EMDR Therapy in Calgary
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a gentle, trauma-informed therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming. At Beyond Roots Counselling, EMDR is offered in a paced, supportive way that prioritizes safety and choice.
These are EMDR tappers — gentle tools I use in sessions to support trauma healing and help your nervous system process stressful experiences safely.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma-informed therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming in the present. Rather than focusing only on talking through experiences, EMDR supports the brain’s natural ability to heal by helping it reprocess memories that feel “stuck.”
Through gentle bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tactile tools), EMDR can reduce the emotional intensity connected to past experiences. Over time, this can lead to a greater sense of relief, clarity, and emotional regulation — without needing to relive every detail of what happened.
EMDR is often used to support people navigating trauma, anxiety, and difficult life experiences, and it can be adapted to move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for each individual.
EMDR May Be Helpful If You’re Experiencing…
EMDR can be helpful for individuals who feel impacted by past or ongoing experiences that continue to affect how they feel, think, or respond in the present. You don’t need to have a single, clearly defined trauma for EMDR to be supportive.
EMDR may be a good fit if you’re experiencing:
Trauma or distressing past experiences
Anxiety, panic, or persistent fear responses
Feeling stuck in emotional or behavioural patterns
Strong reactions that feel out of proportion to the present moment
Difficulty regulating emotions or feeling safe in your body
The lasting effects of abuse, neglect, or chronic stress
The EMDR Process
EMDR follows a structured yet flexible process that is always adapted to your needs and comfort level. Therapy moves at a pace that feels manageable, with an emphasis on safety, choice, and collaboration throughout.
While each person’s experience is unique, EMDR therapy often includes:
Getting to know your history, goals, and current challenges
Learning grounding and regulation skills to support nervous system safety
Gently processing memories or experiences that feel stuck or overwhelming
Integrating new insights, emotional relief, and a greater sense of stability
You remain in control at every stage, and sessions are guided with care to ensure the work feels supportive rather than overwhelming.
My Approach to EMDR Therapy
At Beyond Roots Counselling, EMDR therapy is relational and deeply human. I show up as myself, and I invite you to do the same.
You are not too much here — there are no “bad” parts of you. All of who you are is welcome. We move slowly and at your pace, working together and checking in along the way.
If something feels uncomfortable, you can say that, and we’ll adjust. There is no pushing or rushing, and we stay within your window of tolerance. My role is to support and guide you while helping you feel grounded, safe, and reminded that you don’t have to do this alone.
Session Options
EMDR sessions are offered in the following formats:
60-minute EMDR sessions – $235
90-minute EMDR sessions – $350
We’ll decide together what session length feels right for you, based on your goals, comfort level, and the type of support you’re seeking.
How We Get Started
Starting EMDR therapy doesn’t mean you have to dive into difficult memories right away. We begin by getting to know each other, building trust, and ensuring you feel safe and supported.
If you’re curious about EMDR or wondering if it’s the right fit for you, a free 15-minute consultation is a gentle place to start. We can talk about what you’re hoping for, answer any questions you may have, and explore next steps together.
When you’re ready, I’m here to walk alongside you — at a pace that feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR
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Absolutely. EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy endorsed by the World Health Organization and the Canadian Psychological Association. During sessions, you remain fully conscious and in control. We build in grounding techniques and nervous system resources before any reprocessing begins, so you always have tools to regulate yourself. If anything feels too much, we slow down — your safety and comfort guide every session.
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Yes. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has over 30 years of research supporting its effectiveness. It's recognized as a frontline treatment for PTSD and trauma by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Research shows EMDR can produce significant results in fewer sessions than many traditional talk therapy approaches.
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No — and this is one of the biggest differences between EMDR and traditional talk therapy. You don't need to share every detail of your experience or re-tell your story repeatedly. EMDR works by allowing your brain to reprocess memories at a neurological level. You'll be aware of the memory, but you won't be reliving it. Most clients describe it as watching something from a distance rather than being inside it. Your window of tolerance is always respected.
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Traditional talk therapy (like CBT) works primarily through conversation — helping you understand and reframe your thoughts. While that can be incredibly helpful, sometimes the emotional charge of a memory stays stuck in your body and nervous system even when you understand it logically. EMDR works at a deeper level, using bilateral stimulation to help your brain naturally process and integrate those stuck experiences. Many clients who've felt "stuck" in talk therapy find that EMDR helps them move through things they couldn't access with words alone.
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This varies for everyone. Some people experience significant relief in as few as 6 sessions, while more complex or longstanding trauma may benefit from 12 or more sessions. During your free consultation, we'll discuss your specific situation and give you a clearer sense of what to expect. The pace is always yours.
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Yes! Virtual EMDR therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions. I offer online EMDR therapy to clients across Alberta. We use secure, encrypted video and adapted bilateral stimulation techniques designed specifically for virtual delivery. Many clients prefer the comfort and convenience of attending sessions from home.