EMDR Therapy
Make peace with the past & find strength for the future.
EMDR Therapy can help you heal if you are having a tough time with traumatic experiences, pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and phobias or fears.
Find relief from…
Trauma-Related Symptoms
Nightmares, Intrusive thoughts, Hypervigilance (feeling constantly on edge), and Emotional numbness
Anxiety Symptoms
Excessive worry or fear, Panic attacks, Avoidance behaviours, and Physical tension or restlessness
Depression Symptoms
Low mood or sadness, Hopelessness, Loss of interest in activities, and Feelings of worthlessness
Stress Symptoms
Feeling overwhelmed, Difficulty concentrating, Sleep disturbances, and Irritability
Self-Esteem Issues
Negative self-talk, Feelings of inadequacy, Psychological distress, and Difficulty trusting oneself
Physical Symptoms
Linked to stress/trauma - Chronic pain, Unexplained headaches or body aches, and Stomach problems
Phobias & Fears
Intense fear of specific situations, objects, or places and Avoidance behaviours tied to those fears
Addiction-Related Symptoms
Compulsive behaviours and triggers linked to past trauma
Your past does not define you—healing begins when you allow your mind to rewrite the story.
Let EMDR Therapy help you…
-
Call a truce with your past and find peace.
Traumatic memories can sometimes become "stuck" in the brain, along with the intense emotions and physical sensations tied to the original event. Normally, when a distressing experience occurs, the body reacts first, followed by emotions, and then the brain starts processing the event—this involves thinking it over, sleeping on it, getting support, and allowing time to pass. By the end of this process, you can still remember the bad event, but it no longer causes distress. However, if this natural reprocessing doesn’t happen, EMDR helps by “desensitizing and reprocessing” the difficult memory, so you can find peace with it.
-
Find reflief and be able to live freely.
The goal is to have your traumatic memories feel less overwhelming and intense over time. EMDR helps the brain process and metabolize upsetting memories so they don’t feel as painful anymore. This reprocessing is done by a trained therapist who guides you to think about specific memories and targets, while keeping you grounded in the safe space you’re presently in – this is called dual awareness. It’s important that you stay grounded to help remind you that the memory is in the past and right now – you’re safe! This process helps your brain reorganize this memory in a way that feels less emotionally charged so it doesn’t bug you as much.
-
Grow & move forward with confidence.
After you and your therapist use EMDR therapy to promote healing, many people describe feeling a huge sense of freedom and relief from overwhelming and intense emotions that often make us feel like we’re being held hostage. The memories that once felt paralyzing, no longer hold power over your emotions or daily life. You will find yourself better able to respond to challenges with confidence, enjoy stronger relationships, and experience a new sense of inner peace. Life will feel lighter, and the future becomes an open space for growth, joy, and possibilities you may have never thought was possible before.
Where did EMDR come from?
EMDR therapy originated in the United States during the late 1980s. Initially developed for treating combat veterans with mental health challenges like PTSD, it quickly became an effective method for addressing various stress and trauma-related symptoms. Neuroscientists have studied EMDR extensively, exploring its connection to how the brain processes trauma and attachment. It is believed that EMDR works similarly to the brain’s activity during REM sleep (the dreaming stage).
Research shows that addressing earlier “feeder” memories can also lead to the resolution of later memories, as the brain organizes memories through associative networks. EMDR has been widely validated by regulatory and governmental organizations, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO).
EMDR Therapy can help with many challenges:
Trauma and Post-traumatic stress disorder
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Physical and psychological distress
Phobias and fears
Other mental health conditions
How does EMDR work?
There are 8 phases of this structured therapy modality:
Phase 1: History Taking & Treatment Planning
Your therapist will really take the time to get to know you to understand your past and present challenges. You’ll both come up with a plan moving forward on how best to support you and which memories and targets to focus on.
Phase 3: Assessment
You and your therapist will identify which memories and targets will be focused on during EMDR therapy. You will both create your treatment plan together.
Phase 2: Preparation
This time is spent developing coping strategies and tools for self-soothing during and outside of therapy. Your therapist will ensure you understand what the EMDR process will look like and have enough supports along the way.
Phase 4: Desensitization
This is the core phase of EMDR therapy. Your therapist will guide you through a series of bilateral stimulation techniques (like eye movements or tapping) while you focus on a specific memory. This process helps your brain process the memory in a new way, reducing its emotional impact.
Phase 5: Installation
Once the traumatic memory has been processed, your therapist will help you install positive beliefs and thoughts to replace the negative ones you previously associated with the memory.
Phase 7: Closure
Your therapist will help you bring the session to a close using different grounding techniques and process any emotions that may arise. You will also be reminded to access supports as needed and practice lots of self-care.
Phase 6: Body Scan
Your therapist will guide you through a body scan technique to address any physical sensations related to trauma.
Phase 8: Re-Evaluation
In this final phase, your therapist will evaluate any progress made, review the treatment plan as needed, and decide which memories need ongoing focus.
Is EMDR right for me?
-
Finding a skilled and qualified therapist who is trained in EMDR is important. And just like talk therapy, finding a good fit is crucial.
Shop around until you find a connection with your therapist that you feel good about.
-
Once you find a good fit, your therapist will make sure EMDR will meet your specific needs and therapy goals by completing a thorough assessment.
Your therapeutic plan will meet your unique goals and together you will decide if EMDR fits.
-
EMDR can be an intense process and as with all healing, there may be discomfort. Your therapist will give you many coping tools during your journey to recovery.
It is also very important that your practice self-care and connect with supports.
What should I expect from EMDR Therapy?
Everyone’s therapeutic plan will be unique to their needs and goals, however, many people will connect for 3-12 sessions
Some folks can feel a relief from their symptoms after a handful of sessions
Many unique factors will determine the amount of sessions required such as single-event traumatic events or a history of ongoing complex trauma
Sessions will be 50-75 minutes in length and are recommended to be weekly initially and can be adjusted according to your needs
You may start to notice an improvement in your sleep, confidence, and ability to manage triggers
The hope is for you to feel relief from your physical symptoms and feel more at peace
The hope is to feel an improvement in your mental health
Why seek therapy at Orion Wellness?
Our therapists will take the time to create a unique treatment plan to meet your specific needs using a gentle, non-judgemental, and empathetic approach. We want to create a safe environment where you feel comfortable - healing starts here.
Flexible scheduling (daytime, evenings, and weekends)
Appointments available almost immediately (no long waitlists)
In-Person Sessions
(located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg)Virtual Sessions
(video or phone appointments available)
Winnipeg, MB Office
34 Carlton St. Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1N9
Located inside Birch Wellness Center, in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. On Carlton Street, between Broadway and Assinboine Ave., with ample parking right out front or on side streets.
Driving Directions - To get to 34 Carlton St. head towards downtown Winnipeg, near the intersection of Broadway and Carlton Street. From the south, use Pembina Highway (Route 42) toward downtown, merge onto Broadway, and turn north onto Carlton Street. From the north, take Main Street (Route 52) south, turn right onto Broadway, and left onto Carlton.
Our office space is located near many coffeeshops including Tim Hortons, Ohdoughnuts, Starbucks, and Fête Ice Cream & Coffee.
Follow us on social
How to get started
Request a free consultation by filling out the required information and someone will get back to you right away!