Trauma often leaves people feeling stuck in painful memories that refuse to fade. Even years later, the body and mind can react as if the traumatic event is still happening. Many people ask if EMDR therapy can truly help them heal from trauma.
The answer depends on your needs and willingness to engage in the process.
Grigore Counselling’s clinicians have seen EMDR therapy open doors to healing for clients struggling with PTSD, anxiety, grief, and complex trauma. So let us give you our perspective.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured form of therapy that helps reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer dominate your present. Instead of reliving painful experiences, EMDR allows your brain to store them as past events. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, to activate both sides of the brain. This helps reduce the emotional charge connected to the memory and promotes adaptive healing.
If you are wondering what is EMDR therapy for, it is most often used with individuals who have experienced trauma, but it also shows effectiveness with anxiety, depression, phobias, and grief.
Learn more about how trauma impacts daily life in our article on Trauma-Informed Therapy.
How EMDR Helps Heal You Heal From Trauma
When you live with trauma, your nervous system often stays in a heightened state of alert. You may experience constant tension, flashbacks, or feel numb and disconnected. EMDR works by allowing your brain to finish what it could not do at the time of trauma: process the memory in a safe way. Over time, clients often report reduced emotional reactivity, improved sleep, and an increased sense of control.
For clients seeking therapy for trauma, EMDR can be one of the most effective options.
Who Might Benefit from EMDR Therapy?
Not everyone who has experienced trauma needs EMDR, but it can be particularly useful if:
- You experience flashbacks or nightmares.
- You avoid situations, places, or people that remind you of trauma.
- You feel “stuck” in the past despite other types of counselling.
- Your body reacts with panic or tension without clear triggers.
If you are unsure whether EMDR, CBT therapy, or DBT therapy would be the best fit, our therapists can help guide you in choosing the right approach. Book your first session here.
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
An EMDR session begins with preparation. Your therapist will ensure you feel safe and ready before working with difficult memories. Together, you identify a target memory and the emotions or body sensations connected to it. Through bilateral stimulation, your brain begins to reprocess the memory. Many clients notice that the memory becomes less distressing and easier to handle.
You can read more about what to expect in your first session in our post on What to Expect in a First Session, which offers helpful insights into therapy structure in general.
Combining EMDR with Other Therapies
We often integrate EMDR with other approaches. For example, someone working on emotional regulation through DBT skills may later use EMDR to address deep trauma. Others may combine EMDR with CBT for anxiety or depression. The combination allows for both immediate coping skills and long-term healing.
If you want to explore the differences between these methods, see our detailed comparison: CBT vs. DBT vs. EMDR – What’s the Difference?.
Can EMDR Work for Me?
Every healing journey is unique. Some clients notice improvements in just a few sessions, while others need more time. Research shows that EMDR is one of the most effective evidence-based treatments for trauma, but it is not a quick fix. If you are motivated to heal and open to the process, EMDR therapy can be life-changing.
Our team has therapists in Langley and also therapists in Richmond that are trained in EMDR and tailor the process to your individual story. No matter if you are healing from childhood trauma, a single traumatic event, or ongoing stress, EMDR offers a path toward relief.
Taking the Next Step
If you are considering EMDR therapy, booking a consultation is the first step. In your consultation, you and your therapist will discuss your history, your goals, and whether EMDR fits your needs. Healing from trauma is possible, and EMDR could be the key to helping your mind and body finally move forward.
FAQ
Is EMDR therapy safe?
Yes. EMDR is considered safe when guided by a trained therapist. It can be intense, but your therapist will ensure you have grounding tools and coping strategies.
How long does EMDR take to work?
Some clients feel relief within a few sessions, while others may need months of consistent therapy. The length depends on the complexity of your trauma and your goals.
Can EMDR help with anxiety, not just trauma?
Absolutely. EMDR has shown success in treating anxiety, phobias, and even grief, making it a versatile approach to many mental health concerns.
