Mission Statement

Here at Greater Chicago Trauma Recovery Network (TRN), we are committed to a single goal; helping people heal after trauma by providing up to 5 pro bono EMDR sessions through our volunteer network of licensed, EMDR trained mental health professionals. We work hard to take care of our community by helping survivors of natural and man made disasters; mass shootings, gun violence, and other trauma related issues that has resulted in the loss of life. Greater Chicago Trauma Recovery Network is an association of the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program. Read more about the national mission, vision, and how we go about making change here: EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program

Acute Stress Signs and Symptoms

The stress response, or "fight or flight" response is the emergency reaction system of the body. The stress response includes physical and thought responses to your perception of various situations. When the stress response is turned on, your body may release substances like adrenaline and cortisol. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Excessive worry and anxiety
Difficulty with concentration
Difficulty with memory
Irritability
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Nightmares
Feelings of impending doom
Intrusive memories
Upset stomach/IBS
Loss of appetite or binge eating
Dissociation
May interfere with good decision making

What is EMDR?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is an evidence-based therapy for trauma (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and has been used successfully to treat many other stress related conditions. EMDR is endorsed by:

• American Psychiatric Association

• Department of Veterans Affairs

• Department of Defense

• World Health Organization

• U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

For more information about EMDR, please visit the EMDR International Association at: www.EMDRIA.org