EMDR Therapy in Duncan, BC and Online
Flexible Schedule
Daytime, evening, and weekend appointments
Online & In-Person
Appointments from the comfort of your home or our Duncan, BC office
Affordable Therapy
Low cost options and a subsidy program available
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
Meet Moxie’s EMDR Therapists
-
![Black and white portrait of a man with long hair, a beard, and a mustache, smiling softly, standing outdoors with a blurred natural background. Appears kind and inviting.]()
Phil Reilander
-
![A woman with wavy blonde hair smiling outdoors in a park with leafless trees in the background. Appears wise and compassionate.]()
Sarah Houle-Montes
Understanding EMDR Therapy
Some experiences don’t stay in the past the way we expect them to. You might notice memories that feel vivid or intrusive, emotions that surface unexpectedly, or physical reactions that don’t seem to match what’s happening now. Even when you know you’re safe, your nervous system may still be responding as if the threat is present.
EMDR therapy can help when trauma or emotional distress continues to impact your day-to-day life.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy approach developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro. It is based on the understanding that the brain has a natural ability to heal from difficult experiences. When something overwhelming happens, that process can become stuck. Instead of being integrated as a past event, the experience remains emotionally charged and easily triggered.
In EMDR therapy, we work together to help your brain complete that unfinished processing. Using bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, alternating sounds, or gentle tapping, EMDR supports the nervous system in reprocessing distressing memories in a way that feels more manageable. The goal is not to erase what happened, but to reduce its emotional intensity so it no longer dominates the present.
Many people find that memories feel more distant, emotions become less overwhelming, and their relationship to the past begins to shift naturally.
Why Choose EMDR for Psychological Distress?
So, why might someone choose EMDR over other forms of therapy to address their psychological distress? Here are some compelling reasons to opt for this kind of trauma therapy:
1. Effective Trauma Resolution: EMDR has a strong track record in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. It can lead to significant improvements in a relatively short amount of time.
2. Less Reliving and More Healing: Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR doesn't require clients to relive their trauma in detail. Instead, it helps them process the memories without being overwhelmed by them.
3. Empowerment and Resilience: EMDR fosters a sense of empowerment as clients develop their own coping strategies and positive beliefs. This can be transformative in rebuilding self-esteem and building one’s confidence in their ability to handle difficult situations in the future.
4. Broad Applicability: EMDR is not limited to trauma counselling alone; it can be used to address various psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and negative beliefs about oneself.
5. Customized Approach: Your EMDR therapist will tailor the treatment to your specific needs. This personalized approach ensures that you receive the most effective care for your unique experience.
6. Shorter Treatment Duration: EMDR often requires fewer sessions compared to traditional therapy, making it a more time-efficient option.
While EMDR is traditionally done in-person, there are effective adaptations for online work. Our clinical counsellors and therapists are qualified for both in-person EMDR therapy on Vancouver Island and online EMDR sessions throughout Canada.
It's important to note that while EMDR is a powerful tool, it may not be suitable for everyone. It's essential to work with a trained EMDR therapist or a counsellor near you who can assess whether this approach is the right fit for your unique needs. If you are curious about EMDR, please get in touch and one of our trauma therapists can help you decide. You are not alone in this, and hope is just around the corner.