EMDR Therapy Syracuse, NY - Certified EMDR Therapists
Heal Deep Trauma With Integrative Creative Therapy EMDR
Healing from trauma and anxiety with EMDR therapy in Syracuse, NY. We blend eye movement therapy with creative arts and music for deeper healing beyond traditional talk therapy.
EMDR Therapist Syracuse, NY - Wen Chang-Lit
EMDR-Certified Therapist Specializing in Trauma-Informed Creative Healing
Hi, I’m Wen Chang-Lit. I provide online EMDR therapy throughout New York, including Syracuse and surrounding areas.
- 15+ years of experience in trauma therapy
- EMDR Certified Therapist
- Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (NY)
- Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)
- Bilingual services in Mandarin
- Somatic Experiencing training
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) training
- Cultural competency with Asian-Americans and immigrants
I listen deeply and help you connect to your inner world through felt sense. I believe our mind and body are connected, and deep work requires engaging beyond just staying in the head. I’m warm and empathetic, creating a space where you feel safe. Learn more about my approach.
Trauma-Informed EMDR Therapy That Honors Your Whole Self
At Integrative Creative Therapy, we provide EMDR therapy in Syracuse, NY, to help individuals process trauma, anxiety, and emotional challenges. Our approach goes beyond traditional talk therapy, integrating creative, somatic, and evidence-based techniques to support deep healing.
We understand that healing looks different for everyone. That’s why we offer trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming creative arts and music therapy, creating a safe space for self-expression and emotional growth. Whether you are struggling with past trauma, anxiety, or a sense of being stuck, we are here to help.
If you are seeking EMDR therapy in Syracuse, our certified EMDR therapists are ready to guide you through a compassionate and effective healing process. We serve clients throughout Syracuse, including Downtown, University Hill, Westcott, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Best EMDR Therapy Near Me in Syracuse
How EMDR Therapy Syracuse Sessions Work
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured, research-backed approach that helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer have the same emotional intensity.
Through bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tapping, the brain is able to reorganize distressing experiences, promoting healing and emotional relief.
This eye movement desensitization process helps the brain naturally integrate traumatic memories.
Building Trust Before Processing Trauma
In our first few sessions, we slow things down and build trust. There’s no pressure to dive into trauma immediately. We focus on understanding what you’re carrying and how it shows up in your daily life.
As safety builds, we begin the EMDR process. Sometimes this includes music imagery work … identifying an emotion that’s salient and finding music that resonates with it. We might incorporate bilateral practices like butterfly tapping or even tapping on a drum. This integration helps you process both cognitively and somatically.
At Integrative Creative Therapy, we offer EMDR therapy in Syracuse for individuals dealing with:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and unresolved trauma
- Anxiety and panic attacks that interfere with daily life
- Depression and negative self-beliefs rooted in past experiences
- Grief and loss that feels overwhelming or difficult to navigate
- Stress from major life transitions or unexpected challenges
- Childhood trauma or difficult relationship dynamics
Many of our people find that EMDR therapy in Syracuse helps them break free from the emotional distress caused by past experiences. Over time, it becomes easier to move forward with confidence, clarity, and resilience.
EMDR Therapy Case Study in Syracuse
Healing with EMDR
The Challenge
Maria* came to us after a particularly difficult year dealing with a toxic work environment, pandemic effects, and questions about belonging in the community and relationships. She experienced cyclical episodes of depression leading to complete burnout and collapse.
The Approach
We worked with a combination of music therapy, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems. The approach was compassionate, empathetic, and endlessly patient. We worked with her passion for music, helping with resourcing through various music forms while using EMDR to process trauma.
The Transformation
After initial EMDR sessions, Maria experienced what she called "zen vibes" ... profound peace that felt transformative. Her hypochondria reduced significantly, becoming what she described as "a faint whisper." Self-compassion shifted from a cognitive construct to something deep and personal.
The Outcome
After almost a year of EMDR work, Maria noticed profound changes, including stronger boundaries, an internal locus of self-worth, taking things less personally, and becoming more conflict-tolerant. She described never feeling "more steady on my feet and more comfortable in my skin."
*Name changed for privacy
This demonstrates the evidence-based EMDR approach we provide throughout Syracuse and central New York. Find out how our approach is a success here.
Creative Arts and Music Therapy: A Unique Path to Healing
At Integrative Creative Therapy, we believe healing is not limited to verbal communication. Many individuals, especially neurodivergent clients, process emotions more effectively through creative expression rather than words.
That’s why we offer trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming creative arts and music therapy alongside EMDR therapy.
EMDR Near Me with Creative Arts and Music Therapy
This approach is especially helpful for those who:
- Find it difficult to express emotions verbally or feel stuck in traditional therapy.
- They are neurodivergent and benefit from sensory-friendly and movement-based therapy.
- Experience anxiety or emotional distress and need alternative ways to regulate emotions.
- Want to explore healing through music, movement, visual arts, or writing.
about Us
Why Work With Integrative Creative Therapy
Our minds are powerful, but our bodies hold the wisdom and unresolved past. It takes a holistic approach to truly heal and change.
At Integrative Creative Therapy, we go beyond traditional talk therapy by engaging you cognitively, somatically, emotionally, and creatively. Our role isn’t to fix you, but to help you unburden past pain, expand your emotional capacity, and connect to your healthy core (the Self-Energy) for a more authentic life.
We believe creative expression is the portal to your inner world. Through music, art, movement, and other creative modalities, we help you explore and heal in ways that can be both liberating and enlightening. This approach is particularly powerful for teens, children, and individuals who find traditional therapy limiting, as it bypasses the constraints of verbal communication to access deep healing.
With over 20 years of combined experience, we provide trauma and neurodivergence-informed care using evidence-based approaches like EMDR, IFS, somatic work, and Creative Arts Therapy. Our practice is built on the understanding that everyone has the innate ability to heal when they feel safe, seen, and accepted.
When you’re ready to make meaningful change, we’re here to help you move forward with more vitality, flow, and joy.
Wen Chang-Lit
MA, LCAT, MTBC, CCATP, C-EMDR
EMDR Certified Creative Arts Therapist & Founder
At Integrative Creative Therapy, we empower individuals to heal from past trauma and live authentically using these three approaches:
Mind-Body Connection
We integrate both mind and body, recognizing that true healing goes beyond just talking—our bodies hold vital wisdom and unresolved pain.
Creative Expression
We value creativity as a key part of self-expression, using arts, music, movement, and more to help you connect with your authentic self.
Trauma-Informed Care
We provide trauma-informed care using effective methods like EMDR and somatic approaches to help you process and release trauma safely.
Some of the techniques we use include:
Visual Art
Drawing, painting, or sculpting to explore emotions in a nonverbal way. This allows clients to process complex feelings that may be difficult to express through words.
Music Therapy
Playing instruments, songwriting, or listening to music as a way to regulate emotions. Music has the ability to reduce stress and support emotional release.
Movement & Dance
Using body movement to release stored trauma and reconnect with the self. This technique can help individuals feel more present and grounded in their bodies.
Poetry & Journaling
Expressing thoughts through writing to process past experiences and gain self-insight. Writing can be an effective tool for self-reflection and emotional clarity.
By integrating EMDR therapy with creative arts and music therapy, we create a healing experience that is both structured and flexible, allowing each client to process emotions in a way that feels natural to them.
EMDR Therapist Near Me Using Integrative Approaches
EMDR Counseling Syracuse - Is This Right for You?
EMDR Therapy Works Best When
- You're curious about your inner world and open to trying different approaches.
- You feel like traditional talk therapy isn't creating the deeper change you want.
- You're dealing with specific traumatic memories or ongoing trauma responses.
- You're open to bilateral stimulation and body-based processing.
- You want to work with someone who integrates creativity with evidence-based trauma treatment.
This Is For You If:
- You're in an active crisis and need immediate stabilization.
- You're not ready to process difficult memories or emotions.
- You prefer only traditional talk therapy approaches.
- You're uncomfortable with bilateral stimulation techniques.
- You need intensive in-person support rather than online therapy.
This Is Not For You If:
Our EMDR therapy practice in Syracuse works best with people who are ready to explore and process authentically, with support that honors both mind and body.
Combining Somatic IFS Therapy with EMDR Therapy
At Integrative Creative Therapy, we integrate Somatic Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with EMDR therapy to create a holistic healing experience. Somatic IFS therapy acknowledges that the mind is made up of different “parts,” some of which carry emotional wounds from past experiences.
Through Somatic IFS therapy, we help people:
EMDR Syracuse with Somatic Internal Family Systems
- Identify and understand different emotional parts and how they influence behavior.
- Recognize where trauma is stored in the body and use movement-based techniques for release.
- Practice grounding exercises such as breathwork to create a sense of safety.
- Develop self-compassion by engaging with inner parts in a supportive and nonjudgmental way.
- Reconnect with their Self-Energy, the inner core that fosters healing and emotional balance.
By combining EMDR therapy near me with Somatic IFS techniques, we provide a comprehensive approach that allows people to reprocess past trauma while developing a stronger connection to themselves.
Take the First Step Toward Healing Today
We know that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Integrative Creative Therapy, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs.
If you are ready to explore EMDR therapy, trauma-informed neurodivergent-affirming creative arts and music therapy, or other healing approaches, we are here to help. Your journey toward emotional well-being starts with a single step.
For session rates, insurance information, and financial assistance options, including sliding scale availability, visit our FAQ page.
Contact Integrative Creative Therapy today at (737) 307-1853 to begin your healing process.
Contact an EMDR Therapist in Syracuse, NY, Today
EMDR Therapy Locations Throughout Syracuse, NY
Serving Syracuse Communities and Central New York
Primary Service Areas:
Downtown Syracuse, University Hill, Westcott, Eastwood, Near Eastside, Northside, Southside, Strathmore, Tipp Hill (Tipperary Hill), Lakefront, Outer Comstock, Sedgwick, Meadowbrook
Local Landmarks We Serve:
We provide online EMDR therapy to individuals near Destiny USA, Armory Square, Syracuse University, Carrier Dome, Regional Transportation Center, Clinton Square, Thornden Park, Onondaga Lake Park, and Burnet Park.
Our central New York practice understands the unique challenges of living in Syracuse … from navigating winter snow and lake effect weather to managing economic stressors and traffic congestion. We provide accessible online EMDR therapy that fits your schedule and location needs.
Whether you’re looking for the best EMDR therapist near me in Syracuse or EMDR counseling throughout central New York, our team is here to support your trauma healing journey with culturally attuned, evidence-based care.
EMDR Therapy Syracuse, NY
Frequently asked questions
What is EMDR therapy, and how does eye movement desensitization work in Syracuse?
Understanding Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured therapy approach that helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer carry the same emotional intensity.
How Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy Works
During EMDR therapy in Syracuse, I guide you through bilateral stimulation … usually eye movements, but sometimes tapping or audio tones. This activates both sides of your brain simultaneously, which helps your natural processing abilities kick in. Think of it like defragmenting a computer … we’re helping your brain reorganize distressing memories so they’re stored as past events rather than present threats.
What Makes Our Syracuse EMDR Approach Different
I often incorporate music imagery work alongside traditional EMDR techniques. Sometimes, it’s identifying an emotion and finding music that resonates with it, then processing while the music plays. This combination of eye movement desensitization with creative elements helps you access healing pathways that words alone can’t reach.
How many EMDR therapy sessions do I need in Syracuse, NY?
EMDR Treatment Length Varies by Individual
The number of EMDR therapy sessions really depends on what you’re working through and how your system responds to the process.
Typical EMDR Therapy Timeline in Syracuse
For single-incident trauma, some people feel significant relief in 4-8 sessions. For complex trauma or childhood experiences, we might work together for 12-20 sessions or longer. I’ve found that people usually start noticing shifts within the first few sessions … maybe sleeping better or feeling less reactive to triggers.
Factors That Influence EMDR Treatment Length
Your resilience, the nature of what we’re processing, how frequently we meet, and whether you’re combining EMDR with other approaches all play a role. I work at your pace because rushing trauma work doesn’t serve anyone. Some weeks, we might do more bilateral stimulation; other weeks, we might focus on resourcing through music or creative expression.
Can EMDR therapy be done online throughout Syracuse and central New York?
Online EMDR Therapy is Effective and Accessible
Research shows that online EMDR therapy works just as well as in-person sessions. I provide EMDR therapy throughout Syracuse, including Downtown, University Hill, Westcott, and surrounding neighborhoods.
How Online Eye Movement Desensitization Works
Through secure video, I can guide you through the bilateral stimulation process from your home. We might use finger tapping, butterfly hugs, or following a visual target on your screen. Being in your own space often helps people feel safer, which is essential for trauma work.
Benefits for Syracuse Area Residents
Online EMDR therapy means you can access specialized trauma treatment without worrying about Syracuse’s winter weather, traffic congestion around Destiny USA, or parking challenges near Syracuse University. You get the same quality care from wherever you feel most comfortable.
What conditions does EMDR therapy treat for people in Syracuse?
EMDR Helps with Various Trauma and Stress Responses
EMDR therapy near me in Syracuse is particularly effective for trauma-related conditions, but it helps with much more than just PTSD.
Trauma and PTSD Treatment
Whether you experienced a single traumatic event or ongoing difficult experiences, eye movement desensitization therapy can help reduce flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. I work with people dealing with everything from car accidents to childhood trauma to workplace harassment.
Anxiety and Depression with Trauma Roots
Many people don’t realize their anxiety or depression stems from unresolved trauma. EMDR therapy in Syracuse can help process the underlying experiences that feed these symptoms. I often see people’s panic attacks decrease and their mood stabilize as we work through stored memories.
Other Conditions That Respond to EMDR
Grief, phobias, performance anxiety, and even some addiction patterns can improve with EMDR treatment. If there’s a traumatic component to what you’re struggling with, this approach might help.
How do I know if EMDR therapy in Syracuse is right for me?
Signs EMDR Might Be a Good Fit
EMDR therapy works best when you’re dealing with specific memories or experiences that still feel emotionally charged.
You Might Benefit from EMDR Therapy If
You find yourself avoiding certain places, people, or situations because they remind you of difficult experiences. Maybe you have intrusive thoughts or images that pop up unexpectedly. Or perhaps you feel stuck in patterns that don’t make logical sense but feel overwhelming anyway.
When EMDR Near Me Isn’t the Right Choice
If you’re in an active crisis or struggling with severe dissociation, we might need to do some stabilization work first. EMDR requires being able to stay present with difficult material, so building those skills comes before trauma processing.
Ready to Explore EMDR in Syracuse
We always start with a thorough assessment to understand what you’re hoping to address and whether EMDR fits your goals. We can explore this together during a consultation to see if this approach resonates with you. Some people also find group therapy in Syracuse a helpful complement to EMDR, providing connection and shared support during healing.
We can explore this together during a consultation to see if this approach resonates with you.
What makes EMDR therapy different from regular therapy in Syracuse?
EMDR Goes Beyond Traditional Talk Therapy
Unlike traditional therapy, which focuses mainly on talking through problems, eye movement desensitization therapy directly targets how traumatic memories are stored in your brain.
How EMDR Therapy in Syracuse Differs
Regular therapy often helps you understand and cope with symptoms. EMDR actually changes how your brain stores distressing memories. After successful EMDR treatment, people often say things like “I can remember what happened, but it doesn’t upset me anymore” or “it feels like it happened to someone else.”
The Body-Mind Connection in EMDR
Trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. EMDR therapy near me incorporates bilateral stimulation that activates your body’s natural healing mechanisms. I often combine this with music therapy and somatic approaches to help you process both cognitively and physically.
Faster Results with EMDR Treatment
Many people notice changes more quickly with EMDR than with traditional therapy alone. Instead of talking about trauma for months, we can often process specific memories in a few focused sessions.
Do you combine EMDR with other therapies in Syracuse?
Integrative Approach to EMDR Therapy
I believe healing happens on multiple levels, so I often combine EMDR therapy with other approaches that support deep transformation.
EMDR with Internal Family Systems
I integrate Somatic IFS work with eye movement desensitization therapy to help you work with different parts of yourself that might be carrying trauma. This combination helps you develop self-compassion while processing difficult memories.
Creative Arts Integration with EMDR Syracuse
Sometimes we’ll incorporate music imagery, art, or movement alongside EMDR therapy. Music activates the most areas of your brain simultaneously, so combining it with bilateral stimulation can open healing pathways that neither approach reaches alone.
Somatic Elements in EMDR Treatment
I pay attention to what’s happening in your body during EMDR sessions. We might use breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or authentic movement to help you stay present and process trauma somatically.
How do I get started with EMDR therapy in Syracuse, NY?
Beginning Your EMDR Healing Journey
Starting EMDR therapy can feel both hopeful and nerve-racking. I try to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Initial EMDR Consultation Process
We’ll start with a conversation about what’s bringing you to therapy and whether EMDR feels like a good fit. I’ll explain how eye movement desensitization therapy works and answer any questions you have about the process.
Preparing for EMDR Therapy Near Me
Before we start processing trauma memories, we’ll spend time building your capacity to stay grounded and safe. This might include learning self-soothing techniques, identifying your support systems, and practicing the bilateral stimulation methods we’ll use.
What to Expect in Syracuse EMDR Sessions
Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. We’ll always check in about how you’re feeling and adjust our approach accordingly. Some sessions might be more intense, others more integrative. I follow your lead and never push you faster than feels manageable.
For more information about session rates and scheduling, visit our FAQ page. Ready to explore whether EMDR therapy in Syracuse is right for you? Contact us at (737) 307-1853 to begin.
