EMDR was developed in the 1980’s by Francine Shapiro after a chance discovery that when she was recalling past trauma, rapidly moving her eyes back and forth seemed to quickly diminish her distress.
What it helps with
How it works
Early on
You and your counsellor talk about what brings you here and practise calming tools. Together you choose a memory to start with, at a pace that feels safe for you.
As you go
You hold the memory in mind while following side-to-side eye movements, taps or tones. You notice what comes up, and your counsellor checks in with you often.
Over time
Each session ends with calming tools so you leave feeling settled. You and your counsellor decide together how long to keep going and what to work on next.
Not sure? A free consultation can help you choose.
Where
About
EMDR was developed in the 1980’s by Francine Shapiro after a chance discovery that when she was recalling past trauma, rapidly moving her eyes back and forth seemed to quickly diminish her distress. Since then, its efficacy has been demonstrated in multiple outcome studies that discovered both a reduction of PTSD symptoms as well as changes in the brain following treatment.
EMDR Therapy is based on the understanding that traumatic experiences can sometimes become "stuck" in the brain's memory processing system. When this happens, distressing memories may remain unprocessed, causing individuals to repeatedly experience intense emotions, physical sensations, and negative beliefs associated with past events.
EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories more healthily. Through bilateral stimulation, the brain can begin integrating traumatic experiences into normal memory networks, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing individuals to move forward without feeling overwhelmed by the past.
Many researchers compare this process to the natural memory processing that occurs during REM sleep, where the brain organizes and integrates daily experiences.
During an EMDR session, clients work with a trained therapist to identify specific memories, emotions, or experiences that continue to cause distress. While focusing on these memories, clients engage in bilateral stimulation, which may include:
Throughout the process, clients are encouraged to notice thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as they arise. Over time, the emotional intensity associated with traumatic memories often decreases, allowing individuals to view past experiences with greater clarity and less distress.
One of the unique benefits of EMDR Therapy is that clients do not need to share every detail of their traumatic experiences for treatment to be effective. This makes EMDR a valuable option for individuals who find it difficult to talk about painful memories.
At No Fear Counselling, our experienced therapists provide EMDR Therapy for individuals seeking support with trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, and other emotional challenges. We take a compassionate and client-centered approach, helping you process difficult experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
We offer both in-person and online counselling services across Canada, making professional mental health support accessible when and where you need it.
If past experiences continue to affect your daily life, EMDR Therapy may help you find relief and move forward with greater confidence. No Fear Counselling offers professional EMDR Therapy services in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack, and through online counselling across Canada.
Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward healing, recovery, and lasting emotional well-being.
van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. New York: Viking.
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
EMDR, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is a therapy where you bring a painful memory to mind while following side-to-side eye movements, gentle taps or tones. After each short set, you pause and say what you noticed, such as a thought, a feeling or a sensation in your body. Many people find the memory feels less intense over time. Each session ends with calming tools so you leave feeling settled.
No, you do not need to describe every detail of what happened. You can share as much or as little as you like, and your counsellor mostly asks what you notice as you go. This can make EMDR a good option if putting painful memories into words feels too hard.
Your counsellor moves at your pace and helps you feel steady before any deeper work. In early sessions you practise calming tools, such as picturing a calm place, so you have ways to settle if feelings get strong, and you can pause or stop at any time. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), or call 911 if you are in danger.
EMDR can often be done online by video from anywhere in BC. Instead of eye movements in the room, you may follow a moving dot on screen or tap your own shoulders or knees. Some people prefer to meet in person, and your counsellor can help you choose. You can meet in person or online, whichever feels right for you.
EMDR focuses on how a painful memory is stored and felt, while cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses more on talking through thoughts and changing patterns in daily life. In EMDR, you spend less time talking and more time noticing what comes up during eye movements or taps. Some people use both, and your counsellor can help you think about which fits your goals.
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