If you’ve been struggling with trauma, anxiety, or painful memories that won’t seem to let go, you may have heard about EMDR therapy. It’s one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments available today — and it’s a cornerstone of the work I do with clients in Victoria, BC.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people process and heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to talk extensively about what happened. Instead, it works by helping your brain reprocess stuck memories so they lose their emotional charge — allowing you to move forward without being held back by the past.
How Does EMDR Work?
During EMDR sessions, you’ll focus briefly on a distressing memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation — typically eye movements guided by your therapist, or tapping. This process mimics what happens naturally during REM sleep, when the brain processes and integrates daily experiences.
The bilateral stimulation appears to “unlock” the nervous system, allowing the brain to reprocess traumatic memories in a healthier way. Over time, the memory loses its intensity, and the negative beliefs connected to it begin to shift.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and Health Canada as an effective treatment for:
- PTSD and complex trauma
- Childhood trauma and abuse
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression rooted in past experiences
- Grief and loss
- Shame and low self-esteem
- Motor vehicle accident trauma (ICBC claims)
- Operational stress injuries in veterans and first responders
What Is EMDR 2.0?
As an advanced EMDR practitioner in Victoria, BC, I also offer EMDR 2.0 — a newer, more efficient protocol developed by Dr. Ad de Jongh. EMDR 2.0 incorporates the Flash Technique and Evicting Toxic Shame protocols, which can produce faster results, particularly for complex trauma and deep-rooted shame.
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
EMDR therapy follows eight structured phases. We begin with history-taking and preparation — building safety and understanding your goals. Then we move into the reprocessing phases, where we target specific memories or beliefs. Sessions typically run 50–90 minutes.
Many clients notice significant shifts within 6–12 sessions, though the timeline varies depending on the complexity of what you’ve experienced.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’re living with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, or deeply held negative beliefs about yourself, EMDR may be exactly what you’ve been looking for. I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can explore whether EMDR is the right fit for you.
I work with clients in person at my Victoria, BC office and online throughout British Columbia.