EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
I hear this a lot... 'Will eye movements really help process trauma?' Keep reading to learn about EMDR.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, research-backed therapy designed to help the brain process and integrate distressing or traumatic experiences that feel “stuck.”
If you’ve ever felt like you understand something logically but your body hasn’t caught up — EMDR therapy is often working at that exact gap.
This approach can be especially helpful when past experiences continue to show up in the present through emotional reactions, body sensations, beliefs, or relationship patterns, even when you’re doing everything “right.”
Originally developed for PTSD, it is now used to address both “big T” traumas, like accidents or assaults, and “little t” traumas, such as ongoing stress, relational difficulties, or past emotional wounds. EMDR supports the brain in integrating these experiences so they no longer hold you back, helping you move forward with greater emotional freedom and resilience.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Evidence-based trauma therapy, guided with care, structure, and intention
What EMDR therapy actually is
EMDR is not talk therapy in the traditional sense — though talking is still part of the process. It’s a therapy that helps your brain reprocess experiences so they no longer feel as emotionally charged or disruptive.
Using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or tones), EMDR supports the brain’s natural ability to heal and integrate experiences. Over time, memories that once felt overwhelming often become more distant, less reactive, and easier to hold.
Importantly: EMDR doesn’t erase memories. It changes how they live in your nervous system.
A note about structure (and why that’s a good thing)
EMDR is more structured than other forms of therapy — and that’s intentional.
The research on EMDR consistently shows that following the established protocol leads to better and more reliable outcomes. Because of this, sessions may feel more guided and focused than open-ended talk therapy.
That structure isn’t about being rigid for the sake of it. It’s about:
- creating safety
- pacing the work carefully
- ensuring your nervous system isn’t overwhelmed
- and supporting effective, lasting results
There’s still room for collaboration, consent, and choice — always. But the framework matters, and I take that responsibility seriously.
What EMDR sessions with me are like
Before any reprocessing begins, we spend time preparing. This includes:
- building emotional and nervous system resources
- ensuring you feel grounded and supported
- making sure EMDR is appropriate for you at this time
- finding our 'targets', which includes a ~brief~ description of the distressing parts of your life
When reprocessing happens, sessions are intentional and contained. We move at a pace that respects your capacity, checking in along the way. You’re never expected to 'push through' or relive trauma in a way that feels destabilizing.
Some clients notice shifts quickly. Others experience gradual change over time. Both are normal.
Who EMDR therapy can be helpful for
EMDR may be a good fit if you:
- have experienced trauma or adverse life events
- feel emotionally reactive in ways that don’t match the present
- struggle with intrusive memories, beliefs, or body responses
- notice patterns rooted in past experiences that feel hard to shift
- want a structured, evidence-based approach to trauma healing
EMDR can be used for both single-incident trauma and more complex or relational trauma, depending on readiness and support.
Practical details
Session length: 50 minutes, although longer 90 minute sessions are recommended
Format: Virtual (In-person coming shortly)
Frequency: Typically weekly during active EMDR work
Investment: $170 per session
Location & licensure: Temiskaming shores/ New Liskeard, Ontario
If you’re unsure whether EMDR is right for you, the FAQ below may help clarify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more about EMDR? Here goes!
No! While EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD—helping people process major traumatic events like assaults, accidents, or life-threatening experiences—it is now widely used to help people recover from many kinds of trauma.
EMDR therapy can support healing from both:
- Big 'T' Trauma: Significant, life-threatening, or shocking events that leave a strong emotional impact (e.g., assault, serious accidents, sudden loss).
- Little 't' trauma: Experiences that feel smaller but still affect your emotions, relationships, or coping patterns (e.g., childhood neglect, ongoing stress, repeated emotional invalidation, or relational difficulties).
Even little 't' traumas can shape how you feel, relate to others, or navigate life. EMDR therapy provides a structured way to safely process these memories so they no longer hold you back, helping you feel more resilient, balanced, and free in your day-to-day life.
EMDR therapy is a process, not a quick fix (despite what social media is telling everyone...). Healing takes time because our brains need to safely reprocess memories and shift survival-based responses.
- For complex trauma or difficult past experiences: It may take months or years.
- For simpler histories with strong coping skills: Processing often begins after 8–10 preparatory sessions.
Pacing is personalized, and your safety is the priority.
Skipping steps or trying “quick EMDR” can be unsafe or ineffective. The protocol includes preparation, stabilization, and careful pacing to ensure memories are processed safely. Following the full protocol helps you integrate experiences without retraumatization and supports long-lasting change.
First, we work on safety and ensuring that you have the appropriate tools to manage and increasing your coping skills/resiliency. Second, we explore your past to understand the negative cognitions and find the 'targets' for our sessions. Third (reprocessing stage), we use guided bilateral stimulation (either eye movements, buzzers in your hands or bilateral sounds in your ears) while focusing on a target memory. Processing continues until the memory feels manageable and integrated. Between sessions, you may notice shifts in perspective, emotional responses, or insight into patterns.
EMDR therapy can be done safely in both in-person and online sessions. As long as you have a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection, EMDR therapy can be effective remotely. I will guide you to ensure safety, grounding, and proper pacing no matter where you are.
No - and truthfully this is the wonderful part! Going through every detail can actually cause you more harm. You don’t need to share every detail or relive the trauma. EMDR therapy focuses on how the memory or experience affects you now, not on recounting every event. We focus on the first, the worst and the last memory. You can process memories safely at your own pace, and I will help you stay within your window of tolerance (what is a window of tolerance? Click here to learn more about your nervous system and nervous system regulation).
Yes! EMDR therapy isn’t only for extreme trauma. Many people benefit from EMDR therapy for everyday stress, relational difficulties, unresolved emotional experiences, or patterns that interfere with life and well-being. Even “little t” traumas—like childhood neglect or repeated invalidation—can be processed to improve emotional balance and resilience.
Often, yes. EMDR therapy can be adapted for people managing anxiety, depression, grief, or other mental health conditions. Your therapist will assess your readiness, coping skills, and support systems to ensure safe and effective EMDR therapy, alongside other treatments.
EMDR therapy can support both past and present challenges. While it was initially developed for processing past trauma, it can also help address current stressors, difficult experiences, or patterns that interfere with daily life. EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess these experiences so you can respond to the present with greater clarity, calm, and confidence.
EMDR can be offered as a focused treatment or integrated within individual therapy, depending on your needs and goals. We’ll talk through what feels most supportive for you. Want to learn more about individual therapy? Click here!
Not at all. Eye movements are just one option. If they’re uncomfortable, we can use other methods like tapping, handheld buzzers, or headphones instead. EMDR is adaptable, and we’ll choose what works best for your body and nervous system.
