Get your power back 

EMDR Therapy

Tired of looping through the same pattern and feeling... 

  • Overwhelmed by emotions that hit out of nowhere—or stick around longer than they should.

  • Triggered by past experiences, memories, or beliefs you thought you “should” be over by now.

  • Like you’re stuck in the same loop, no matter how much insight you have.

  • On edge, as if your nervous system is still living in survival mode.

  • Disconnected from joy, relationships, or the version of you that feels most like you.

  • Powerless to change old patterns, even though you really want to.

  • Tired of talking and ready for something deeper.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps you process stuck experiences and restore a sense of calm, clarity, and connection—with yourself and the world around you.

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, research-backed therapy that helps people heal from the lasting effects of trauma, distressing life experiences, and deeply held negative beliefs.

Originally developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1989 to treat veterans with PTSD, EMDR has since been widely studied and used to support people navigating anxiety, depression, phobias, chronic pain, OCD, addiction, sleep disturbances, and more.

At its core, EMDR works with your brain’s natural ability to process and recover from difficult experiences. Sometimes, trauma or ongoing stress can overwhelm your nervous system, leaving you feeling stuck—emotionally, physically, or mentally. EMDR helps gently “unstick” these experiences using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or tones), allowing your brain to reprocess what happened and restore a sense of safety and ease.

EMDR doesn’t erase memories—it helps you relate to them differently. The intensity softens. The patterns loosen. And often, what once felt overwhelming begins to feel more manageable.

What Does EMDR Therapy Look Like?

EMDR follows a structured multi-phase process—but it’s always tailored to your pace, goals, and comfort level.

Getting started
We begin by getting to know you, your history, and what brings you in. Together, we identify what you want to work on and build the trust and safety needed for deeper work.

Preparation
Your therapist will teach you tools to stay grounded and help you feel ready for processing. You’ll identify a memory, emotion, or belief to focus on.

Processing
Using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or sounds), your therapist guides you through recalling the experience. Your brain begins to “unstick” the memory and process it in a more adaptive way—without needing to relive every detail.

Integration
Once the distress softens, we reinforce more helpful, compassionate beliefs and support you in making sense of what’s shifted.

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy

  • Less talking than traditional therapy – You don’t have to go into detail about your experiences unless you want to.

  • You stay in control – Your therapist gently guides the process but doesn’t analyze or interrupt.

  • Focuses on how your brain and body hold experiences – EMDR helps process stuck memories, emotions, and body sensations using bilateral stimulation (like tapping or eye movements).

  • Works across thinking, feeling, and body – Supports healing at cognitive, emotional, and somatic levels.

  • You may feel tired or notice vivid dreams – This is a normal part of your brain continuing to process after sessions.

  • Grounding and coping tools are part of the process – Your therapist will help you feel prepared and supported every step of the way.

Common Reasons People Seek EMDR Therapy

PTSD and complex or chronic trauma

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Anxiety, panic, and phobias

Persistent negative beliefs about yourself

Distressing past experiences that still affect you

Overwhelming emotional triggers

Take back control

EMDR is different for everyone—because healing is guided from within.

At Risewell Psychology, our therapists create a grounded, supportive space where you can move at your own pace. You’re in control of each session and your overall process. We’re here to walk beside you, not push.

Ready when you are.

Meet our EMDR Therapists

Victoria Silver

M.ED. Registered psychologist in AB

Sarah Spicer

M.C. Provisional psychologist in AB

Have more questions?

EMDR Frequently Asked questions

    • During each session, you and your therapist will check in on how distressing it feels to focus on the memory or target.

    • You’ll also explore how true and believable the new, positive beliefs feel to you.

    • We pay close attention to your body, noticing any tension or distress connected to the memory.

    While EMDR can’t erase memories or prevent future challenges, it helps reprocess past hurts so they truly feel like they belong in the past. This makes it easier to move forward with more confidence and calm.

    You might notice changes like:

    • Feeling less triggered or emotionally overwhelmed in daily life

    • Being able to think about the memory without distress

    • Less avoidance of reminders or situations connected to the trauma

  • EMDR requires less talking about the details of your trauma or painful experiences. Instead of focusing mainly on verbal processing, EMDR uses guided bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to help your brain reprocess difficult memories and emotions.

    Your therapist acts as a facilitator, supporting your brain and body to heal naturally—often accessing feelings and sensations that are hard to put into words.

    While traditional talk therapy often revolves around discussing thoughts and feelings, EMDR works more directly with the body and brain’s natural healing processes, helping you feel relief even when words fall short.

  • EMDR may not be recommended if:

    • You find it difficult to calm yourself in a safe environment or experience intense, prolonged dissociation.

    • You have recently experienced a traumatic brain injury or have certain medical conditions such as eye problems, diagnosed heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke, heart attack, or seizures.

    • You are currently using medications like antipsychotics or benzodiazepines, or have a history of amphetamine use.

    • You are involved in an upcoming legal case where you may provide eyewitness testimony.

    In these situations, your therapist will work with you to explore the safest and most effective treatment options.

  • Yes! We provide EMDR therapy for teens too. Reach out to us, and we’ll help connect you with the therapist best suited to support your teen’s needs.