Naperville EMDR Therapists Serving the Chicagoland Area

The trauma created by adverse personal experiences can cause psychological distress that interferes with one’s day-to-day activities, work, and relationships. It can also create an increased risk of depression. Fortunately, there are many options for treating and managing negative experiences and PTSD, including EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. At JCA Mental Health, we offer EMDR therapy for our patients that is results-focused. Call us today to learn more.

What Is EMDR Therapy? 

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, or EMDR, is a relatively new treatment that was first developed in the late 1980s. The therapy was specifically developed for the purpose of treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and involves focusing on the memory of traumatic events and changing the way that memory is stored in the brain, thereby eliminating or minimizing negative symptoms of those memories.

EMDR therapy works by incorporating the use of rapid eye movements while the patient recalls traumatic events. When patients recall traumatic events and simultaneously experience bilateral eye stimulation, the trauma of the memory is reduced.

Why Is EMDR Therapy Used? 

EMDR focuses on addressing traumatic memories to help the brain to heal, in much the same way a doctor might treat an infected wound to assist the body in healing. This targeted approach allows many patients to achieve positive results in much less time than traditional psychotherapy alone.

As mentioned above, EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, therapists now use it to treat other mental health concerns, particularly those associated with traumatic events.

Is EMDR Therapy Effective?

Multiple studies support the effectiveness of EMDR. It is recommended by numerous organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization. Because it is still a relatively new therapy by some standards, the general public is still learning about its benefits. However, the scientific community has been in agreement for several decades about the clear effectiveness of EMDR.

Scientific analysis has shown that EMDR can relieve emotional distress after trauma, work more quickly than traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, and can even ease somatic symptoms. The treatment has been shown to be effective in treating depression, panic disorders, refugees with PTSD, psychosis, and trauma in children. 

Additional Considerations of EMDR Therapy

While EMDR is effective for many people, it’s not right for everyone. It’s best to speak to your therapist about all options, benefits, and risks before deciding on any specific course of treatment. Potential side effects of EMDR include lightheadedness and vivid dreams. Like any form of therapy, EMDR requires multiple sessions to be effective. EMDR does not require the patient to talk directly about a traumatic event but instead encourages thinking about the event while another distraction is occurring. However, EMDR could still be triggering for some patients.

Connect with Our EMDR Therapists Today to Learn More 

Living with PTSD and other mental health disorders that are related to trauma can be extremely disruptive and limiting, preventing you from living a healthy, full life. At JCA Mental Health, our experienced, compassionate professionals are available to help you understand the treatment options available to you, including EMDR therapy. To learn more about all of our counseling services and our therapists’ expertise and experience, please reach out to us online or by phone today. We are accepting new patients.