Unlock Lasting Relief with Certified EMDR Experts
At Integrated Family Therapies of Illinois, we are committed to providing therapies that address the underlying causes of emotional distress. For many people, traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully resolved the effects of trauma. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy offers a different approach, helping the brain process traumatic memories so they no longer feel overwhelming. Research shows EMDR can significantly shorten recovery time, with many individuals experiencing meaningful relief in as few as 6–12 sessions. In a compassionate and confidential setting, EMDR therapy can help you process trauma, reduce anxiety, and move toward lasting healing.
Experience Profound Emotional Healing
At Integrated Family Therapies of Illinois, we are committed to providing therapies that address the underlying causes of emotional distress. For many people, traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully resolved the effects of trauma. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy offers a different approach, helping the brain process traumatic memories so they no longer feel overwhelming. Research shows EMDR can significantly shorten recovery time, with many individuals experiencing meaningful relief in as few as 6–12 sessions. In a compassionate and confidential setting, EMDR therapy can help you process trauma, reduce anxiety, and move toward lasting healing.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR?
EMDR can be helpful for children, teens, and adults navigating a wide range of experiences, including:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety, panic, and chronic stress
- Depression and mood concerns
- Addiction and compulsive behaviors
- Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and attachment wounds
- Children and teens struggling with big emotions, behavioral challenges, or difficult experiences
Through EMDR therapy, individuals often experience:
- Trauma resolution and healing from experiences that continue to affect daily life
- Relief from PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts
- Anxiety reduction by addressing the core issues behind symptoms
- Improved emotional regulation and the ability to manage emotional responses
- Increased self-awareness and insight into how past events shape thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- Relief from symptoms of chronic pain by addressing emotional and psychological stress that may contribute to physical discomfort
You do not need a single “big trauma” to benefit from EMDR. If you notice intense reactions, emotional patterns that feel hard to change, or a sense that your body is still holding onto something, EMDR may be a supportive next step.
Situations Where EMDR Therapy Can Help
- Unresolved Trauma: Healing from past events that continue to impact your mental and emotional well-being.
- Anxiety and Depression: Finding relief from persistent feelings of anxiety or depression by addressing the root causes.
- PTSD: Processing and reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
- Phobias: Overcoming irrational fears and phobias that interfere with your daily life.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Developing healthier ways to manage overwhelming emotions and reactions.
- Grief and Loss: Healing from the emotional pain of loss and finding peace after bereavement.
Our Expertise
Our practice is recognized for advanced EMDR certification and specialized trauma expertise across Central Illinois.
Why EMDR Certification Matters
Not all EMDR therapy is the same. While many clinicians complete basic EMDR training, full certification requires years of advanced education, supervision, and consultation beyond initial coursework. At our practice, EMDR is not an add-on service. It is an area of deep clinical focus.
Becoming certified in EMDR requires:
- 40+ hours of specialized classroom training
- 10 hours of supervised clinical experience
- 20 hours of consultation with approved EMDR consultants
- 30 additional hours of advanced training
- A minimum of two years of clinical practice before certification eligibility
- Approval through EMDRIA (EMDR International Association)
This process typically spans three or more years and reflects a significant commitment to clinical excellence.
Trained vs. Certified in EMDR
Many therapists list themselves as “trained in EMDR.” Certification through EMDRIA demonstrates advanced competency, ongoing consultation, and adherence to the highest standards in trauma treatment. Our practice maintains these standards because trauma work requires precision, experience, and clinical depth.
Specialized EMDR for Children and Adolescents
EMDR with children requires additional skill, adaptation, and developmental understanding. Our practice is one of the few in Central Illinois offering EMDR therapy tailored specifically for children and teens.
We are committed to providing developmentally appropriate, evidence-based trauma treatment for individuals and families across all stages of life.
Begin Your Journey to Transformation
We understand the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for clients to embark on their healing journey. With EMDR, clients can experience transformative change in a relatively short time, empowering them to move forward with renewed strength and clarity.
I’ve worked with four different therapists throughout my life for various reasons, but Kris at IFTIL has had the most profound impact by far. Her unique blend of talk therapy and EMDR helped me work through deep, long-standing issues that I had struggled with for years. I can’t recommend her enough!
–Andrea, IFTIL client
As a man, accepting the idea that I could benefit from therapy was hard. But just like a weary dog can be coaxed into the vet’s office with treats, my wife cleverly lured me into visiting IFTIL. And like that anxious pup, I left the office feeling renewed in ways that made my head spin, thanks to Kris’s skill and expertise. Tools like EMDR and brainspotting made a significant difference in my healing journey.
–Jonathan, IFTIL client
Once I started going to IFTIL and practicing EMDR, I have a happier and more confident outlook on things and I am able to control my anxiety more than I ever have. Starting therapy with them was the best decision I have made for myself!
–Brenna, IFTIL client
I've had an incredibly positive experience at IFTIL. IFTIL has provided me with invaluable support and guidance. Their ability to help me step out of my own mind and see triggers and be able to help me reset those bad experiences and “tapes” through EMDR has created a safe and comfortable space for me to work through my challenges. I highly recommend this practice to anyone seeking a caring and effective therapist.
-IFTIL client