Alexa Gelles

Relationship Counselling

The Power of EMDR Therapy

June 5, 2023

The Counsellor Behind The Blog
Hey, I’m Alexa! I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Vancouver, B.C. I’ve curated this blog specifically for you to answer your most pressing questions about counselling and building healthy relationships.

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In our journey through life, we inevitably encounter moments that leave a lasting impact on our emotional well-being. Whether it’s a traumatic event or a persistent emotional distress, these experiences can weigh us down and hinder our ability to move forward.

But what if there was a way to tap into our brain’s innate ability to heal and help us overcome these challenges? Enter EMDR Therapy, a powerful therapeutic approach that unlocks our natural healing potential.

Understanding EMDR Therapy

EMDR Therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, is a therapeutic approach rooted in the concept of neuroplasticity. Our brains possess the ability to reorganize and create new connections, which is the foundation of healing. EMDR Therapy harnesses this neuroplasticity by accessing and reprocessing memories that have been stored incorrectly or in a way that hinders our well-being.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR Therapy uses Bilateral Stimulation, a technique involving various forms of stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds. By engaging in bilateral stimulation, EMDR targets and addresses the negative connections that haven’t been properly stored in our brain. It brings these distressing memories to the surface, allowing for natural healing to occur.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR Therapy dives straight into the root cause of distressing symptoms, facilitating faster and more effective healing. It gently nudges the brain to release the past and promotes adaptive responses to future experiences. Through accessing and reprocessing the stuck material, EMDR Therapy paves the way for a smoother healing journey and an enhanced sense of well-being.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

EMDR Therapy offers a helping hand to individuals who find themselves stuck or weighed down by emotional distress. It is suitable for anyone facing challenges like lack of focus, procrastination, low mood, prolonged grief, or difficulties in relationships. Traumatic experiences or overwhelming events can disrupt our brain’s natural healing process, leading to the formation of stuck memory networks. EMDR Therapy addresses these networks, empowering individuals to respond in more positive and adaptive ways.

What to Expect During EMDR Therapy

EMDR Therapy follows a structured process consisting of eight phases. The journey begins with a discussion about your current symptoms, relevant personal history, and identifying patterns and connections from the past to the present. Together with your therapist, you’ll establish targets to address the things that are causing day-to-day problems.

Prior to delving into the processing phase, your therapist will ensure that you are adequately prepared for the work ahead. They will provide techniques to manage any distress that may arise from working on challenging material. It’s important to note that working through difficult memories or material may bring discomfort and heightened distress. Your therapist will guide you through this process, providing support along the way.

During the therapy, the Bilateral Stimulation technique will be used to access and reprocess the stuck memory networks. You’ll be encouraged to notice what comes up and your therapist will assist you if you encounter difficulties in expressing your experiences. Additionally, the therapy focuses on strengthening and integrating new connections to promote lasting healing.

EMDR Therapy offers a powerful and efficient approach to address emotional distress and trauma by tapping into the brain’s natural ability to adapt and reprocess memories. Through the structured phases and bilateral stimulation, individuals can find relief, resolution, and an improved quality of life.

Ready to take the first step towards healing and unlock your potential for a brighter future?

If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR and how it can benefit you, check out our services page or contact us to discover how EMDR therapy can support your unique needs.

Q's to Map Out Your

💛 Clarify your ideal vision for your relationship to make it a reality.
💛 Address important topics directly to find common ground.
💛 Get aligned on big picture items, like starting a family, to feel ready and excited for the next steps.

This complete checklist will help you start mapping out your real-life fairytale relationship so you can...






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