EMDR Therapy in Vancouver: The Emerging Trauma Treatment That Can Quickly Change Your Life
Written by: Gather & Ground Wellness - Vancouver Counselling Clinic
In recent years, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy has been gaining recognition as one of the most effective methods for treating trauma. This innovative approach goes beyond traditional talk therapy by addressing how trauma is stored in the brain and helping individuals process painful experiences in a safe, structured environment. For those who want to address complex trauma, or want to process a specific event that could be tied to the development of core beliefs in your life, EMDR Therapy may be a good choice for you!
EMDR Therapy Explained
EMDR therapy was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and is widely used to treat conditions related to trauma. This therapy was initially designed to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but its applications have expanded to help people dealing with anxiety, phobias, depression, childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, and even chronic pain. EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation—eye movements, taps, or tones—to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, making them less distressing and more manageable.
During EMDR, the therapist guides the client through a structured eight-phase process, helping them access memories while staying grounded in the present. The bilateral stimulation in EMDR mimics the natural process the brain goes through during REM sleep, allowing it to “digest” traumatic memories and integrate them in a way that reduces their emotional intensity. Through this process, the individual can reframe negative experiences, letting go of past pain and regaining control over their emotional well-being.
Why EMDR Therapy Works
Unlike traditional therapy, which often focuses on exploring trauma through conversation, EMDR therapy targets how traumatic memories are stored in the brain. When a traumatic experience occurs, the brain can struggle to process it fully, leaving fragments of the memory unintegrated and prone to triggering emotional reactions. This can lead to symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, and mood swings.
The bilateral stimulation in EMDR allows the brain to reprocess these fragments, facilitating a “reset” that lets the mind and body move beyond the trauma. Studies have shown that EMDR can work quickly, with some individuals experiencing significant relief after just a few sessions. For people who feel like they’ve tried everything without success, EMDR provides a structured, science-backed approach that may finally bring the peace and closure they’re seeking.
The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
To better understand how EMDR works, here is an outline of its eight structured phases:
History and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers information about the client’s background, current symptoms, and specific traumatic memories. This allows for a customized treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.
Preparation: The therapist explains EMDR to the client, providing reassurance and teaching techniques for managing emotional distress during and outside of sessions.
Assessment: Here, the therapist and client identify specific negative beliefs and sensations linked to the traumatic memory. The client also identifies a positive belief to aim for as they work through the memory.
Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation, the client focuses on the traumatic memory while allowing any thoughts or feelings to come up naturally. This stage continues until the distress associated with the memory decreases significantly.
Installation: The positive belief identified earlier is now strengthened and paired with the memory, helping to reinforce a healthier response to the trauma.
Body Scan: The client is asked to mentally scan their body for any remaining tension or discomfort linked to the memory. This step ensures that the mind and body are fully aligned in the healing process.
Closure: Each session concludes with grounding techniques, ensuring the client feels safe and stable before leaving.
Reevaluation: At the beginning of the next session, the therapist and client review progress, checking if additional work is needed on the memory or if other memories should be addressed.
What to Expect from EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy can vary in duration depending on the individual’s history, the nature of the trauma, and their readiness for processing difficult memories. Some people feel relief within a few sessions, while others may require a longer-term approach.
It’s normal for emotions to feel intense during and after EMDR sessions, but this is a sign that the therapy is working. By allowing these feelings to surface in a controlled environment, EMDR helps individuals move through the pain and come out stronger on the other side. For many, the clarity and calm that EMDR brings make it worth the emotional effort.
In this process your therapist will support you every step of the way. You will not be left with your box of trauma laid out all over the floor. The therapist will work with you to ensure you are feeling grounded and contained as you heal through EMDR Therapy.
Steps to Take if Considering EMDR Therapy
For those thinking about trying EMDR therapy, here are a few steps that can help prepare for the process:
Find a Qualified EMDR Therapist: Since EMDR requires specialized training, it’s essential to work with a licensed therapist certified in EMDR. Look for credentials such as EMDRIA certification or similar certifications recognized in your region (we have EMDR therapists on our team!).
Set Clear Goals for Therapy: Reflecting on the changes you hope to achieve can make the EMDR process more effective. Whether the goal is to reduce anxiety, improve relationships, or release specific memories, setting intentions can guide the therapy.
Practice Self-Care Between Sessions: Processing trauma can be emotionally taxing, so engaging in self-care is essential. Techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, and physical exercise can provide balance and reduce stress between sessions.
Communicate Openly with Your Therapist: EMDR therapy is collaborative. Being honest about what feels comfortable or overwhelming can help the therapist adjust the process to fit individual needs.
Stay Consistent: Regular sessions are key to making progress. The effects of EMDR build over time, so maintaining a steady schedule can help deepen the impact.
The Transformative Potential of EMDR
EMDR therapy offers a unique pathway to healing for those who feel stuck in patterns of emotional pain or struggle with past traumas. Its structured approach and use of bilateral stimulation allow individuals to work through their memories safely, letting go of negative beliefs and restoring a sense of peace.
For anyone feeling held back by the weight of past experiences, EMDR could be the therapeutic approach that finally makes a difference. By releasing the emotional charge of traumatic memories, individuals often find that they’re not only able to overcome their past but also open up to a brighter, more fulfilling future.
If trauma is affecting your life, EMDR may be the key to unlocking relief and creating lasting, positive change.
Meet our EMDR Certified Therapists:
The Gather & Ground team prides itself on being trauma informed and trauma trained. Our clinicans, such as Ambreen Kaur and Robyn Bryson are trained in EMDR Therapy. Please head over to the book now button to secure a complementary consultation if interested. We would love to have you part of our healing community, you do not have to go through this alone!
Phone: 604-418-8827
Email: hello@gatherandground.ca