Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, research-backed approach designed to help you process and heal from distressing experiences that may still be affecting your life today. Based on the understanding that our brains have a natural capacity to heal, EMDR helps “unstick” memories and emotions that have been stored in a way that continues to trigger anxiety, shame, or self-doubt. Through guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR activates your brain’s innate ability to reprocess and integrate these memories in a calmer, more adaptive way.

Rather than asking you to relive every detail of the past, EMDR creates a safe, structured process for accessing difficult memories just enough to transform how they are stored in your nervous system. You’ll stay grounded in the present while your brain works to release the emotional intensity that has been holding you back. Over time, the painful charge around these memories fades, and you can recall them without being overwhelmed by the same fear, sadness, or guilt.

At its core, EMDR is about freedom—freedom from the old patterns, reactions, and beliefs that were shaped by past experiences but no longer serve you. As you move through the process, you may notice shifts not just in your emotions, but also in your self-image, your relationships, and your ability to respond to life’s challenges with more ease and self-assurance. EMDR can help address a wide range of concerns, from trauma and PTSD to anxiety, perfectionism, and persistent self-criticism.

For many women, EMDR can be especially supportive when life feels overshadowed by past hurts—whether from a single distressing event or the cumulative impact of subtle, repeated stressors. If you’ve ever felt stuck in an emotional loop you can’t quite think your way out of, EMDR offers a path to lasting relief that goes beyond willpower or positive thinking.

If you’re ready to release the weight of the past and step more fully into the present, EMDR can help you reclaim your sense of calm, confidence, and possibility. I offer a warm, attuned presence to guide you through the process at a pace that feels safe, ensuring you have the support you need as your mind and body do the work of healing.

You don’t have to keep carrying the echoes of old pain. Together, we can create the space for your mind to do what it’s meant to do: heal, adapt, and open the door to a more grounded and empowered future. Reach out to get started.
Tanya Schoettler, LPCC sitting in a chair ready for a session.

About

My name is Tanya Schoettler and I have been working as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor for the past 10+ years. I have a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and have training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I occasionally contribute to helpful resources like the Mind & Body section of the Today Show's website Today.com.

I enjoy working with adults struggling with stage-of-life issues, depression, and generalized anxiety, with a  particular interest in perfectionism and social anxiety. I love helping people overcome their fears and find the courage to seek out the meaningful relationships they desire. My goal is to help you realize the value you hold and that you deserve to have a life full of meaning and connection. You belong.

I am licensed to practice in Illinois and Minnesota.

Contact or Book Appointment

Let me know what brings you here and what you hope to achieve through counseling. I'm here to support you in finding your sense of belonging, healing from trauma, and living your life authentically.

I can be reached at contact@belongingpsychotherapy.com