For those seeking relief from mental trauma, consider rapid eye movement therapy at Braden Counseling Center in Rochelle, IL. EMDR therapy, also known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy approach that has been highly researched and is proven effective for treating trauma.

One of the ways in which EMDR therapy is particularly effective is for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition to treating people using EMDR for PTSD, our Rochelle, IL clinicians have also reported success with EMDR therapy for anxiety.

Treatment is used for the following conditions:

  • Panic Attacks
  • Complicated Grief
  • Sexual and/or Physical Abuse
  • Phobias
  • Performance Anxiety
  • Personality Disorders
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorders
  • Addictions
  • Stress Reduction

How Does EMDR work?

There is no set rule for how any psychotherapy works in the brain. What is known is that when an individual is very upset over an event, the brain cannot always process that information correctly. That particular moment becomes “frozen,” so to speak. Recalling the event, again and again, can often be as painful as the event itself. All of the images, sounds, feelings, and smells feel like they are right in front of you again, only they are not. Memories like these have a lasting effect on you, and often cause problems regarding the way the afflicted person sees the world.

This is where EMDR therapy can help tremendously. The approach has a direct effect on how the brain processes information. Once a person has been through an EMDR therapy session, they will no longer recall these traumatic events in the ways they once were. The sights, sounds, smells, and feelings will become dull and start to fade away. You will still remember what happened, only the event will not be as upsetting to you. EMDR therapy has similarities to what happens during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle sleep or dreaming.

EMDR Therapy for PTSD in Rochelle, IL

EMDR Therapy is a multi-layered treatment plan that involves multiple stages in order to complete.

The first two are history and treatment planning. This phase takes 1 or 2 sessions in which a thorough history of the client is taken, and a treatment plan is developed. There will be target areas that the therapist will identify. These include what the stressful situations are, and the skills needed to bring the client into a future of well-being.

The next few sessions will deal with EMDR therapy for anxiety or PTSD. Here is where the client will learn specific techniques for those times when anxiety levels rise, so they can deal with them quickly. This phase is crucial to developing a trustful bond between the client and the therapist.

After that, the therapist will begin memory targeting. This goes beyond merely talking about the event. The client will be asked to recall a specific scene from their memory. Then, they choose a statement that expresses a negative self-belief that connects with the event. The client then picks a positive statement that they would prefer more. This phase looks at all of the negative emotions and positive re-affirmations that will replace the negative. During reprocessing, the groundwork will be laid for the rapid eye movement therapy that is about to commence.

The therapist will look at all of the client’s responses to the targeted events. This gives the client an opportunity to address similar events, and to resolve elements of each. The therapist will lead the client in sets of eye movements, with changes of focus, that gradually reduce the event in the mind of the client. The client rates the disturbance levels based on the SUD scale (Subjective Units of Disturbance), from 0 (no disturbance) to 10 (the worst feeling ever).

Once that phase has been completed, we will look at the positive beliefs that the client has identified to replace their negative feelings and emotions. The goal here is for the client to accept the full truth of their positive self-statement at the highest level. The client understands they must learn new ways of dealing with their anxieties for treatment to be successful. New skills have been introduced, and it is crucial the client learn them going forward. This is ongoing, so the eye movement therapy treatment can reach its goal.

The next step is known as body scan. Once recognition of positive skills has been reinforced, the client is asked to picture the traumatic event, in order to evaluate residual feelings and thoughts still lingering in their mind. When a person has been negatively affected by trauma, that information is stored in the motoric (or body systems) memory and not in narrative memory. Positive beliefs must be believed on more than just an intellectual level.

Finally comes closure and re-evaluation. Each session ends with closure. This is where the client leaves feeling better than when they came in. The client is always in control in every session, and it is ok for the participant to raise his or her hand and say “stop” at any time. Clients are encouraged to journal their experiences between sessions. When the client comes back for another session, the therapist checks that positive results are still in place and that EMDR therapy is still working. Often, clients feel relief from the early sessions, but it is important to continue through all the phases of treatment.

How to Get in Touch

Please get in touch with us today if you are looking to learn more about eye movement therapy at our Rochelle, IL location.

The friendly and knowledgeable counselors at Braden Counseling Center want nothing more than to help you achieve happiness. Let us assist you in learning how to cope with your trauma, so you can get back to the life that you want to live, stress-free.

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