- For children, youth, and adults
EMDR and Trauma Therapy
EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR Therapy?
At Afterglow Counselling & Wellness, we specialize in EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a proven, evidence-based approach to help you heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress. Whether you’re struggling with childhood trauma, abuse, or overwhelming life events, EMDR can help you to move forward with clarity and peace, while lowering the distress level of those memories.
Our EMDR trained psychotherapists guide you through a safe and effective use of EMDR trauma therapy, helping you reprocess painful memories and regain control of your life.
EMDR may be perfect for you if you:
- Struggle with unresolved trauma or painful memories that impact your daily life.
- Experience symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, or hypervigilance.
- Feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, depression, or low self-worth.
- Have difficulty managing emotional triggers or overwhelming stress.
- Want to break free from limiting beliefs that hold you back.
- Are dealing with the aftermath of abuse, neglect, or grief.
- Seek a therapy approach that is non-invasive, efficient, and backed by research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is highly effective for single-event trauma as well as complex, ongoing trauma. Whether you’re struggling with the emotional impact of a car accident, assault, or even a medical procedure that left you feeling distressed, EMDR can help.
EMDR helps your brain process traumatic memories by using a method called bilateral stimulation, which involves moving your eyes back and forth. This mimics the natural process your brain goes through during REM sleep, when it sorts and stores memories. By doing this, EMDR helps reduce the emotional pain tied to traumatic memories. Over time, the memories lose their intensity and become easier to manage.
EMDR works in 8 stages. The first few stages are information gathering, understanding your past, and making sure you are a good candidate to start EMDR work. Assessments are performed, coping strategies are discussed, and the next steps are set up during this time. During an EMDR reprocessing session (the later stages where the reprocessing begins), your therapist will guide you through:
- Identifying a troubling memory or issue.
- Exploring the emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations tied to it.
- Using bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess the memory, reducing its impact.
The number of sessions varies depending on the complexity of the trauma or issue. Some individuals experience relief in as few as 6–12 sessions, while others with complex trauma may require more.
Yes, EMDR is a safe and evidence-based therapy. However, it’s important to work with a trained and licensed EMDR therapist to ensure a supportive and effective healing process.
Yes, EMDR therapy can be conducted effectively via telehealth using virtual platforms. Your therapist will guide you through the same techniques adapted for online sessions.
To prepare for EMDR therapy:
- Identify key memories or issues you’d like to address. Your therapist will guide you through what’s called a “treatment plan” session to identify these memories.
- Be open to sharing your feelings and experiences with your therapist.
- Practice grounding and coping techniques taught by your therapist.
- Practice self-care! It is important to be in a good physical and mental space before reprocessing work can begin.
Ready to take the Next Step?
Complete the contact form to schedule a free 15-minute meet-and-greet phone call with one of our therapists!
We will match you with the best therapist based on your presenting concerns and availability.