Navigating the complexities of trauma can be challenging, even for skilled therapists who excel in other areas. It’s important to recognize when something may be outside our expertise, and there’s no shame in acknowledging that. For instance, if a client had a severe substance use or eating disorder, I’d likely refer them to a specialist who could better support their needs.

But what if you’ve been working with a client for some time, built a solid relationship, and made meaningful progress together, only to discover that trauma is playing a significant role in their current struggles? It’s a tough spot—you’re dedicated to their journey, but you also want to stay within your professional scope.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to make that decision alone.

How Does Adjunct Brainspotting & EMDR Therapy Work?

You or your client can reach out to me to inquire about starting Adjunct Brainspotting and/or EMDR Therapy. Your client would see me for brief periods of time for Brainspotting or EMDR sessions in order to overcome blocks coming up in the therapy work you are doing with them.

The three of us can decide together if it makes the most sense for your client to work with both of us concurrently or if they would take a break from working with you, do adjunct therapy with me, and then return back to you.

How is Adjunct Brainspotting & EMDR Therapy Beneficial?

Adjunct Brainspotting & EMDR Therapy is beneficial for both the client and clinician when you are both feeling stuck.

Think about other times you may choose to refer or collaborate with another provider. Maybe you collaborate with a primary care provider or psychiatrist to help make sure your client gets appropriate medication to help them feel better. Or maybe you refer a client to get family therapy while you do individual therapy with them. Adjunct specialized trauma therapy is another way to add a treatment to help your client get high quality, comprehensive care.


FAQ’s About Adjunct Specialty Therapy

Can I do EMDR and Brainspotting virtually?

Yes, I can do Brainspotting and EMDR intensives virtually to anyone located in Illinois. I use a HIPAA compliant platform to conduct video therapy sessions.

You should make sure to be in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted for sessions and that you are connected to high speed internet.

For a premium experience, some clients may choose to travel to do these services in person

How many sessions will my client need?

This varies for everyone. Some people may find the relief they need after just a few sessions . Others prefer to do many sessions on the same issue or on multiple issues. EMDR is more structured than brainspotting and therefore may take more sessions. You can read more about each here : brainspotting & EMDR

How will you determine if Brainspotting or EMDR is a better fit?

Both modalities engage the same brain functions, so they can be used interchangeably. However, I’ve noticed that some clients have a preference for one over the other, or that one modality may be a better fit depending on the circumstances and the nature of the issue at hand. I take the time to educate my clients on both approaches and listen to their experiences so that we can collaboratively create a treatment plan that works best for them.

How can my client learn more about these modalities?

You can read more about each on my website or you can check out the following resources :

How can my client start these services?

You or your client may reach out to me here .

How involved will the primary therapist be in this process?

That is completely up to you and your client. I am happy to have the client sign a release of information in order for us to collaborate, or this can be done completely separate.

What is the cost for these services?

Because Brainspotting and EMDR are specialty services, many insurance companies will honor reimbursement for out of network pay. If you would like to use your health insurance for sessions, your therapist may be able to provide you with a Superbill (basically, a detailed receipt) as an out of network (OON) provider. If you have OON benefits, you may be able to submit the Superbill for partial reimbursement. You will need to call the phone number on the back of your insurance card and ask if you have out of network (OON) benefits and, if so, what the benefits cover (be sure to ask about deductibles etc.).

As required by the No Surprises Act, a Good Faith Estimate is provided at the start of treatment and any time the fee changes.