EMDR THERAPY – OTTAWA

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy is like a bridge between your past and your present. It was originally developed to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it has since been found to be effective for a wide range of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, as well as various dissociative disorders and personality disorders. 

What makes EMDR unique is its focus on processing unresolved traumatic memories that are stuck in the brain, causing emotional and psychological distress. Think of it as clearing the debris left behind after a storm; in a similar fashion EMDR helps to remove obstructions to your brain’s natural healing process. 

During a session, our EMDR therapists will guide you to recall a distressing memory while you are simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation—often through guided eye movements, but sometimes through tapping or auditory tones. This dual focus allows your brain to reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional impact. Over time, the memory loses its sting, and you gain a new perspective on it.

EMDR therapy is structured into eight distinct phases. The journey begins with history taking and treatment planning, where your EMDR therapist gathers detailed information about your past experiences and current symptoms to develop a tailored approach. This is followed by preparation, where you are equipped with coping strategies to manage any distress that might arise during sessions. The next phase, assessment, involves identifying specific trauma memories or incidents to focus on, along with the negative beliefs and emotions attached to them.

The core of the therapy lies in the desensitization phase, where bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements) is used while you recall distressing memories, gradually reducing their emotional charge. Following this, the installation phase works to replace those negative beliefs with positive ones, fostering a healthier self-perception. A body scan phase checks for any lingering physical tension, ensuring the trauma is processed both mentally and physically. The session concludes with closure, helping you return to a state of calm, and reevaluation, where progress is reviewed and next steps are planned. This form of structured therapy guides you in a way that is both systematic and supportive, allowing for profound healing and growth.

At Ottawa Therapy Group, we understand that life doesn’t always allow for in-person appointments. That’s why we offer online counselling, including virtual EMDR therapy, so that anyone can engage in this transformative treatment from the comfort of their own space.

Virtual EMDR therapy is conducted via secure video conferencing; the process mirrors what happens during in-person sessions: you’ll connect with your therapist online, where they will guide you through the same eight-phase protocol used in face-to-face EMDR.

During these sessions, bilateral stimulation is adapted to the virtual format. This could involve following your therapist’s hand movements on screen, using tactile devices that provide alternating vibrations, or listening to audio tones through your headphones. Despite the physical distance, the therapy remains highly interactive, with your therapist actively guiding you through each step.

To start virtual EMDR therapy, all you need is a stable internet connection, a quiet and private space, and a device with video and audio capabilities. Your therapist will provide guidance on setting up your environment to ensure you’re comfortable and ready to focus on your healing journey.

Whether you’re new to EMDR or transitioning from in-person sessions, virtual EMDR therapy offers a flexible, effective way to continue your mental health care without interruption. We’re here to help you overcome past traumas and build a brighter future, no matter where you are.