EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based method developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s to process distressing memories. In a session, your therapist will guide you through a procedure that uses bilateral stimulation, which engages both sides of the brain, such as guided eye movements, gentle hand taps, or auditory tones. This helps the brain reprocess challenging memories and reduces their emotional impact. Trauma reprocessing therapy like this can help you move toward more adaptive, settled thoughts over time.

EMDR is best known for treating trauma, but it's also used for a range of concerns, including PTSD, anxiety, phobias, depression, and distressing core beliefs such as "I'm not good enough." EMDR for trauma works by targeting the root experiences that sustain symptoms, rather than merely managing them on the surface. It appeals to many because it involves little retelling of painful events, making it less overwhelming. Your therapist can help you determine whether it is right for you and your situation.

Traditional talk therapy involves detailed discussion of experiences, while EMDR reprocesses memories through bilateral stimulation. A key distinction is that EMDR does not require you to recount your trauma in detail, which can be distressing for many clients. It's also often noted that it takes less time than some traditional methods, though this varies from person to person. We offer EMDR therapy in Ontario as one option among several, depending on your needs and goals.

EMDR is one of the most extensively researched approaches for trauma and is recognized by major health organizations as an effective treatment for PTSD. EMDR for PTSD aims to address the underlying experiences driving symptoms, which many people find brings meaningful, lasting relief. However, results vary, and a good therapist will set realistic expectations with you from the beginning. A 15-minute consultation is a great way to find out if it's right for you, and it's free.

The number of sessions can vary widely depending on what you are processing and your personal goals. The number of sessions required can also vary by individual and by the nature of the distressing event; some may require relatively few sessions, while others may need more if the trauma is more complex or has been ongoing for a longer period. Your therapist will create a plan with you and adjust it as you go. Whether in person or through online EMDR therapy in Ontario, the pace is always guided by what feels manageable for you.

Yes, while EMDR is best known for treating trauma, it's also used to address anxiety, including worry tied to specific past experiences or beliefs. EMDR for anxiety can help reprocess the memories that fuel anxious patterns, easing their grip over time. At Brookhaven, EMDR is available in person in Burlington and Milton, and virtually across Ontario. If you'd like EMDR counselling in Milton, you're welcome to reach out, and we'll help match you with a suitable therapist.

If you're searching for “EMDR therapist near me,” we have therapists trained and experienced in EMDR available in Burlington and virtually throughout Ontario. Our featured EMDR therapist, Rosanna Riverso, offers sessions both online and in person in Burlington. Feel free to read her bio and contact her, or let us connect you with the right person. If EMDRIA certification is important to you, be sure to ask about it during your free consultation so you can make an informed decision.