How EMDR Therapy Can Help Heal Trauma (and Why Your Brain Will Thank You)

By: Suki O Huallachain, MA, CCC
Serenity Counselling, Port Coquitlam, BC

Let’s talk about trauma. Not the heavy, overwhelming kind of talk—but the ”Hey, there’s actually hope here” kind. If you’re thinking about therapy or looking for help, and you’ve been scrolling through therapy options like it’s Netflix, only to feel stuck in a loop of “Will this actually work for me?”—I get it.

That’s where EMDR therapy comes in. And no, it’s not a new fitness trend or a TikTok dance move. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a game-changer for trauma recovery. Think of it like hitting the “refresh” button on your brain’s stuck memories.

What is EMDR Therapy? (Spoiler: It’s Not Hypnosis)

Picture this: You’re trying to watch a movie, but the scene keeps freezing at the worst part. Trauma does that to your brain—it gets stuck replaying the painful moments. EMDR helps your brain process those frozen scenes so you can finally press “play” again.

Here’s where therapy comes in: EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, taps, or sounds) to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories. It’s like giving your mind a gentle nudge to sort through the mental clutter. No, you won’t forget what happened—but you’ll stop feeling like it’s happening all over again.

Why EMDR Works (Even If It Feels a Little Weird at First)

Let’s see the science behind it. Your brain has a built-in healing system, kind of like how your body heals a cut. But trauma can block that system. EMDR kickstarts it by:

1. Unsticking the memory: Trauma memories are stored differently—EMDR helps them “digest.”

2. Connecting the dots: It links the old memory to new, positive beliefs (like “I’m safe now”).

3. Resetting your stress response: Say goodbye to panic mode when a trigger pops up.

And guess what? Research from the EMDR International Association shows it’s one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, anxiety, and even phobias.

“But Wait—Will EMDR Work for Me?”

Great question. EMDR isn’t just for veterans or accident survivors. It’s helped people with:

• Childhood trauma

• Breakups that left emotional bruises

• Anxiety that feels like a never-ending alarm

• Grief & loss of someone but also grieving parts of who we are

Still unsure? Here’s a fun fact: EMDR doesn’t require you to talk in detail about your trauma. If you’re tired of reliving the story, this might be your sigh of relief.

What to Expect in EMDR Sessions

Curious about the nitty-gritty? Here’s how we structure EMDR for Port Coquitlam clients:

1. The Prep Work

   • We’ll chat about your history and goals (no pressure to overshare).

   • You’ll learn grounding techniques—think of them as emotional seatbelts.

2. Targeting Memories

   • We’ll gently identify which memories or triggers to focus on.

3. Reprocessing

   • Using bilateral stimulation (you choose eye movements, taps, or sounds), we’ll help your brain reprocess the memory.

4. Wrapping Up

   • Every session ends with you feeling stable and present. No cliffhangers.

   What Makes EMDR Unique?

   1. Neurological Focus: Targets how trauma is stored in the brain (specifically the amygdala and hippocampus).

   2. Somatic Integration: Addresses both mental and physical trauma responses.

   3. Efficiency: Often requires fewer sessions than traditional therapies for trauma.

Ready to Rewire Your Brain? Let’s Do This.

If you’re done letting trauma call the shots, let’s chat. Here’s how to start:

1. Book a Free 20-Minute Consult: No pressure—just a conversation to see if we’re a good fit.

2. Attend sessions virtually or In Our Cozy Port Coquitlam Office

3. Begin Healing: We’ll tailor EMDR to your story, not the other way around.

Click here to schedule your intake appointment—because your future self deserves peace.

FAQs (Because Google Told Us You’d Ask)

Q: How many EMDR sessions will I need?
A: It varies, but many folks see shifts in 6-15 sessions. We’ll make a plan together!

Q: Is EMDR therapy painful?
A: It can feel intense, but you’re in control. We go at your pace.

Q: Do you offer evening & weekend appointments?
A: Yes! We know life’s busy—we’ll find a time that works.

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Connect via the contact page or book online today. Your healing journey starts whenever you are ready.