About,
Dr. Wendy Freitag
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Dr. Wendy Freitag is a Clinical Psychologist, EMDR Therapy clinician, and consultant with over 25 years of experience.
Dedicated to helping people feel comfortable in their own skin, she empowers clients to discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve personal and professional fulfillment.
My Purpose
My purpose in life is to help people feel comfortable in their own skin. That guiding belief led
me to become a Clinical Psychologist more than 34 years ago — and continues to inspire
everything I do today. As a psychologist, EMDR therapy clinician, trainer, and consultant, I help
people move beyond existing to truly living — with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
I am passionate about helping individuals uncover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and
discover their sense of self. It is deeply rewarding to watch clients grow, achieve their goals, and
experience new levels of fulfillment — whether in work, relationships, or everyday life.
Philosophy & Style
My approach is direct, yet compassionate and empowering with an unwavering dedication
to improving clients’ lives. I believe growth happens through honest connection and active
engagement in the therapeutic process.
I am dedicated to empowering clients to empower themselves — to discover their resilience,
make meaningful changes, and live more intentionally. My philosophy is rooted in self-
discovery and self-empowerment, helping clients create lasting transformation from the inside
out.
I believe that what we put into the world comes back to us — that our thoughts, words, and
intentions shape our experiences. Living with intention means actively creating the life you want,
rather than drifting through it. Obstacles — whether from the past, internal conflicts, or external
pressures — are inevitable, but therapy and coaching can help clarify your goals, uncover
barriers, and guide you toward meaningful action and fulfillment.
True change begins with a decision — the decision to want something different. From there,
anything becomes possible.
Involvement in EMDR Therapy
Originally trained by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1994, I am an EMDRIA Certified Therapist,
Approved Consultant and Trainer with extensive clinical and teaching experience. For over 30
years I trained mental health professionals in EMDR therapy and now serve as a Senior and
Regional Trainer for the EMDR Institute of Dr. Francine Shapiro since 2017. I am an adjunct
faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee School of Continuing Education, where I
teach the EMDR Basic Training Course.
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From 1998–2006, I was honored to hold multiple leadership roles within EMDRIA—including
Secretary, President, and Director and contributed to every administrative committee. I chaired
the Educational Program and Professional Development Committee which established the
foundational Basic Training standards and credentialing requirements still used today.
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Since 2006, I have served as President of the EMDR Research Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated
to advancing EMDR theory, research, and practice. The Foundation supports high-quality
research, shares emerging findings with clinicians, and promotes accessible, evidence-informed
information for the public.
As a Clinical Psychologist:
Through the expert use of various psychotherapeutic treatments, chiefly EMDR therapy, Dr. Freitag works with clients to reconcile past traumatic events and to treat many psychological afflictions such as depression, anxiety, and anger. She also works with her clients to develop a stronger sense of self-empowerment to enhance many facets of their lives.
Education
Dr. Freitag received her B.A. in 1982 from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI. There she majored in Psychology and Biology. She majored in clinical psychology at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, where she received her M.S. in 1987 and Ph.D. in 1991.
Licensure & National Register
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National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology (#42168)
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State of Wisconsin License (#1705)
Background
Regional Trainer & Training Facilitator/Logistician, EMDR Institute; Certified Therapist & Approved Consultant, EMDRIA; Adjunct Faculty for the Trauma Counseling Program, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI; Adjunct Faculty for the Corporate Counseling Program, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI; Director, Stress Management & Mental Health Center-Germantown; Clinical Psychology Internship, Zablocki Veteran’s Administration Medical Center; Acting Team Leader, Milwaukee Veterans Center-Milwaukee, WI; Assistant Director, Alcohol Studies Center; Therapist, Women’s Group, Center for Behavioral Medicine; Crisis Counselor, Task Force On Battered Women
Professional Affiliations
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EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
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EMDR Research Foundation
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Wisconsin Psychological Association
Officer & Advisory Committees
2006 – Present: President – EMDR Research Foundation
2012 – 2018 Co-Chair & Member – EMDRIA Professional Development Subcommittee
2002 – 2007 Chair – EMDRIA Educational Programs & Professional Development Subcommittee
2003 – 2005 Director – EMDR International Association
2002 – 2003 Past-President – EMDR International Association
2000 – 2001 President – EMDR International Association
1999 – 2000 President-Elect – EMDR International Association
1998 – 1999 Secretary – EMDR International Association
1997 – 1998 Secretary-Elect – EMDR International Association
1995 – 1998 Board of Governors – Wisconsin Psychological Association
1995 – Present Alverno College National Council
1991 – 1993 Women Veteran Working Group (WVWG) – Acting Chairperson
1991 – 1993 Special Outreach Group – WVWG Representative
Honors & Awards
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2004 Francine Shapiro Award for Outstanding Service to EMDR
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EMDR International Association Conference in Montreal, QC
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2004 Outstanding Contribution and Service to EMDRIA
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EMDR International Association Conference in Montreal, QC