The Complete Guide to EMDR Therapy Chicago or Online: How It Works, What to Expect, & How to Find the Right EMDR Therapist
EMDR Therapy Chicago or Online
If you’re searching for EMDR therapy in Chicago or exploring EMDR therapy online, chances are you’ve already carried more than your share of heavy experiences. Trauma, anxiety, or overwhelming stress can leave you feeling stuck; your mind keeps circling painful memories or your body is always braced for what might go wrong. It’s exhausting to live this way. It makes sense that you’re looking for a therapy approach that does more than just talk about the past. You want therapy that helps you move through your past struggles and current stressors and feel real, lasting relief.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful, research-supported treatment that’s helped millions of people worldwide process trauma and reclaim their lives. Whether you’re seeking EMDR therapy in Chicago with a local therapist or prefer EMDR therapy online from the comfort of home, EMDR can be adapted to fit your needs, preferences, and circumstances.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what EMDR therapy is, what a session looks like both in person and online, the tools and methods therapists use, and how to find a qualified EMDR therapist, so that you can decide whether it might be the right fit for you.
Healing doesn’t happen overnight no matter what therapeutic approach you use, but finding the right therapist and approach can be a critical step toward feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected to your life again.
What Is EMDR Therapy? The Basics Explained
At its core, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured approach to healing that helps the brain process difficult or traumatic experiences so they no longer feel as overwhelming. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses something called bilateral stimulation, which uses gentle back-and-forth movements, sounds, or taps that activate both sides of the brain. This process supports the mind in “unsticking” memories that have been stored in a painful or distressing way.
When a memory is unprocessed, it can feel as if it’s happening in the present, leaving you flooded with anxiety, shame, or fear. With EMDR, the brain has a chance to reprocess that memory and file it away more adaptively, so the emotional charge decreases. In other words, you don’t forget what happened, but it no longer holds the same intensity or power over you.
If you’d like a deeper dive into the fundamentals of EMDR, I’ve written a full post answering What is EMDR Therapy and How Does EMDR Work? that explains the process in more detail.
Research has shown EMDR therapy to be effective for a wide range of concerns, including trauma and PTSD, anxiety, grief, and even the unique stress of parental burnout. Because EMDR works at both the emotional and physical levels, many people find it especially helpful when traditional approaches haven’t given them the relief they were hoping for.
For many, EMDR offers not just symptom reduction but a pathway to living with greater ease, resilience, and connection.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
One of the things that makes EMDR so effective is that it follows a structured, step-by-step process. This means you’ll never be left wondering what comes next. Your therapist will guide you through each stage at a pace that feels safe and manageable. The 8 phases of EMDR are designed to provide both structure and flexibility, meeting you where you are while moving toward healing.
Here’s a brief overview of the EMDR process explained:
History Taking & Assessment - Your therapist gathers background information, understands your goals, and identifies the memories or themes that are contributing to current struggles.
Preparation - You’ll learn grounding and self-regulation skills to ensure you feel supported before beginning deeper processing.
Assessment - Together, you and your therapist select a specific target memory, along with the images, thoughts, and body sensations linked to it.
Desensitization - Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or other methods), your brain begins reprocessing the memory so it no longer feels as distressing.
Installation - Positive beliefs and self-statements are strengthened to replace the negative ones connected to the memory.
Body Scan - You’ll check in with your body to see if any tension or distress remains, helping ensure the memory feels fully processed.
Closure - Each session ends with grounding, calming strategies, and support so you leave feeling safe and stable.
Re-evaluation - At the start of the next session, your therapist checks on your progress and determines the next steps.
Together, these phases provide a clear framework for working through even the most painful or persistent experiences. You don’t need to rush; EMDR allows the healing process to unfold in a way that honors your readiness and resilience.
If you’d like to learn more about each step in greater depth, I’ve written a dedicated post on The 8-Phases of EMDR Therapy that walks through the process in detail.
In-Person EMDR Therapy in Chicago: What It Looks Like
When you begin EMDR therapy in Chicago in person, your sessions will usually take place in a therapist’s office designed to be calm, private, and supportive. In addition to the therapeutic conversation, EMDR involves the use of specific tools and techniques that provide bilateral stimulation, the gentle back-and-forth rhythm that helps your brain reprocess painful memories.
Some of the most common EMDR techniques you may encounter in an office setting include:
Eye movements or “finger wags” - Your therapist moves their hand or fingers back and forth in front of your eyes while you follow the motion.
Guided tapping - Your therapist may instruct you in crossing your hands across your chest or resting them on your lap, and cue the rhythm for alternating hand tapping that you control.
Light bars - A horizontal bar with a moving light that you track with your eyes.
Hand buzzers or tappers - Small devices that you hold in your hands, which gently alternate vibrations from one side to the other.
Alternating sounds - Headphones that play soft tones or beeps from one ear to the other in a steady rhythm.
Each of these tools offers a slightly different way of creating bilateral stimulation, and your therapist will help you explore which feels most natural and effective.
Some of the benefits of doing EMDR therapy in person are the controlled environment, and the sense of full support and structure. You and your therapist share the same physical space, which allows for easier adjustment of tools, closer observation of body language, and immediate reassurance if something feels overwhelming.
It’s also important to know that EMDR is not one-size-fits-all. Many therapists adapt their methods to support individual sensory needs and neurodivergent processing styles. For example, if following a light bar feels uncomfortable, you might use tappers instead. If certain sounds are distracting, your therapist can switch to visual or tactile methods. If you’d like to learn more about how EMDR can be adapted for autistic and ADHD clients, I’ve written a full post on using EMDR in ways that support neurodivergent processing.
In short, in-person EMDR therapy combines the stability of being physically present with your therapist and the flexibility of tailoring techniques so you feel supported and safe throughout the process.
Online EMDR Therapy: How It Works and Why It’s Effective
Many people are surprised to learn that EMDR therapy online is not only possible, but also highly effective. Because EMDR relies on the brain’s natural healing processes rather than the physical presence of a therapist, the approach can be adapted for online trauma therapy without losing its effectiveness.
In virtual EMDR sessions, your therapist will guide you through the same structured phases used in-office, but with techniques designed to work through a video platform. Common methods include:
Guided self-tapping - Gently tapping your shoulders, knees, or hands in an alternating rhythm, following your therapist’s instructions.
Eye movements on screen - Tracking your therapist’s hand movements or markers across the edges of your screen.
Visual tracking software - Programs that display a moving dot or line across your screen for you to follow, mimicking the light bar used in offices.
One of the biggest benefits of online EMDR therapy is accessibility. Meeting from home means no travel stress, no commute across the city, reduces child care demands or work disruptions, and allows for the comfort of doing the work in a familiar space. For many clients, this helps reduce barriers to treatment and makes it easier to show up consistently for sessions.
Just like in-person therapy, EMDR delivered online can be tailored to meet individual sensory and neurodivergent needs. If you’d like to further explore factors to consider when seeking EMDR therapy online I’ve written a detailed post answering the common question, “Can EMDR Therapy Be Done Virtually?”
In short, EMDR therapy online provides the same core benefits as in-person sessions while offering added convenience and comfort, making it a powerful option for trauma healing.
How to Find the Right EMDR Therapist in Chicago or Online
If you’re ready to begin EMDR therapy, the next step is choosing a therapist who feels like the right fit. With so many options, it can feel overwhelming at first, but there are trusted ways to find an EMDR therapist in Chicago or anywhere online.
One of the most reliable resources is the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) Therapist Directory. This directory lists credentialed providers who have completed recognized EMDR training. If you’re searching for “EMDRIA Chicago” providers, this is the place to start.
When reviewing potential therapists, it’s helpful to look at a few key factors:
Credentials and training - Make sure your therapist has completed at least the basic EMDR training approved by EMDRIA or the EMDR Institute. Some therapists also pursue advanced training or certification for deeper specialization. You can filter for EMDR Certified therapists when searching the EMDRIA therapist directory.
Licensure - Your therapist should be licensed in the state where you’re receiving services (Illinois, for example, if you’re seeking EMDR therapy Chicago in person; or someone licensed to practice in Illinois if you are located in the Chicagoland area and are receiving telehealth support from a provider from another state).
Specialization - Look for a therapist who works with concerns that match yours, whether it’s fertility, pregnancy, or birth trauma; complex PTSD; parent burnout; or support for neurodivergent clients.
Relational style and fit - Beyond training, the therapeutic relationship matters. You should feel comfortable, safe, and understood.
It’s always a good idea to schedule a consultation call before committing. During this time, you can ask questions like:
Do you offer EMDR in person, online, or both?
What kinds of adaptations do you provide for sensory needs or neurodivergence?
How do you approach trauma, anxiety, or parenting stress in EMDR therapy?
What is your availability, and how do you structure sessions?
If you’d like more guidance, I’ve created two detailed resources to help you navigate this process:
Your Complete Guide to Find an EMDR Therapist - A step-by-step overview of what to look for, where to search, and how to evaluate your options.
Top Tips for How to Find an Online EMDR Therapist - A focused guide for clients interested in starting therapy virtually.
Finding the right therapist is an essential part of your healing journey. With the right fit, EMDR can be a powerful, life-changing tool for moving through trauma and creating space for calm, connection, and renewal.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy for trauma is most often used to help people heal from distressing experiences large or small, but its benefits reach far beyond PTSD. Survivors of childhood trauma, abuse, accidents, or other overwhelming events often find EMDR helps them finally process what once felt “stuck.”
EMDR therapy is also effective for anxiety, panic attacks, grief, and loss; reducing the intensity of emotions and helping you move forward with greater calm and resilience.
Parents, too, can benefit. If you’re struggling with the weight of parental burnout, EMDR can provide space to understand your triggers, process your stress, and restore your capacity to show up for your child with presence and compassion.
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
Many people ask, “is EMDR therapy right for me?” A few signs that EMDR therapy may help include:
Recurring intrusive memories or distressing flashbacks.
Feeling overwhelmed by stress or unable to relax.
Difficulty moving forward after painful experiences.
Because it’s a safe, structured, and evidence-based approach, EMDR can be adapted to your pace and comfort level. With the right support, the benefits of EMDR therapy can include a greater sense of calm, confidence, and freedom from the past.
Next Steps: Starting EMDR Therapy in Chicago or Online
Finding the right therapist is one of the most important steps on the path to healing. Whether you choose to begin EMDR therapy in Chicago with a therapist nearby or start EMDR therapy online from the comfort of your own space, this approach offers a structured, compassionate way to help your mind and body process what has felt stuck for too long.
Through EMDR, many people discover that their past no longer has the same grip on them. Memories that once felt overwhelming lose their intensity, leaving more room for peace, energy, and presence in everyday life. For parents, professionals, and anyone carrying the weight of trauma or burnout, this shift can open the door to deeper relationships and greater ease in daily living.
Taking that first step toward EMDR therapy may feel daunting, but it can also be the beginning of something profoundly hopeful; the chance to move forward with less fear and more freedom. At Shore Therapy, I specialize in EMDR therapy as well as affirming therapy for LGBTQ and neurodivergent adults and therapy for parent and caregiver burnout. Every approach is grounded in compassion, respect, and the belief that you deserve care that truly fits you. Therapy support is available in-office serving Chicago and the North Shore, as well as online therapy in over 40 states across the U.S. with PSYPACT.
If you’re ready to explore how EMDR or another therapy approach might support you, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. This is a chance to ask questions, share what you’re hoping for, and see if working together feels like the right fit to take your next step toward healing and relief.
