If you have been researching therapy options for trauma, anxiety, or PTSD, you have probably come across the term EMDR. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing may sound complicated, but the concept behind it is surprisingly straightforward. At Empowering Health Clinic in Victoria, BC, several of our practitioners are trained in this evidence-based approach, and we have seen firsthand how it can help people move past experiences that have kept them stuck.
What exactly is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured psychotherapy developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. It was originally designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but over the decades it has been shown to help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, phobias, grief, depression, and chronic pain.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe a traumatic event in extensive detail. Instead, it uses a process called bilateral stimulation, most often guided eye movements, to help your brain reprocess distressing memories. The idea is that traumatic experiences sometimes get "stuck" in the brain in a way that keeps them feeling fresh and overwhelming. EMDR helps your nervous system process those memories so they lose their emotional charge and can be stored as ordinary past events.
How does a session work?
An EMDR session at our clinic typically follows eight structured phases, though not all of them happen in a single appointment. Here is a general overview of what you can expect:
History and preparation. Your therapist will take time to understand your background, identify the memories or experiences you want to work on, and teach you some calming techniques you can use during and between sessions. Building a sense of safety is essential before any reprocessing begins.
Assessment. Together, you and your therapist will choose a specific memory to target. You will identify the image, negative belief, emotions, and body sensations connected to it.
Desensitisation and reprocessing. This is the core of EMDR. Your therapist will ask you to hold the memory in mind while following a set of bilateral stimulations. This might involve tracking their fingers with your eyes, listening to alternating tones through headphones, or holding small buzzers that vibrate in each hand. Sets of stimulation usually last about 30 seconds, after which your therapist checks in to see what is coming up for you.
Installation and closure. Once the distress linked to the memory has decreased, your therapist helps reinforce a positive belief to replace the negative one. Each session ends with a grounding exercise to make sure you leave feeling stable.
Re-evaluation. At the start of each new session, your therapist will review progress and determine whether the targeted memory needs further work or whether you are ready to move on.
Most people begin to notice a shift within a few sessions, though the total number of sessions depends on the complexity of the issue and your personal history.
What conditions does EMDR treat?
EMDR was first validated for PTSD, and it remains one of the most effective treatments for trauma-related conditions. Both the World Health Organisation and the American Psychological Association recognise it as a recommended treatment for PTSD. Beyond trauma, research supports its use for:
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Phobias and specific fears
- Complicated grief and loss
- Depression
- Performance anxiety
- Chronic pain linked to emotional distress
It is worth noting that EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your therapist will assess whether it is the right fit for your particular situation and may recommend it alongside other therapeutic approaches.
Why multiple practitioners at EHC offer EMDR
At Empowering Health Clinic, we believe in giving our clients access to a range of evidence-based tools. Several members of our counselling team have completed advanced EMDR training because we have consistently seen how effective it is, particularly for clients who have tried other forms of therapy without getting the relief they were looking for.
Having multiple EMDR-trained practitioners also means we can match you with a therapist whose style and availability work for you. Whether you are dealing with a single distressing event or a more complex history, there is someone on our team who can help.
Getting started
If you are curious about whether EMDR might be a good fit for you, the best first step is to book an initial consultation. During that session, your therapist can answer your questions, get to know your history, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. You do not need a referral, and many of our services are covered by extended health benefits.
Healing from trauma is not about forgetting what happened. It is about reaching a place where those memories no longer control how you feel today. If that sounds like something you are ready for, we are here to help.