EMDR Therapy

How EMDR Works

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements, taps, or sounds that alternate left and right — while you briefly bring a difficult memory to mind. This mimics what happens naturally during REM sleep, when your brain processes the day’s experiences.

When a memory is traumatic, it can get stored in the brain without being fully processed, which is why it can still trigger strong emotional or physical reactions years later. EMDR helps the brain finish that processing, so the memory remains but loses its emotional charge. People often describe it as the memory still being there, but it no longer “hooks” them the way it used to.

EMDR follows a structured 8-phase protocol developed by Francine Shapiro, and is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma by the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association.

What EMDR Can Help With

While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, research and clinical use have extended it to a wide range of concerns, including:

• Post Traumatic Stress Injury or Disorder (PTSI or PTSD)
• Grief and traumatic loss
• Dissociative disorders
• Trauma from abuse and neglect
• Difficulty trusting others after betrayal or relational trauma
• Chronic pain
• Performance anxiety
• Addictions
• Stress reduction
• Panic attacks and phobias
• Negative self-beliefs (“I’m not good enough,” “I’m unsafe,” “It was my fault”)

If you find yourself overreacting to certain triggers, feeling emotionally “stuck” in a past event, or holding beliefs about yourself that you logically know aren’t true but can’t seem to shift, EMDR is worth exploring.

What to Expect in an EMDR Session

EMDR is typically structured in phases:

1. History and preparation — we get to know your history and goals, and make sure you have the coping tools needed before processing begins.

2. Identifying target memories — we identify specific memories or beliefs to work on, without you needing to narrate every detail.

3. Processing — using bilateral stimulation, we help your brain reprocess the memory until it no longer carries the same emotional intensity.

4. Integration — we reinforce the positive shift and check that it’s holding steady.

Sessions are typically 50 or 75 minutes, and the number of sessions needed varies depending on the complexity of what you’re working through — some people notice a shift in a handful of sessions, while complex or longstanding trauma may take longer.

EMDR is available in-person at our Langley office or online via secure video for clients across BC.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR tends to be a good fit if you:
• Have a specific memory or event that still feels “alive” when you think about it
• Find talk therapy helpful for insight but feel it hasn’t fully resolved the emotional charge
• Want an approach that doesn’t require detailed verbal retelling of trauma
• Are dealing with triggers, flashbacks, or hypervigilance

It may be less of a fit as a first step if you’re in an active crisis or don’t yet have basic coping stability — in that case, we’d start with some groundwork first. We’ll always assess together whether EMDR, another approach, or a combination makes the most sense for you.

FAQs

Does EMDR really work?

Yes. EMDR is recommended as an effective treatment for PTSD by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, based on decades of clinical research.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

No. This is one of the main differences from traditional talk therapy. You’ll identify the memory you’re working on, but you don’t need to narrate it in detail for EMDR to be effective.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies. A single, isolated traumatic event may resolve in a handful of sessions. Complex or childhood trauma generally takes longer. We’ll discuss a realistic timeline after your initial assessment.

Is EMDR covered by insurance?

EMDR sessions are billed as standard counselling sessions, so they’re typically covered under the same extended health benefits that cover psychotherapy or counselling. Check with your provider for your specific plan details.

Can EMDR be done online?

Yes. We offer EMDR through secure video sessions for clients who can’t come into our Langley office, using adapted bilateral stimulation techniques designed for virtual delivery.

Ready to Get Started?
Taking the first step is often the hardest part. If you’re curious whether EMDR could help with what you’re carrying, reach out — we’re happy to answer questions before you commit to anything. 

Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment.