EMDR Therapy
When Past Traumatic Experiences Feel Stuck in Your Present
Sometimes the threads of our past experiences get so tangled that they continue to pull at us in ways we don't expect. Traumatic memories, distressing life experiences, or overwhelming events can feel like they're still happening, even when they're long behind us. If you've ever felt stuck replaying disturbing memories, experiencing sudden emotional reactions, or finding that certain triggers transport you right back to painful moments, EMDR therapy might be the gentle yet powerful tool you need to begin untangling these threads.
At Inner Sphere Wellness, we understand that past trauma doesn't follow a timeline, and healing doesn't follow a straight path. Our trained EMDR counsellors are here to meet you where you are on your journey, whether through in-person sessions in beautiful British Columbia or secure online therapy options.
Untangling Trauma, One Memory at a Time
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an extensively researched, structured therapy that helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories and other distressing life experiences in a healthier way. This innovative therapeutic approach was initially developed to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but ongoing research has shown its effectiveness for many other mental health concerns.
During EMDR sessions, you'll focus on specific trauma memories while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements, though we can also use gentle tapping or audio tones. This process activates your brain's natural healing process, helping inadequately processed traumatic experiences become less emotionally charged and more integrated into your overall life story.
The World Health Organization recognizes EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma, and what's beautiful about this approach? You don't require talking through every detail of your disturbing experiences. Your brain already knows how to heal; sometimes it just needs the right therapeutic relationship and conditions to do what it does naturally.
What Can EMDR Treat?
Our EMDR practice has been shown to be effective for treating a wide range of mental health concerns:
Trauma and PTSD: Whether it's a single disturbing event or complex trauma (C-PTSD), EMDR works to reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and decrease PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. Many clients find they need fewer sessions compared to other forms of therapy.
Anxiety Disorders: Those overwhelming fear responses that seem to come out of nowhere often have roots in past disturbing experiences that EMDR can help reprocess.
Depression: When depression is connected to traumatic experiences or attachment wounds, EMDR therapy can help shift these deeply held patterns through therapeutic work.
Chronic Pain: Physical and emotional sensations associated with traumatic experiences can be addressed through this comprehensive approach.
Dissociative Disorders: EMDR therapists are trained to work safely with clients experiencing dissociation related to past trauma.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorders: Distressing memories that fuel compulsive behaviours can be processed through EMDR's eight phases.
Relationship Challenges: Attachment wounds and past experiences that impact your therapeutic relationship and other relationships can be addressed.
First Responders and Healthcare Providers: Those exposed to repeated traumatic experiences benefit greatly from trauma-informed EMDR therapy.
What to Expect: The Eight Phases of EMDR
Your EMDR journey with our registered clinical counsellor will be uniquely yours, but the treatment follows a structured approach:
Phases 1-2: Preparation and Stabilization
During your first session, we'll build our therapeutic relationship, assess your mental health history, and teach you coping strategies. We'll also conduct a body scan to help you recognize physical sensations and develop grounding techniques for emotional well-being.
Phase 3: Assessment
Together, we'll identify target memories and past disturbing experiences to work on. We start with manageable traumatic experiences and progress at your pace, always maintaining a trauma-informed approach.
Phases 4-6: Processing and Desensitization
During processing sessions, you'll bring up the distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements). You may notice thoughts, feelings, body sensations, or images arising—this is your brain's natural healing process at work. Many clients describe feeling like they're watching the trauma memory from a different perspective.
Phases 7-8: Integration and Moving Forward
As distressing memories become less overwhelming, we'll work to strengthen positive beliefs about yourself and integrate these changes into your daily life. This takes courage, and we'll support you through each next session.
Why Choose EMDR at Inner Sphere Wellness?
While your counsellor will guide you through the best counselling techniques for you, there are a few reasons why EMDR might be the right choice for you.
Trained Expertise: Our registered clinical counsellor is specifically trained in Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and maintains ongoing research knowledge in trauma-informed care.
Comprehensive Approach: We combine EMDR with therapeutic approaches when beneficial for your individual counselling needs.
Flexible Service Options: Whether you prefer in-person sessions in Squamish, British Columbia, or the convenience of online therapy, we'll work with what supports your well-being best.
Trauma-Informed Practice: Our approach recognizes that trauma affects everyone differently, and we honour your unique experience and healing timeline with trauma therapy expertise.
Safe, Inclusive Space: We create an environment where you can explore your traumatic experiences without judgment, celebrating what makes you uniquely you.
Understanding How EMDR Works
EMDR therapy activates the same natural healing process that occurs during REM sleep. When you experience bilateral stimulation while processing a distressing issue, your brain can finally process the disturbing event adequately. This allows traumatic memories to be stored properly rather than remaining "stuck" and continuing to cause distressing symptoms.
Unlike some other therapies, EMDR doesn't require you to relive traumatic experiences in detail. Instead, it helps your brain reprocess these memories so they lose their emotional charge and become integrated as past experiences rather than present threats.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR can be incredibly effective, but we believe in finding the right fit for each client's needs. During our initial consultation, we'll explore whether EMDR aligns with your goals and current mental health status.
You might benefit from EMDR therapy if you:
-
Have specific traumatic memories or distressing experiences you'd like to process
-
Experience PTSD symptoms or anxiety related to past trauma
-
Feel ready to engage in trauma therapy with professional support
-
Are you looking for a therapy approach that can create changes
-
Curious about body-based, trauma-informed therapeutic approaches
-
Don’t have a specific trauma, but feel you are stuck or constantly tripped up by a recurring narrative or issue
Many clients find that EMDR helps them move forward in ways that other forms of therapy haven't achieved, though we respect that every healing journey is different.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
If you're feeling stuck by past traumatic experiences and ready to explore how EMDR therapy might help you reprocess traumatic memories and move forward, we're here to support you. Taking the first step toward trauma therapy takes courage, and asking for help shows your commitment to your mental health and well-being.
Whether you're dealing with recent traumatic experiences or distressing life experiences from long ago, our trained EMDR therapist is here to provide individual counselling that meets you exactly where you are. Through our trauma-informed practice, we'll work together to help you process past disturbing experiences and develop healthy coping strategies for moving forward.
Your Inner Sphere. Your Journey. Your Timeline.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how EMDR therapy might fit into your trauma therapy journey.
No matter your background, identity, or where you are in your journey, you're welcome here.
The Outdoor Adventurer
Living for the next summit, ride, or backcountry challenge? Therapy helps make sense of the internal terrain that's present on every adventure, supporting you through future challenges.
The Homebody
Yes, you exist — even in Squamish! Not everyone's seeking adrenaline rushes. Your quiet, interior world is just as worth exploring.
Women in the In-Between
Not quite in your 20s anymore, but "middle-aged" doesn't fit either. We offer a feminist, life-stage-aware approach to reclaiming this rich (often under-supported) era. Health, hormones, menopause, and so much more.
The Expat
Straddling cultures, missing home, navigating a new normal — therapy can be a grounding space where you don't have to translate yourself. Whether you're bringing British dry humour or longing for a deeper connection, we get it.
Caregivers, Parents & Helping Professionals
Burnout, compassion fatigue, emotional labour — if you spend your life holding others up, it's okay to need space to be held too.
First Responders
You manage high-stress, trauma-exposed roles and still have a personal life to juggle. Therapy offers a confidential space to unpack both.
Entrepreneurs & Business Folks
High-pressure work, leadership stress, impostor syndrome — therapy helps navigate the emotional weight behind high-stakes decisions and carve out that elusive work/life balance.
The "Lost Soul"
Maybe you were the Peter Pan type — seasonal work, freedom, no fixed plans. Now you want more… but you're not sure what "more" looks like. We can work with that.
The Neurospicy Crew (ADHD, Autism & Beyond)
Fast brains, unique wiring, quirky strengths — we get it. We help you better understand your brain, build on your strengths, and explore how this fits with relationships, work, and wellbeing.
Men
We know therapy can feel unfamiliar. We offer a style that suits you — whether that's private space for deep emotional work, something more grounded and pragmatic, or support accessing emotions that aren't always easy to reach.
Queer, trans, non-binary, or questioning
Whether you're out, exploring, or somewhere in between, therapy can be a space where you don't have to explain the basics. Your identity isn't up for debate — just show up as you are, and we'll meet you with curiosity and care.
Living in a body that's disabled, chronically ill, or outside the thin ideal
Whether you're navigating access barriers, medical gaslighting, or trying to rest without guilt — your body isn't the problem. Therapy is a place to be heard, supported, and real — no fixing required.
Indigenous, First Nations, and Métis
We know therapy exists within systems shaped by colonialism. Our aim is to offer space rooted in respect — for your lived experience, your knowledge, and your definition of healing.
BIPOC folks in mostly white spaces
Code-switching, cultural load, intergenerational weight — it's exhausting. Therapy can be a space where you don't have to translate or shrink your experience to fit.