Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized approach that helps people process and heal from difficult or traumatic experiences. By gently engaging the brain’s natural healing processes through guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR reduces the emotional intensity of painful memories and allows new, more balanced perspectives to emerge.
Originally developed for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now widely recognized as an effective treatment for a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and overwhelming life experiences. Many clients find that EMDR helps them move forward with greater resilience and relief, often in less time than traditional talk therapy approaches. Our Edmonton-based therapists, Linda, Adam, Danielle, Selena, and Shaheen, are trained in EMDR.
EMDR is based on the idea that our brains have a natural ability to heal from psychological distress, much like the body does from physical injury. When a traumatic or overwhelming event occurs, it can sometimes get “stuck” in the brain in an unprocessed form, leaving you feeling triggered, anxious, or distressed long after the event has passed. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, a form of input that uses both sides of out brain, to help process painful memories.
During EMDR, your therapist guides you to briefly recall aspects of a memory while engaging in your preferred bilateral stimulation. Although the original form of bilateral stimulation is eye movements, today, EMDR includes alternative forms of bilateral stimulation such as listening to sounds, or gentle tapping on alternating sides of the body. This process helps the brain reprocess the memory so that it no longer feels as vivid, overwhelming, or disruptive in daily life. Studies support that EMDR reduces the mental distress of memories.
EMDR integrates a holistic view, recognizing that our bodies often carry the weight of psychological distress. By addressing both thoughts and physical sensations, EMDR supports healing on multiple levels, reducing emotional distress while also releasing the negative sensations held in the body.
EMDR may be helpful if you are experiencing:
At Holistic Healing Counselling, our trained EMDR therapists provide a compassionate, client-centred approach to healing. Whether you’re seeking relief from a single event or working through long-standing challenges, EMDR therapy can offer a path toward recovery and peace of mind.
Although EMDR therapy is most widely known for trauma work, it isn’t limited to that. Many of my clients use EMDR to ease anxiety, phobias, grief, or negative self-beliefs that keep them stuck. It can also help with performance issues or patterns that just don’t seem to shift with talk therapy alone. The heart of EMDR is helping the brain process stuck memories and emotions so you can respond to life with more freedom and resilience.
In a typical EMDR session, your therapist will help you focus on a memory, thought, or feeling that still feels distressing. While you bring that experience to mind, your counsellor will guide you through gentle bilateral stimulation, either with eye movements, tapping, or sound. This process helps your brain “re-file” the memory so it no longer carries the same weight. Many clients describe feeling lighter, calmer, or less reactive afterward. You’re always in control of the process, and my role is to ensure the session feels safe and supportive.
Most individuals require 8 - 12 sessions to see significant improvement for each . However, as with all types of therapy, the number of EMDR therapy sessions really depends on your personal history and goals. In your first EMDR session, your Edmonton-based therapist will assess your goals and history. Together, you'll create a plan that moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable, without rushing your healing process.
Meet our certified therapists, Adam, Tehya, Selena, Danielle, Shaheen and Linda. No matter what you want to work on, we have a therapist to help. Our Counsellors focus on helping you feel at ease by allowing you to feel heard and understood. By using a holistic, or whole picture approach, our trained Counsellors can help their patients live a happier, more authentic life. Our therapists offer adult counselling, partner counselling, family counselling, and adolescent/teen counselling. Interested in learning more? Need to book a session? Contact Us here.
Counselling doesn’t just have to be for those who have reached a crisis situation. If you want to live a happier life by discussing the issues that are causing you stress, anxiety, or fear, contact Holistic Healing today to book your free initial consultation.
Holistic Healing Counselling is a team of holistic, experienced, and dedicated mental health professionals in Edmonton, AB who aim to help you heal and grow. Using a holistic, or whole picture approach, our certified therapists can help their patients live a happier, more authentic life. We have a range of practitioners with unique backgrounds and experiences ready and available to help you with your therapeutic and wellness needs, with NO WAIT LIST. Don't just survive, thrive. Take the first step in your healing journey and get in touch with us to book your appointment today!
