Trauma Therapy through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
If You Feel...
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Responsible for what happened, or experience shame or guilt.
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Like you are "bad" or "broken".
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Persistently worried, hypervigilant, or have a sense of impending danger.
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Hopeless, helpless, or find yourself crying frequently.
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A loss of interest in activities, or emotionally numb.
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Irritable, easily annoyed, or have difficulty controlling your anger.
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Disconnected from reality (dissociation).
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Withdrawn from others, misunderstood, or believe that no one can relate to your experience.
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Difficulty trusting others, even those close to you, or feel generally unsafe.
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Emotionally overwhelmed or unable to cope with everyday life.
Embrace Recovery
Trauma and PTSD
We can help you process and and reduce distress from single-incident trauma (e.g., accidents, assaults) and complex trauma (e.g., prolonged abuse or neglect).
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Addictions & Compulsive Behaviours
By addressing triggers, cravings, and underlying traumatic experiences, we can help identify contributing factors and support breaking the cycle.
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Memory Processing
Through EDMR, we can help you reprocess distressing or traumatic memories, reducing the emotional charge and allowing for a more adaptive understanding of the event. These can include anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, grief, low self-esteem, and difficult life events like accidents or medical trauma.
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Reducing Impact
We can help reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of distressing or traumatic memories, which can lead to a decrease in symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.​​
Bilateral Stimulation
This means creating a rhythmic, back-and-forth pattern that alternates between the right and left sides of your body. This can involve moving your eyes from side to side, tapping your fingers, or listening to sounds that switch from one ear to the other. While you focus on a difficult memory, this process helps both sides of your brain work together, making it easier to process and heal from the experience.
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Depression, Grief, and Loss
We can help you explore past experiences that contribute to depressive symptoms, and process complicated grief or unresolved mourning.​
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Different Than Talk Therapy
EMDR differs from traditional talk therapy by emphasizing the processing of the memory itself, rather than concentrating only on the emotional or cognitive responses associated with it. You do not have to talk about or relive the memory in detail in order to benefit from EMDR.
EMDR Therapy FAQs
​​​​Will I be in control during EMDR?
During EMDR sessions, you are always in control of the process. You remain fully awake and alert, and your therapist will regularly check in with you to ensure you feel safe and comfortable. If at any point you feel overwhelmed or need a break, you can pause or stop the session at any time. Your therapist will support you throughout, and nothing happens without your consent. Your comfort and sense of safety are always the top priorities.
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Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
One of the unique aspects of EMDR is that you are not required to talk extensively about your experience. Instead, your therapist will guide you to focus on the memory in your mind. You can share as much or as little as you wish, and your therapist will support you at your own pace. This approach allows many people to work through difficult memories without having to relive or describe every detail out loud.
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Is EMDR safe?
Yes, EMDR is considered a safe and effective form of therapy when provided by a trained and licensed professional. Many people have found relief from distressing memories and symptoms through EMDR. It is normal to experience some strong emotions or physical sensations during or after a session, as your mind processes difficult memories, and you are encouraged to share any concerns or reactions you may have during your treatment.
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Can EMDR be done virtually or online?
Yes. Many people find online EMDR just as effective as in-person therapy, and it can be a convenient option if you have a busy schedule, live far from a provider, or simply feel more comfortable at home. Your therapist will make sure you feel supported and safe throughout the process, and will work with you to adapt the sessions to your needs.
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What types of issues can EMDR help with?
While EMDR was first developed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is now used to help with many challenges, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, grief, low self-esteem, and difficult life events like accidents or medical trauma. EMDR helps you process and heal from distressing memories or experiences that may be affecting your well-being.
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What happens during an EMDR session?
In an EMDR session, your therapist will help you focus on a specific memory while you follow a form of bilateral stimulation (rhythmic back-and forth, using the right and left side of your body), such as moving your eyes, listening to alternating sounds, or tapping your fingers. This helps your brain process the memory and reduce its emotional impact. Your therapist will check in often to make sure you feel safe and supported, and you can share as much or as little as you want. The goal is to help you feel less distressed by the memory and more comfortable in your daily life.
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How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the individual and the nature of the trauma or issues being addressed. Some people notice improvement in just a few sessions, while others may need longer-term treatment.
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