EMDR Therapy
Healing from the past, finding freedom in the present.
In EMDR therapy, there is a saying, “the past is present”. It highlights how emotionally charged memories that haven’t been fully processed fail to be properly stored (encoded and consolidated) in the brain. This disruption occurs when our nervous system is overwhelmed with stress. So, instead of being fully integrated into our autobiographical memory, the events are stored in a fragmented, sensory-heavy, and state-dependent way. Later, when we encounter similar sensations, emotions, or thoughts, we don’t just remember the event—we relive it—leaving us flooded with thoughts and emotions as though the danger was still present. .
EMDR works by engaging the brain’s natural healing processes (Adaptive Information Processing Theory) often through eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, to help reprocess these memories in a safe and supportive way. Many people find that after EMDR, memories lose their painful intensity, self-beliefs shift in healthier directions, and day-to-day triggers become less overwhelming.
What EMDR Can Help With
Trauma and post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
Anxiety and panic
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem or self-criticism
Stress related to childhood or relationship experiences
Phobias or fears
Other situations where past experiences feel “unfinished” or continue to intrude on the present
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
EMDR is not about re-living trauma in detail. Instead, it’s a structured approach where you and I work together at a pace that feels safe. Before beginning EMDR processing, we’ll spend time building coping skills and ensuring you feel grounded and supported. Then, when you’re ready, we’ll use EMDR techniques to help reprocess distressing memories, so they no longer hold the same emotional charge.
My Approach
I integrate EMDR into counselling when it feels like the right fit for your needs. Some clients benefit from EMDR as a focused, short-term approach, while for others it is woven into ongoing therapy alongside other methods such as attachment-based and emotion-focused therapy, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where you feel supported as you heal from the past and move toward a more peaceful present.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’re curious about EMDR or wondering whether it could help, let’s talk about it! Together, we’ll decide whether EMDR is the right approach for your goals, and we’ll move at a pace that feels safe and manageable.