EMDR Therapy | Brightside Counselling
When the past is still affecting the present
Sometimes trauma looks like anxiety, being constantly on the edge,
WHAT IS EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
It’s a trauma therapy that can help your brain process experiences that still feel stuck.
You don’t have to tell me every detail of what happened for EMDR to be helpful. We’ll work at a pace that feels manageable and make sure you have the tools and support you need before we begin processing difficult experiences. The goal isn’t to erase what happened. It’s to help it feel less present.
EMDR MAY BE HELPFUL FOR
WHAT HAPPENS IN AN EMDR SESSION?
EMDR looks different from person to person, but you’re always in control. We’ll start by talking about what’s been happening and making sure you have the tools and support you need before we begin processing anything.
When we’re ready, I’ll ask you to bring a specific memory, feeling, belief, or experience to mind while following a set of gentle back-and-forth movements, sounds, or taps. You don’t have to tell me every detail or relive the experience out loud.
As we work, you may notice memories, thoughts, emotions, body sensations, or new perspectives coming up. We’ll take our time and check in throughout the process.
You don’t have to force anything. You’re in control of the pace, and we can pause whenever you need to.
HOW EMDR BEGAN
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. She noticed that certain eye movements seemed to reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts and memories. Curious about what she was seeing, she began studying the process and eventually developed what became known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
Since then, EMDR has been extensively researched and developed beyond the original approach. Today, it’s used to help people process traumatic and distressing experiences, as well as other experiences that continue to affect how they feel, think, or respond.
The important part: EMDR isn’t about erasing a memory or forgetting what happened. It’s about helping your brain process what happened so it doesn’t continue to feel as overwhelming or present.
Survey on Mental Health and Stressful Events, 2023
Trauma by the numbers
What we will do together in trauma-informed talk therapy, if EMDR isn’t the right fit for you
Understand
Make sense of what happened and how it may still be affecting you
Process
Work through experiences that your mind and body haven’t fully been able to move past
Reconnect
Build a stronger sense of safety, confidence, and connection with yourself and others
Learn
Build a toolkit of practical skills you can use to manage difficult moments, regulate your nervous system, and feel more equipped in everyday life.
Training & Credentials
EMDR Training
Janina Fisher’s Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training – Level 1
Trauma-Informed Care Training
Enhanced Emergency Sexual Assault Services Training
…and more