How can EMDR therapy help?

Oct 28

EMDR therapy can help you heal from difficult experiences, reduce emotional distress, and feel more present and grounded. Whether you are coping with trauma, anxiety, or postpartum challenges, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps your brain process painful memories so they no longer have the same emotional power over you.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured and evidence-based type of therapy that helps people recover from trauma, distressing life events, and ongoing anxiety.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to retell your full story in detail. Instead, it works by helping your brain reprocess memories that are stored in an unhelpful or painful way. This process supports emotional healing and helps you feel more at peace with your past.

During a session, your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or gentle sounds. These movements activate both sides of the brain, allowing you to process and integrate difficult experiences more effectively.

How EMDR Works

When something overwhelming happens, your brain may not store that experience properly. It can feel “stuck,” leading to flashbacks, anxiety, self-blame, or physical tension. EMDR helps your brain unstick those memories and file them away as neutral experiences rather than ongoing threats.

As your brain reprocesses, the emotional intensity connected to those memories decreases. Over time, many clients find that reminders of the past no longer bring up the same emotional reaction. They can think about what happened without reliving the distress.

The Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy can help with:

Trauma and post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression
Grief and loss
Self-esteem and confidence concerns
Postpartum and birth-related trauma
Relationship and attachment difficulties

Many clients notice they feel calmer, less reactive, and more able to move forward. Sleep often improves, self-compassion increases, and everyday stressors begin to feel easier to handle.

EMDR for Postpartum and Birth Trauma

EMDR can be particularly helpful for parents who have experienced birth trauma or distressing postpartum experiences.

Sometimes a difficult birth, medical emergency, or feeling unsupported can leave lasting emotional effects. Even if everything looks “fine” on the outside, the body may still carry fear, guilt, or sadness. EMDR helps process those experiences safely, allowing your mind and body to release what was never fully resolved.

Clients often describe a sense of relief after EMDR, noticing that the flashbacks, tension, or emotional overwhelm begin to soften. EMDR can also help with adjusting to parenthood after a challenging start, reconnecting with your body, and rebuilding trust in yourself.

For related support, visit our [Postpartum Counselling Services] page to learn more about how our team can help during this transition.

Online and In-Person EMDR Options

At Thrive Collective, we offer EMDR both in-person at our Chilliwack and Abbotsford offices and online throughout British Columbia.

Virtual EMDR therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions. Many clients appreciate the ability to work from home, especially parents in the postpartum stage or those who find in-person appointments challenging to attend.

Whether online or in person, your therapist will ensure that you feel supported, safe, and guided every step of the way.

To meet our team of EMDR-trained therapists, visit our therapist page.

What to Expect in an EMDR Session

A typical EMDR process includes:

Building safety and trust with your therapist
Learning grounding tools and regulation strategies
Identifying the target memories or themes to reprocess
Engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds)
Noticing how your body, emotions, and thoughts shift as you heal

Your therapist will always move at your pace. EMDR is not about rushing or forcing anything. It is about creating the space for your brain and body to finally rest and integrate what has been too painful to hold alone.

How EMDR Differs from Traditional Talk Therapy

Traditional talk therapy focuses on insight and reflection, while EMDR helps the brain reprocess emotional memories directly. You may not need to discuss every detail of your experience for healing to occur.

Where talk therapy uses conversation to bring awareness, EMDR uses your brain’s natural healing process to bring resolution. The two can complement each other beautifully, especially when clients want both emotional understanding and lasting change.

Evidence and Professional Recognition

EMDR is recognized by major mental health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), as an effective treatment for trauma. Research consistently supports EMDR’s effectiveness in helping people heal from a wide range of experiences.

At Thrive Collective, our EMDR-trained therapists receive specialized training to ensure sessions are safe, individualized, and trauma-informed.

EMDR Therapy in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Online Across BC

Our team of therapists at Thrive Collective offers EMDR therapy to clients across British Columbia. Whether you are processing trauma, recovering from a difficult birth, or managing anxiety that feels stuck in your body, EMDR provides a pathway toward healing.

We believe healing happens in connection, not isolation. Our goal is to help you move from surviving to thriving.

To explore EMDR or book a session, visit our online booking page or reach out through our contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EMDR effective online?

Yes. Online EMDR therapy is highly effective and can feel just as personal as in-person sessions. Therapists use secure video platforms and specialized tools to guide the process safely and comfortably from your own space.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on your goals, history, and comfort level. Some people notice meaningful change in just a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer process. Your therapist will discuss this with you early on.

Is EMDR safe during the postpartum period?

Yes. EMDR can be a safe and gentle option for postpartum parents, especially when guided by a trauma-informed therapist. Sessions focus on safety, grounding, and regulation to support both emotional and physical recovery.

What if I am nervous to start EMDR?

That is completely normal. Many people feel unsure before beginning therapy, especially when they have experienced trauma. Your therapist will go at your pace and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.