Utilizing EMDR in the Treatment of Chronic Illness

Chronic illness often involves ongoing medical stress, trauma exposure, identity disruption, and loss that can significantly impact emotional well-being and nervous system functioning. This training provides an overview of utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to address medical trauma, illness-related anxiety, grief, and adjustment challenges. Grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model and current research, the presentation integrates practical clinical guidance with case examples. 

Participants will explore key considerations for working with chronic illness populations, including uncertainty, fluctuating symptoms, and the need for trauma-informed, flexible treatment approaches. Interactive discussion and applied examples will support the translation of research into practice for clinicians working with medically complex clients. 

• If you register for the Virtual Classroom training, make sure you have a good WIFI connection.
• Your computer will need a camera for you to be visible throughout the entire training to receive the certificate.
• We will be using Zoom for the training; therefore, you will need to download the Zoom program to be able to use the link.
• You will receive three emails from us before the training. The first email will be sent out the week before the training and will include the zoom link, time of the training, and our address. The second email will be sent the beginning of the week in which the training is being held and will include all the information included in the first email plus the materials for the course. The third email will be sent the morning of the training and will include the Zoom link, the posttest (if needed) and the evaluation for the course.
• Your certificate will be emailed after the training, within 5-7 business days upon receiving your evaluation and posttest (if needed).
• While it is rare, there are occasions when we must cancel a training due to low registration. If this occurs, we will notify registered participants by Tuesday evening of the week of the scheduled training. We appreciate your understanding and will provide alternative options at that time.
• Our Live/Virtual trainings are offered in a hybrid format—held live at a physical location and streamed via Zoom at the same time. In-person attendees join the presenter on-site, while virtual participants watch the live training in real time and can fully participate through Zoom.

• Receive in-person contact CE hours
• Enjoy staying in Fort Worth, Texas with hotels within walking distance
• Tour our 7500 square foot counseling practice and continuing education facility
• Build relationships with other participants
• Informal conversations during breaks and lunch with our trainer

Nationally Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist  

EMDR Approved Consultant 

Dr. Rachel Grimes, DBH, LCSW-S is a clinician, professor, and clinical leader with more than two decades of experience spanning trauma therapy, child and family mental health, medical social work, and military community support. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to healing, empowerment, and high-quality, trauma-responsive care across diverse populations. 

Dr. Grimes is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of behavioral health professionals and trauma informed clinicians. She brings extensive clinical expertise into her trainings, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and whole-person wellness. This expertise includes EMDR certification and approved consultant status, national Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) certification, and specialized integrated care training. Her leadership, scholarship, and passion for trauma-informed systems continue to shape clinical practice and behavioral health education nationwide.