2 Chicago EMDR Therapists [Available Now]
Past experiences live in more than just painful memories in your mind. The impacts of trauma can show up in your body, relationships, and sense of self. If you've tried to heal but still feel stuck, dysregulated, or haunted by the past, EMDR therapy may be the missing piece.
At Watch Hill Therapy in downtown Chicago, our trauma-specialized team includes an EMDR-trained therapist who’s ready to help you find the relief you’ve been seeking. Meet her here, along with another trusted local EMDR therapist, so you can find the right match for your healing journey.
Meet our EMDR trauma therapist
Caitlin Lawler, LPC
I work with adults who can feel the lingering effects of their past, even if they can’t fully pinpoint what happened or explain how they’re feeling now—they just know that something is off.
My practice centers on the aftermath of childhood abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, and relational trauma, painful experiences that can show up as chronic anxiety, a body that won't settle, and difficulty trusting yourself or others.
EMDR is my primary treatment approach because it works at the level of the nervous system. This allows you to find deep, felt relief instead of just surface-level solutions. I also draw on attachment-based work, IFS-informed approaches, DBT skills, somatic practices, and grounding techniques to ensure that therapy is customized to your unique needs and goals.
I know that revisiting old wounds can feel daunting, and I don’t take this work lightly. I’m here to be your supportive, encouraging partner in your healing process.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor #180018041, EMDR trained
Specialty Areas: Childhood abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, complex trauma
Other trusted EMDR therapy resources in Chicago
Jonna Mogab, LCSW
If you’re seeking an EMDR therapist who also works with couples and families, we highly recommend Jonna. She has been in practice for over three decades, and we’ve personally referred clients to her practice before. She is certified in EMDR therapy through the EMDR International Association, and she also has training in psychodynamic therapy as well as IFS. Jonna also specializes in addiction, so if you or your loved one is struggling with the impacts of both substance abuse and addiction, she could be a good fit.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker #149006282
Specialty Areas: Addiction, trauma, emotional dysregulation or constriction, relationship problems, parenting, dissatisfaction with one’s life or career path
What sets our practice apart from other Chicago EMDR therapy providers
Trauma is our core focus. Unlike generalist practices, Watch Hill Therapy is a trauma-specialty group practice. Every clinician on our team is trained specifically to work with the complexities of trauma.
A recognized community partner. Our founder, Tovah Means, actively teaches and consults with other therapists across Chicagoland on how to treat complex trauma. Plus, we’ve been a community leader in treating trauma for over 13 years.
Whole-system care. We treat individuals, couples, children, and families. Trauma rarely impacts just one person, and we're equipped to support the entire system.
Body-based and relational approaches. We integrate somatic methods like TRE alongside EMDR and relational frameworks, because healing happens at the intersection of mind, body, and relationship.
Hybrid availability. We offer both in-person sessions at our convenient downtown Chicago location and telehealth, with evening and weekend hours available.
A diverse, values-driven team. Our clinicians represent a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and specialties, united by a shared commitment to culturally sensitive, compassionate care.
FAQs about EMDR therapy
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories that have become "stuck." Using bilateral stimulation (often side-to-side eye movements or tapping), EMDR helps people change how their brain reacts to painful stimuli, reducing their emotional charge.
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We often use EMDR in conjunction with evidence-based methods, including somatic modalities and talk therapy approaches. Everyone’s needs, goals, and experiences are unique, and we’ve found that therapy tends to be most effective when it’s tailored to each person.
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EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, but it can also be used for other challenges. EMDR may help with:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD
Childhood abuse l
Sexual violence and assault
Domestic violence and intimate partner trauma
Attachment wounds and relational trauma
Grief and loss
Anxiety, panic, and phobias
Low self-worth and chronic shame
Dissociation and emotional dysregulation
Sleep disturbances and somatic symptoms rooted in trauma
If you’re not sure whether EMDR is a good fit for you, please contact us for a free consultation.
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EMDR is not recommended for everyone. It may not be the right fit if you are currently in crisis, actively experiencing psychosis, or have significant dissociative disorders that haven't been stabilized first. It also requires a degree of emotional readiness, so it depends on where you’re at in your healing journey. We will always assess your readiness and help you stabilize your nervous system before beginning trauma processing. Your safety comes first.
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Yes, EMDR therapy is often covered by insurance. Watch Hill Therapy accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO plans, and we can help with out-of-network billing for other plans. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider directly to confirm your benefits before scheduling.