Not necessarily. Unlike some traditional talk therapies, EMDR does not require you to describe the traumatic event at length. The focus is on processing the memory, not reliving it through detailed discussion.
Absolutely. You are fully awake, conscious, and in control at all times. EMDR is not a form of hypnosis.
EMDR is a well-researched and safe therapy when conducted by a trained EMDR therapist in Calgary.
Some people may experience a temporary increase in vivid dreams or a heightened awareness of their feelings between sessions. This is a normal part of the healing process as your brain continues to process the material.
In the preparation phase, Dr. Kate Hamilton will teach you several coping techniques to ensure you feel grounded and in control. We always proceed at a pace that feels comfortable and safe for you.
People react differently, but many report feeling a sense of relief or calm. It's also normal to feel a bit tired as your brain has been doing significant work.
Sometimes, memory processing continues after the session ends, which may bring new insights, thoughts, or feelings. This is a natural part of the healing process.
We’ll teach you grounding techniques to manage these experiences between our sessions.
Yes, absolutely. Online EMDR therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions. We use a secure and confidential video platform to guide you through the process.
Bilateral stimulation can be effectively done using online tools or self-administered techniques that we’ll teach you. This approach allows you to access specialized care from a space where you feel most comfortable.
You will likely notice changes during and between sessions. Many people report that the target memory:
Becomes less vivid,
Feels more distant, and
No longer triggers the same intense emotional or physical reaction.
You may also notice a positive shift in your daily life, such as
Feeling calmer,
Reacting differently to situations that used to be challenging, and
Finding that old negative beliefs about yourself no longer feel true.
A good candidate for EMDR is someone who feels that past experiences are negatively impacting their present-day life. This often shows up as:
Feeling "stuck,"
Having intrusive thoughts or memories,
Experiencing intense emotional reactions that are disproportionate to the situation, or
Holding negative beliefs about yourself.
Ideal candidates are ready to engage in a structured therapeutic process and have some foundational coping skills to manage emotions that may arise.
A thorough assessment with a trained EMDR therapist in Calgary is the best way to determine whether this approach is right for you.
You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis of PTSD to benefit from EMDR.
For many, the answer is a resounding yes. While therapy is an investment of time, energy, and finances, EMDR can offer profound and lasting relief from symptoms that may have been present for years.
The goal of EMDR therapy in Calgary is not just to manage symptoms but to process the root cause of your distress. It can lead to a:
Genuine reduction in emotional pain,
More positive self-concept, and
Greater sense of freedom in your daily life.
The long-term benefits for your mental and emotional well-being can be invaluable.
While EMDR is highly effective, it's not always the best starting point for everyone. We would typically recommend a different approach, or a longer preparation phase, for individuals who:
Are currently in an unstable or unsafe living situation.
Are dealing with an immediate crisis that requires stabilization first.
Lack a support system and healthy coping mechanisms.
Are experiencing severe dissociation that is not managed yet.
Are struggling with an active and untreated substance addiction.
In these situations, your Calgary EMDR therapist will first focus on establishing safety and stability before beginning trauma processing work.
EMDR is not a good idea if you are being pressured into it by someone else and do not feel personally ready.
