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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) in Ontario
First developed back in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, EMDR is intended to help patients cope with difficult emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve self-esteem. It is a type of talk therapy that provides a way for you to process and release traumatic memories, distressing thoughts, and/or difficult emotions. If you’re feeling like you’ve tried everything, EMDR therapy might be the right next step for you.
In-person therapy available in-person in London, Toronto and Barrie, and virtually across Ontario.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy or “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing” therapy is an integrative type of psychotherapy that has been shown to assist individuals with healing from emotional distress that results from past disturbing life experiences or traumas.
Repeated studies have shown that EMDR therapy can provide the benefits of years of psychotherapy in a much shorter amount of time. Some studies show that 84%-100% of single-trauma victims recover from PTSD after only 3 90-minute sessions.
How does EMDR therapy work?
While there are many types of trauma therapy, EMDR is unique in its use of bilateral stimulation, which involves alternating left-right physical or auditory stimuli to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories.
Trauma can sometimes leave memories and emotions feeling unprocessed, causing past experiences to continue triggering distress, anxiety, anger, depression, or panic. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they can be stored as past events, reducing their emotional impact and helping the brain’s natural healing process.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR is most commonly used to support people who have experienced trauma, but it can also help with a range of concerns connected to distressing or overwhelming experiences, including:
- PTSD and complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression
- Phobias and fears
- Grief and loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Low self-esteem
- Stress related to difficult or overwhelming experiences
- Distressing memories or experiences that continue to affect daily life
EMDR may be especially helpful when past experiences continue to influence how you feel, think, or respond in the present.
Can I do EMDR virtually?
Our EMDR therapists are happy to offer in-person sessions at our offices in Toronto or London, ON, and online throughout the province of Ontario. Online EMDR is just as effective as in-person sessions.
Our practitioners are trained to treat all kinds of trauma and take the same safety & privacy measures whether working with a patient online or in person.
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Find an EMDR Therapist in Ontario
Many of our therapists offer Dialectical Behavioural Therapy for individuals, couples, families, children, and youth across Ontario, with both in-person and virtual options. Our Client Care Team can help you find a therapist whose expertise and approach match your needs.
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