EMDR Therapy in Coquitlam and online in BC

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps process and heal from distressing experiences, trauma, and anxiety.

 

When something overwhelming happens, sometimes our brain doesn’t always fully process the experience and the experience can get “stuck”. 

 

When not processed in a regular way, a disturbing memory may continue to come up, feel real, intense or triggering. The experience may continue to feel current, no matter how much time goes by. Strong emotional or physical reactions may continue long after the event has passed and a person feels "stuck" re-living past patterns, pain or experiences as they continue to affect one's well-being, relationships, self-esteem and more.

 

It can feel overwhelming to carry the weight of the past.

This is where EMDR can be very helpful.

 

EMDR therapy helps the brain “catch and release” - or reprocess -  these past experiences or disturbances in an adaptive way so they feel less distressing and more manageable. EMDR activates our brain’s natural ability to process and “file away” these disturbances and gives the control back to us. With EMDR, you can regain ability to make decision independtly of past pain, experiences and negative beliefs associated with them. It is an empowering and evidence-based way of healing and regaining emotional freedom from the past.

How does EMDR work?

Rather than focusing only on talking through a problem, EMDR works directly with how memories are stored and processed in the brain and the body. My EMDR training instructors noted that “talking is not processing” - and this can’t be more accurate. Instead of talking about WHAT happened over and over again, EMDR jump starts adaptive processing. Its protocols address not only what happened but also of all the beliefs, thoughts and feelings associated with the event or experience. It allows us to untangle past from the present - and detach negative beliefs (i.e. "I am unworthy") from negative events (abuse, trauma, accidents).

EMDR uses gentle, structured techniques—such as guided eye movements or tapping—to support the brain’s natural ability to process and heal.

Extensive research has shown that EMDR can be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and stress. EMDR is widely recognized as an evidence-based approach to treating PTSD and C-PTSD.
 

What is EMDR Therapy Effective For?

EMDR therapy can be very helpful for a wide range of concerns, especially when we feel “stuck” or are continuously affected by the past.

EMDR is commonly used to support:

• Trauma 

• Recent single traumatic event

• PTSD

• Complex trauma (C-PTSD)

• Anxiety 

• Panic attacks

• Stress and burnout

• Childhood experiences 

• Attachment wounds

• Negative self-beliefs (such as, “I’m not good enough”)

• Phobias or specific fears

• Complex grief and loss

• Distressing or intrusive memories

• Addiction and compulsions

For EMDR to be effective, you don’t need to have experience significant trauma or a single event. EMDR is a structured approach that can help alleviate a variety of disturbing memories, thoughts and experiences - by simply helping your brain and psyche process it in a helpful way. EMDR has shown effectiveness in addressing anxiety and depression as well as compulsive behaviours and addiction.

EMDR helps process these experiences so they no longer feel as overwhelming or disruptive in your daily life. With EMDR you can find clarity and regain control of how you feel, show up in relationships and make decisions. It is one of the most effective ways to find emotional freedom from things that have happened to us.

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Is EMDR more effective online or in person?
 

Research shows that EMDR therapy is equally effective when administered in person and in online settings. The protocols of EMDR allows clinicians to use this approach with equal effectiveness in any modality which makes EMDR accessible, robust and universal. As a certified counsellor, I offer my services in person in Coquitlam as well as online anywhere in BC, and AB. When using video calls for therapy, I use safe and encrypted connection to ensure secure and comfortable experience for my clients. If you want to learn more about online counselling, check out my blog post on this topic.

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Why Choose Feel Good Counselling for EMDR?

 

 

As a certified counsellor at my practice Feel Good Counselling, I offer EMDR therapy in Coquitlam in a safe, supportive, and paced way. With EMDR process, you can explore your experiences without feeling overwhelmed. With EMDR treatment, you can find a way to unburden from the weight and pressure of the past and to finally move forward.

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I am currently completing advanced training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and regularly receive ongoing clinical supervision and advanced training to ensure safe, effective, and ethical care. Supervision and training ensure that I am offering you the most effective, ethical and safe application of the EMDR therapy.