EMDR Therapy Online in BC: How It Works and What to Expect
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and is now widely used to treat trauma. The World Health Organization recommends it for post-traumatic stress. The idea is simple: when something overwhelming happens, the memory can get “stuck,” and your body keeps reacting as if the danger is still present. EMDR helps your brain finish processing the memory so it feels like something that happened in the past rather than something happening now.
What does EMDR help with?
EMDR is best known for trauma and PTSD, but it can also help with:
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression, including guilt, shame, and self-blame
Car accident and injury-related distress, including fear of driving
Grief and loss, including painful breakups
Old wounds that keep showing up in current relationships
Painful childhood experiences
What happens in an EMDR session?
EMDR follows a clear, paced structure, and you stay in control throughout.
History and planning: We talk about your goals and what you’d like to work on.
Preparation: You learn grounding and calming skills so you feel steady before any processing begins.
Processing: While you briefly focus on a memory, we use bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating taps. You notice what comes up, and your brain does the work.
Closing and review: Every session ends with grounding, and we check in on your progress over time.
You don’t have to share every detail of what happened. Many people find EMDR gentler than they expected.
Does EMDR work online?
Yes. In virtual EMDR, bilateral stimulation can be done through guided eye movements on screen or self-tapping, like the butterfly hug. You can do sessions from a private, comfortable space at home, which many clients find helps them feel safe. All you need is a quiet room, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera.
What results can you expect from EMDR?
Many clients notice that memories feel less intense, triggers lose their grip, and they feel calmer, lighter, and more compassionate toward themselves. Results vary from person to person, and the number of sessions depends on your history and goals.
Is EMDR right for you?
EMDR can be a great fit if you’re ready to work on past experiences that still affect your present. We’ll go at your pace, and I may combine EMDR with other approaches like CBT, IFS, and somatic work so your care fits you.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy
Is EMDR the same as hypnosis?
No. You stay awake, aware, and in control the whole time.
How many sessions of EMDR will I need?
It depends. Some people see change in a handful of sessions, while others with longer or more complex histories benefit from more time.
Is online EMDR as effective as in-person?
Many clinicians and clients find virtual EMDR works well, and research on telehealth EMDR is encouraging.
Do I have to talk about everything that happened?
No. You share only what feels manageable.
Who provides EMDR therapy online in BC?
I’m Katie Albertson, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) offering virtual EMDR therapy.
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