Learn more About Rapid Eye Movement Therapy,
Desensitization, and Reprocessing

Help You Heal From The Distress of Life

EMDR Therapy is a revolutionary psychotherapy technique designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and alleviate psychological stress.

By targeting past experiences that cause emotional distress, this evidence-based approach enables clients to reduce the impact of negative beliefs and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

At the Calgary Institute of Counselling, our skilled therapists utilize EMDR Therapy to address issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and more.

Benefits of Eye Movement Therapy

EMDR Therapy provides a powerful pathway to healing from trauma and other psychological stressors. It’s an effective way to reprocess distressing memories and build emotional resilience.

Improved Mental Health

Address past traumas and reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression for lasting emotional stability.

Better Relationships

Resolve emotional barriers that impact trust and communication, fostering healthier connections with loved ones.

Enhanced Resilience

Build coping skills to navigate future challenges with confidence and emotional strength.

Fewer Intrusive Thoughts

Alleviate distressing memories and flashbacks for improved focus and peace of mind.

Increased Self-Awareness

Gain deeper insights into how past experiences influence present behaviours, enabling positive change.

Greater Life Satisfaction

Reclaim control over your emotions and rediscover joy in daily activities.

Get Matched With a Therapist

Match with Therapist

The Eight-Phase Treatment Approach for EMDR Therapy

History and Treatment Planning

The counsellor and client discuss the client’s history to identify potential traumatic events for treatment.

Preparation

The counsellor ensures the client has various coping mechanisms and establishes a trustful relationship.

Assessment

Together, they identify a specific target memory for treatment, including the associated image, belief, emotion, and body sensation.

Desensitization

The counsellor guides the client through sets of eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation), while the client focuses on the memory, gradually reducing its emotional impact.

Installation

The client works to increase the strength of a positive belief related to the targeted memory.

Body Scan

After the desensitization and installation, the client is asked to notice any residual bodily tension when thinking about the memory and to work on reducing it.

Closure

The session ends with the client in equilibrium. If the memory was not fully processed within the session, the counsellor will help the client use self-calming strategies.

Re-evaluation

At the beginning of the next session, the counsellor and client review the progress made and decide if further targets need to be addressed.

Therapy Planning and Setting Goals

Goal-setting in EMDR Therapy in Calgary is vital for ensuring a focused and effective treatment plan. During your first sessions, your therapist will collaborate to identify specific memories or issues to address and define clear objectives.

Goals help measure progress and provide a roadmap for each phase of therapy. Your Calgary EMDR therapist will guide you through this process, tailoring the approach to your unique needs. You’ll feel supported every step of the way.

Reasons to Choose EMDR Counseling

Having an EMDR session offers profound benefits for those seeking relief from trauma or emotional distress. Clients often experience reduced symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, along with improved emotional regulation and self-confidence.

By addressing the root causes of psychological stress, EMDR helps clients break free from the cycle of distressing memories and embrace a future filled with resilience and emotional freedom.

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Start Your Journey to Freedom With EMDR Trauma Therapy

Our EMDR Counselling Results

Clients undergoing EMDR Therapy report significant reductions in trauma-related symptoms, like flashbacks and anxiety. They often experience improved emotional regulation, enhanced self-confidence, and healthier relationships.

By reprocessing traumatic memories, eye movement therapy for PTSD fosters lasting resilience and a renewed sense of purpose in life.

How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take?

EMDR Therapy typically involves 6 to 12 sessions, depending on the complexity of the trauma and individual goals. Each EMDR treatment lasts about 60–90 minutes, with progress reviewed regularly to ensure effective treatment.

Scheduling an EMDR Session in Calgary

Select Your Therapist

Explore our team of 16 experienced therapists. We can help match you with the right therapist based on your specific needs, whether it's individual therapy, couples counselling, or child therapy.

Book Your First Appointment

Use our easy online booking system or call our admin staff at 587-350-8843. We offer flexible scheduling with evening and weekend availability.

Book Ongoing Sessions

After your first session, you can easily schedule follow-up appointments online or through our admin team. Our goal is to provide ongoing, convenient care without any waitlists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mild side effects like fatigue or emotional sensitivity may occur as memories are processed. These effects are temporary and typically decrease after EMDR sessions.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to target and reprocess traumatic memories without extensive verbal exploration.

No, EMDR trauma therapy focuses on reprocessing the memory’s emotional impact rather than discussing the trauma in detail.

Yes. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals experiencing:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Stress caused by chronic diseases.
  • Disturbing memories and nightmares
  • Grief and loss
  • Phobias and fears
  • Self-esteem issues

The preparation phase involves building trust, establishing coping strategies, and ensuring you feel safe and ready for desensitization. Remember, our EMDR therapists in Calgary are here to help.

The benefits of EMDR are long-lasting, with many clients reporting sustained relief from symptoms and improved well-being after completing treatment.