EMDR Therapy in Etobicoke

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based approach designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma and distressing experiences.

Created in the late 1980s, it involves recalling events and processing them using dual attention or bilateral stimulation. This helps the brain process the trauma naturally, lowering the emotional impact and negative feelings related to it. EMDR is often used to treat PTSD, anxiety, and depression, especially when regular talk therapy isn’t enough.

EMDR therapy follows clear steps: gathering history, preparing, assessing, desensitizing, installing positive beliefs, checking the body for tension, and closing the session. Therapists guide clients to focus on specific memories while doing bilateral stimulation to change how trauma affects them. Research shows EMDR is effective in treating trauma, often helping clients improve in just a few sessions. Its structured approach is flexible, allowing for personalized care in a professional and supportive setting.

At Increments Psychotherapy, we offer EMDR therapy both virtually across Ontario and in person at our Etobicoke location, ensuring accessible, flexible care tailored to your needs.

FAQs

  • The number of EMDR therapy sessions needed depends on each person's needs, trauma, and goals. Most people make good progress in 6 to 12 sessions, but some may need more or less. Early sessions involve assessment and preparation, then focus on processing traumatic memories. You and your therapist work together to create a treatment plan that fits your healing process.

  • Bilateral stimulation in EMDR therapy means stimulating the left and right sides of the body one after the other. This can be done using eye movements, sounds, or taps.

  • EMDR therapy can be effectively conducted both in person and online. In-person sessions allow for direct, face-to-face interaction, which some clients find comforting and grounding. Online EMDR offers flexibility and accessibility, making it easier for clients to receive support from the comfort of their own space. Both formats maintain the same therapeutic standards to promote healing and growth.