What to Expect from EMDR Therapy: Clinical Counselling in Penticton, BC and Virtual throughout BC

Have you been curious, while simultaneously a bit skeptical about EMDR therapy? Often people are seeking relief from symptoms stemming from the past, while feeling nervous about trying something new, particularly when it involves processing difficult memories, sensations, or emotions.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a regimented research-based therapy modality that guides individuals through specific processes, leading to healing from distressing experiences. Individuals report a variety of positive changes, including feeling "lighter" "less distressed" "like I'm watching a movie that is separate from me" and "I am a good person....I matter...I am ok as I am."

What EMDR Therapy Is Like in Simple Terms

Imagine your brain is like a filing cabinet. Sometimes, when something upsetting happens, the memory gets stuck in the wrong drawer. It’s like the files are jammed, and your brain keeps reacting as if the event is happening now. EMDR helps gently “unstick” those unhelpful files so your brain can file them away properly. In other words, the memory loses its intense emotional charge and feels less distressing.

During the processing phase, your therapist will guide you to focus on a a target memory while you follow a back-and-forth stimulus (visual, auditory, or tactile stimulus).

During the processing phase, you might notice:

• Emotional shifts: Feelings can come up suddenly—sometimes sadness, anger, relief, or even calm. It’s normal for emotions to ebb and flow. Emotional change mean processing is occurring.

• Physical sensations: Some people feel tension release in their body or a sense of lightness.

• Thoughts and images: Memories might pop up in bits or pieces, or you might have new insights about your experience. You might jump to a different memory. Your brain knows what it's doing as it makes connections.

  
  

Every session ends with adequate time for "putting away" what is lingering/emotion regulation. Strategies for stabilizations would have been established prior to processing, and new strategies are added as needed.

It is the therapist's job to ensure you are regulated at the end of session.

Your brain often continues to process between sessions. This is when you can make use of helpful strategies, which were established prior to processing ("calm place" "container" "supportive figures"). This is also when you need to engage in what is uniquely helpful to you (knitting, time outside, pets, movement, stretching, art, music...etc.).

Common Thoughts and Reactions During and After EMDR

Many people notice a few common reactions as they go through EMDR therapy:

• Feeling unsettled or emotional: Sometimes memories bring up feelings you thought were long gone. Moving through these emotions and sensations is part of the healing process.

• Surprising insights: You might suddenly have a new and helpful perspective on an experience.

• Physical tiredness: Processing memories can be tiring. It’s important to rest or do what is helpful between sessions.

Safety, Pacing, and Support from Your Therapist

It is essential that EMDR work moves at your pace. Building rapport with your therapist can help support your willingness to voice your needs. Your therapist is trained to ensure you are not rushed or pushed to work with more than you can manage.

Addressing Common Fears and Misconceptions

Here are some common questions and concerns:

• “Will I have to talk about everything in detail?”

EMDR processing does not require you to share details. The therapist just needs enough information to know whether you are effectively processing.

• “Is it like reliving trauma?”

When led by a properly trained EMDR therapist, memories are processed in safety.

Remember, therapy is a partnership. Your therapist is there to support you, listen to you, and help you find healing in a way that feels right for you. If you want to learn more, or think EMDR might be a good fit, reaching out to a counsellor with appropriate EMDRIA-approved EMDR training.

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Melanie

(EMDR trained therapist, with additional consultation hours towards EMDR consultant status)