After suffering a traumatic event, the after-effects can be profound. The person who was involved has a chance to relive their traumatic experience through vivid recollection and imagery, making them feel like they are going through the event over and over again in great detail. This can often lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.

A way to combat PTSD is by undergoing a therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, otherwise known as EMDR therapy. At Braden Counseling Center’s Elgin, IL location, EMDR therapy is available to those who are in need.

Braden Counseling Center offers a range of therapies available to treat trauma. We are proud to provide EMDRtherapy for anxiety and PTSD at our Elgin, IL branch, as well as at our other locations.

How Does it Work?

Rapid eye movement therapy works in a structured manner. The first thing we will do is to get the individual to focus briefly on their traumatic memories. While they are focusing on those memories, they also experience rapid eye movements known as “bilateral stimulation.” This technique gradually reduces the traumatic memory, and its vividness, until the recollection begins to diminish. The problematic symptoms associated with the memory should also fade.

The Benefits of EMDR Therapy

  1. In addition to trauma and PTSD, EMDR therapy is also effective against anxiety, nightmares, depression, grief, and the effects of bullying and abuse.
  2. EMDR is a particularly good option for those who have trouble talking about their trauma.
  3. Compared to talk therapy, it is a quick form of treatment.
  4. It helps people cope with trauma and stress before it grows out of control and becomes unmanageable.
  5. It will also transform negative or self-limiting beliefs, causing the person to feel more positive about themselves.

The Phases of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy requires a certain amount of preparation to determine the best course of action. The process is split into several phases, so it will be necessary to attend multiple meetings and sessions.

Phases 1 & 2 – History and Treatment Planning

First, the therapist will sit with their client to learn their full history. From this information, the therapist can then begin to develop a treatment plan that identifies specific targets such as past memories, triggers, and treatment goals. After this initial phase, the next step is to explain the treatment to the client. This includes teaching different imagery, stress reduction techniques, and other ways to both cope with stress, and to reduce it, between sessions.

Phase 3 – Memory Targeting

Components of targeted memory include things such as images, cognition, effects, and body sensation, which are all identified and assessed when the targeted memory is activated. We use measures called Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD), and Validity of Cognition (VOC) to evaluate the changes that occur in the client’s emotions and cognition.

Phase 4 – Identifying and Focus

After memory targeting is complete, the client is then asked to identify four things:

  1. The visual image related to the memory in specific detail.
  2. Negative beliefs they have about themselves.
  3. Related emotions and body sensations they are feeling.
  4. A positive belief about themselves.

Elgin IL EMDR TherapyOnce these have been identified, the client is then asked to focus on the memory while the procedures that desensitize the memory take place. After this, during the “installation phase,” the client is asked to hold their concentration on their positive belief, so we can mute the negative thoughts, and introduce positive thinking.

Phase 5 – Body Scan

In this phase, the client is requested to look at themselves physically while they are going over the traumatic event, and the positive belief that they had about themselves. The purpose is to observe and identify stress, so we can offer additional procedures in order to process it effectively.

Phase 6 and Beyond – Closing and Re-Evaluating

The session ends once our therapist has assessed their client on whether or not the targeted memory has been sufficiently processed. If there is still more work to be done, the therapist will give the client specific instructions and after-care techniques to try to help the client cope. They will be able to use these techniques until the next EMDR session takes place.

During the follow-up session, the therapist will start by evaluating the client’s current state-of-mind. This is to determine whether progress has been maintained, or if any new memories or triggers have surfaced since the last session. If they have, the new target memories will be used for the new session.

This whole process is repeated until the traumatic event is no longer vivid, and no longer creates any stress within the client.

Is EMDR a Safe Treatment?

If you are still apprehensive about rapid eye movement therapy, please contact our Elgin, IL office. It is considered a safe form of treatment with far fewer side effects than medication.

That being said, there are still some side effects that could be experienced from EMDR therapy:

  • The therapy creates a heightened awareness that lingers after a session. This can cause temporary light-headedness and/or vivid and realistic dreams.
  • As the treatment takes several sessions, it can initially be very triggering and emotionally stressful for clients. This will lessen as the treatment continues and starts to take effect.

Does EMDR Work?

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), EMDR therapy has been shown to be very effective for trauma symptoms and symptoms of PTSD, both acute and chronic. It is particularly effective for individuals that have difficulty vocalizing their trauma, since the treatment involves visualization rather than talking. The APA has also stated that more study is required to further understand the effects of EMDR therapy over time.

More information is available at our Elgin, IL office, but as you will see, there are a lot of benefits to be gained by going with EMDR for PTSD. If you are suffering from this all too common disorder, please contact the professionals at Braden Counseling Center.

How to Get in Touch

If you would like to learn more about EMDR therapy, or any of the other therapies and counseling services that we offer at the Braden Counseling Center, then please contact us today.

At the Braden Counseling Center, our experienced staff is looking forward to working with you. Our goal is to help free you from the effects of trauma and allow you to lead a happy and fulfilling life.

What Our Clients are Saying.....

David Jones is an outstanding counselor. I feel very fortunate to have him as our Lead on Saturday Morning group sessions.
John Boehm
John Boehm
06:31 24 May 23
Staff was amazing. Everything was explained and all questions answered.
Wanda Sutton
Wanda Sutton
23:21 21 Apr 23
understanding compassionate reflextive knowledged tool based
happy holiday
happy holiday
20:10 09 Dec 22
Braden Counseling is a clinic we frequently refer to because of the clinical quality and comprehensive services. All interactions we have had with Braden have been very positive and helpful; excellent coordination of care.
Maggie Miilano
Maggie Miilano
16:57 02 Dec 22
I have had other councilors. My daughter went to Braden and she recommended them. I needed
a councilor and I was impressed. I’m still dropping by to see her. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Barbara Schuler
Barbara Schuler
19:01 12 Oct 22
Braden counseling is very good at what they do. They do great things. I’ve been through there system more then once, I recommend them all day every day. Take your pick. I’d say choose one these guys. Very friendly, never mess up and very interactive. If you need anything they are there. I have met a lot of the staff and they all are true and gifted. Thank you Braden counseling for your great works!
Cody Bell
Cody Bell
23:02 21 Sep 22
Dr.Braden is an incredible, sweet and motivating leader! I’m so blessed to have found her center to successfully get me through 10 years of care. Everyone should know if I overcame my many obstacles they can too! Work hard and put up a fight!
Lisa Tegeler
Lisa Tegeler
00:19 29 Jul 22
As an attorney, finding the right treatment center for my clients is critical to their success. I have been referring my clients to Braden Counseling for years. They are always hard working, professional, and accomodating.
Brian Mirandola
Brian Mirandola
16:59 26 May 22
I love my therapist at Braden, I always feel listened to and I look forward to my visits. All of the staff I've interacted with has been super friendly and helpful, and the environment is very calming. Best therapy center I have been to.
Devon Buza
Devon Buza
15:25 25 Jun 21
Very professional and they were extremely nice, I'm happy with my choice of going threw Braden counseling center for my classes!
gage butts
gage butts
19:43 07 Feb 21
Amazing place
Ralph Burton
Ralph Burton
16:30 30 Jan 21
Braden Counseling’s staff is outstanding! The counselor conducted herself in a very friendly, courteous, and professional manner. I was treated with dignity and respect. I was put at ease and the evaluation went smoothly, and efficiently. I would definitely recommend Braden Counseling for all of your personal needs.😊
Gregory Link
Gregory Link
17:16 21 Jan 21
Excellent first visit with Dr. Braden.
Gary Duffett
Gary Duffett
21:18 19 Dec 20
My son liked his first visit and is open to going back again.
Veris Nicole
Veris Nicole
22:36 12 Oct 20
Very friendly and welcoming staff. Highly recommend
Jennifer Rosales
Jennifer Rosales
21:50 29 Jul 20
I could not be more satisfied with braden counseling with thier help. Very patient with clients in crisis and need of thier help.
randall nuckles
randall nuckles
15:12 09 Jul 20
I truly got the help I needed here and I appreciate all the staff member for making it a comfortable environment to feel free to talk about what's on your mind and making sure you get the proper help you need.
Majah’s Mayhem
Majah’s Mayhem
19:30 20 May 20
Love the staff .. came here for help and they definitely made a point to take care of all my paper work I needed .. would highly recommend them mostly Nikki shes a great help with anything .. always so cheerfull here 🙂
miguel tovar
miguel tovar
00:58 17 Dec 19
All staff very nice, respectful, caring, patientWould definitely recommend
Zack Newby
Zack Newby
01:23 18 Nov 19
One word....AMAZING !Very Comprehensive and Professional service. I would Highly Recommend to any one in need.
Joseph Perry
Joseph Perry
16:58 10 Jul 19
Dr. Jane Braden was absolutely wonderful and help me though my whole dui process, made it easy and help me understand.thank you some much DR. Branden for everything, your the best !!!😜
Sean Battersby
Sean Battersby
18:46 12 Mar 19
Shout out to Nikki and Nicole. These special women are compassionate professionals and have earned my utmost respect. Braden Counseling is lucky to have them on staff. Also, Cindy at the front desk is amazing!
Angie Johnson
Angie Johnson
21:34 08 Oct 18
Friendly staff, very professional and results driven
Jeffrey Kerner
Jeffrey Kerner
13:53 01 Aug 17
Caring staff. Dr Braden was extremely compassionate and supportive during a difficult time. Recommend to anyone!
T Anderson
T Anderson
21:54 06 Apr 16
Braden Counseling center has the finest professionals around. I'd highly recommend their services should a need arise.
Ndisox
Ndisox
03:03 29 Mar 16
Braden Counseling is amazing! Very kind, very friendly staff. Treated me as though I'd been family. I'd recommend them to anyone!
Jessica jorgensen
Jessica jorgensen
22:34 24 Mar 16
They have amazing staff. They listen and help out so much I would recommend them to anyone .
Brad Jorgensen
Brad Jorgensen
22:33 24 Mar 16
The staff is very welcoming and friendly and professional when you walk through the door!! I had been dealing with some anxiety for some time.... I am so glad I went to Braden counseling my first visit there I felt a sense of being welcomed and actually listened to!! Needless to say when I walked out the door I felt a weight off my shoulders I haven't felt in sometime!! So thank you to your wonderful staff!! I would highly recommend Braden counseling to anyone who is looking for a great counselor to talk with and help with your mental health!!
Deborah Mccoy
Deborah Mccoy
19:00 24 Mar 16
I was an emotional wreck when I first went. I was nervous and probably not making a lot of sense. The staff seemed to understand and immediately put me at ease. By the time I left, life just didn’t seem so bad. Thank you Braden Center for being there.
Pam Pascolini
Pam Pascolini
15:57 24 Mar 16
The staff is friendly and courteous. I was amazed at how helpful they were. These people are top notch and very professional. I would highly recommend this office.
Tricia Hernandez
Tricia Hernandez
15:45 24 Mar 16
Braden Counseling Center has always been wonderful. Their front staff is very kind and helpful and Dr. Braden is nothing but professional during all encounters I have had with her. Their facility and staff care about providing quality services to their clients. I highly recommend them.
Amanda Poturalski
Amanda Poturalski
13:56 24 Mar 16
Would give this place more then 5 stars if I could. I Highly recommend them. Staff is amazing there and so helpful .
Master Shake
Master Shake
21:57 23 Mar 16
I highly recommend Braden Counseling. All the staff there is amazing and very sweet 🙂
Melissa Stathis
Melissa Stathis
21:48 23 Mar 16
Highly recommend this place. Very helpful and always courteous. Ms. Rogers is the best and has excellent skills with people to help them through a multitude of problems.
Sarah Schuyler
Sarah Schuyler
20:37 23 Mar 16
Amazing place! The counselors have helped me through some of my lowest points & the girl at the front desk, Cindy, is always super helpful, kind & courteous. Highly recommend!!!
Jennifer Alexander
Jennifer Alexander
19:54 23 Mar 16