EMDR therapy in Calgary: When the past still feels close
EMDR with registered psychologists & counsellors · In person in Marda Loop & online across Alberta
You may have talked it through, made sense of it, maybe even done therapy before. And still, part of you reacts as if it’s happening now. EMDR works with that part directly.
EMDR AT A GLANCE
- 01A well-researched treatment for trauma and PTSD
- 02You don’t have to retell every detail
- 0350 or 80 minute sessions, in person or online
Not sure if it’s right for you? Start with a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
01 · What is EMDR?
A structured way to help difficult memories settle.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and is now recommended for PTSD in international treatment guidelines, including those of the World Health Organization.
Some experiences don’t get stored like ordinary memories. They stay vivid and charged, and a small reminder can bring back the same fear, shame or panic you felt at the time.
In EMDR, you bring part of a memory to mind while following side-to-side eye movements, gentle taps or tones. This back-and-forth (called bilateral stimulation) appears to help the brain reprocess the memory, so it can be remembered without the same intensity. The memory doesn’t disappear. It just stops feeling like it’s still happening.
02 · Does this sound familiar?
When the past keeps showing up in the present.
- Reactions that feel bigger than the moment, and you can’t talk yourself out of them
- Images, sounds or feelings from the past that show up uninvited
- Avoiding places, people or conversations that remind you of what happened
- Feeling on guard, jumpy or unable to fully relax
- Beliefs like “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault” that don’t budge, even when you know better
- Thinking “It wasn’t that bad” or “I should be over this by now”
None of this means something is wrong with you. Often it means your nervous system learned to protect you, and hasn’t caught up to the fact that you’re safe now. That’s the kind of stuck that EMDR is designed for. If worry is the main thing you’re living with, our anxiety page may help too.
03 · What EMDR can help with
Built for trauma, useful well beyond it.
Trauma & PTSD
Single events like an assault or a sudden loss, and longer patterns of hurt. This is where the research on EMDR is strongest. Learn more
Anxiety, panic & phobias
Fears that started with a specific experience, like a medical procedure or a frightening flight, often respond well. Learn more
Grief & loss
Especially when a death was sudden or traumatic, and certain images or moments keep coming back. Learn more
Car accidents
Fear of driving, replaying the collision, or feeling on edge in traffic after a crash. Learn more
Self-worth & performance
Old experiences of failure, criticism or shame that still shape how you see yourself. Learn more
Music-informed EMDR
EMDR combined with music and rhythm, for people who find that sound helps them feel grounded. Learn more
04 · What to expect
What to expect in EMDR therapy
You stay in charge of the pace. We don’t start processing until you feel ready.
Getting to know you
We talk about what brings you in, what you’d like to change, and which memories or patterns feel most stuck. Nothing has to be shared all at once.
Preparation
Before any processing, you learn practical ways to calm your body and steady yourself. This step matters, and we take the time it needs.
Processing
With your therapist guiding you, you focus on one memory at a time while doing sets of bilateral stimulation. Between sets, you simply notice what comes up. Over time, the charge usually fades.
Closing and checking in
Each session ends with you feeling settled enough to go about your day. Next time, we look at what shifted and what still needs attention.
EMDR follows a standard eight-phase protocol. These four stages are simply a plainer way of describing it. You don’t need a consultation to book, but a complimentary 15-minute call is there if you have questions.
05 · Our EMDR therapists
Trained in EMDR, and in making it feel safe.
06 · Common questions
Your questions about EMDR, answered.
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Will I have to talk about everything in detail?
No. This is one of the biggest differences between EMDR and other trauma therapies. You’ll need to bring the memory to mind, but you don’t have to describe it out loud in detail, and you decide how much to share. Your therapist will check in with you throughout.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
It depends on what you’re working on. A single, distinct event can sometimes be processed in a handful of sessions once preparation is done. Longer or more complex histories usually take more time. Your therapist will talk this through with you early on and review it as you go.
How long is an EMDR session?
Sessions are usually 50 or 80 minutes. Longer sessions can give processing more room, and your therapist will help you decide what fits. See our fees page for current rates.
Is EMDR evidence-based?
Yes. EMDR has been studied for more than 30 years and is recommended for PTSD in international guidelines, including those of the World Health Organization and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Researchers still debate exactly why the eye movements help, but the evidence that EMDR reduces trauma symptoms is well established.
Can EMDR help with something recent or still ongoing?
Yes. Standard EMDR focuses on past memories, but there are protocols designed for events that are recent or whose effects are still unfolding. Sarah is trained in R-TEP (the Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol), which is built for exactly this, helping you process what happened before it has a chance to settle in.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. Online EMDR uses the same structure, with eye movements guided on screen or tapping you do yourself. Many people find it works well, and it means you can do this work from a space that already feels familiar and safe.
Who might not be ready for EMDR yet?
EMDR may need to wait if you’re in an active crisis or an unsafe living situation, are experiencing untreated psychosis, or don’t yet have ways to steady yourself when emotions run high. Significant dissociation usually means more preparation first. In these cases, we focus on stability and safety first, often with tools from somatic therapy, and come back to EMDR when you’re ready.
What should I do after a session?
Plan for something gentle afterwards if you can. Processing can continue for a few hours or days, so you might notice more dreams, memories or emotions than usual. Rest, water and a quiet evening help. Some therapists also suggest skipping alcohol on session days so your sleep isn’t disrupted.
Is EMDR covered by insurance?
Usually, yes. EMDR is a recognized treatment, so most extended health plans that cover psychologists or counsellors will include it. Plans vary, so check with your provider about which type of clinician is covered. We provide receipts for you to submit.
Do I need a consultation before I book?
No. You’re welcome to book a first session directly. If you have questions, or aren’t sure EMDR is the right fit, a complimentary 15-minute consultation is a good place to start.
You don’t have to keep pushing through.
Whether you’re ready to start or still have questions, we’re glad to help you figure out the next step. Sessions are in person at our Marda Loop clinic in Calgary, or online anywhere in Alberta.
New to therapy? Our Welcome Guide explains what to expect, and our fees page covers rates and insurance.
Call or text 403.488.8912 · info@corepsychology.com
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm · Saturday, 9am to 3pm