EMDR Therapy in Illinois
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a structured therapy that helps the brain finish processing traumatic memories so they stop intruding on the present. It is one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, and it does not require you to describe the trauma in detail.
Forrest Behavioral Health offers EMDR in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, as part of our trauma-informed day treatment, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs, for survivors of abuse, assault, accidents, combat, loss, and childhood trauma.
Medically reviewed by Annmarie Gacek, LCSW, CADC, C-DBT, Clinical Director · Last reviewed October 21, 2026
What Is EMDR?
When something overwhelming happens, the brain sometimes stores the memory in a raw, unprocessed form, with the original images, emotions, and body sensations intact. Reminders can then trigger the memory as if the event were happening again. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements, taps, or tones, while you briefly hold the memory in mind, which appears to help the brain reprocess it and file it as something that happened in the past.
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol that begins with history-taking and building coping resources before any memory work starts. Processing sessions target specific memories, and most people find that distress around a memory drops substantially within a few sessions. EMDR is recognized by the American Psychological Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for PTSD.
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What EMDR Helps With
EMDR was developed for trauma and is now used for a range of conditions where past experiences drive present symptoms:
- PTSD and complex PTSD
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Sexual assault and domestic violence
- Combat and first-responder trauma
- Car accidents and medical trauma
- Grief and traumatic loss
- Panic attacks and phobias
- Anxiety with a clear origin
- Depression rooted in past experiences
- Trauma that fuels substance use
Forrest Behavioral Health
Want to find out if EMDR is right for you? Call our Hoffman Estates team to speak with a recovery specialist today.
How We Use EMDR at Forrest Behavioral Health
EMDR at Forrest Behavioral Health is delivered by trained clinicians within a broader treatment plan, so you have support between sessions and treatment for any co-occurring depression, anxiety, or substance use.
Preparation and Stabilization
Before processing any trauma, your therapist helps you build grounding and coping skills so that the work stays manageable. For clients in our day treatment or IOP programs, this phase is reinforced by daily skills groups.
Reprocessing Sessions
Individual EMDR sessions target specific memories, usually starting with the earliest or most disturbing. Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes, and you remain in control throughout.
Day Treatment Program (PHP)
Our day treatment program offers the most intensive version of this therapy, with daily individual and group sessions five days a week while you continue to live at home.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our intensive outpatient program and evening IOP deliver this therapy several times a week around work or school.
Outpatient Therapy
Weekly sessions through our outpatient program continue the work after a higher level of care or address milder symptoms, in person in Hoffman Estates or by telehealth anywhere in Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. EMDR requires far less verbal description than traditional talk therapy. You hold the memory in mind privately while your therapist guides the process.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
A single-event trauma may resolve in three to six sessions. Complex or repeated trauma takes longer, and we pace the work to what you can tolerate.
Does insurance cover this therapy?
Most commercial insurance plans cover evidence-based therapy delivered through outpatient, IOP, and PHP programs. We will verify your benefits for free before you begin.
Is it available by telehealth?
Yes. We offer in-person sessions at our Hoffman Estates clinic and secure video sessions for clients anywhere in Illinois.
What if I am in crisis right now?
If you are in danger or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Forrest Behavioral Health
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Treatment Programs
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Other Programs
Outpatient Program (OP)
The outpatient program at our rehab is tailored to those who have completed higher levels of care or require a less intensive treatment approach due to their stage in recovery. During standard outpatient treatment, clients engage in therapy sessions once or twice a week, focusing on maintaining sobriety, strengthening coping mechanisms, and continuing personal growth in recovery. This flexible program is designed to support clients as they navigate the challenges of everyday life, providing ongoing support and resources while allowing them to fulfill their personal, professional, and family commitments. It’s an ideal solution for long-term recovery management, offering a supportive network and professional guidance as clients build a fulfilling, sober life.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our intensive outpatient program is designed for individuals who need more support than standard outpatient treatment but have a stable living situation that supports their recovery journey. An intensive outpatient program involves attending therapy sessions and group meetings several times a week, often during evenings or weekends, to accommodate work or school schedules. This level of care allows clients to integrate real-world experiences into their treatment, applying learned skills in daily life while maintaining a strong connection to support and guidance. The focus is on developing personal accountability, understanding the root causes of addiction, and building a sustainable recovery plan.