EMDR Therapy in Milwaukee, WI
Process and Heal Trauma with EMDR — One of the Most Researched, Effective Therapies Available
In-person sessions in Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay & Glendale, or online therapy across Wisconsin.
Transform Trauma with EMDR Therapy in Milwaukee
At Shoreside Therapies, we provide expert EMDR therapy to help you process trauma, manage anxiety, and overcome past experiences. Our EMDR-trained therapists serve clients in Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay, and Glendale, offering both in-person and virtual sessions for your convenience.
If you’re struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or past trauma, we provide a compassionate, evidence-based approach to support your healing journey.
EMDR Therapy: What to Expect and How It Benefits You
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy offers a proven path to emotional healing for individuals affected by trauma. Using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, EMDR helps reprocess distressing memories and reduce associated symptoms. Recognized by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, research shows EMDR can significantly alleviate PTSD symptoms in just a few sessions. Studies even suggest its effectiveness can surpass some conventional treatments, making it a trusted approach for clinicians worldwide.
EMDR addresses a broad range of conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and addictions. By understanding its structured protocols, therapeutic outcomes, and ability to transform negative beliefs and stress responses, clients can see how EMDR creates healthier emotional processing and long-term resilience.
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help clients process distressing memories and reduce psychological distress. At Shoreside Therapies, we use EMDR to treat trauma, PTSD, anxiety, phobias, test-related stress, and even chronic pain, helping clients achieve greater emotional balance and well-being.
The therapy is built around an eight-phase treatment method grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that mental health challenges often result from unprocessed traumatic memories. By guiding the brain to reprocess these memories, EMDR helps alleviate distress and supports adaptive coping.
Critical Components of EMDR Therapy
Eight-Phase Treatment Method
Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model
Bilateral Stimulation
Proven Success of EMDR Therapy
EMDR for a Wide Range of Emotional Challenges
The Science Behind EMDR
At the core of EMDR therapy is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which explains how our brains store and process traumatic memories. According to AIP, many mental health challenges arise from unprocessed distressing experiences. EMDR helps reprocess these memories, moving them from implicit, emotionally charged storage to explicit, manageable forms, reducing negative beliefs, physical sensations, and emotional distress.
This process is supported by bilateral stimulation, most commonly guided eye movements, which accelerates the brain’s natural healing and significantly decreases the intensity of distressing images and emotions. EMDR has been endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the World Health Organization for PTSD treatment, reflecting its credibility and success.
Understanding the AIP model highlights how EMDR leverages the brain’s innate ability to heal, offering profound relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, and related psychological challenges.
EMDR Therapy Process
EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach, designed to guide clients safely through trauma reprocessing and emotional healing. This comprehensive, step-by-step method helps clients to process trauma safely, improve emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and build resilience for life’s challenges.
Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning
Phase 2: Preparation
Phase 3: Assessment
Phase 4: Desensitization
Phase 5: Installation
Phase 6: Body Scan
Phase 7: Closure
Phase 8: Reevaluation
Conditions Treated with EMDR
EMDR therapy is a versatile, evidence-based treatment that helps clients process traumatic memories and reduce distress across a wide range of mental health concerns. At Shoreside Therapies, EMDR is used to address both acute and complex conditions, providing a pathway to healing and emotional resilience.
Trauma and Mood Disorders
EMDR is a powerful treatment for PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression, helping clients reduce the emotional impact of traumatic or distressing events.
Behavioral and Cognitive Challenges
Clients with OCD, eating disorders, or personality-related challenges benefit from EMDR’s ability to reprocess experiences contributing to unhelpful patterns.
Complex Trauma and Dissociation
For individuals experiencing layered trauma or dissociative symptoms, EMDR provides structured support to integrate memories and promote emotional regulation.
Addiction and Substance Use
EMDR addresses underlying trauma that often fuels addictive behaviors, supporting recovery and healthier coping strategies.
Somatic and Psychosomatic Conditions
Chronic pain, psychosomatic disorders, and other physical symptoms linked to trauma can improve through EMDR’s processing techniques.
Childhood and Neurodevelopmental Conditions
EMDR is adaptable for adolescents and young adults, including those with ADHD or autism spectrum disorders, helping improve focus, emotional regulation, and coping skills.
Performance Anxiety and Phobias
Clients can reduce anxiety and fear responses related to specific triggers, improving confidence and functioning in daily life.
Complex Psychiatric Conditions
As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, EMDR supports management of bipolar disorder, severe stress reactions, and other complex mental health conditions, improving overall quality of life.
EMDR for Lasting Relief and Personal Growth
EMDR’s adaptability makes it a powerful tool for clients across ages and experiences. By targeting the root of emotional distress and reprocessing traumatic memories, EMDR therapy at Shoreside Therapies offers meaningful relief, improved coping, and lasting personal growth.
Why Choose Shoreside Therapies for EMDR
At Shoreside Therapies, our EMDR services are designed to provide safe and personalized care for clients in Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay, and Glendale. Our approach combines evidence-based techniques with a trauma-informed perspective, making sure each session meets your unique needs.
EMDRIA-Certified Therapists
Our EMDR therapy is delivered by Kristen Holmes, MS, LPC, and Garrett Wilk, LPC, SAC, both trained and certified through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Their expertise ensures you receive high-quality, professional care according to your experiences.
Evidence-Based, Trauma-Informed Approach
We integrate EMDR with proven, trauma-focused interventions to address PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Our goal is to help you process distressing memories, reduce symptoms, and regain a sense of balance in your life.
Flexible Scheduling & Teletherapy Options
Understanding the demands of modern life, we offer both in-person and virtual EMDR sessions. Our flexible scheduling accommodates your work, school, or family commitments, so you can receive therapy when it’s most convenient.
Accessible Milwaukee Locations
With offices in Whitefish Bay and Glendale, Shoreside Therapies provides easy access for clients across the North Shore communities. Comfortable, welcoming therapy spaces and private treatment rooms offer a safe environment for your EMDR sessions.
Free 15-Minute Consultation
Not sure if EMDR is right for you? We offer a no-cost 15-minute consultation to answer questions, discuss your concerns, and determine if EMDR therapy at Shoreside Therapies aligns with your goals.
EMDR Support for PTSD, Trauma, and Anxiety
With extensive experience treating PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and depression using EMDR, Shoreside Therapies offers compassionate, professional support to help you process difficult experiences and move forward in life.
EMDR or Brainspotting?
EMDR is not the only brain-body approach we offer. Brainspotting works on the same principle but is quieter and less scripted, following where your eyes settle rather than an eight-phase protocol. Sam Coulson, LCSW is trained in both and will talk through which is the better starting point for you. For concentrated work over one to three days instead of weekly sessions, see our EMDR intensives.
Our EMDR Therapists
Kristen Holmes, MS, LPC
EMDR-trained therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, mood regulation, trauma, grief, identity, and racial identity. Skilled in foster care, adoption-competent therapy, and family systems trauma. Offers both in-person and virtual EMDR sessions.
Garrett Wilk, LPC, SAC
EMDR-trained therapist specializing in OCD, anxiety, depression, social anxiety, and couples therapy. Uses evidence-based techniques to support emotional healing and relationship growth. Teletherapy available.
Sam Coulson, LCSW
EMDR- and Brainspotting-trained therapist working with adults on trauma and PTSD, anxiety, and men’s mental health. Sam sees clients in person at the Milwaukee office on Prospect Avenue and online across Wisconsin. Read Sam’s full bio.
Choosing an EMDR Therapist
Finding the right EMDR therapist is an important step in your healing journey. At Shoreside Therapies, our experienced EMDR clinicians, Kristen Holmes and Garrett Wilk, provide evidence-based, trauma-informed care for PTSD, anxiety, trauma, and depression.
Guidelines for Selecting an EMDR Therapist:
Use Professional Directories
- EMDRIA Directory: Search for therapists by location, name, or specialty. Look for therapists who are Full Members of EMDRIA to ensure quality and proper training.
- EMDR Institute: Find clinicians by city, state, zip code, or specialty. Many listed therapists offer teletherapy, providing flexibility for clients.
Initial Contact and Consultation
- Look for Trauma-Informed Care: Review the therapist’s materials to make sure they prioritize trauma-sensitive approaches.
- Schedule a Consultation: A brief 15-minute phone or virtual consultation helps you determine if the therapist is a good fit. Ask about their training, experience with dissociation, and ongoing supervision.
What to Expect at Shoreside Therapies
- Free 15-Minute Consultation: Discuss your concerns and see if EMDR is right for you.
- First Session: Orientation to EMDR, safety planning, and identifying target memories.
- Session Length & Frequency: Typically 50–90 minutes, weekly or bi-weekly, customized to your needs.
- Insurance & Payment Options: We provide clear guidance on out-of-network benefits, so you always know what to expect before your first session.
- Location & Teletherapy Setup: In-person sessions at Whitefish Bay or Glendale, or virtual sessions for clients in Wisconsin, Colorado, and Illinois.
FAQs About EMDR Therapy
During an EMDR therapy session, you will be guided to focus on a distressing memory, including any negative images, beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations associated with it. Subsequently, you'll shift your focus to an optimistic belief that signifies the resolution of the issue. While concentrating on these memories, the therapist will initiate a series of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps to facilitate the therapeutic process.
Following an EMDR therapy session, you may experience a variety of feelings. It's common to feel a significant sense of relief, a newfound openness, or a serene contentment with life. These sensations can be particularly profound for individuals with PTSD, who may have been missing such feelings of peace. It's important to remember that individual experiences vary, and it's crucial to consult with a professional to determine the most suitable approach for your needs.
EMDR therapy involves accessing and reprocessing memories of traumatic events in a specific manner. You'll work to reprocess your recollection of the traumatic event using directed eye movements and guided instructions. This process aims to "heal" the psychological impact of the memory, helping you move past the trauma.
EMDR therapy is known for its potential to provide quick and lasting relief from the symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. It is considered a relatively short-term treatment option, with many individuals observing significant improvements within just a few sessions. The speed and effectiveness of the therapy can vary from person to person, depending on their specific circumstances and the nature of their emotional difficulties.