EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that helps the brain process experiences that may still feel emotionally “stuck.”

I have provided over 3,000 hours of EMDR therapy to approximately 300 clients and offer virtual EMDR sessions to adults anywhere in British Columbia.

What EMDR is, in plain language

Sometimes difficult or traumatic experiences are not fully processed, so reminders of them can continue to trigger strong emotions, physical reactions, or negative beliefs about ourselves long after the event has passed.

During an EMDR session, we first spend time making sure you feel prepared and have the tools to manage any emotions that come up. You will not be asked to relive every detail of what happened, or to talk about it for the entire session.

When you are ready, I will ask you to briefly bring a specific memory to mind while you follow a form of gentle back-and-forth stimulation, such as moving your eyes from side to side, tapping, or listening to alternating sounds. The goal is to help the brain continue processing the memory so that it becomes less emotionally distressing over time.

Throughout the session I check in with you regularly. You are always in control of the process, and we can slow down, pause, or stop at any time. My role is to guide and support you while we work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

How EMDR works online

What bilateral stimulation is

Bilateral stimulation is the back-and-forth activity used during EMDR. It gently activates both sides of the brain while you focus on a memory or experience. Researchers are still studying exactly how it works, but it appears to help the brain process memories that have become “stuck,” allowing them to become less emotionally distressing over time.

How I deliver it virtually

During virtual EMDR sessions I use a secure online platform that allows us to do bilateral stimulation together. Depending on your preference, you may:

• Follow a moving dot on your screen with your eyes
• Listen to alternating tones through headphones
• Use gentle self-tapping

Before we begin I will explain each option, answer your questions, and we will decide together which method feels most comfortable. If something is not working well during the session, we can easily switch.

Is online EMDR as effective as in person?

Current research indicates that virtual EMDR can be just as effective as in-person EMDR for many people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers and therapists studied whether EMDR could be delivered safely and effectively through secure video sessions. Overall the findings have been very encouraging, with many studies reporting improvements in trauma symptoms, anxiety, and depression comparable to in-person treatment.

In my experience, many clients are pleasantly surprised by how natural virtual EMDR feels and how quickly they become comfortable with the process.

That said, virtual EMDR is not the best fit for everyone. Before beginning, we will talk about your goals, your current circumstances, and whether virtual EMDR is likely to be the safest and most effective option for you.

EMDR compared to talk therapy

Traditional talk therapy involves exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences through conversation. This can help you gain insight, develop coping strategies, and make positive changes over time.

EMDR works a little differently. Talking is still part of the process, but EMDR focuses on helping the brain process distressing memories that feel emotionally stuck. Using bilateral stimulation, the goal is to help those experiences become less emotionally distressing so they no longer have the same impact on your daily life.

Many people appreciate that they do not have to talk about every detail of a difficult experience for EMDR to be effective. Throughout the process you remain aware, in control, and actively involved in deciding the pace.

What a typical EMDR session looks like

Every session is tailored to you, but a typical session usually includes four stages.

Checking in. We start by talking about how you have been since our last session, any changes you have noticed, and how you are feeling that day.

Getting ready. Before we begin processing, we make sure you feel grounded and ready. If needed, we review coping strategies or calming techniques to help you feel supported throughout.

Working through the memory. When you are ready, we focus on a specific memory or experience while using bilateral stimulation. I check in with you regularly, and you can pause or stop at any time. There are no right or wrong responses during EMDR. I guide you through the process and we notice together what comes up.

Wrapping up. Toward the end of the session we make sure you feel grounded before we finish. We talk about what you noticed, discuss anything that may come up afterward, and review any strategies that may help until we meet again.

We always move at a pace that feels manageable. There is no pressure to process more than you are ready for.

What EMDR feels like

Everyone experiences EMDR a little differently, so there is not a “right” way to feel.

During a session, you may notice thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, or memories coming and going as your brain continues to process. Some people describe it as watching memories unfold like a movie, while others notice changes in emotions, body sensations, or the way they think about a past event.

After a session, some people feel lighter, calmer, or notice that a memory does not seem as upsetting as it once did. Others continue processing between sessions and notice new thoughts, dreams, emotions, or memories over the next few days. This is a normal part of the process and is not usually cause for concern.

Why you might feel tired or notice vivid memories afterward

EMDR helps the brain continue processing experiences that may have been emotionally stuck for a long time, and for some people that processing does not stop the moment the session ends. It is not unusual to notice new thoughts, emotions, memories, dreams, or to feel more tired than usual over the next few days. Many people also notice that difficult memories begin to feel less intense as the brain continues to process.

Not everyone experiences this, and the intensity varies. Before we begin EMDR we will talk about what you might expect and discuss ways to care for yourself between sessions. I will also teach you grounding and coping strategies you can use if emotions become more intense than expected.

You are always encouraged to let me know how you are feeling between sessions. If anything feels confusing or concerning, we will talk about it together and adjust our approach.

How long EMDR takes

The number of sessions varies considerably depending on the nature of the concerns being addressed, your treatment goals, and your individual history.

Clients working through a single-incident trauma often notice meaningful progress sooner than those processing multiple traumatic experiences or childhood trauma, which typically requires a longer course of therapy.

Rather than focusing on a specific number of sessions, I review your progress with you regularly throughout therapy. Some clients achieve their goals in a relatively short period, while others benefit from taking more time. My goal is not to fit you into a predetermined timeline but to provide treatment at a pace appropriate for your needs.

How we know the work is complete

At the end of each session, one of my goals is to help you feel as calm, grounded, and emotionally settled as possible before we finish.

The overall EMDR process is complete when the memories or experiences we have been working on no longer feel emotionally overwhelming or continue to affect your daily life in the same way. Many clients notice they can think about a difficult experience without feeling the same level of distress, and they often develop more balanced, compassionate beliefs about themselves.

My EMDR training and experience

• Basic EMDR Training completed through the BC School of Professional Psychology with Dr. Marshall Wilensky
• Approximately 300 clients treated with EMDR
• Over 3,000 hours of EMDR therapy provided
• Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #12205) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors since 2011

I have the most EMDR experience with clients who have experienced single-incident trauma, childhood abuse, sexual assault, and accident-related trauma. Whether EMDR is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances, and we will discuss together whether it is the right approach for your goals.

What EMDR can help with

Although EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, it may also help with:

• Anxiety
• Phobias
• Low self-esteem
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Fears
• Performance anxiety

These respond to EMDR when distressing past experiences continue to have an impact. EMDR may also be helpful for some people experiencing substance misuse when trauma is contributing to their difficulties. Before recommending EMDR, I will work with you to determine whether it is the most appropriate approach for your needs and goals.

If you have never done therapy before

EMDR can be effective for people who have never participated in counselling before. You do not need to have completed traditional talk therapy first.

Before we begin the memory reprocessing phase, we spend time getting to know each other, understanding your goals, and making sure you feel prepared. I will explain how EMDR works, answer your questions, and teach you grounding and coping strategies.

Everyone moves at a different pace. Some people are ready to begin reprocessing relatively quickly, while others benefit from spending more time building coping strategies and confidence first. We make that decision together. There is never any pressure to begin EMDR until you feel ready.

When I would delay or not recommend EMDR

EMDR can be very effective, but it is not always the right place to start.

Before beginning, I take time to understand your goals, current circumstances, existing coping skills, and overall emotional readiness. If I believe you would benefit from spending more time building coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, or a stronger sense of stability first, we will do that before beginning memory reprocessing.

Sometimes the most helpful approach is to begin with traditional talk therapy and gradually transition to EMDR when the time is right. If I believe another approach would better meet your needs, I will explain why and we will discuss the options together. My priority is never to rush the process, but to make sure you feel safe, supported, and ready.

EMDR alongside other approaches

EMDR is just one of the approaches I use, and it does not need to be used in every session. Many clients benefit from combining EMDR with traditional talk therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, or other approaches depending on their goals.

Some sessions may focus on processing difficult memories using EMDR, while others may be better suited to building coping strategies, exploring current challenges, or simply providing space to reflect and problem-solve.

Fees, insurance and funded sessions

Fee: $150 for a 60-minute counselling session. EMDR sessions are typically 60 minutes, though I also offer appointments in 15-minute increments from 30 to 90 minutes when clinically appropriate.

Is EMDR billed separately? No. EMDR is billed as a counselling session, not as a separate service. If your extended health plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) services, EMDR is generally covered the same way as other counselling approaches.

Extended health: Coverage depends on your individual plan. I recommend checking with your provider to confirm whether your plan covers RCC services. If your plan allows direct billing and you authorize me to bill on your behalf, I am happy to do so. Otherwise I will provide a receipt within 24 to 48 hours of your session.

CVAP-funded EMDR: Yes. If your counselling is funded through the Crime Victim Assistance Program, EMDR can be incorporated into your sessions when clinically appropriate.

Cancellations: Your appointment time is reserved for you. I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, are charged the full session fee. If you are unsure how you will be feeling, you are welcome to check my online availability and book closer to the time.

Start with a free 15-minute call

If you have been reading about EMDR and want to know whether it is right for you, a no-fee 15-minute phone call is a good starting point.

Frequently asked questions

Does EMDR work online?
Yes. Current research suggests virtual EMDR can be as effective as in-person EMDR for many people, and I have delivered it virtually since 2020.

How is bilateral stimulation done over video?
Through a secure platform: a moving dot you follow with your eyes, alternating tones through headphones, or gentle self-tapping. We choose together and can switch at any time.

Do I have to describe my trauma in detail?
No. You will not be asked to relive every detail or to talk about the event for the whole session.

How much does EMDR cost in BC?
$150 for a 60-minute session with me. Many extended health plans reimburse RCC services, and CVAP-funded sessions are available for eligible clients.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?
It varies. Single-incident trauma typically resolves faster than complex or childhood trauma. We review progress together rather than working to a fixed number.

Is it normal to feel drained after a session?
Yes, for some people. Processing can continue for a few days. We will discuss what to expect and I will teach you grounding strategies beforehand.

Can EMDR help with anxiety, not just PTSD?
It can, particularly where past experiences appear to be feeding current anxiety. We will assess whether it is the right fit for you.