EMDR Therapy Calgary
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps you process trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression without having to describe what happened in detail. Our team includes EMDR Canada certified therapists — the highest standard of EMDR training in the country — offering this evidence-based therapy in-person in NW Calgary or online across Alberta.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is designed to help individuals reprocess traumatic or disturbing memories that continue to affect their emotional health. Through a structured eight-phase process, EMDR allows clients to process these memories in a way that reduces emotional distress and helps them find healing.
What Makes EMDR Different From Other Therapies?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR in Calgary focuses on the underlying memories and emotions associated with trauma, using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to process and integrate these memories in a less distressing way. This means you don’t need to verbally describe your trauma in detail the way you might in talk therapy — EMDR works directly with how your brain stores and processes the memory.
Solasta therapists include EMDR Canada certified practitioners — the national standard for EMDR training and competency
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR helps release distressing memories and negative beliefs that may be “stuck” in the brain, preventing emotional healing. By using bilateral stimulation, EMDR therapy encourages the brain to reprocess these memories and release emotional distress, making it easier to move forward. The process involves the following steps:
By using bilateral stimulation, EMDR therapy encourages the brain to reprocess these memories and release emotional distress. Bilateral stimulation supports the brain’s natural healing processes, reducing the emotional impact of traumatic memories.
This helps integrate memories in a more adaptive way, making it easier to move forward with less emotional distress. The process involves the following steps:
History Taking
Your therapist will take time to understand your history and identify the issues you would like to work on during therapy.
Preparation
Together with your therapist, you’ll create a sense of safety and stability to prepare for the deeper processing work.
Assessment
During this phase, your therapist will identify the specific memories or negative beliefs that you wish to target.
Desensitization
This phase involves using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements) while you focus on the target memories, allowing your brain to reprocess them.
Installation
Positive beliefs are introduced to replace negative ones, helping to strengthen your sense of self and emotional resilience.
Body Scan
The therapist will guide you through a process of scanning your body to identify any lingering tension or discomfort associated with the memories.
Closure
Your therapist will help you return to a sense of calm and emotional balance at the end of each session.
Reevaluation
During subsequent sessions, your therapist will check in with you to assess progress and ensure that the changes made during therapy are lasting.
What Happens After an EMDR Session?
Many individuals experience a reduction in emotional intensity related to their trauma shortly after the session. Over time, you’ll notice that the memories no longer trigger the same distressing emotions, and you’ll feel better equipped to cope with past trauma.
Why Choose Solasta for EMDR Therapy Calgary?
Our therapists are trained and experienced in EMDR, ensuring that you receive compassionate, effective care. We understand that trauma can be isolating, and we are here to offer a supportive environment where you can feel safe as you work through your experiences.
Our team includes Dr. Gillian McKirdy, Psy.D., a certified EMDR Canada therapist with advanced training in trauma-focused care. EMDR Canada certification represents the highest standard of EMDR training in the country — so you can be confident you’re working with someone who knows this approach deeply.
Whether you’re new to therapy or have tried other approaches without success, our EMDR therapy team in Calgary offers a structured, evidence-based path forward.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR is an excellent option for anyone who has experienced trauma or emotional distress and wants to process and heal from it in a structured, effective way — including people for whom traditional talk therapy hasn’t been enough. It’s effective for a wide range of issues, including:
It can help individuals process and heal from past traumatic experiences, allowing them to regain emotional balance and stability. In addition to trauma, EMDR is effective for treating conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and phobias. It helps individuals address the root causes of their distress, facilitating lasting emotional healing and offering a path toward personal growth and well-being.
It is effective for a wide range of issues, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
EMDR is one of the most effective therapies for PTSD, helping individuals process traumatic memories and reduce symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and nightmares. It has been extensively researched and shown to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms for the majority of clients.
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Anxiety often arises from unresolved trauma or distressing life events. EMDR can help you reprocess the memories that contribute to anxiety, reducing the intensity of your symptoms and helping you feel more grounded.
Depression
Depression can be linked to past traumatic events or negative core beliefs about oneself. EMDR can address the underlying trauma that may be contributing to depression, helping individuals reframe negative beliefs and experience emotional relief.
Grief and Loss
Losing a loved one, whether through death or separation, can create deep emotional wounds. EMDR can help individuals process the pain of loss, allowing them to heal and integrate the experience without being overwhelmed by sadness or emotional numbness.
Childhood Trauma
Many individuals carry emotional wounds from childhood that continue to affect their adult lives. EMDR is particularly effective in addressing unresolved childhood trauma, helping individuals heal from neglect, abuse, or other painful experiences from their past.
Phobias and Fears
Phobias often have their roots in past traumatic experiences or learned behaviours. EMDR can help you reprocess and desensitize the fear associated with specific phobias, allowing you to confront and overcome them.
Addiction
Trauma is a common underlying factor in addiction, with individuals using substances or behaviours as a way to cope with emotional pain. EMDR can address the root causes of addiction by processing the trauma and helping individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
A car accident can leave lasting anxiety, flashbacks, or fear of driving, even after physical injuries have healed. EMDR is highly effective for processing the fear and distress connected to motor vehicle accidents, including driving-related anxiety. Learn more about car accident counselling >>
What to Expect With EMDR at Solasta
When you start EMDR at Solasta, you can expect a thorough assessment first to confirm this approach is the right fit for your needs.
Each session typically lasts 50 minutes. As a general guide, single-incident trauma often shows meaningful improvement within 6–12 sessions, while more complex or longstanding trauma may take longer — your therapist will discuss a realistic timeline with you based on your specific history.
Many people notice a reduction in the emotional intensity of their trauma after just a few sessions, and some report feeling more relaxed and empowered right after a session. After a session, it’s normal to feel a range of things — from lighter and more at peace to tired or emotional as your brain processes the work — and your therapist will guide and support you through that. Over time, the memories that once felt overwhelming carry less charge, and you’ll feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions.
Calgary Counselling and Psychology Services
Our Calgary psychologists have a wide range of experience and expertise in understanding the unique needs of our clients and helping you reach your therapy goals.
CAP
All of our psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
PAA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta.
CCPA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Therapists Specializing in EMDR Therapy
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FAQs
What is EMDR therapy best for?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is most often used to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also help with anxiety, grief, phobias, and negative self-beliefs by helping the brain reprocess difficult memories in a healthier way.
Does EMDR therapy work?
Yes. EMDR is supported by extensive research and is recognized by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) as an effective treatment for trauma. Many clients notice improvements after just a few sessions, though results vary.
How long does EMDR therapy take to work?
Every client is different. Some people find relief within a handful of sessions, while others with more complex trauma may need longer-term support. Your therapist will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your history and goals.
Who should not do EMDR therapy?
EMDR may not be recommended for individuals who are currently in crisis, experiencing severe dissociation, or struggling with certain medical conditions that make relaxation difficult. A trained therapist will complete an assessment with you to determine whether EMDR is a safe and appropriate approach.
What is the success rate of EMDR?
Research shows that EMDR is highly effective for many people, particularly those recovering from trauma. Studies have found significant reductions in PTSD symptoms for the majority of clients, with many maintaining progress long after therapy ends.
How much does EMDR therapy cost in Calgary?
Sessions start from $220, in line with the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta’s recommended fee schedule. We’ll confirm exact costs with you before booking.
Is EMDR therapy covered by insurance in Calgary?
Most extended health benefit plans in Alberta provide coverage for EMDR therapy when delivered by a registered psychologist. We recommend confirming your specific coverage with your provider, and we provide receipts after every session for submission to your insurer.
Our Calgary Office Space
Our thoughtfully designed counselling spaces are crafted to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel completely at ease.
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