EMDR Therapy in Edmonton
Learn About Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, structured psychotherapy method designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences. Originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now widely used for a range of emotional difficulties — from anxiety and grief to low self-esteem and chronic stress.
Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR does not require you to describe your trauma in detail or relive the experience. Instead, it helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional charge and no longer trigger intense reactions.
EMDR is grounded in the belief that the brain, like the body, naturally moves toward healing — and when trauma interferes, EMDR helps restore that natural processing ability.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR is based on a structured eight-phase model that guides you through past, present, and future-oriented experiences. At the heart of the therapy is bilateral stimulation, typically involving guided eye movements, sounds, or tapping — which activates both hemispheres of the brain.
The EMDR Process Includes:
History taking & treatment planning: Your therapist gathers information about your symptoms, history, and goals.
Preparation: You learn grounding, relaxation, and emotional regulation strategies to feel safe and in control during sessions.
Assessment: You identify specific target memories or experiences that cause emotional distress.
Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation, your therapist guides you through a structured process that allows your brain to reprocess the memory and release emotional intensity.
Installation: You strengthen a positive belief or self-image to replace the negative beliefs connected to the memory.
Body scan: You check for any remaining physical tension or discomfort related to the memory and process it further if needed.
Closure: The session ends with a return to emotional stability, using grounding techniques if necessary.
Re-evaluation: At future sessions, your therapist checks on your progress and adjusts the treatment plan.
Bilateral stimulation mimics processes that naturally occur during REM sleep (when emotional processing happens). The result: memories that once felt overwhelming become more neutral and manageable.
What Are the Benefits of EMDR?
EMDR is particularly effective for trauma-related symptoms, but its benefits extend beyond PTSD. Many people report rapid relief from emotional pain and a renewed sense of calm and confidence.
Benefits of EMDR include:
Reduction in distressing symptoms: Helps alleviate flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, panic, and hypervigilance.
Improved emotional regulation: Reduces emotional reactivity and helps you feel more grounded in daily life.
Faster progress compared to talk therapy alone: Many clients experience significant relief in fewer sessions.
Relief from complex trauma: Can address early attachment wounds, childhood abuse, medical trauma, and more.
Better self-worth and beliefs: You replace negative self-perceptions with empowering ones (e.g., “I’m not safe” becomes “I can protect myself”).
Improved body-mind connection: Because EMDR accesses memory and emotion through the body, it can help release stored physical tension and trauma.
EMDR doesn’t erase memories — it helps you relate to them in a way that no longer controls your nervous system or identity.
What Can I Expect in EMDR?
EMDR therapy is collaborative, gentle, and structured. It typically unfolds over several sessions, with early stages focused on building trust and safety.
During EMDR sessions, you may:
Talk less than in traditional therapy: You won’t have to narrate every detail of your trauma if you don’t want to.
Experience shifts in imagery, emotion, or body sensations: The brain naturally moves through memories, linking new insights and perspectives.
Feel tired or emotionally stirred afterward: It’s common to feel lighter — or more emotionally activated — as the brain continues processing between sessions.
Engage in preparation and reflection between sessions: Your therapist may give you tools or journaling prompts to support integration.
EMDR works best when you feel emotionally safe, so your therapist will always go at your pace. You are in control of the process.
Our Approach
At Crossroads Psychological & Wellness, we approach EMDR with deep care and intention. Our trauma-informed therapists are certified and trained in advanced EMDR techniques, including:
EMDR for complex trauma, childhood abuse, and dissociation.
EMDR combined with somatic practices and mindfulness.
Attachment-focused EMDR for relational healing.
EMDR for anxiety, grief, performance blocks, and chronic illness.
We create a safe, stable foundation before trauma reprocessing begins, and we adapt every session to meet your nervous system’s needs. Whether you’re working through a single event or a lifetime of pain, EMDR offers a powerful path forward — one that brings lasting relief, resilience, and freedom.
