Mental Health Archives

EMDR Therapy in White Rock, Surrey

grigorecoundev on November 15, 2024

If you’re searching for EMDR therapy in White Rock, Surrey, you’re not alone.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has become one of the most sought-after therapies for trauma, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

With its proven effectiveness, many people in White Rock are turning to EMDR for support and lasting healing.

EMDR therapy in White Rock: what is it?

EMDR therapy addresses past traumas and distressing memories by helping you process these experiences in a safe, controlled way.

Using bilateral stimulation, like guided eye movements or tapping, EMDR helps desensitize painful memories. Through this, the brain can reprocess these experiences, lessening their emotional impact and bringing relief from symptoms.

Many clients feel lighter, less triggered, and more in control of their lives after EMDR sessions. In White Rock, Surrey, accessing EMDR therapy is possible with Grigore Counselling. If you are in White Rock and the larger Surrey area, having local access to skilled EMDR therapists can make attending regular sessions easier.

Our team offers both standard EMDR sessions and more intensive in-person sessions. This flexibility allows clients to choose a treatment schedule that best suits their needs.

Why EMDR Intensives?

If you’re ready for a deeper, more immersive experience, EMDR intensives might be the right choice.

These in-person sessions in White Rock offer extended therapy time, focusing on getting results faster than traditional weekly sessions. With intensives, you’ll spend longer hours in therapy up front, but less sessions overall, ultimately helping you work through issues at a faster pace.

In White Rock, Surrey, EMDR intensives provide the opportunity for those needing a quick, powerful start to their therapy journey. Find out more information here.

EMDR as a therapy process: what to expect

Starting EMDR therapy in White Rock involves a few structured steps.

Knowing what to expect can make your experience smoother and help you get the most from each session:

Initial Assessment: Your therapist will start by learning about your background and goals. This helps create a safe, tailored plan for your treatment.
Preparation: Before starting EMDR, your therapist may work with you on coping strategies. This ensures you have the tools to handle any emotions that arise.
Bilateral Stimulation: The core of EMDR involves techniques like eye movements, sounds, or tapping. This helps reprocess distressing memories.

After each session, your therapist will check in to track your progress and adjust the plan as needed. These steps make EMDR therapy structured, effective, and safe for clients dealing with various challenges.

Enjoy White Rock during your EMDR intensive

Choosing EMDR therapy in White Rock not only provides access to effective mental health support, but it also offers a unique setting to enhance your therapeutic experience.

White Rock is famous for its stunning beaches, the iconic White Rock Pier, and a variety of boutique shops, restaurants, and ice cream spots. For individuals or couples attending EMDR intensives, this beautiful coastal area can be a perfect place to unwind. Between sessions or at the end of a day, you can stroll along the beach, explore local shops, or enjoy a peaceful meal with an ocean view.

If you’re visiting from out of town, White Rock’s relaxed seaside vibe makes it feel like a mini-vacation. The serene environment is ideal for those seeking both healing and relaxation, creating a perfect backdrop for reflection and personal growth.

Finding an EMDR therapist in White Rock, Surrey

When choosing a therapist for EMDR therapy in White Rock, look for EMDR-certified therapists with experience in trauma, anxiety, and mental health issues, like ours!

Remember to take time to connect with your therapist during an initial consultation to ensure their approach feels right for you. You may book with us here.

As you may see, EMDR therapy in White Rock is an effective approach for processing past traumas and finding emotional relief. With dedicated professionals here in Surrey, you have access to the help you need close to home.

Why every EMDR therapist should experience EMDR themselves

Robert Grigore on October 21, 2024

As EMDR continues to grow in Canada, with more therapists joining organizations like EMDR Canada and EMDRIA (you may check it out here) it’s important to reflect on the benefits of experiencing EMDR firsthand.

Even if you have been practicing for years, undergoing your own sessions can really increase your ability to support clients. Here is why we suggest that as EMDR therapists.

Why experience EMDR?

Being an EMDR therapist involves guiding clients through an often life-changing process.

But how well can you truly guide them if you haven’t been on the receiving end yourself?

Experiencing EMDR as a client allows you to understand the emotions, challenges, and breakthroughs that come with this therapy. This insight gives you a deeper empathy for what your clients might go through.

Moreover, as EMDR Canada continues to grow, there’s a rise in new members joining, renewing their memberships, and seeking further training with EMDR experts. Experiencing EMDR therapy yourself can improve your practice and help you better relate to the real-world application of the techniques you teach.

Personal and professional growth: key for therapists

As a therapist, you are constantly evolving. Nowadays, we consider clear that more professionals are recognizing the value of ongoing EMDR education. However, part of that growth involves investing in your well-being too. EMDR is a transformative experience, helping you clear emotional roadblocks and reach new levels of personal and professional development.

When you experience the therapy firsthand, you step into your client’s shoes. You’ll feel the impacts of the sessions, understand the ups and downs, and be better equipped to guide your clients through their healing process. If you’d like to learn more from our EMDR consultancy, start here.

How to find the right EMDR therapist near you

Robert Grigore on October 21, 2024

Finding the right EMDR therapist near you may feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!

With EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy growing in popularity across Canada, many people are searching for trusted professionals to guide them through the process.

Let’s see how you can get the right professional for you. As always, from our experience as EMDR Therapists in Surrey.

How to find the right EMDR therapist near you: consider your location

Location is one of the first factors to consider when searching for an EMDR therapist near you.

Being able to attend regular sessions or even in-person EMDR intensives can make all the difference in your progress. Here’s a breakdown of some of the locations where you can find our EMDR therapists:

White Rock (Surrey): Offering in-person intensives, White Rock provides a peaceful environment for focused, deeper therapy sessions.
Langley: This city also offers in-person intensives, ideal for those who want concentrated therapy over a shorter period.
Abbotsford: A great option for those in search of consistent EMDR therapy in this city.
Mission: Another choice for clients seeking regular EMDR sessions with our experienced therapists.
Maple Ridge: In-person intensives are available here, providing flexibility for clients needing more focused sessions.
Vancouver: A hub for therapy, Vancouver offers a wide range of in-person intensives as well as ongoing EMDR therapy.

What to look for in an EMDR therapist

While location is important, there are other factors to keep in mind.

We consider relevant to check if the therapist is certified by reputable organizations like EMDR Canada or EMDRIA. All of our professionals are!

Beyond that, the level of experience, approach and availability is also crucial. In that sense, if you are looking for a EMDR therapist in White Rock, Langley, or Vancouver, you have access to our skilled therapists offering both regular sessions and intensives. Find yours and start the journey here.

Supercharge Your Healing Journey with EMDR Intensives – Unlocking Accelerated Transformations

Robert Grigore on October 6, 2024

Unlocking transformation and healing can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. As we navigate through traumatic experiences and emotional wounds, it’s essential to find effective methods that can accelerate our healing journey. Enter EMDR Intensives – a powerful therapeutic approach that has been gaining recognition for its ability to supercharge the healing process.

Powerful Breathing Techniques to Master Anxiety and Enhance Therapy

Robert Grigore on October 5, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety has become a common affliction that affects over 300 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization. If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed by worry and stress, it’s time to take control of your mental well-being. In this article, we will delve into powerful breathing techniques that can help you master anxiety, which can even help in preparation for EMDR therapy.

5 Signs You May Be Living With PTSD

Robert Grigore on September 28, 2024

Do I have PTSD? That is a question you may be asking if you are experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, and intense fear or anxiety. Experiencing these symptoms could be signs of PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Living with PTSD can be incredibly challenging, as the symptoms can disrupt daily life and lead to feelings of isolation and distress. In this article, we will explore five key signs that may indicate you are living with PTSD.

What is the difference between CBT and EMDR?

Jesus M on September 25, 2024

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are two well-known therapies used to treat trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues. For that, many people wonder what is the difference between CBT and EMDR.

Both therapies have proven effective, but they work in different ways.

At Grigore Counselling we integrate techniques from both approaches to give you the best possible care in Surrey. So let’s examine them in detail!

How does CBT work?

CBT is one of the most common forms of talk therapy.

Its main focus is on changing negative thought patterns that affect emotions and behavior.

In CBT, our therapist works with you to identify these unhelpful thoughts and challenge them. For example, if you believe, “I’m not good enough,” CBT will help you examine that belief, understand why it’s not accurate, and replace it with a more balanced thought, such as “I have strengths and weaknesses like everyone else.”

CBT is structured and goal-oriented. You’ll usually focus on the present rather than the past, and homework assignments are often part of the therapy. This might involve journaling, practicing new behaviors, or monitoring your thoughts between sessions.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR, on the other hand, is a different kind of evidence-based therapy. While CBT focuses on changing thoughts, EMDR helps the brain process and heal from past traumatic experiences.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. It doesn’t involve as much talking as CBT, and you don’t need to go into detail about your trauma if you’re not comfortable doing so.

During an EMDR session, our therapist will ask you to focus on a traumatic memory while guiding your eye movements or tapping. This helps your brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional charge. Many patients report feeling a significant reduction in their symptoms after just a few sessions!

So what are the key differences between CBT and EMDR?

- EMDR focuses on changing negative thought, emotional, and behavioural patterns from a neurological perspective through reprocessing traumatic memories. It’s particularly effective for those dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD or trauma-related issues, addiction, and depression.

Active vs. More Passive Participation

- In CBT, you actively work on challenging and changing your thoughts. You’ll discuss your issues, set goals, and often complete tasks between sessions.

- EMDR is less focused on conscious thought work and more about the brain’s and body’s natural healing process. You won’t have homework, and you do not need to verbally express your trauma.

Duration and Time

CBT typically requires weekly sessions over several months or even years to see lasting change.
EMDR, on the other hand, often provides faster results. Many people notice significant improvement after just a few sessions, though the number of sessions depends on the complexity of your trauma and history.

Which therapy is right for you?

Choosing between CBT and EMDR depends on your needs and the issues you’re facing. If you’re looking to eliminate anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, or the feeling of being “stuck,” EMDR may be the better option. However, if your main concern is simply to understand yourself more by analyzing and potentially changing your negative thoughts or patterns of behavior, and you enjoy homework, CBT might be beneficial. Both EMDR and CBT have been proven highly effective for anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

At our psychology clinic in Surrey and offices throughout Canada, we believe that each patient is unique, and no single therapy works for everyone. That’s why we focus on creating a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs. We’ll try to get you feeling better, faster, using the most effective therapeutic tools available. Ready to start your healing journey? Contact us today.

- EMDR focuses on changing negative thought, emotional, and behavioural patterns from a neurological perspective through reprocessing traumatic memories. It’s particularly effective for those dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD or trauma-related issues, addiction, and depression.

Active vs. More Passive Participation

- In CBT, you actively work on challenging and changing your thoughts. You’ll discuss your issues, set goals, and often complete tasks between sessions.

- EMDR is less focused on conscious thought work and more about the brain’s and body’s natural healing process. You won’t have homework, and you do not need to verbally express your trauma.

Duration and Time

CBT typically requires weekly sessions over several months or even years to see lasting change.
EMDR, on the other hand, often provides faster results. Many people notice significant improvement after just a few sessions, though the number of sessions depends on the complexity of your trauma and history.

Which therapy is right for you?

Focus on Thoughts vs. Trauma Processing

- CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns from a psychological perspective. It’s especially helpful for those who want to understand and shift their thinking around issues like anxiety and depression.

- EMDR focuses on changing negative thought, emotional, and behavioural patterns from a neurological perspective through reprocessing traumatic memories. It’s particularly effective for those dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD or trauma-related issues, addiction, and depression.

Active vs. More Passive Participation

- In CBT, you actively work on challenging and changing your thoughts. You’ll discuss your issues, set goals, and often complete tasks between sessions.

- EMDR is less focused on conscious thought work and more about the brain’s and body’s natural healing process. You won’t have homework, and you do not need to verbally express your trauma.

Duration and Time

CBT typically requires weekly sessions over several months or even years to see lasting change.
EMDR, on the other hand, often provides faster results. Many people notice significant improvement after just a few sessions, though the number of sessions depends on the complexity of your trauma and history.

What is the success rate of EMDR?

Jesus M on September 16, 2024

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has become an increasingly popular therapeutic approach for treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. One of the key questions is what is the success rate of EMDR?

As many aspects influence this, we’ll comment some data, factors that affect the outcome, and how EMDR compares to other forms of therapy. Of course, we’ll give you our perspective as we practice daily EMDR therapy in Surrey.

The basics first: what is EMDR?

Before discussing the actual success rate of EMDR, it’s essential to understand what EMDR therapy is.

EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences. Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation—most commonly eye movements, though tapping and auditory tones can also be used—to help reprocess distressing memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require extensive verbal exploration of traumatic events but rather focuses on the brain’s ability to heal itself.

The therapy works through an eight-phase process, which includes history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Each phase is structured to help the client work through traumatic memories, ultimately allowing for emotional relief and cognitive shifts.

What is the success rate of EMDR:

The success rate of EMDR therapy has been widely studied and documented. According to studies, EMDR has shown a success rate of up to 77-90% for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is significantly higher than many other therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and traditional talk therapy. EMDR has also been effective for treating a wide range of conditions beyond PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and panic disorders.

For example, a study found that 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma victims no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD after just six sessions of EMDR therapy. This shows that the success rate of EMDR can be incredibly high, particularly for individuals dealing with trauma.

What factors affect the success rate of EMDR?

While the success rate of EMDR is generally high, it’s important to also recognize that several factors can influence the outcome of therapy.

These factors can affect how quickly a client responds to EMDR treatment and how many sessions they may need.

1. Severity complexity of trauma

The severity and complexity of a client’s trauma can significantly impact the success rate of EMDR. Those with single-incident traumas, such as car accidents or assaults, tend to respond more quickly to EMDR than those with complex trauma, such as long-term abuse or neglect.

While individuals with complex trauma may still benefit from EMDR, they often require more sessions to achieve the same results.

2. Number of sessions

The number of EMDR sessions required varies from person to person. This is important, as at our EMDR therapy clinic we really want to set realistic expectations.

In our experience, some clients report significant improvements after as few as 5-6 sessions, while others may need 20-30 hours of therapy to see significant changes.

For clients with more severe or complex trauma, the therapy may take 40-50 hours to complete. This wide variation is normal, and it’s essential for clients to understand that their progress may follow a bell curve, with most people falling somewhere in the middle range of session requirements.

At Grigore Counselling in Surrey, most clients typically require between 3-6 months of weekly 1-2 hour sessions to see significant changes in their lives. However, there are options for accelerated treatment. EMDR intensives (which we call Total Immersion EMDR)—where sessions are longer (2-6 hours) and / or more frequent (up to 4 times per week)—can drastically reduce the number of sessions needed. Over 70 clients (at the time of this article) have completed their EMDR journey in under a week with this approach.

3. Client’s readiness and willingness to engage

A client’s readiness to confront their trauma and actively engage in the therapy process also influences the success rate of EMDR. Individuals who are open and willing to engage in the therapy tend to have better outcomes. It’s important for the client to feel safe and supported during therapy, as this will allow them to fully engage with the process and work through their trauma.

4. Therapist expertise

The therapist’s experience and training in EMDR can also impact the success rate. A certified and well-trained EMDR therapist is more likely to help a client achieve successful outcomes. That’s why at Grigore Counselling all therapists are certified and have extensive experience working with a wide range of clients using EMDR.

How does EMDR compare to other therapies?

When considering the success rate of EMDR, it’s helpful to compare it to other therapeutic modalities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often cited as one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, but EMDR has been shown to be more effective in certain cases. Studies have demonstrated that EMDR often achieves faster results, with fewer sessions needed compared to CBT; and unlike CBT, EMDR requires no homework on behalf of the client (contributing to a higher completion rate, and therefore higher success rate compared to CBT).

For example, one study found that 67% of individuals treated with EMDR no longer had PTSD after only three sessions, compared to 29% in the CBT group. Additionally, a review of 26 randomized controlled trials found that EMDR was superior to other trauma-focused therapies in reducing symptoms of PTSD and anxiety. This makes EMDR an attractive option for those seeking faster, more effective treatment for trauma.

Success stories: real-world outcomes of EMDR

The success rate of EMDR is more than just statistics; it’s also reflected in the real-world experiences of clients. Many individuals report life-changing results after completing EMDR therapy. One of the most common reports is a significant reduction in anxiety, improved emotional regulation, and a sense of relief from intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to traumatic experiences.

At Grigore Counselling, many clients share that they experienced breakthroughs after years of feeling stuck in traditional therapy. Unlike other forms of therapy, which can take years to show noticeable improvements, clients in EMDR therapy often report feeling better after just a few months. You can read more of our reviews here.

So is EMDR for me?

As you see, the success rate of EMDR is impressive, with studies showing that up to 90% of clients experience relief from PTSD and other mental health conditions after completing EMDR therapy.

For that, if you’re looking for a long-term treatment plan or a faster route to healing, EMDR can provide life-changing results. But the first step will always be reaching out to your therapist. You may start your EMDR journey with us by booking an appointment.

EMDR Therapy in White Rock, Surrey

EMDR therapy in White Rock: what is it?

Why EMDR Intensives?

EMDR as a therapy process: what to expect

Enjoy White Rock during your EMDR intensive

Finding an EMDR therapist in White Rock, Surrey

Why every EMDR therapist should experience EMDR themselves

Why experience EMDR?

Personal and professional growth: key for therapists

How to find the right EMDR therapist near you

How to find the right EMDR therapist near you: consider your location

What to look for in an EMDR therapist

Supercharge Your Healing Journey with EMDR Intensives – Unlocking Accelerated Transformations

Powerful Breathing Techniques to Master Anxiety and Enhance Therapy

5 Signs You May Be Living With PTSD

What is the difference between CBT and EMDR?

How does CBT work?

How does EMDR work?

So what are the key differences between CBT and EMDR?

Mending Hearts in Surrey: The Power of EMDR for Marriage and Couples Counselling

What is the success rate of EMDR?

The basics first: what is EMDR?

What is the success rate of EMDR:

What factors affect the success rate of EMDR?

1. Severity complexity of trauma

2. Number of sessions

3. Client’s readiness and willingness to engage

4. Therapist expertise

How does EMDR compare to other therapies?

Success stories: real-world outcomes of EMDR

So is EMDR for me?

Is Virtual EMDR Effective? Exploring the Possibilities of Online Therapy

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