EMDR Therapy Vancouver
EMDR Counselling for Trauma & PTSD
Some memories don’t stay in the past. They linger—in your body, your reactions, your dreams. Maybe you’ve tried to move on, but something in you feels stuck or unsafe. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps you process unresolved trauma so it no longer dictates how you think, feel, or react.
At ARC, we use EMDR to support clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, panic, or painful experiences that still affect their daily lives. With the right support, healing is possible—even from things that feel too overwhelming to talk about.
Is the past still holding you back?
EMDR is especially helpful if you’ve experienced something distressing—whether recently or years ago—and feel like part of you hasn’t been able to fully move forward.
You may benefit from EMDR if you’re experiencing:
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Panic attacks or physical reactions to certain triggers
- Persistent feelings of fear, shame, or powerlessness
- A sense of being “frozen” or emotionally numb
- Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in your body
- Avoidance of reminders, places, or people
- Ongoing anxiety or hypervigilance, even when you’re not in danger
Whether the trauma was a single incident or a series of painful events, EMDR offers a path towards integration and relief.
How EMDR therapy can help
EMDR helps the brain reprocess memories that got “stuck” during overwhelming or traumatic events. It uses bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements or tapping—to activate the brain’s natural healing processes, so you can move through the pain without becoming overwhelmed by it.
Your ARC therapist will help you:
- Identify memories or symptoms that still carry emotional intensity
- Develop tools for grounding, nervous system regulation, and emotional safety
- Gently reprocess traumatic material so it no longer overwhelms your system
- Shift unhelpful core beliefs (e.g., “I’m not safe,” “It was my fault”)
- Reinforce adaptive beliefs like “I’m safe now” or “I have control”
- Integrate the past so it becomes memory—not a present-day trigger
Let's work through this together
Trauma can leave you feeling powerless, but therapy can help you reclaim your sense of safety, agency, and hope. EMDR isn’t about reliving the past; it’s about freeing yourself from it.
At ARC, we offer EMDR in a compassionate, client-centred way, tailored to your needs and pace. If you’re ready to start your healing journey, we’re here to walk alongside you—every step of the way.
Meet Our Vancouver Therapists
Tianna Bobariu
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Amenda Kumar
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Kristen Rattray
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Kiana Maeda
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Jack Wong
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Danielle Simpson
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Elise Millett
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Lilian Wang
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Getting The Help You Need is Easy
Reach Out
Fill out our easy contact form. All we need is your basic info, and a few words about what brings you to therapy.
Free Consultation
We’ll reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, questions, and make sure we’re the right fit.
Start Therapy
Feeling ready? We’ll book your first session and create a personalized plan to help you live the life you deserve.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
History & Assessment
We start by getting to know you—your history, current concerns, and goals. Your therapist will help you identify memories or experiences that may still be affecting you, and assess whether EMDR is a good fit.
Preparation & Resource Building
Before we begin reprocessing, we focus on building safety. You’ll learn grounding and regulation techniques so you have tools to stay centered. This phase creates a foundation of trust between you and your therapist.
Target Identification
We’ll identify the specific memories, beliefs, or body sensations you want to work with in therapy. These “targets” are connected to distressing events or patterns you want to change.
Desensitization (Reprocessing)
This is the core of EMDR. Using bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones), your therapist will guide you through the memory while helping your brain process and release what’s stuck. You don’t need to talk in detail unless you want to.
Installation
Once the distress around the memory decreases, we’ll focus on strengthening a new, positive belief—something that feels true and empowering, like “I’m safe now” or “It wasn’t my fault.”
Body Scan
We’ll check in with your body to notice any remaining tension or sensations tied to the memory. If anything feels “unfinished,” we address it gently to ensure full integration.
Closure
At the end of each session, your therapist will help you return to a grounded state. You’ll use the regulation tools you’ve learned and reflect on what came up.
Re-evaluation
In future sessions, we’ll check in on previous targets and how you’re feeling now. You may choose to revisit memories, explore new ones, or simply notice how your life feels different with less emotional weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps you process and heal from distressing memories. It uses bilateral stimulation—like guided eye movements, tapping, or tones—to support your brain in reprocessing stuck experiences in a safe, structured way.
Does EMDR actually work?
Yes! EMDR is one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for trauma and PTSD. Clinical studies show it can significantly reduce symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, panic, and emotional reactivity. Many clients report feeling calmer, lighter, and less triggered by their past. It’s recognized by leading organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association as a first-line treatment for trauma.
Is EMDR only for trauma or PTSD?
Not at all. While EMDR is best known for treating PTSD, it’s also effective for anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, grief, low self-worth, and performance-related stress. It’s particularly helpful when your rational mind knows you’re “okay,” but your body still reacts as if you’re not.
Will I have to talk about everything in detail?
Not necessarily. One of the strengths of EMDR is that you don’t need to talk at length about the trauma itself. Your therapist will guide you through the process internally, while regularly checking in to ensure you feel safe, grounded, and supported.
How long does EMDR take?
EMDR is a focused but flexible approach. Most clients begin to experience shifts within 6 to 12 sessions, depending on what they’re working through. For a single traumatic event, it may take just a few sessions to fully process a memory. More complex or long-standing trauma often requires deeper work—sometimes over several months. Your therapist will tailor the pace to your needs, always checking in to make sure you feel safe and supported as you move through the process.
Is EMDR suitable for everyone?
EMDR is a powerful and versatile therapy, but it isn’t the best starting point for every person. If you’re currently in crisis or struggling to stay emotionally regulated day-to-day, your therapist may begin with stabilization work before moving into reprocessing. During your consultation, we’ll assess together whether EMDR is the right fit—or part of a longer-term plan for healing.
What if I feel overwhelmed during reprocessing?
That’s a common concern. Your therapist is trained to help you stay regulated and present. We’ll spend time upfront building safety and teaching you tools so that, if anything feels too intense, we can pause or adjust together. You’ll always be in control of the process.
Is EMDR covered by insurance?
Yes. Most extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). We’ll provide a receipt for reimbursement—many clients are reimbursed within just a few business days.
What if I'm nervous to start EMDR?
That’s completely understandable. We offer a free 30-minute consultation so you can meet your therapist, ask questions, and see if EMDR feels like a good fit. There’s absolutely no pressure to begin before you feel ready.
A Message of Support from Our Director
Hi, I’m Kelsey, the Clinical Director here at ARC. I want to start by saying something that doesn’t get said enough – it’s okay to need support.
If you’re reading this, you might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not yourself. At ARC, we understand how deeply personal it is to reach out for help. That’s why we’re so intentional about the care we offer. Every therapist on our team is here because they lead with heart, they know their stuff, and they truly care about helping people feel better.
We also know that feeling safe in therapy means feeling seen and respected. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive space – one that honours your identity, your culture, and your lived experience.
My role is to make sure your experience here is thoughtful, safe, and meaningful – from your very first point of contact to the support you receive in therapy. If you’re unsure about where to start, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I’ll personally take the time to read your request and match you with one of the therapists on our team.
You’ve already taken the first step by being here. When you’re feeling ready, take the next step by reaching out – and we’ll walk the rest of the way together.
Take the next step towards feeling better today
Location
470 Granville St, #922
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5
Our Hours
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 21:30
Sat – Sun: 09:00 – 20:30