What is EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an empirically-validated reprocessing therapy designed to help individuals recover from traumatic stress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This effective treatment works by using bilateral stimulation (typically via eye movements) to reduce the emotional intensity tied to trauma memories and other distressing life experiences. By helping the brain reprocess and store these memories with a positive belief instead of emotional pain, EMDR enables healthier emotional and behavioral responses in the present.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
EMDR has proven to be an effective treatment for a wide range of symptoms and mental health conditions, such as:
anxiety, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias, panic disorder
post-traumatic stress disorder and related PTSD symptoms
eating disorders and body dysmorphia
depression
obsessive compulsive disorder
anger
chronic pain
dissociative disorders
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR may bring relief in fewer sessions, making it a preferred option for many individuals seeking trauma treatment or trauma therapy.
Additional Applications of EMDR Counselling
Beyond PTSD, EMDR therapy has also been used for treating trauma from other emotional injuries and distressing life experiences, including but not limited to:
low confidence and self-worth
fear of rejection and abandonment
'people-pleasing'
emotional guardedness and avoidance of intimacy
Processing body sensations linked to emotional pain
By replacing harmful thought patterns with positive beliefs, EMDR helps create lasting change and promote overall mental health.
The EMDR Therapy Process
A typical EMDR therapy session follows a structured approach across a few phases. It begins with intake and treatment planning, followed by preparation, and then the memory reprocessing phase. During sessions, clients may revisit trauma memories or other distressing life experiences, often through guided eye movements, while being supported by a trained EMDR therapist.The goal is to reduce the emotional impact of those memories, helping individuals respond with more adaptive behaviors in the future.
How Long Does EMDR Take?
You might be wondering, "How long does EMDR take?" The length of treatment varies depending on the individual and the complexity of the trauma. However, many clients notice results in fewer sessions compared to other forms of talk therapy. It’s important to work with a skilled EMDR therapist to determine the right plan for your needs.
Not all therapists are trained in EMDR, so availability may be limited. If you're interested in this form of trauma treatment, please let us know when you inquire.
If you are interested in EMDR, please let us know when inquiring.
Please see Our Rates page for session fees.
Want to Learn More About EMDR?
Taking the first step toward healing can feel overwhelming—but you're not alone. At West End Therapy, we're here to walk with you through the journey.
If you're curious about how EMDR works or whether it's right for you, we encourage you to explore more. This evidence-based approach has helped countless people overcome PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and other mental health conditions linked to trauma memories and distressing life experiences.
Want to learn more about EMDR?
Watch this intro video from the EMDR International Association
