EMDR Therapy in Calgary
When difficult or distressing experiences continue to affect everyday life, it can be hard to know how to move forward. EMDR therapy offers an evidence-based approach that can help people process traumatic experiences and other distressing memories so they have less impact on the present.
Trauma Therapy in Calgary
At Untangle, EMDR is provided as part of individualized, trauma-informed care. Your therapist will work with you to determine whether EMDR is appropriate for your needs and goals.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured form of therapy that helps the brain process distressing experiences that may still feel emotionally or physically present.
During EMDR, your therapist will guide you through recalling aspects of a difficult experience while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or other forms of left-right stimulation. This can help you process the experience in a way that reduces its emotional intensity and impact.
You don’t need to retell every detail of what happened for EMDR to be helpful. Your therapist will explain the process and make sure you feel comfortable before beginning.
You’re Not Alone
Sometimes the past can continue to show up in the present. You may experience anxiety, emotional distress, upsetting memories, difficulty sleeping, or reactions that feel stronger than you’d expect.
You may know exactly where these feelings come from, or you may simply know that something continues to affect you.
EMDR can provide a structured way to work through distressing experiences while helping you feel more grounded and able to move forward.
How EMDR Therapy Can Help
EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma and PTSD, but it’s also used to support people experiencing other distressing experiences and challenges.
EMDR therapy may help with:
- Processing traumatic or distressing experiences.
- Reducing the emotional impact of difficult memories.
- Working through anxiety and fear connected to past experiences.
- Addressing distressing reactions or triggers.
- Building a greater sense of safety and control.
- Moving forward when past experiences continue to affect everyday life.
Your therapist will work with you to determine whether EMDR is the right approach for what you’re experiencing. It isn’t the right fit for everyone, and you don’t need to decide that before your first appointment.
What Can I Expect From EMDR?
EMDR therapy follows a structured process, and you won’t be asked to jump straight into processing difficult experiences.
Depending on your individual needs, sessions may include:
- Getting to know your therapist and identifying your goals.
- Learning strategies to help you feel grounded and supported.
- Identifying experiences, thoughts, emotions, or situations you’d like to work on.
- Learning about the EMDR process before beginning.
- Working through distressing experiences using bilateral stimulation.
- Checking in regularly about how you’re feeling and how the process is working for you.
Your therapist will guide you through each stage and adjust the approach based on your needs and comfort.
Our Approach
At Untangle, we believe therapy should adapt to the individual, not the other way around. EMDR is never something you have to rush into.
Our therapists provide compassionate, trauma-informed care that respects your pace and your boundaries. Together, we’ll explore whether EMDR is a good fit and help you move through the process with clarity, support, and confidence.
Whether you’re seeking EMDR therapy in Calgary or exploring virtual counselling options across Alberta, we’ll meet you where you are and tailor your care to your goals.
What You Can Expect
- A warm, welcoming environment where you can ask questions and take things at your own pace.
- A clear explanation of EMDR before you begin.
- Individualized care based on your experiences and goals.
- Learning about the EMDR process before beginning.
- Trauma-informed support that respects your boundaries.
- Practical strategies to help you feel grounded throughout the process.
- A collaborative approach where you remain involved in decisions about your care.
You don’t have to keep carrying the past into the present.
You don’t have to figure out whether EMDR is right for you before reaching out. Your therapist can answer your questions, learn more about what you’re experiencing, and help you explore the options that fit your needs.
Together, we’ll find a way forward that feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You remain in control of what you share. Your therapist will help you decide what feels appropriate to work on and will guide you through the process at a pace that feels manageable.
No. While EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma and PTSD, it can also be used to address other distressing experiences, memories, and challenges. Your therapist can help determine whether it’s appropriate for your situation.
There isn’t a set number of sessions that works for everyone. The length of therapy depends on your goals, experiences, and individual needs. Your therapist will discuss what to expect as you begin.
EMDR may be available virtually depending on your circumstances, the therapist, and the approach being used. Your therapist can discuss whether virtual EMDR is appropriate for you.