REM sleep will be recreated by asking you to follow the therapist’s finger moving back and forth across your visual field. Sometimes, a bar of moving lights or headphones are used instead.

The eye movements last a short while then stop. You will then be asked to report back on the experiences you have during each set of eye movements.  These may include changes in thoughts, images, and feelings.  Over time, the memory tends to change in such a way that it becomes “unstuck” and stored in a less distressing way.

Can EMDR Help Me?

EMDR is well researched and can be highly effective in helping people heal and recover from PTSD.  EMDR is also effective with a wider range of issues other than PTSD and can help you build upon positive traits and experiences to improve your overall wellbeing.

EMDR can address:

  • Grief

  • Phobias

  • Depression

  • Panic Attacks

  • Anxiety

  • Breakups or Divorces

  • Recent traumatic events

  • Chronic Pain

EMDR can improve:

  • Positive traits you already possess

  • Healthy Habits

  • Self-esteem

  • Positive beliefs

Therapists Trained in EMDR

  • Kristen Hammel, LCPC (she/her/hers)

    Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Co-Owner of Willow Counseling, American Counseling Association member, Illinois Counseling Association member, National Certified Counselor

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  • Nina O'Brien, LCSW (she/her/hers)

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Co-Owner of Willow Counseling, Certified Yoga Instructor, Warrior to Soul Mate Program Trainer

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