EMDR Therapy in Chicago
Traumatic experiences can affect your thoughts, emotions, and reactions long after an event has passed. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help people process distressing memories. At Pneuma Chicago, EMDR-trained therapists work with adults experiencing trauma-related distress, PTSD, and anxiety. If you are looking for EMDR therapy in Chicago, Pneuma offers appointments at its Loop office. Treatment follows a trauma-informed approach, and Christian counseling can be incorporated into your care if you want your faith to be part of the process.
What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?
Sometimes, a person experiences an event that is difficult to process. The memory may remain distressing and affect their thoughts, emotions, and physical responses. These reactions can include uncomfortable sensations, emotions, thoughts, and images connected to the experience.
EMDR therapy helps people identify and process these distressing memories. It aims to help the brain process and integrate information that feels unresolved.
During EMDR, you recall aspects of a distressing experience while focusing on external stimuli, such as guided eye movements or tapping. This bilateral stimulation is part of the process used to help reprocess distressing memories.
EMDR therapy will not erase the memory. Instead, the goal is to help you remember what happened without the same level of emotional distress.
The research behind EMDR is strongest for trauma. The World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs include EMDR among the treatments they recognize for PTSD. If you would like more detail on the science and process, read a fuller guide to how EMDR works.
The 8 Phases of EMDR, in Plain Terms
EMDR follows an eight-phase approach outlined by the EMDR International Association. The process begins with understanding your history and preparing for memory work. It then moves through memory processing and a review of your progress.
1. History and planning. Your therapist learns about your history, current concerns, and goals for treatment. Together, you identify the memories or experiences you want to address first.
2. Preparation. Before working on distressing memories, your therapist explains the process and helps you practice ways to manage difficult emotions. These skills can help you stay grounded during treatment.
3. Assessment. You and your therapist select a specific memory to address. You identify the image connected to it, the negative belief you associate with yourself, such as “I’m not safe,” and a more helpful belief you want to develop.
4. Desensitization. You focus on aspects of the memory while following guided eye movements, taps, or tones. Your therapist guides you through the process as you notice the thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations that arise.
5. Installation. You work on strengthening the more helpful belief identified during assessment. Your therapist guides this part of the process as you focus on the memory and the belief you want to hold instead.
6. Body scan. You notice whether physical tension or discomfort remains when you think about the memory. Your therapist helps you address any remaining distress as part of the EMDR process.
7. Closure. Your therapist helps you prepare for the end of the session, whether or not the memory work is complete. You can use the coping skills discussed during preparation between sessions.
8. Reevaluation. At the next session, you and your therapist review your response to the previous session. This helps identify what still needs attention and guides the next steps in treatment.
What EMDR Helps With
EMDR is commonly used to help people process distressing memories associated with trauma. It may also be considered for anxiety when earlier experiences contribute to current distress. Whether EMDR is appropriate depends on your concerns, history, and treatment needs.
EMDR for Anxiety in Chicago
Anxiety can involve persistent worry, panic, or feeling constantly on guard. For some people, these reactions are connected to frightening events or painful past experiences. EMDR therapy for anxiety in Chicago may help address distressing memories associated with these reactions. Research support for EMDR is strongest for PTSD. Your therapist can discuss whether EMDR fits your situation or whether another treatment approach may be more appropriate.
EMDR for PTSD and Trauma
Trauma can follow a single event, such as a car accident or assault, or repeated experiences, such as childhood abuse or neglect. Related symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, feeling on edge, avoiding reminders, or feeling emotionally disconnected. EMDR may help people process distressing memories associated with these experiences. If you are considering EMDR for PTSD in Chicago, Pneuma’s trauma recovery counseling page provides more information about the practice’s trauma-related services. A therapist can help you determine whether EMDR is appropriate for your needs.
Other Concerns
People may associate EMDR mainly with severe trauma, including car accidents, combat, sexual abuse, and assault. The existing Pneuma page also identifies other difficulties people may want to discuss in therapy. These concerns do not automatically mean EMDR is the right treatment, but they may be worth exploring with a therapist.
- I find it difficult to be assertive in my relationships.
- I overeat when I get emotionally upset.
- I have behaviors that sabotage my efforts to succeed.
- I have a low tolerance for frustration or anger.
- I have lost interest in activities that used to bring me pleasure.
- I fight a lot and experience a lot of anger.
- I struggle with making decisions.
EMDR may be considered as part of care for these concerns when clinically appropriate. Pneuma’s approach should be described using the practice’s confirmed language about confidentiality and treatment.
Is EMDR right for me?
EMDR may be worth discussing with a therapist if distressing experiences seem connected to your current emotions, reactions, or behavior. You may notice difficulty setting boundaries, persistent anxiety, trouble concentrating, or strong emotional reactions that affect daily life. These concerns alone do not determine whether EMDR is appropriate. Your therapist will consider your history, current needs, and treatment goals when discussing your options.
When EMDR May Not Be the Right First Step
EMDR may not be the first step if you are in an active crisis or need immediate support to stay safe. During the first sessions, your therapist can assess your current needs and discuss whether building coping skills or addressing immediate concerns should come before processing distressing memories. The pace and treatment plan should reflect your circumstances.
If you are comparing trauma treatments, read our guide to EMDR vs. somatic therapy. You can also visit the Pneuma Chicago homepage to learn more about the practice.
Meet Our EMDR Therapists in Chicago
If you are looking for EMDR therapists in Chicago, reviewing their clinical backgrounds and therapeutic approaches can help you decide whom to contact. Pneuma Chicago’s therapist profiles list EMDR among the treatment modalities of the clinicians below.
Rick Manabat, LCPC, NCC, CSAT
Rick Manabat is an EMDR-trained therapist and the founder of Pneuma. His clinical interests include trauma, anxiety, shame, attachment concerns, and unwanted sexual behaviors. His approach draws on psychodynamic and attachment-based therapy. He helps clients examine emotional patterns and understand how past experiences can affect present relationships.
Carey Wiese, LCSW, LMSW
Carey Wiese lists EMDR among his treatment modalities. His clinical interests include anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), insomnia, relationships, trauma, and spirituality. His approach emphasizes collaboration, understanding emotional patterns, and developing practical tools to navigate daily life.
Verify Carey Wiese’s current professional credential and confirm that Pneuma approves describing him as EMDR trained. His supplied profile lists EMDR as a treatment modality but does not explicitly state “EMDR trained.”
Visit the Pneuma Chicago team page to learn more about the clinicians, or visit the Pneuma Chicago homepage.
What to Expect in Your First EMDR Sessions
Your first EMDR sessions focus on your history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. Your first EMDR sessions focus on your history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. Your therapist will ask what brings you to counseling and what you hope to address. You can discuss difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Before processing distressing memories, you and your therapist will work on coping skills. These skills can help you manage difficult emotions during therapy and in daily life. You and your therapist will discuss readiness before moving into memory processing.
The length and number of EMDR sessions can vary. Contact Pneuma Chicago to ask about session length, fees, and what to expect from treatment.
In-Person in Chicago or Online Across Illinois
Pneuma Chicago offers in-person appointments at 53 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1615, Chicago, IL 60604, in the Loop.
Contact Pneuma Chicago to ask about EMDR therapy availability and scheduling.
EMDR Therapy in Chicago: FAQs
The cost of EMDR therapy depends on the provider and payment arrangement. Contact Pneuma Chicago to ask about its current self-pay fee before scheduling. If you plan to use insurance, review your plan’s mental health benefits to understand your deductible, copay, and other potential out-of-pocket costs.
Insurance coverage for EMDR depends on your plan and benefits. Pneuma Chicago’s intake information lists Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), and self-pay. Contact the practice to ask whether your plan is accepted and what costs you may need to pay.
EMDR session length and the total number of sessions vary. Your therapist can discuss your treatment goals and explain what to expect as you begin. Contact Pneuma Chicago to ask about session length and scheduling.
EMDR does not always require you to describe every detail of a distressing memory aloud. You bring the memory to mind while following your therapist’s guidance. If you have concerns about discussing difficult experiences, talk with your therapist before beginning memory processing.
EMDR may not be the right starting point for everyone. Your current circumstances, support needs, and readiness for memory processing can affect the treatment plan. If you have concerns about whether EMDR is appropriate for you, discuss them with a qualified therapist before beginning treatment.
Pneuma Chicago offers in-person appointments at 53 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1615, Chicago, IL 60604. Contact the practice to ask about available appointment options.
Start EMDR Therapy in Chicago
“If you are looking for trauma-informed, faith-based counselling in Chicago, our team is here to help.”
To ask about EMDR therapy at Pneuma Chicago, complete the intake form below. You can share your needs and ask questions before deciding on your next step.
Prefer to speak with someone? Call 312-898-1840 or contact our Chicago team.