EMDR Therapy
EMDR
Do you find yourself haunted by distressing memories or past traumas? Or perhaps you’re experiencing overwhelming emotions that seem disconnected from your present circumstances? These challenges can significantly impact your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Are you noticing any of these signs?
- Intrusive thoughts or memories that disrupt your peace of mind?
- Intense emotional or physical reactions triggered by certain situations?
- Avoidance behaviours that limit your life experiences?
- Negative beliefs about yourself or the world that feel deeply ingrained?
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping due to unresolved past events?
These symptoms can leave you feeling stuck, anxious, or disconnected from your true self. With the support of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, you can process these experiences and move towards healing and resilience.
FAQ
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps people process difficult experiences, trauma, distressing memories, and emotional wounds that may still be affecting them in the present. During EMDR therapy, the brain is supported in reprocessing painful experiences so they feel less overwhelming and emotionally charged.
EMDR is commonly used for trauma and PTSD, but it can also help with anxiety, panic, relationship difficulties, grief, low self-esteem, and other experiences where past events continue to affect how you feel today.
Can EMDR help with anxiety?
Yes. EMDR therapy can be helpful for anxiety, especially when anxiety is connected to past experiences, stressful life events, relationship wounds, or patterns developed earlier in life.
Rather than only focusing on symptom management, EMDR aims to address underlying experiences that may contribute to anxious thoughts, emotional reactions, or nervous system activation. Many people find that as these experiences are processed, they feel calmer, more grounded, and less emotionally overwhelmed.
What is the downside of EMDR?
Like any form of therapy, EMDR can feel emotionally intense at times. Processing difficult experiences may temporarily bring up emotions, body sensations, memories, or fatigue between sessions.
Some people may notice temporary increases in emotional sensitivity, vivid dreams, or feeling more tired than usual after sessions. A trained EMDR therapist works at a pace that feels manageable and helps create safety and coping strategies before deeper processing begins.
EMDR is not about forcing you to relive trauma. The goal is to help process experiences in a supportive and regulated way.
What are physical signs your body is releasing trauma?
People often describe shifts in both emotions and physical sensations as healing progresses. Some experiences may include:
- Feeling lighter or less emotionally burdened
- Reduced muscle tension
- Deeper breathing
- Improved sleep
- Less nervous system activation
- Feeling calmer in situations that previously felt overwhelming
- Greater emotional flexibility
- Reduced anxiety or panic responses
Everyone’s experience is different. Healing is not always linear, and changes can sometimes be subtle at first.
What should you avoid after an EMDR session?
After EMDR therapy, it can help to give yourself some space for rest and self-care, especially after emotionally deeper sessions.
Some helpful suggestions include:
- Avoid overscheduling yourself if possible
- Limit major decisions immediately afterward if you feel emotionally activated
- Stay hydrated and eat nourishing foods
- Pay attention to emotions, thoughts, or dreams that arise
- Journal if that feels helpful
- Practice grounding activities such as walking, breathing exercises, or spending time in nature
Many people continue processing between sessions, which is a normal part of EMDR.
How long does EMDR take to work?
The timeline can vary depending on the person and the concerns being addressed. Some people notice changes within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work.
Factors that can affect the process include:
- The nature of the concerns
- Whether experiences involve single events or more complex trauma
- Current stress levels
- Existing support systems
- Personal goals for therapy
Healing is highly individual, and therapy is tailored to your unique needs and pace.
Do you talk during EMDR?
Yes. EMDR therapy includes talking, although often less than traditional talk therapy.
There are times during sessions when you may briefly describe thoughts, emotions, body sensations, or what you notice internally. You do not need to share every detail of painful experiences in order for EMDR to work.
Many people appreciate that EMDR can help process difficult experiences without having to repeatedly retell the entire story.
How do you feel immediately after EMDR?
People can have different experiences after EMDR sessions. Some people feel lighter, calmer, relieved, or more peaceful. Others may feel emotionally tired, reflective, or notice that memories and emotions continue unfolding over the next few days.
Both experiences can be normal. Your therapist can help you understand what to expect and support you through the process.
How long does EMDR therapy typically last?
The length of EMDR therapy varies from person to person. Some concerns may be addressed in several sessions, while more complex or long-standing experiences may benefit from longer-term work.
At Terra Counselling, the focus is not simply on moving quickly, but on creating a process that feels safe, collaborative, and aligned with your goals.
EMDR is designed for a wide range of issues such as:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Phobias
- Panic attacks
- Childhood trauma
- Grief and loss
Why Choose
Terra Counselling?
We believe therapy should be:
Understanding Your Needs
We begin by listening closely to your story and understanding your unique needs. This initial step allows us to tailor therapy to your specific goals, challenges, and circumstances, ensuring you feel heard and supported from the very start.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your individual needs, we create a customized treatment plan using evidence-based therapies like IFS (Internal Family System), EMDR, and Somatic practices. Our goal is to address the root causes of your concerns, fostering long-term healing and personal growth.
Ongoing Support & Growth
As you progress, we offer continuous support and guidance, helping you navigate challenges and celebrate milestones. Therapy at Terra Counselling is an evolving journey, where we adjust our approach as needed to help you achieve lasting change.
What You Can Expect From EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy helps you process distressing memories and develop new adaptive beliefs. During EMDR therapy, you may experience:
- Reduced distress related to traumatic memories
- Improved emotional regulation
- Development of more positive beliefs about yourself
- Decreased symptoms of anxiety or depression
- Enhanced ability to engage in present-moment experiences
EMDR therapy can benefit those experiencing:
- Lingering effects of past traumas
- Persistent negative self-beliefs
- Anxiety or panic in specific situations
- Unresolved grief
- Performance anxiety or blocks
Through EMDR, you can transform distressing memories into opportunities for growth, fostering greater resilience and emotional freedom.
In-person and online counselling services for individuals and couples in Vancouver and across BC
Terra Counselling offers EMDR therapy for adults and couples in Vancouver, Burnaby, and across BC through secure online counselling and in-person sessions.
We help you heal, rediscover your true self, and build the fulfilling life you deserve.