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Now, when I talk about what happened to me it's definitely reality but the fear is not there any more. It's astounding. I've been given a portion of my life back.

Emily G., trauma survivor describing EMDR in American Health

A happy couple with the woman piggyback riding on the man, both looking at the camera with big smiles.

EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is really something. Our team trained in this some years back, together feeling something close to awe at how it seemed to process ‘stuck feelings’ that our current approaches to providing therapy weren’t always able to get at. We found it to have the ‘deep tissue’ effect that we have seen with the use of psychedelics used in therapy but with the added benefit of decades of highly structured, research supported protocols on how to provide it safely and effectively.

 

Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR incorporates elements from various therapeutic disciplines, utilizing a unique eight-phase approach to reduce past traumas’ emotional impact.

EMDR counselling aids individuals in resolving past emotional traumas by using structured protocols that include bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. Honestly, this is a wordy way of saying we bring up painful memories while using visuals, sound or touch to make your brain blink left-and-right. Research is slowly understanding more and more why it is that this ‘deletes traumatic feelings,’ but we may never know for sure. We are just grateful that in so many cases—even treatment resistant ones—it works very well. Indeed, it has been extensively researched and recognized for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions by organizations worldwide, making it a cornerstone approach in the field of psychological healing.

 

We understand the unique challenges and stressors that life can bring. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing a supportive, compassionate environment where you can explore, heal, and grow through EMDR Therapy in Vancouver, BC (sorry — our SEO team told us we needed to write that one). Our skilled and certified EMDR therapists in Vancouver are dedicated to helping individuals like you overcome traumatic experiences and emotional discomfort. Whether you are facing trauma, anxiety, depression, or other daily struggles, our goal is to guide you toward a path of recovery and self-discovery, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of peace.

 

EMDR Therapy is currently offered by: Joel MyersEstairia HongMarwan NoueihedLaura LuMohit BassiJessica Cumming, Fabiola Pérez and Carson Kivari.

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy practice where mental health treatment techniques are used to help people heal from traumatic memories and other distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy technique involves bilateral stimulation which is achieved through eye movements, sounds, or taps. Most mental health treatments focus on directly altering the emotions and thoughts resulting from traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy, on the other hand, focuses directly on memory. The goal of the EMDR counselling is to change the way that memory is stored in the brain, ultimately reducing problematic symptoms.

Thrive's Counselling Room

If you are curious about how this special type of counselling may help you past plateaus or stuck points you may consider booking an appointment for EMDR therapy counselling with Thrive Downtown.

What is EMDR Therapy used for?

EMDR Therapy is a highly effective treatment that helps with anxiety, distress, trauma and surprisingly, day-to-day difficulties such as jealousy, fear of public speaking, motivation and writer’s block. Oftentimes professional counsellors (like us) use EMDR therapy for PTSD—a mental health condition that occurs after one experiences or witnesses a traumatic event or survives a pattern of overwhelming life conditions. EMDR also addresses negative beliefs and self-talk that get in the way of personal growth and development. Below are some common issues that can be healed through EMDR therapy.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety and Panic Disorders
  • Depression
  • Addiction and Substance Abuse
  • Phobias and Fears
  • Chronic Pain
  • Performance Anxiety
  • Self-esteem and Self-worth Issues
  • Relationship Issues
Counselling Room for Psychotherapy

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

From adolescents and teenagers to adults, people of all ages may benefit from EMDR therapy. This treatment is for everyone who has been struggling with mental wellness, attachment difficulties, stress and burnout, as well as including those who:

  • 9Have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.
  • 9Are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders.
  • 9Are experiencing relationship issues or low self-esteem.
  • 9Are struggling with addiction or substance abuse.
  • 9Are dealing with chronic pain or other physical health issues.
  • 9Are experiencing performance anxiety.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy works by helping individuals process traumatic experiences that have become ‘stuck’ in their brains and bodies. When a person experiences trauma, the brain becomes unable to process the event in the same way as a non-traumatic experience, ultimately making the memory fragmented. EMDR counselling and therapy helps to reprocess these traumatic memories with a series of structured protocols. EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment method and those EMDR phases are history taking, client preparation, body scan, installation, assessment, desensitization, closure and reevaluation of treatment effect.

Thrive's Counselling Room
EMDR therapy involves bilateral stimulation, where an EMDR therapist guides an individual through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while they recall the traumatic event. This helps the individual to desensitize to the memory and reduce the emotional reactivity associated with it. During the session, the patient is moved towards a state of post-traumatic growth and resilience. EMDR therapy is delivered one to two times a week, and one typically has to attend a total of 6-12 sessions. While some people have to go through fewer sessions, some have to attend sessions for consecutive days to overcome their mental issues.

Thrive’s EMDR Therapy in Vancouver

Thrive Downtown Counselling Centre, Vancouver, BC specializes in EMDR therapy and counselling in Vancouver. Our registered EMDR therapists are dedicated to providing personalized care to our clients and ensuring their comfort and support.
We use a comprehensive approach to EMDR therapy. We assess your personal history, identify and process negative experiences, and create positive associations to replace negative ones. Our EMDR therapists are best at creating a safe and trusting environment so that you can explore your emotions and experiences without fear of judgment.

Meet the Thrive’s EMDR Therapists

Laura Lu, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Laura Lu

Registered Clinical Counsellor

EMDR Trained Counsellor

Serena Slatten, EMDR Trained Practitioner

Serena Slatten

Registered Clinical Counsellor

EMDR Trained Counsellor

Estairia Hong, Thrive's Registered Therapeutic and EMDR Trained Counsellor

Estairia Hong

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor,

EMDR Trained Counsellor

Fabiola Pérez, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor

Fabiola Pérez

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor,

EMDR Trained Counsellor

Joel Myers, Thrive's Registered Therapeutic and EMDR Trained Counsellor

Joel Myers

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor,

EMDR Trained Counsellor

Jessica Cumming, Thrive's Registered Therapeutic and EMDR Trained Counsellor

Jess Cumming

Canadian Certified Counsellor,

EMDR Trained Counsellor

Fabiola Pérez, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor

Mohit Bassi

Registered Clinical Counsellor

EMDR Trained Counsellor

Joel Myers, Thrive's Registered Therapeutic and EMDR Trained Counsellor

Carson Kivari

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Thrive Founder

EMDR Trained Counsellor

Marwan Noueihed, Canadian Certified Counsellor

Marwan Noueihed

Canadian Certified Counsellor

EMDR Trained Counsellor

What do you do in EMDR Therapy?

During an EMDR therapy session, the client focuses on a specific traumatic memory while simultaneously moving their eyes back and forth. It may also involve other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or listening to sounds that alternate between the left and right ears. The EMDR therapist guides the individual through a series of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while asking them to focus on the disturbing memory, negative thought, and related physical sensations. The sets of eye movements usually last for 20-30 seconds and are repeated several times during the session. Through this process, EMDR therapy helps the brain to reprocess the traumatic memory and reduce the intensity of emotions and negative beliefs associated with the event. The end goal of a session is to help the patient gain new insights and perspectives on the trauma and improve his/her sense of well-being.

A bright yellow single sofa with clean lines and a comfortable seating cushion.
A cozy and welcoming counselling psychotherapy room with plush sofas, personal touches on the walls in form of photos, and ample natural light streaming in through large windows.

What to Expect after EMDR Therapy?

Once you complete an EMDR therapy session, you may experience various emotions, sensations, or insights. You generally feel a sense of relief and relaxation as the therapy is designed to process and release painful emotions related to past traumas. The problem that forced you to take EMDR therapy will begin feeling less significant, and old triggers will no longer have their usual effect. You are likely not to be scared or anxious about things that used to bother you. After EMDR therapy, you may experience vivid dreams or memories related to the traumatic event in the following days but don’t worry – it’s a normal part of the healing process. It is important to note that everyone has a unique experience with EMDR therapy. Your experience after a session may differ from others.

EMDR Therapy Vancouver Cost

The cost of EMDR therapy varies between therapists and locations. Thrive Downtown Counselling Centre understands that counselling can be quite a cost but we believe that it is a worthwhile investment. We have done our best to keep our rates as low as possible while still helping our counsellors to pay their bills and prevent burnout from doing this precious, yet at times heavy work. We work with clients to find a plan that fits their budget. We provide you with a free 15-minute phone consultation. Connect with us if you have any questions about our EMDR therapy cost.

EMDR Therapy Rates

COUNSELLOR

$165 + GST

INTERN

$65 + GST

Thrive Counselling Rooms

In-person sessions

Are available in our spacious, one of a kind therapy rooms.

EMDR Therapy FAQs

What does EMDR stand for?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

What are the 8 stages of EMDR?

The 8 stages of EMDR Therapy are history taking, client preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure and reevaluation of treatment effect.

What is EMDR tapping?

EMDR tapping is a component of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. Often referred to as the “bilateral stimulation,” it involves gentle, alternating taps on the left and right sides of the body, such as on the knees or hands. This method serves as an alternative to traditional eye movements, aiming to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories by activating both hemispheres of the brain. The technique mirrors the effects of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep cycle, where emotional experiences are processed, and is designed to diminish the emotional impact of traumatic memories, aiding in their adaptive integration. EMDR tapping is particularly beneficial for individuals who find eye movements challenging, offering a versatile approach to accessing the therapeutic benefits of bilateral stimulation.

Is EMDR Therapy covered by insurance?

It is most likely that EMDR therapy is covered by insurance, but you need to check your plan covers registered counselling to know that they qualify EMDR Therapy Vancouver. Depending on your plan, we may be able to direct bill. Otherwise, we will provide you with a receipt you may submit to reimbursement which often takes a day or two.

Who is EMDR not appropriate for?

EMDR therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. It’s important to have a thorough assessment with a qualified therapist to determine if EMDR therapy is the right approach for you. EMDR may not be suitable for people with certain conditions such as epilepsy or dissociative disorders. Consult with Thrive Counselling Center to find out whether EMDR therapy is appropriate for you or not.

How many sessions do you need for EMDR?

The number of EMDR therapy sessions required can vary depending on the individual and their specific needs. Some may only require only a few sessions, while others may need more. EMDR therapy typically has one to two sessions a week and on average, the total number of sessions ranges from 6 to 12.

Does EMDR work?

Yes, EMDR therapy has been shown to effectively treat a variety of mental health concerns, including PTSD and depression. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in improving the overall functioning of the brain. However, it’s important to note that not everyone responds to EMDR therapy in the same way, and the results may vary between individuals.

How long does it take for EMDR to work?

The amount of time it takes for EMDR therapy to work varies between individuals and their specific needs. Some people may start to notice improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require more sessions before seeing significant changes. It’s important to discuss your progress with your therapist regularly to ensure that you are getting the most out of your EMDR therapy sessions.

Is EMDR better than CBT?

EMDR therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) are both evidence-based treatments for a variety of issues. Both approaches have been shown to be effective, and the choice between EMDR and CBT may depend on the specific needs of an individual. Some people may respond better to EMDR therapy, while others may prefer CBT. It’s important to counsel with a qualified therapist to determine the best approach for you.

What is the success rate of EMDR therapy?

The success rate of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy can vary widely depending on several factors, including the nature of the trauma, the individual’s unique circumstances, and the skill of the therapist. Research has shown EMDR to be particularly effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with studies indicating that up to 80-90% of PTSD patients experience a significant reduction in their symptoms after just a few sessions.

Is EMDR for severe trauma?

EMDR may possibly be a helpful approach for severe trauma, but this isn’t a question that can be answered without a proper consultation. You are a human being and we are all unique. Nonetheless, EMDR therapy has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating trauma, particularly severe trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Its core principle involves helping individuals process and integrate traumatic memories in a way that diminishes their ongoing psychological impact. Due to its success in these areas, EMDR is considered a first-line treatment for trauma and PTSD by various mental health organizations.