EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy approach that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they carry less emotional charge. At Shift Counseling, PC, Rebecca offers short-term, adjunct EMDR therapy and has used this approach since 2009, becoming fully certified in 2015.

Flash Technique works well with any kind of specific target that feels overwhelming and where there is a strong desire to avoid it. In addition to traumatic targets, Flash Technique can sometimes be helpful for desensitizing phobias or OCD triggers. Results with phobias and OCD triggers are variable. Luckily, with Flash Technique, we will usually know if it is going to work for you or not within 1-2 sessions.

Rebecca's current caseload is limited to short-term, adjunct EMDR therapy and Flash Technique work, usually completed in five to ten sessions, rather than open ended weekly therapy.

This work tends to fit best for people who are already resourced through prior or current therapy and have one specific memory, issue, or block they want to target, rather than someone looking for their first or only therapist.

Rebecca Malley Fitzgerald is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 20 years of counseling experience and full EMDR certification. She has also received Advanced training and consultation in using the Flash Technique.

Because every new client completes a screening first, Rebecca's availability is not listed in the general online scheduler. Reach out by completing this contact form to start the conversation.

Yes. Adjunct EMDR therapy is available virtually throughout Illinois, including Broadview, Westchester, Brookfield, La Grange Park, Berwyn, Forest Park, and Chicago.

The Flash Technique is still in early testing to determine if it can be considered Evidence Based, but so far the results are promising. So far, clinical studies are mirroring what we are seeing in practice: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10801180/

The Flash Technique is well tolerated and often provides rapid desensitization for high disturbance targets. When it does work, it tends works quickly (especially with specific targets.) When it doesn’t work, risk to the client is minimal.

While every case is different, I would say two main factors influence the length of time that Adjunct EMDR therapy might take. The first is the specificity of the target. If you know pretty clearly what you want to work on, that can make targeting simple.

The second factor is the level of resourcing you have already done. Sometimes that resourcing comes from previous experiences in counseling, and sometimes that resourcing comes from relationships or personal growth that has helped you feel safe and improved your ability to tolerate distress.

To put it plainly, a target is a memory or negative belief about one’s self that is the focus of EMDR therapy.

Simple targets are usually pretty obvious- like car accidents, single episodes of random violence, natural disasters, etc., In these cases you may come to therapy knowing exactly what you want to work on.

Other targets can be more complex, like negative beliefs you hold about yourself due to negative events with similar themes that have occurred in different settings. We often call these “schemas.”

It is possible to address both types of target in EMDR therapy with an experienced EMDR therapist.

Rebecca is only licensed to practice in the state of Illinois. However, you do not have to LIVE in the state of Illinois to receive short-term therapy with Rebecca. If you are going to be in Illinois for a brief period of time, we can discuss scheduling multiple sessions during this time frame, either online (you can be anywhere in the state of Illinois) or in person.

Yes! The combination of EMDR, Flash Technique, and Polyvagal therapy is a great fit for artists, musicians, actors, athletes, and other people looking to overcome performance anxiety.