Don’t know how to fix yourself? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has helped millions reclaim control of their lives. It’s a structured, evidence-based talking therapy.

What is the process of EMDR therapy? If you’ve heard about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and are considering it, you’re likely curious about how it actually works. EMDR is an evidence-based method used to treat trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress by helping the brain reprocess painful memories.

Our team at Grigore Counselling specializes in offering EMDR therapy that is client-centred, trauma-informed, and effective. If you’re exploring EMDR therapy in Surrey or considering sessions with us, understanding the step-by-step process can help ease anxiety about starting.

What Is the Process of EMDR Therapy?

So, what is the process of EMDR therapy in practical terms?

EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach designed to help you identify distressing memories and reprocess them. The brain naturally works to heal emotional wounds. But when trauma interferes, the brain can’t complete that healing on its own. EMDR jumpstarts that process using bilateral stimulation—like side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or sound.

The process unfolds in phases. It’s methodical, grounded in research, and tailored to each individual.

Phase 1: History and Treatment Planning

The first step in what is the process of EMDR therapy is an in-depth intake. Your therapist will gather your personal history, discuss current symptoms, and create a treatment plan. Together, you’ll identify specific targets—these could be traumatic memories, negative beliefs, or disturbing experiences that still affect you.

Our team of EMDR therapists makes sure the plan aligns with your goals and readiness. EMDR isn’t rushed. We build the foundation carefully to keep you safe throughout the journey.

Phase 2: Preparation

Preparation is key. In this phase of what is the process of EMDR therapy, your therapist teaches you grounding and coping skills. These include mindfulness, guided imagery, or safe-place visualizations. This ensures you can stay regulated during sessions, especially when processing difficult material.

You don’t start reprocessing until you’re equipped to handle the emotional responses that might surface.

Phase 3: Assessment

Now it’s time to activate the target memory. In the assessment phase of what is the process of EMDR therapy, you focus on one specific memory and identify the negative belief attached to it—for example, “I’m not safe” or “I’m not good enough.” You’ll also identify a positive belief you’d rather hold.

The therapist will ask you to rate the level of distress and how true the positive belief feels. This sets a baseline to track progress.

Phase 4: Desensitization

This is where reprocessing begins. Desensitization is the core phase in what is the process of EMDR therapy. While focusing on the memory, you engage in bilateral stimulation—usually through eye movements. Your brain starts to process the memory, often shifting how you feel about it.

The memory may become less intense or shift entirely. Some people report that the memory feels more distant or neutral. This continues until your distress level lowers significantly.

Phase 5: Installation

Next, you “install” the positive belief. In this phase of what is the process of EMDR therapy, you focus on the preferred belief (“I am safe” or “I am strong”) while doing more bilateral stimulation. The goal is to strengthen this belief until it feels completely true.

This phase is vital for helping you move forward with new emotional understanding.

Phase 6: Body Scan

After desensitizing the memory and installing the new belief, your therapist will guide you through a body scan. This means checking for residual physical tension or discomfort. Trauma often lives in the body, so this step ensures full resolution.

If there’s lingering tension, it may signal more processing is needed. If the body feels calm, it confirms integration.

Phase 7: Closure

Closure is part of every EMDR session. In this step of what is the process of EMDR therapy, your therapist helps you return to a calm state. You’ll use the grounding tools learned in the preparation phase to close the session safely.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

At the beginning of your next session, your therapist will reevaluate the target memory. This is the final step in what is the process of EMDR therapy. They’ll check how you feel about the memory now and whether further work is needed.

Reevaluation also helps determine the next target, ensuring that therapy stays focused and effective.

The Research Behind EMDR

Still wondering, what is the process of EMDR therapy, and does it really work? EMDR is backed by extensive research, including studies published in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research. You can explore more evidence here.

The therapy is endorsed by organizations such as the American Psychological Association, World Health Organization, and Veterans Affairs Canada. It brings relief faster for many people compared to traditional talk therapy.

FAQs About EMDR

What is EMDR therapy explained simply?

It’s a therapy that helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories. You focus on a painful memory while doing eye movements, which helps the brain heal and reduce emotional distress.

Why is there a controversy with EMDR?

Some critics question how eye movements help the brain, though many studies show EMDR is effective. The main controversy is about the exact mechanism—not the results, which are well-documented.

What are the 8 steps of EMDR?

The eight steps are: history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Each step supports healing from trauma in a structured way.

Who is EMDR not suitable for?

EMDR may not be ideal if you’re in active crisis, dealing with unmanaged substance use, or lack emotional stability. Your therapist will assess your readiness before beginning.

bring that spark back into your life. In this article, we will look for all the signs of when to seek couple therapy and its benefits.

Is EMDR therapy like hypnosis? It’s a common question, especially for those considering EMDR for trauma, anxiety, or stress. Both techniques involve altered states of awareness. Both can access deep emotional material. But EMDR and hypnosis are not the same.

Let’s explain the key differences, what EMDR actually involves, and why it’s often misunderstood.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s an evidence-based treatment designed to help people process traumatic or distressing memories. It uses bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements—to help the brain “reprocess” unresolved emotions.

It’s highly structured, involves no suggestion or altered states, and keeps you in full control.

So, is EMDR therapy like hypnosis? Not really.

What Is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a trance-like state of focused attention and increased suggestibility. In clinical hypnosis, a trained professional guides the client into a deeply relaxed state.

People often compare the experience of EMDR to hypnosis because both involve focused attention and a change in how the brain processes information.

But while they may feel similar on the surface, they are fundamentally different in structure, purpose, and effect.

Is EMDR Therapy Like Hypnosis? Here’s the Truth

Let’s answer directly: No, EMDR is not the same as hypnosis.

1. Control

In EMDR, you remain fully alert. You can stop the session at any time. There’s no trance, no altered state. You are aware and in charge throughout the process.

In hypnosis, you enter a deeply relaxed, altered state of consciousness. The therapist often leads with verbal suggestions to shift behavior or perception.

2. Method

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to help desensitize distressing memories. The focus is on past experiences and how they influence current triggers.

Hypnosis uses guided imagery and suggestion.

3. Goal

EMDR aims to reprocess trauma stored in the brain, making it feel less distressing and emotionally charged. It’s used to treat PTSD, anxiety, grief. In addition to mental health conditions.

Hypnosis often targets behavior change or symptom relief, sometimes without digging into root trauma.

Why the Confusion?

Many people confuse EMDR with hypnosis because both are unfamiliar. You may sit quietly with your eyes moving. Furthermore, you may recall vivid memories. You may feel emotionally intense during or after sessions.

But that doesn’t make them the same.

EMDR is not suggestive. Your therapist does not implant thoughts. They guide you through structured steps based on what you experience. Not what they say!

What Does EMDR Feel Like?

You’ll be asked to recall a difficult memory while focusing on a form of bilateral stimulation—like your therapist’s fingers moving back and forth.

You stay alert. You’re encouraged to describe what you feel, think, or sense. You’re not under hypnosis.

You may experience shifts in emotions, sensations, or insights as your brain reprocesses the memory.

If you’re still asking is EMDR therapy like hypnosis, it’s because both experiences involve internal reflection. But EMDR is more like mindful processing, not a trance.

Should I Try EMDR or Hypnosis?

If you’re holding onto painful experiences that still affect your present, EMDR may help. It’s especially helpful if talk therapy hasn’t worked, or if you struggle to “let go” of the past.

Grigore Counselling offers in-person and virtual EMDR therapy in a trauma-informed environment. Still wondering is EMDR therapy like hypnosis? Schedule a consultation and we’ll walk you through how it works—no guesswork, no surprises.

If you’ve been hesitant to try EMDR or hypnosis because of myths or misconceptions, we hope this clears the air.

FAQ: Is EMDR Therapy Like Hypnosis?

1. Is EMDR a form of hypnosis?

No. EMDR does not involve altered states, trance, or suggestibility. You remain fully alert during the process.

2. Can EMDR make you feel hypnotized?

Some people describe a trance-like focus during EMDR, but you’re always aware and in control. It’s not the same as hypnosis.

3. Is EMDR safer than hypnosis?

EMDR is evidence-based and structured, with a strong safety profile when delivered by trained professionals.

4. Do I lose control in EMDR like in hypnosis?

No. You remain in control during EMDR. Nothing is suggested or implanted.

5. Which is better for trauma: EMDR or hypnosis?

EMDR is specifically designed for trauma and is supported by major mental health organizations. It’s generally preferred over hypnosis for treating PTSD and related conditions.

What is EMDR therapy for? It’s a question many people ask when looking for trauma treatment or emotional healing. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a therapy method designed to help people recover from trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress. Unlike talk therapy, EMDR helps the brain process stuck memories so they no longer cause distress.

If you’re struggling with flashbacks, triggers, or past experiences that still affect you, EMDR may help.

What Is EMDR Therapy For? A Clear Answer

What is EMDR therapy for? It’s for healing the emotional wounds left by painful memories. These may come from single incidents like accidents or ongoing events like childhood neglect or abuse. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these experiences. As a result, you gain relief from the emotional pain attached to them.

Grigore Counselling’s team uses EMDR therapy to help people who feel stuck. You might know logically that something is in the past—but your body still reacts like it’s happening now. That’s where EMDR comes in.

Trauma Is More Than Just the Big Stuff

When people ask, what is EMDR therapy for, they often think it’s only for extreme trauma. That’s not the case.

EMDR is effective for both “big T” and “small t” trauma. A car crash, an assault, or losing a loved one—those are big T traumas. But EMDR is also used for smaller, repeated wounds like being bullied, feeling rejected, or growing up in a critical home. These “small” events can still deeply impact how you see yourself and the world.

If your past still haunts you, EMDR may be the right evidence-based approach.

What Happens During EMDR?

Understanding what EMDR therapy is for means also understanding how it works.

In a session, your therapist helps you identify a distressing memory. You’ll focus on that memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation—such as moving your eyes back and forth. This process mimics REM sleep, the brain’s natural way of processing memories.

Over time, the memory becomes less painful. You still remember what happened, but it stops triggering the same emotional charge. That’s the healing power of EMDR.

What Is EMDR Therapy For? Real-Life Struggles

People come to us with many different concerns. Here are common reasons they seek EMDR:

• PTSD: After trauma, EMDR reduces flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
• Anxiety: If your anxiety is tied to past events or memories, EMDR helps shift those triggers.
• Panic attacks: EMDR targets the emotional root of sudden, overwhelming fear.
• Low self-esteem: Often rooted in early life experiences, this can improve with EMDR.
• Phobias: EMDR can reduce irrational fears by neutralizing past experiences.
• Grief: When loss lingers, EMDR can ease stuck emotions.

So again, what is EMDR therapy for? It’s for giving you back control over your emotions by healing the root cause.

Not Just for Trauma

Another key point when discussing what is EMDR therapy for is that it’s not just for trauma. It’s also helpful for:

• Chronic pain
• Performance anxiety
• Sleep issues
• Relationship difficulties
• Shame and guilt

EMDR doesn’t just treat symptoms. It works deeper. It helps you heal from what created the symptoms in the first place.

Why People Choose EMDR

Clients at Grigore Counselling often choose EMDR when they feel talk therapy isn’t enough. You don’t need to talk in detail about what happened. You focus on the memory while the brain does the work of processing it. Many find this process faster and more effective than other types of therapy.

So, what is EMDR therapy for? It’s for anyone ready to heal, move forward, and feel less stuck in the past.

Start EMDR Therapy at Grigore Counselling

Grigore Counselling offers EMDR both in-person and virtually. Our therapists are trauma-informed and trained to guide you safely through the process. Whether you’re working through PTSD, childhood wounds, or emotional blocks, we’re here to support your journey.

If you’ve been wondering, what is EMDR therapy for, now you know: it’s for healing the unresolved pain that holds you back. Book your session today.

FAQ – What Is EMDR Therapy For?

1. Can EMDR help with anxiety that’s not tied to trauma?

Yes. Even if the anxiety isn’t clearly trauma-related, EMDR can help resolve the emotional root behind it.

2. Is EMDR only for PTSD?

No. EMDR is used for depression, low self-esteem, grief, and more—not just PTSD.

3. How do I know if EMDR is right for me?

A consultation with a trained therapist can determine if EMDR fits your needs and readiness.

Finding a therapist in Langley that speaks Hindi can transform your experience with mental health care. Language is about connection. So when you speak your native language in therapy, your emotions feel clearer, and trust builds faster.

Grigore Counselling offers you access to a therapist in Langley that speaks Hindi. Our team understands the unique emotional, cultural, and generational challenges faced by South Asian individuals and families.

Why Language Matters in Therapy

When you speak in Hindi, you don’t need to translate your feelings. You communicate naturally, without struggling for the right words. A therapist that understands your tone, context, and cultural references.

Therapy depends on connection. Misunderstandings caused by language barriers can weaken progress. With a therapist that speaks Hindi, nothing gets lost. You feel heard, understood, and respected from the first session.

What We Treat

Grigore Counselling’s Hindi-speaking therapists support clients with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Family conflict
• Life stress
• Relationship issues

These are common struggles, but how you experience them is shaped by culture. A therapist in Langley that speaks Hindi understands how family pressure, immigration, and cultural expectations influence your mental health. This insight allows for deeper, more effective therapy.

Therapy That Understands South Asian Culture

Many South Asian clients worry about stigma or feel guilty asking for help. Working with a therapist that speaks Hindi can help reduce that hesitation. You don’t have to explain cultural expectations or justify your emotions.

We understand the impact of generational differences, family hierarchy, and social norms. If you are facing parental pressure, burnout from responsibilities, or silent emotional pain, your Hindi-speaking therapist creates a safe, judgment-free space.

Convenient and Affordable

Our Langley office offers both in-person and online sessions. This makes it easy to start therapy wherever you feel most comfortable. Evening and weekend sessions are available.

Therapy with a therapist in Langley that speaks Hindi at Grigore Counselling is professional, accessible, and tailored to your life. Book an appointment here.

FAQs – Therapist in Langley that speaks Hindi

How do I find a therapist that speaks Hindi?

You can visit Grigore Counselling to book directly with a Hindi-speaking therapist in Langley. Both in-person and online options are available.

Can I talk about family and cultural pressure in therapy?

Yes. Your Hindi-speaking therapist understands South Asian cultural expectations and can help you work through those challenges without judgment.

Is therapy confidential?

Absolutely. All sessions are private and confidential. We provide a safe, respectful environment for healing.

Looking for affordable counselling in Langley? Grigore Counselling is thrilled to announce the grand opening of our Langley office—a safe, welcoming space for individuals, couples, and families seeking expert therapy without breaking the bank.

Our new location is now open and accepting clients! Book your session today and take advantage of our limited-time launch offer:
🎉 20% OFF for the first 20 clients with select clinicians
💬 Counselling rates starting as low as $100 per hour

If you’re new to therapy or looking to reconnect with support, our team in Langley is ready to help.

Why Choose Grigore Counselling in Langley?

Opening April 1st, our new Langley office brings compassionate, skilled therapy closer to home. We believe mental health services should be accessible, affordable, and tailored to your needs.

Located conveniently in the heart of Langley, this new office is perfect for individuals from Walnut Grove, Willoughby, Fort Langley, and beyond. With evening and weekend appointments available, we make it easy to prioritize your mental wellness—on your schedule.

Expert Clinicians, Warm Support

We’re known for our trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy. Our Langley team includes therapists trained in CBT, EMDR, somatic work, and more. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, or trauma, we match you with the right clinician to support your goals.

We also offer online counselling, so you can continue sessions remotely if needed.

First 20 Clients Get 20% Off

To celebrate our opening, the first 20 clients who book at the Langley office receive 20% off select clinicians. This offer is available for a limited time only—book early to secure your discounted rate.

Plus, our commitment to affordability means sessions start at just $100/hour, making us one of the most cost-accessible counselling options in Langley.

Visit Our Langley Office Today

We’re ready to welcome you to our new home in Langley!
📍 Address and booking details available here.

Take the first step toward better mental health. Your story matters. Your healing matters. Let us help you move forward—with care, compassion, and clinical excellence.

FAQs

Is affordable counselling available in Langley?

Yes! Grigore Counselling now offers affordable therapy in Langley with rates starting at $100/hour—and the first 20 clients get 20% off select clinicians.

What issues can I get help with at the Langley office?

Our Langley therapists support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, stress, grief, and more. We offer both individual and couples counselling.

Can I do sessions online instead?

Absolutely. While our Langley office is open for in-person therapy, we also offer online counselling for flexibility and convenience.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-known, evidence-based treatment for trauma and emotional distress. If you’re asking yourself, “how long does EMDR therapy take to work?”, you’re not alone. Many people want to know how soon they can expect results and how many sessions it takes to feel better.

For that, let’s comment on the timeline, key factors, and what to expect from EMDR therapy.

What is EMDR Therapy to begin with?

EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. This technique allows the brain to “digest” painful events that previously felt stuck. It doesn’t erase the memory, but it reduces its emotional charge.

But how long does EMDR therapy take to work? That depends on a few key factors.

The Short Answer: It Depends

There’s no single answer to how long does EMDR therapy take to work. Some people feel relief after just one or two sessions. Others need 8–12 sessions or more to work through multiple layers of trauma.

If you’re working with a certified EMDR therapist, your experience will be structured and goal-oriented. But the timeline varies depending on:

• The nature of your trauma
• Your emotional readiness
• The number of memories you need to process
• Your overall mental health

To better understand how long does EMDR therapy take to work, it helps to know what’s involved. EMDR therapy includes eight phases:

1. History taking
2. Treatment planning
3. Preparation
4. Assessment
5. Desensitization
6. Installation
7. Body scan
8. Closure and reevaluation

You won’t start the reprocessing part immediately. You and your therapist need to build trust and create emotional safety first. So, how long does EMDR therapy take to work if you’re just starting? For simple trauma, it may take as few as 6–8 sessions. For complex trauma, treatment might continue for several months.

What Impacts ThisTimeline?

There are many reasons why how long does EMDR therapy take to work is a personal question. Every person processes trauma differently. But a few key elements influence your therapy timeline:

1. Single Incident vs. Complex Trauma

If you’re working through a single traumatic event (like a car accident), EMDR can be very fast. People with complex trauma or childhood abuse usually need more time.

2. Your Readiness for Processing

Some people come to therapy already using coping tools. Others may need to build emotional regulation skills first. That preparation phase can take a few sessions before reprocessing begins.

3. Frequency of Sessions

Weekly sessions are the standard. But some clients choose EMDR intensives, where they work for several hours over 1–3 days. In that case, how long does EMDR therapy take to work may be measured in days instead of weeks.

4. Therapist Experience

A skilled, EMDR-certified therapist will follow best practices. This helps make the process safer, smoother, and often more effective.

Can You Feel Better After Just One Session?

Sometimes, yes. Some clients report significant shifts after just one EMDR session—especially if they’re working on a specific, contained event. But feeling better right away doesn’t mean the work is complete.

That’s why answering how long does EMDR therapy take to work always comes with nuance. You may notice progress quickly, but sustainable healing usually takes consistency.

What You Should Expect

As you ask how long does EMDR therapy take to work, remember that the goal is lasting change—not just symptom relief. EMDR often reduces symptoms of:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Phobias

But this is not a “quick fix.” Healing takes time, and it’s okay to go at your own pace.

You might feel emotionally drained after a session. That’s normal. Your brain is processing deeply rooted experiences.

Virtual EMDR and Timeline

Many clients now ask how long does EMDR therapy take to work when done online. The good news is that virtual EMDR is often just as effective. Grigore Counselling offers both in-person and virtual EMDR to meet your needs. Virtual therapy can help maintain consistency, which often supports faster outcomes.

So, How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take to Work?

To recap:

• Some feel better after 1–3 sessions
• Most need 6–12 sessions
• Complex trauma may take months
• EMDR intensives may shorten the timeline

You’ll work with your therapist to decide what’s right for you.

We specialize in EMDR therapy for trauma, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. Our certified therapists are here to guide your healing in a way that works for you!

If you’re ready to start, contact us to schedule your first consultation.

FAQ: How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take to Work?

1. Is EMDR a short-term therapy?

It can be. Many clients see results in under 12 sessions. But deeper trauma may require more time.

2. Can EMDR work in one session?

Sometimes. Especially for single-event trauma. But most clients benefit from multiple sessions for long-term results.

3. Does virtual EMDR therapy take longer?

Not necessarily. Many clients find virtual sessions just as effective, especially with consistent scheduling.

4. What if I don’t feel better right away?

That’s normal. EMDR is deep work. You may need time to process emotions between sessions.

5. Is EMDR therapy safe for everyone?

Yes, when done with a trained therapist. You’ll always start with preparation and coping strategies.