EMDR
We now offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) individual therapy services.
EMDR is an effective, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals heal from PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. Using bilateral stimulation — usually guided side-to-side eye movements — while recalling traumatic memories, the therapy helps the brain reprocess information, reducing the emotional intensity of those memories.
In person or Virtual
Our EMDR therapy is offered in our Park Ridge office located at 1440 Renaissance Dr, Suite 420, Park Ridge, IL 60068 or virtually in Illinois. Being in person allows the therapist to effectively attune to the client’s experience and provides a safe space where clients can stay grounded while recalling emotional events.
Key Aspects of EMDR
Reduces the emotional, vivid, and distressing impact of traumatic memories to reframe them as memories instead of current, active threats
Most effective for PTSD & complex trauma but can also be effective for anxiety, depression, phobias, and addiction
Uses guided eye movements, sounds, or taps to help the brain process memories differently than talk therapy
Timelines depend on each client, but single-event trauma often takes 8-12+ sessions. Complex trauma often takes 6+ months
Having individual talk therapy prior to starting EMDR can help ground and support the client during EMDR sessions
What to Expect
Not for Active Crisis: It is generally not recommended for individuals in an active crisis who cannot manage safe, grounded functioning
Potential Side Effects: Some individuals can experience temporary increased emotional distress during the reprocessing phase
Phases of Approach: EMDR is a structured approach that involves preparation, assessment, desensitization, and reprocessing to ensure patient readiness.
EMDR Trained Clinician: Our EMDR therapist, Jaqueline McCarvill, is trained in EMDR and in the process of receiving full certification. You can learn more about Jaqueline through her biography.
How to Get Started
At our center, we prefer our EMDR clients to be established in individual therapy first.
Think of it like training for a marathon: EMDR is the race, but individual therapy is where we build the core strength and coping tools you’ll need so you don’t feel overwhelmed once the ‘heavy lifting’ starts.
Because our EMDR-trained clinicians are in high demand, we currently have limited availability for those specific sessions. While you are working with your individual therapist to have a solid foundation emotionally, we will place you on our EMDR waitlist. This way, you aren’t waiting around for help — you’re preparing for your EMDR sessions, which can make EMDR more effective.
We find that having your primary care under our roof allows for the best clinical coordination and safety, so we do recommend you to be an active client with one of our staff therapists. The “prep” phase of EMDR can take a few weeks or a few months, depending on the person.
Jaqueline McCarvill
EMDR Trained Clinician
"The beautiful thing about EMDR is the way that it honors the capacity of our nervous system to grow and integrate new adaptive information. While we may understand intellectually that we are safe, worthy, or no longer in danger, we might still feel fear, shame, or disconnection that doesn’t shift through insight alone. Through the deep noticing of our emotional and sensory experience, EMDR can help us make space for new felt experiences of safety, choice, and deep self compassion. My approach to EMDR is somatically attuned and deeply respectful of your unique nervous system, your protective responses, and your body’s capacity for healing."
Jaqueline’s approach is trauma-informed and mind-body focused. She is trained in EMDR therapy and is awaiting certification. She is a Somatic Experiencing student and incorporates somatic practices and IFS-informed parts work strategies. Read more about Jaqueline here