EMDR Therapist Edmonton | Fast Relief for Trauma & PTSD

EMDR Therapy: Effective Trauma Treatment for Lasting Recovery

Imagine no longer being controlled by traumatic memories—facing triggers with calm instead of panic. That’s the powerful transformation many experience through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

EMDR is an evidence-based treatment that often brings relief in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy, especially when other approaches haven’t worked.

I’m a Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant in Training. I’ve successfully helped many clients break free from the grip of trauma, and I also provide consultation and training for professionals looking to integrate EMDR into their clinical practice.

What Sets EMDR Apart

  • Many clients experience significant improvement in just a few sessions, often faster than with traditional therapy.

  • EMDR helps the brain heal without requiring a detailed retelling of the trauma.

  • It addresses emotional, physical, and cognitive aspects of trauma for more complete recovery.

  • EMDR helps change how the brain stores traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge.

  • From single-incident trauma to complex, long-term experiences, EMDR is a versatile and powerful tool.

  • Clients often report enduring relief long after therapy ends.

  • EMDR can also be highly effective for managing distressing events that are not categorized as trauma, resolving relationship patterns, and processing triggers that impact daily life.

How EMDR Works: The Science Behind Recovery

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is grounded in the idea that trauma disrupts the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate distressing experiences. When a traumatic event occurs, the memory can become "frozen" or stuck, retaining the original emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs tied to the event.

Through bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, taps, or tones), I guide you through the process, helping your brain restore its natural ability to process memories. This allows traumatic memories to be stored more adaptively, reducing their emotional charge and shifting negative beliefs toward more positive and realistic ones. 

Unlike many therapies that focus on changing thoughts or behaviours, EMDR directly targets how memories are processed and stored. As your therapist, I facilitate this process at the neurological roots of trauma, promoting long-term recovery.

The Comprehensive 8-Phase EMDR Protocol

History Taking

A thorough assessment of your history, symptoms, and treatment goals

Preparation

Building coping skills and resources to ensure stability throughout treatment

Assessment

Identifying specific memories to target and their associated negative beliefs

Desensitization

Processing traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation

Installation

Strengthening positive beliefs to replace negative ones

Body Scan

Ensuring complete processing by addressing any remaining physical tension

Closure

Ensuring stability at the end of each session

Reevaluation

Assessing progress and determining next steps

This structured yet flexible approach enables us to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs while preserving the core principles of EMDR treatment.

Is EMDR Right for You?

You might benefit from EMDR if:

  • You’ve experienced trauma that continues to impact your life
  • Memories from the past feel as distressing now as when they happened
  • You find yourself easily triggered by reminders of past events
  • Traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully resolved your symptoms
  • You find it difficult to talk about the details of traumatic experiences
  • You’re looking for efficient, evidence-based treatment

 

 

EMDR FAQs

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, 8-phase psychotherapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories while using bilateral stimulation (for example, guided eye movements, taps, or tones). Sessions are typically 50–75 minutes and follow a step-by-step protocol from history taking to re-evaluation.

Yes. Major guidelines—including the 2023 U.S. VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline—strongly recommend trauma-focused psychotherapies for PTSD (EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, or Prolonged Exposure). The World Health Organization also lists EMDR as a treatment for adult PTSD.

Head-to-head studies show no meaningful differences between EMDR and other evidence-based psychotherapies (such as CPT or PE) in reducing PTSD symptoms, achieving response/remission, or in dropout rates. I encourage you to choose based on personal preference, fit, and access to a trained clinician.

The EMDR Standard Protocol uses an eight‑phase protocol: (1) history & treatment planning, (2) preparation, (3) assessment, (4) desensitization/reprocessing with bilateral stimulation, (5) installation of adaptive beliefs, (6) body scan, (7) closure, and (8) reevaluation. We pace the work to maintain safety and stabilization throughout.

Not necessarily. EMDR can be delivered without repeatedly recounting events in detail. We focus on how the memory is stored and processed, while you track your internal experience and use bilateral stimulation.

It depends on history and complexity. A single-incident trauma may resolve in ~3–6 sessions, while complex or longstanding trauma often requires 8–12+ sessions. People with multiple or complex traumas may need additional preparation time and more sessions.

When provided by trained clinicians, EMDR is considered safe. Temporary increases in distress, vivid memories, or strong emotions can occur between sessions—that’s normal. I prepare clients with stabilization skills and set a pace that keeps the work manageable.

Yes—with appropriate preparation. We often use a phased approach (stabilization first), build trust, and address barriers such as dissociation or emotion dysregulation. Session length and number are tailored to your needs.

Bilateral stimulation is a core element. Research suggests eye movements (and other dual-attention tasks) tax working memory and can reduce memory vividness; there’s evidence that eye movements provide added benefit over no eye movements, and other dual tasks can also help.

Look for a licensed mental health professional with recognized EMDR training and supervision. I’m a Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant-in-Training. If you’re in Edmonton (in-person in Glenora) or anywhere in Alberta (secure virtual care), I’m happy to discuss fit.

 

During our initial consultation, we'll explore whether EMDR is the right approach for your unique needs and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Begin Your EMDR Journey

If you're ready to break free from the grip of traumatic memories, EMDR therapy can help you reclaim your life. Contact me today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward lasting healing with EMDR.

Book a Consultation 

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