EMDR Therapy Calgary
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process difficult or overwhelming experiences in a supportive and safe way. At Eclipse Psychology in Calgary, our registered psychologists guide you at your own pace to reduce the emotional impact of past events and regain a greater sense of balance.
How does EMDR therapy really work?
EMDR helps the brain process memories that continue to feel distressing. Traumatic events, whether “big T” traumas or “little t” stressful experiences, can still affect you because your brain hasn’t attached the proper “time stamp” to the memory. This can make your body and emotions react as if the event is happening right now, even years later. As a result, feelings and physical sensations may feel intense or out of proportion to the present moment.
Through EMDR, your therapist uses structured techniques, including guided eye movements, to help your brain safely process these memories. Over time, this can reduce distress and help you feel more grounded, in control, and able to respond to life with greater ease.
EMDR may be especially meaningful when past experiences continue to feel present in daily life, such as:
distressing memories that feel “stuck”
anxiety or panic linked to past experiences
emotional responses that feel out of proportion
grief, loss, or difficult transitions
Many people find EMDR especially useful when traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully addressed the emotional impact of past events. At our Calgary clinic, we provide a safe, supportive space to guide you through this healing process at your own pace.
How EMDR works in practice
In EMDR therapy, bilateral stimulation and dual attention awareness are used to help the brain process distressing experiences in a way that feels more manageable. This approach provides a safe, grounded space supported by the therapeutic relationship.
For example, you might think about a car accident that happened 10 years ago while sitting in the office with your therapist, noticing your body sensations, following the light bar, or feeling the hand buzzers. Your brain recognizes that the event cannot actually be happening right now, helping to create the appropriate “time gap” between the memory and the present moment.
EMDR also helps reprocess the way you think about the event, including your thoughts about yourself, others, and the world, supporting a shift toward a more adaptive and balanced perspective.
Some benefits of EMDR may include:
feeling less overwhelmed by past experiences
greater emotional balance and regulation
reduced anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or depressive symptoms
improved ability to cope with everyday life
improved ability to navigate everyday stress a greater sense of safety and resilience
For some people, anxiety is one of the concerns connected to past experiences that EMDR may support. You can also read more about our approach to Anxiety Therapy.
Occurring in a safe space within a trusting therapeutic relationship
You are an active participant in your healing journey, as your brain already has a natural ability to process and integrate experiences. EMDR therapy gently supports this process, helping the nervous system move toward regulation and balance in a structured and compassionate way. Many clients notice a reduction in emotional distressand a growing sense of flexibility in how they understand and respond to past experiences.
Over time, traumatic or difficult memories often feel less intrusive, allowing for improved emotional regulation and a greater sense of ease in daily life. EMDR may be a fit for people who feel ready to work more directly with how past experiences are held in the body and nervous system.
Questions people often ask about EMDR
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No. In EMDR therapy, you don’t need to provide a detailed narrative of your trauma. The focus is on how the memory or experience affects you in the present, rather than recounting every detail. Your therapist will guide you at a pace that feels safe, helping you process the memory while staying grounded in the present moment. The goal is to support emotional healing without overwhelming you.
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EMDR therapy is designed to be gentle and paced to your comfort level. While it involves revisiting memories, your therapist provides supportive guidance and coping strategies throughout each session. This ensures that you can process experiences safely and without becoming overwhelmed. Many clients find that, over time, EMDR helps them feel more in control of their emotions and less distressed by past experiences.
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The length of EMDR therapy varies depending on your individual needs and the complexity of the experiences you want to work on. Some clients notice meaningful changes within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support over several months. Your therapist will work with you to create a plan that fits your goals, pace, and comfort level.
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Coverage for EMDR therapy depends on your insurance plan. Many extended health or employee benefits plans cover sessions with a registered psychologist and a registered provisional psychologist. At Eclipse Psychology, we direct bill to most companies for registered psychologists and to some companies for registered provisional psychologists. A full list of accepted providers can be found on our FAQ page. We can also provide the necessary receipts or documentation to submit for reimbursement, making it easier for you to access the care you need.
Begin Your Healing Journey with EMDR Therapy
If you’re considering EMDR therapy and would like to explore whether it’s right for you, we invite you to reach out. Our registered psychologists in Calgary provide trauma-informed support at a pace that feels right for you. EMDR sessions at Eclipse Psychology are offered by Laura Coulombe, Karin Lawless, & Erin Smith, who are trained and experienced in guiding clients through trauma processing and helping navigate anxiety, stress, or other challenges.
Whether you’re working through trauma, anxiety, or other meaningful challenges, we’re here to support your journey toward healing.
Book a session today or learn more about our Calgary trauma therapy services to see how EMDR can help you feel more grounded, flexible, and at ease in your daily life.
Through EMDR Therapy and your brain’s natural healing capacity, we will help you to reprocess distressing experiences and foster emotional resilience and growth.
Learn more about EMDR Therapy by reading our blog.
You can learn what it is, how it’s used, how it can help, results to expect, and how you can get started with treatment.