EMDR vs. Hypnosis In Chicago
EMDR vs. hypnosis – which is best when looking for a Trauma Informed Therapist in Chicago? Are there differences between the two? Which modality should you pick?
As therapists in Lakeview, we get this question a lot from our North Side clients. If you live in the Gold Coast, Edgewater, Uptown or Wicker Park, you already know there are many mental health professionals who offer EMDR and Hypnosis as part of their counseling services.
In fact, there are so many people offering services that it can be hard to know who to pick, let alone which modality is best for your counseling needs.
EMDR and Hypnosis Chicago Guide
This brief guide has been created to help shed light on a topic is not often discussed and widely misunderstood. Specifically, we’re talking about EMDR vs. Hypnosis in Chicago.
On this page, you will learn:
- What Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is.
- A definition of hypnosis and hypnotherapy
- How EMDR and hypnosis are used to treat trauma and anxiety
- A comparison between EMDR and hypnosis, including similarities and differences.
- Suggestions for making the best choice for your needs.
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What Is An EMDR Therapist?
An EMDR therapist is a mental health professional who has been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. In the field of psychotherapy, EMDR uses an evidence-based protocol for the treatment of traumas, including PTSD.
The simplified explanation of EMDR is based on the principle called bilateral stimulation. It is thought that by stimulating the right and left hemispheres of the brain, such as moving fingers back and forth or listening to alternating sounds in the left ear and then the right ear, past traumas can be revisited for desensitization.
At one time, it was believed that bilateral stimulation as part of EMDR needed to occur visually (meaning moving two fingers back and forth like a pendulum).
We now know, based on clinical research, that bilateral stimulation can occur in different ways, including alternating taps on the hands or through audio – such as having a set of headphones on and hearing alternating “beeps” in the right ear and then the left.
In fact, many therapists in Chicago and elsewhere use electronic devices to generate bilateral stimulation. An example of this can be found in “The TheraTapper”; a device that delivers alternating vibrations to your hands as the therapist helps you work through a trauma.
Depending on the model, “The TheraTapper” can also deliver audio bilateral stimulation (BLS).
Using imaginal states, the EMDR therapist helps the client to create a sense of safety. Once accomplished, the helping professional moves through other protocols to lessen the intensity of the traumatic memory.
What Is Clinical Hypnotherapist?
Clinical hypnotherapy is offered by a trained mental health therapist who has been trained in the art of hypnosis. In the field of psychotherapy, clinical hypnosis is an evidence-based approach to counseling that is used as an adjunct to therapy.
Similar to EMDR, clinical hypnosis calls on imaginal processing and – if appropriate – bilateral stimulation, to work through previous traumas.
In clinical hypnotherapy, the therapist also creates a safe environment work through the trauma, phobia or fear and then helps you to become desensitized to the memory.
To achieve this result, the clinician will help you to create a more focused state of awareness, both consciously and subconsciously.
In this way, past psychological harm is reprocessed through imaginal processing and suggestions to the subconscious. Almost always, clinical hypnotherapy is accompanied by some other form of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Clinical hypnosis helps you to reprocess negative beliefs about yourself and change these thoughts with healthier, more productive ones.
The end result can be increased self-worth and a better mood.
EMDR vs. Hypnosis in Chicago
Given the number of therapists in Chicago using hypnosis and EMDR, you may be wondering which is better for your trauma and anxiety needs?
Here’s a simple answer. Each person’s situation is different, making it impossible to state which is “better” as a treatment modality.
While EMDR and Hypnosis aren’t exactly the same, both call on similar approaches. See chart above to compare.
Is EMDR the same Hypnosis?
The answer to that question depends on who you ask. Many therapists who offer EMDR say they are not the same. Others will tell you they are.
What we do know is that EMDR has not been found to be a superior form of psychotherapy in the treatment of trauma or anxiety, per the clinical literature.
EMDR and Hypnosis Chicago – Practical uses
Both EMDR and Clinical Hypnosis have been used to successfully treat a number of different issues. These include:
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Chronic pain
- Performance anxiety
- Stress issues
- PTSD and other traumas
- Physical and emotional abuse
- Alcohol and substance abuse
Choosing a Therapist In Chicago
If you are considering EMDR or Clinical Hypnotherapy in Chicago to address a past trauma, PTSD, anxiety, phobias or fears, it is important to find the right professional for your needs.
First, make sure the person you are seeking services from is a licensed mental health provider. Examples included:
- Licensed Psychologist
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Second, ask if the person has been trained and/or certified in EMDR or Clinical Hypnotherapy. While certification is a voluntary process, it usually requires a specific number of training hours and an exam to meet stringent criteria.
One of the nice things about clinical hypnosis is that the therapist helps you to learn new coping strategies for working through anxiety. It is for this reason many consider hypnosis to be a mindful approach to wellness.
If you are looking for a therapist who practices clinical hypnosis, see this page on the five best hypnotherapists in Chicago.
If you wish to work with someone who uses EMDR, visit the EMDRIA website to conduct a search.
EMDR Chicago or Hypnosis Wrap Up
The essential features of EMDR and Hypnosis are similar. Both are considered to be holistic in nature and both encourage the mind body connection.
In the treatment of anxieties, traumas or other life challenges, your best bet is to pick a helping professional that uses an approach to therapy that fits your unique needs.
Where Are Your Chicago Therapy Offices?
Our main office is located on the north side of Chicago in the Lakeview area. Many of our clients visit us from surrounding neighborhoods, including The Loop, The Gold Coast, Rogers Park, Edgewater, Downtown and the Near North Side.
To learn more about our trauma-based and anxiety counseling services, complete our confidential contact form. You can also call us at 773.528.1777