EMDR Therapy Edmonton

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful tool for healing trauma. Our certified EMDR therapists in Edmonton guide you through each step safely, helping you release stuck emotions and find relief.

A Gentle, Structured Way to Heal From Trauma and Emotional Pain

Some experiences stay with us long after they’re over. Certain sounds, images, or situations can instantly bring back traumatic memories, overwhelming feelings, or physical reactions that don’t match what’s happening now. EMDR Therapy Edmonton offers a research-backed way to help your brain process these traumatic experiences so they no longer feel as intense, frightening, or in control of your life.

At Edmonton Counselling Services, EMDR is provided in a calm, safe and supportive space where you set the pace. You don’t have to face your trauma alone.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a form of trauma therapy that helps the brain process stuck memories using bilateral stimulation—for example, guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds alternating from left to right.

EMDR is sometimes described as a type of movement desensitization and reprocessing. It doesn’t erase what happened, but it changes how your mind and body respond to those memories. Over time, the emotional intensity of a difficult trauma memory can lessen, making it easier to think about the past without becoming overwhelmed.

EMDR is widely recognized as an effective treatment for trauma-related mental health concerns and is used around the world.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

When something traumatic happens, the brain sometimes stores that experience in a “frozen” state — along with the original fear, beliefs, and body sensations. Later in life, reminders can trigger the same emotional distress, even when you’re no longer in danger.

EMDR helps the brain reprocess these distressing memories so they become part of your history instead of feeling like they’re still happening now. During sessions, your therapist guides you to briefly focus on a target memory while using bilateral stimulation. As this process continues, many people find that:

Memories feel more distant and less activating

Negative beliefs (“I’m not safe,” “It was my fault”) begin to shift

Physical reactions and panic attacks become less frequent or intense

There is more space for calm, perspective, and choice

This is how EMDR therapy work supports long-term change and healing.

What Can EMDR Treatment Help With?

EMDR was originally developed for post traumatic stress disorder, but it is now used to support many concerns related to emotional pain and unresolved experiences, including:

Single-incident or repeated traumatic experiences
Childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect
Memories of accidents or medical events
Ongoing feelings of shame, fear, or guilt
Anxiety and trauma-related panic attacks
Low self esteem linked to earlier experiences

Your therapist will talk with you about your history and goals to decide whether EMDR treatment is a good fit as part of your care.

What to Expect in an EMDR Session

EMDR is structured and collaborative. Before focusing on any trauma directly, your therapist will spend time building coping skills and ensuring you feel grounded and supported.

A typical treatment plan may include:

History & preparation – Understanding your background, trauma symptoms, and current resources.

Stabilization – Learning grounding tools to manage strong feelings.

Targeting memories – Identifying which experiences or beliefs to work on first.

Reprocessing – Using bilateral stimulation while briefly bringing a memory to mind.

Closure & integration – Ensuring you feel safe and settled before leaving the session.

Your comfort and consent are central. You never have to share more detail than you’re ready for, and you remain in control throughout the process.

Trained EMDR Therapists at Edmonton Counselling Services

At Edmonton Counselling Services, EMDR is offered by trained EMDR therapists who understand the unique needs of trauma survivors. Our EMDR therapists are experienced in working with post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other trauma-related concerns, and are committed to maintaining a respectful, steady pace that honours your readiness.

We provide EMDR in a safe and supportive space, either in-person or through secure virtual sessions, so you can choose the setting that feels best for you.

Bharat Sharma, Therapist

Bharat Sharma, founder of Edmonton Counselling Services, is an experienced trauma and EMDR provider who has supported many clients on their healing journeys. With extensive training in EMDR and other trauma-informed approaches, Bharat helps individuals work through traumatic memories with care, clarity, and compassion.

His approach honours both the science of EMDR and the human experience of trauma. Bharat creates an atmosphere of trust, where you can move at your own pace, explore trauma symptoms, and gradually reduce the weight of emotional pain linked to past events.

If you are curious about EMDR or unsure whether it’s right for you, Bharat is happy to answer questions and help you explore your options.

Begin Your EMDR Therapy Journey in Edmonton

Healing from trauma is not about forgetting your story — it’s about changing how it lives inside you. EMDR therapy can help your brain and body release old patterns, respond more calmly, and make space for a life that isn’t ruled by the past.

If you’re ready to explore EMDR with a supportive therapist, we’re here to walk beside you.