Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Burnaby
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in BC
Beginning Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is like preparing for a big trip. At first, past experiences might feel like excess baggage that makes the journey overwhelming or unexpected detours that leave you feeling lost. As your therapist, my role is to help you unpack the weight of distressing memories so they no longer hold you back. Through guided eye movements and other bilateral stimulation techniques, EMDR allows your brain to process and integrate past experiences to foster healing and resilience. Instead of feeling stuck in painful memories, you gain clarity, confidence, and the ability to move forward without feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
I am a registered clinical counsellor (#19428) trained in EMDR to help individuals process distressing memories and improve their emotional well-being
Together, we’ll explore how past experiences have shaped your present emotions and reactions. Using EMDR, I guide you through a structured process that allows your brain to reprocess and integrate traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or negative self-beliefs, EMDR offers a path toward healing and resilience.
At Ease Counselling, I provide EMDR in person and online for adults and youth. My goal is to create a supportive space where you feel empowered, validated, and ready to move forward in your healing journey.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help individuals reprocess distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR is rooted in the understanding that unprocessed trauma can remain stuck in the brain, leading to ongoing distress. By using bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues, EMDR helps the brain reorganize traumatic memories, which improves emotional well-being.
EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase approach to help you process difficult memories in a safe and supportive way.
- Phase 1 – Bio-Social History
First, we explore your background and experiences to identify the memories or stressors impacting your well-being. This helps us create a therapy plan tailored to your needs and goals.
- Phase 2 – Grounding Techniques
I share grounding and stabilization techniques to ensure you can start and end a session without feeling activated.
- Phase 3 – Target Sequence Plan
Next, we work on the target sequence plan, identifying distressing experiences, emotions, and the core negative beliefs associated with these experiences.
- Phase 4 – Desensitization
The desensitization phase uses gentle bilateral stimulation to reduce the intensity of these experiences. I share different bilateral stimulation techniques, such as tapping, butterfly tapping, and guided eye movements.
- Phase 5 – Installation
Once an experience is no longer distressing, we move to the next phase—installation—where we strengthen positive beliefs to support healing.
- Phase 6 – Body Scan
A body scan helps address any remaining distress that needs further processing.
- Phase 7 – Closure
Closure is the final phase, where you can think about the distressing experience without experiencing distressing emotions.
- Phase 8 – Reevaluation
We review your feelings about the distressing experience we processed.
EMDR is designed to help individuals feel less stuck and impacted by distressing experiences. For some people, this means feeling less anxious or triggered; for others, it means engaging in experiences they could not have before.
What are the benefits of EMDR?
EMDR is particularly effective for individuals experiencing the effects of trauma, anxiety, and distressing experiences. This evidence-based therapy helps reprocess difficult experiences, reducing their emotional intensity. By promoting adaptive healing, EMDR allows individuals not to feel distressed or impacted with the same intensity by distressing experiences.
Some key benefits include:
- Reduction in PTSD symptoms and trauma-related distress
- Improved emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Decreased anxiety and depression linked to past experiences
- Strengthened sense of self-worth and empowerment
- Greater overall mental well-being and resilience
EMDR helps individuals feel less stuck or overwhelmed by processing distressing experiences. As a result, they can think and reflect on these experiences without feeling triggered.
Questions about EMDR
- Who can benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is beneficial for individuals experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and distress linked to past experiences. It is also effective for individuals struggling with current or future anxieties or distress.
- Is EMDR evidence-based?
Yes, EMDR is an evidence-based therapy backed by extensive research. Dr. Francine Shapiro founded and developed EMDR to support individuals in processing distressing experiences. While it was initially to help people with trauma and PTSD, it is now also effective in processing a range of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
- Is EMDR only for trauma survivors?
While EMDR is widely recognized for trauma treatment, it also supports individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, grief, and negative self-beliefs. It can be helpful for anyone looking to process and reframe distressing experiences.
- How long does EMDR therapy take?
The duration of EMDR therapy varies depending on individual needs. Some clients start EMDR and have one traumatic experience to process, which may take less time compared to someone who has complex trauma. You determine how many sessions are right for you, and I can support you with this decision.
- Can EMDR be combined with other therapies?
Yes, EMDR can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches, such as Person-Centred Counselling, trauma-informed therapy, and mindfulness-based practices. I will work with you to determine how best to support your needs and help you achieve your goals.
- How does EMDR differ from talk therapy?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require extensive verbal processing of traumatic events. Instead, it activates the brain’s natural healing mechanisms through bilateral stimulation.
Why choose At Ease Counselling for EMDR?
- Client-driven approach
At Ease Counselling sessions focus on meeting you where you are and working at your pace alongside you with compassion, kindness, and curiosity in Burnaby and online.
- Evidence-based modalities
At Ease Counselling services, I incorporate evidence-based modalities in every session. I am trained in various evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Each of these modalities equips me to support your unique needs, and we work together to achieve your counselling goals.
- Anti-oppressive practice
At Ease Counselling understands the impact of inequality and oppression when supporting you in a safe, non-judgmental, inclusive space in Burnaby and online. People from all ethnic backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+, are welcome.
Are distressing experiences affecting your daily life? EMDR in Burnaby helps you process trauma, reduce anxiety, and feel less stuck or overwhelmed. I’m here to provide a safe space for healing and transformation.
Book a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about how EMDR can support your healing journey.